So worried it’s cancer

Q

Last week I found a lump in my breast. My GP was brilliant, saw me the same day and referred me to a specialist, which she told me was just a precaution. I have now received a letter with an appointment to see the specialist later this week. I’m amazed by the efficiency, but I’m also terrified because the correspondence talks about cancer.

A

Your GP has probably referred you to the specialist under a system called the ‘two-week wait’, which is set up to ensure that all possible cancers are seen within two weeks. We take new breast lumps seriously and it is important that you attend your appointment with the specialist, but to put your mind at rest, nine out of 10 breast lumps that are seen by specialists turn out to be benign.