I feel a kind of thickness in my right breast and have certain doubts. What do I do?

Hi, I am 18 years old, an Indian studying BA Psychology in Bangalore. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 12. Fortunately, at present she is a cancer survivor. I am grateful that she made it and is now a strong mother of mine. Also, my grandmother too was diagnosed with breast cancer and later died due to a tumor that appeared in her brain. After I joined college, like most of the teenagers even I tried alcohol and smoking. I wasn't very fond of alcohol though, but I chose smoking as an easy means to get high. I forgot about the cancer factor that might be in me and I started smoking almost every day but not more than 1 cigarette. I have decided to quit smoking completely. Now I feel a kind of thickness in my right breast and have certain doubts. What do I do? I'm helpless. I need help. Please help me.

Hello, and thank you for your message. My name is Sue, and I'm one of the riprap team, along with Hilde and Robyn. We all have a background in cancer nursing, so hopefully can help ease your concerns today.

With your mum having had breast cancer, and your grandmother dying from it, then I can understand why you may feel worried when you have noticed some thickness in your breast. It is very rare that a young person develops breast cancer, and the skin thickening may be more to do with hormonal fluctuations or some other benign condition. However, for peace of mind, I would suggest you see your doctor, to have a clinical examination. Mention to him/her about your mum and grandmother's breast cancer.

As you're young, those early experimentations with alcohol and smoking are unlikely to have caused any long term health issues. Maybe this is the opportunity to look at healthy diet and exercise for the future, whilst also still enjoying your student days. It sounds natural to worry about cancer, when it has played a big part in your life as a child. I imagine you're more aware of self checking your breasts, then many other 18years old, because of your family history.

You've done the right thing - you've found some minor breast changes, and decided to seek advice. It's likely that the doctor can reassure you, so do get it checked out...and then you can relax.

I hope this has helped,

Warm wishes

Sue

Page updated 5 June 2017