Anxiety over breast lumps

[JupiterFalling]

When I was in high school we had this health fair... we were given a fake breast to pass around. One half was 'normal' and the other half was filled with marble sized balls to mimic breast cancer - we were supposed to compare sides to know what a lump would feel like.

I had NO IDEA what the difference was when pressing into them... I knew the lumps were there but I couldn't feel them. I went back to the display multiple times to re-check to see if I could figure it out. That left me with anxiety over whether I'd know if I had lumps...

When I got my last pap test done over a year ago, I asked if I could have a breast exam done as well. The nurse practitioner just laughed and said "a bit soon for that yet." I brought it up again with my doctor last month and he told me that my breasts are only of concern once I hit 50 and if I had a lump I'd know for sure - until then it'd be a waste of time for any test/exam.

It is frustrating to be dismissed based on age when you hear stories of young people dying of breast cancer that wasn't diagnosed soon enough! All I want is for a doctor to take a few minutes to check my breasts and tell me if there is lumps so I have a reference point.

I've tried watching instructional videos but nothing helps because I can feel lumpy stuff in my breast but don't know if it is 'a lump' that doesn't belong!

Is a lump really one of those things where you 'just know' it is a lump and anything less than certainty is normal? How the heck do you distinguish between a lump and the normal stuff inside a breast?

[KeeKee]

I don't think it's fair that he said they aren't a worry until you hit 50. My Mam was diagnosed at 48. A friends relative 37 (both are doing OK now). I don't see the issue with them giving you a quick breast exam, I've had two from my doctor and neither time did I have a lump it was just due to a change in shape (apparently normal) and the second time me being worried about ibc.
However, they do say 'you just know', so you probably would know. If you check your own breasts regularly you'll notice a difference. This is a worry of mine though as I have a really dense breast and it always feels quite lumpy anyway. However I'm holding onto the 'you just know' mantra.

[Elizabeth Fry]

I have had breast lumps (cysts) in the past and am a bit neurotic. I would see if there is a female doctor in the practice and ask if she will show you what to do and reassure you that you are ok. Worth it for your peace of mind.

[Healthanxiouskitty]

When I found my lump, there was no doubt in my mind that it did not belong there. It was very hard and felt as if I was pressing on a bone. It didn't move around (like past lumps I had that just turned out to be cysts). This felt completely different and I knew it wasn't just a cyst.

I showed my doctor and she told me "if it was my daughter, I'd tell her not to worry about it but if you are really concerned here's the number for a beast specialist" so of course me bring the anxious person that I am, I went to the breast specialist and she felt concerned enough to do a biopsy. It came back as a tumor, thankfully a benign tumor but still. My doctor basically told me it was nothing and blew it off. Had it actually been something and I would have listened to her I'd be in a different situation right now.

If I was in your position I'd tell her your concerns about not knowing what to look for, and of she still blows you off, find a new doctor. One that will listen to your concerns. Because it's your health and you deserve someone to take you and your concerns seriously.

With all that said, Im positive saying that if something was there that wasn't supposed to be, you'd definitely be able to feel it.