Breast Cancer

ok so I am very much aware that many people on here dont like me for their own reasons,but I would really like some advice about this.

I am 27 and im trying to get an appointment for a mammogram but it seems impossible. I went to my GP and explained my concerns.That I have a medical condition that makes me prone to tumours,that my aunt has breast cancer and finally that my breasts have been aching for some time now.And due to the fact that i have NEVER had a mammogram since i arrived in the uk almost 5 years ago, I need to get one. Especially since I was told in the US that i need to get one once every 1-2 years. My GP didnt seem intrested,even scoffed at the idea that someone my age needs to get one. He told me to phone the hospital and speak with the breast cancer department. So I did and I was told since Im under the age of 40, i need to get a GP referral to go there and cant just make an appointment with them. So I went back to the GP and told him what I was told,and he still refused and told me to phone them again and he wouldnt be doing a referral. I am completley going around in circles here. Can anyone point me in the right direction on what the hell I should do here? I have tried to register with a new surgery but all the ones I am able to go to in my area arent accepting new patients,so I cant change surgeries

I would guess that your only option will be to pay for one to be done privately.  Unless you think you'll be able to change your GP's mind so that you can get your referral.

I would start by reading the information here:  http://breakthrough.org.uk/

It'd probably be a good idea to contact them for help and information.

Maybe one of the Breast Cancer charities could help point you in the direction of somewhere you could get a free/low cost private one?  Has anyone seen those travelling vans that go around and give mamograms in the UK?  I know the US has them.

I hope everything is ok.

Where I live, I have had a yearly mammogram since I turned 30, my local trust has a Breast Cancer family history clinic so I have been affiliated with that for a few years now. Ask your GP if there is something like that where you are. I was on a waiting list for 3 years to get involved, and the week my letter came inviting me to see the clinic, I found a lump in my breast, the care I received was excellent. I don't konw if your aunt having breast cancer would be a close enough family connection for you to have what they might consider a family history. But thats just my opinion, not necessarily the feelings of the NHS.

I don't think that at 27 they feel you would be at risk unless you had some kind of symptoms right now and aching breasts might not qualify, maybe if you told them you had an unexplained dimple or a change in your breasts, or some kind of nipple discharge they might be able to help you further, but if you really want to have one done in a relevant time scale, I say you pay and get one done privately.

Good luck!!!

If you feel a lump, then you can go to a walk in clinic (or your GP but he may not help) and they must refer you for a boob ultrasound.

What about maybe asking for a second opinion from a different doctor at the same surgery? Perhaps one that has boobs... and empathy.

Sorry to hear about the situation dude.  I wish they handed out mammograms and pap smears the way they do in the US.

I don't think that at 27 they feel you would be at risk

I wish this mentality didnt exist in the NHS... cancer knows no age  

Is there another GP you could see at the same surgery? Or perhaps a nurse practitioner who might be able to to get someone at the practice on your side? Also, do you have notes from your US doctor that state you should receive a mammogram? I only have a very vague recollection of the condition you have - is your GP up to speed on it? If not, can you provide him with a web site or something that would show him that this is medically necessary?

its not the just the aching breasts bit. My breasts have changed A LOT in size and shape, I originally put it down to having my daughter,but she is 4 years old and they are still changing. i also have discharge and crust from the nipples,and originally i put that down to have my nipples pierced last year,but something doesnt sit right with me about it all,and rather then keep making excuses,i figured i would get a mammogram to be safe, and as previously mentioned i have a medical condition that makes me prone to tumours, I grow them quite easily unfortantely.so I guess the only option is to do it privatly!  theres 3 doctors (all males) at the surgery, and none of them speak english that well (this isnt a racial comment,my surgery has been on the news for that reason)

If you have concerns, you must do everything you can to get a mammogram. I had a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 25, so it can strike at any time. Stick to your guns and insist. My mom had breast cancer too, and the doctors only seemed 'slightly' concerned, tho now I'm over 40 they insist on the yearly mammogram.

You know your breasts best. If there are changes, you must get it checked.
I hope you will find some way to do this soon.
All the best!
Lisa

They must have a nurse practitioner there. I'd try to get an appt with her first.

They must have a nurse practitioner there. I'd try to get an appt with her first.

i tried,but was told all referrals need to be from a doctor and nurses cant examine me and refer me to a hospital. I will make another appointment and make it clear i refuse to leave without a referral for a mammogram.

i tried,but was told all referrals need to be from a doctor and nurses cant examine me and refer me to a hospital. I will make another appointment and make it clear i refuse to leave without a referral for a mammogram.

I know they can't do the referral, but it sounds to me like you have a group of doctors who are not up to speed on your underlying condition and are possibly not comfortable with you as a patient (sorry, it's possible foreign docs don't appreciate the finer points of tattoos and piercings!). I think they are just trying to fob you off. If you see a nurse practitioner, you might be able to get her as an advocate for your referral. In other words, SHE can tell them it needs to be done! At my old practice, the nurse practitioners did the pap smears, so they *can* examine you, it's just that they can't make a referral.

Just a thought!

I know they can't do the referral, but it sounds to me like you have a group of doctors who are not up to speed on your underlying condition and are possibly not comfortable with you as a patient (sorry, it's possible foreign docs don't appreciate the finer points of tattoos and piercings!). I think they are just trying to fob you off. If you see a nurse practitioner, you might be able to get her as an advocate for your referral. In other words, SHE can tell them it needs to be done! At my old practice, the nurse practitioners did the pap smears, so they *can* examine you, it's just that they can't make a referral.

Just a thought!

I agree.  And, even if she can't make any headway with the GPs, maybe she would have suggestions or point you in the direction of one of the cancer charities, like an earlier poster mentioned?

I'll also echo what others have said in regards to you knowing your body and history best.  Do whatever you can to get it checked out.  I hope you can get a check done soon, whether it be NHS or private.  Fingers ond toes crossed for you!

If you have concerns, you must do everything you can to get a mammogram. I had a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer at 25, so it can strike at any time. Stick to your guns and insist. My mom had breast cancer too, and the doctors only seemed 'slightly' concerned, tho now I'm over 40 they insist on the yearly mammogram.

Agreed.  My daughter was diagnosed at age 27. And she knew another young woman who was diagnosed even younger. It's no good their claiming the chances of having it at a young age are small -- because if you're that one in whatever-it-is you are going to need treatment pretty sharpish. Breast cancer may be rarer in younger women but it is more vigorous at that age. You must get this checked one way or another. Be tough and get what you need.