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Q: I have some breast issues that are getting worse. I'm 25. Should I be worried?
Yes, you should be worried. And yes, you need to see a doctor. Please go back to the hospital where you've been to the ER. Ask to speak to a social worker. Explain your situation (lack of insurance), and describe your symptoms, all of which could indicate breast cancer. Tell them you need to access some of the hospital's "free care" dollars (and if they're supported by federal money, they do have access to funds that support patients without insurance); or that you need to develop a payment plan, but you absolutely have to see a doctor who can direct some diagnostic testing.
If you don't have any success with your local hospital, check on the National Breast and Cervial Cancer Early Detection Program's free mammogram guide. If you qualify for a mammogram via this program, and it reveals cancer, your cancer treatment will be subsidized by the government.
While most breast issues are NOT cancer, you can't just ignore what you're experiencing; you have to go through the tests to rule out cancer, and find out what these symptoms mean. So get started ASAP, OK? Best of luck to you - PJH
I agree with PJ that you need to follow-up on seeing a breast specialist. If you have a steady income but no insurance, most hospitals will let you work out a payment plan with them. Another option is to put the costs on a credit card and pay that off gradually, but you will probably get a better deal from the hospital in terms of interest charges. If your income is low, then some of the programs PJ mentioned should help. Your local American Cancer Society or Komen office may also have people who know what local resources are available in your community to help people in your situation.
As you have found out, many free mammogram programs are geared towards older women; however, I don't understand why there isn't someone at the American Cancer Society who can't help you find the right resource in your community. ACS helps people of all ages with all kinds of cancers. Maybe the problem (from the financial point of view) is that you have some symptoms that might be cancer, but are more likely to turn out to be something else.
Is there a pastor, former teacher, or older friend or relative who can advocate for you and help you find the resources in your community that can help? Also you might want to go to the hospital billing office and ask to speak to someone in person about the bills you already have. Talking to someone face to face usually works better than over the phone. While you are there, ask for an appointment with the hospital social worker, who should know more about community resources. Also ask if there is a free clinic in your community and/or a county health clinic.
I'm sorry that you are having so much trouble accessing health care. I hope you soon find the right person to guide you through the maze of regulations.
Did you describe your symptomss the the folks at the ACS? Rather than just say you're looking for help with paying for a mammogram?
Did you talk to the social workers at the hospital, and describe your symptoms?
I don't want to stress you too much, but at least two of these symptoms are quite indicative of cancer. Yes, they could be something else; but you absolutely have to rule out cancer. I guess if I were you, I'd find some printed material from the hospital or ACS describing breast cancer symptoms; underline what you're experiencing; and show that to them. Someone's not getting the message here... PJH
I have been up and down cancer care allience website and finally found some stuff I could print and bring with me stating the standard tests they always do for people with symptoms like mine! Thanks for the advise. I also was able to get the number of a doctor from there too instead of having to see an NP first. I already went that route and the NP was clueless! Hopfully I will soon have an app with an actual specialist who will find out what is causing my symptoms.
Good for you, Kiki - kudos for being proactive in working your way through the system to find yourself some care. Hope you get this all solved soon, with a good outcome. PJH
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I was fired when I told the family I worked for that I fad been referred to a specialist. I was a nanny and nannies unfortunatelly do not have any rights under the law. I have been out of work for 2 months and haven't had any luck on the job search.
The American Cancer society and the komen foundation will not help me cause I am not 40+ .