Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Symptoms of breast cancer apart from lumps

Stripeyj
  • 3 replies
  • 45 subscribers
  • 490 views

Hi

I have so far been “fobbed off” by my doctor due to age largely I think, but I’m just after a bit of advice as to whether to follow up on this further really. I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. I have had some concerns and wondered if breast cancer might be a factor.  I am mid 30s, very overweight (working on that) and have family history of breast cancer (mother) and other types of cancer (grandparents). I have never smoked, I only drink occasionally (maybe one weekend per month).  The only medicine i take is the contraceptive pill microgynon 30 which I have been on for (crikey!) 20 years without issues.

I often have quite sensitive breasts, and my left breast  has grown a little larger than my right breast just in the last few years. There is a potential lump in that breast but my GP dismissed it when I went to see them. I haven’t had any scans etc just told to monitor any changes 

I suffer from daily heartburn and have had really painful episodes on 2x occasions in the past year which I thought at the time might have been a heart attack, but docs think heartburn related. 

over the past 3 months or so I have been suffering from a dull ache and stiffness in the top of my left arm, on a daily basis. Sometimes it throbs intermittently but only for a minute or so at a time. I have a recollection of hearing that this could be linked to breast cancer but Google-ing it doesn’t give any direct info.  


I suspect that I am being over paranoid, in view of my mum’s experience particularly. Better to be cautious though I thought - although the docs don’t seem to agree currently. I feel like I’m wasting their time. 

thanks for any help. 

  • Hi Stripeyj

    Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to the Online Community. I’m Barbara, one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Sorry to hear that you feel you have been fobbed off by your doctors, that can be frustrating when you have some health concerns. However, it is good to know that you are keen to address these issues. Although you mentioned being overweight it is good that you are working on that, also that you are a non-smoker and only drink a minimal amount of alcohol.

    With regards to your breast changes it can be reassuring to know that it is very common for women to experience breast sensitivity and to notice that one breast is a slightly different size from the other. Being ‘breast aware’ is a very important part of your ongoing health routine and reporting any new changes to your GP. Never feel that you are wasting your doctor’s time if you have noticed any breast changes, it is important to discuss your concerns with your doctor. You may find the information from Breast Cancer Now helpful to read through, they are a specific charity for breast health and cancer.

    You mentioned about your mum’s history of breast cancer, it is appropriate to discuss your family history, along with details of the contraceptive pill and weight management with your doctor to ensure you are offered appropriate guidance. You may want to ask about a referral to a family history clinic for your breast cancer risk to be assessed.

    I hope this information helps and please get back in touch if you need any more information or support.

     

    Best wishes,

    Barbara – Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

    Ref/ LA

  • in reply to Barbara L-Macmillan

    Hi

    thanks for your message. Can you comment at all re the arm pain though / is this a potential symptom? 
    thank you 

  • in reply to Stripeyj

    Hi Stripeyj,

    Thanks for getting back in touch.

    Unfortunately, as nurses on this type of platform we are unable to say what could be causing the pain in your arm.

    We would recommend that this is assessed by a healthcare professional.

    I’m not sure from your post if you have spoken to your GP about this. If you have not, we’d recommend that you make an appointment with them.

    If you can’t get an appointment with your GP, you could call NHS 111.

    You mentioned in your first post that you suffer with heartburn and that you have twice thought you could be having a heart attack.

    It’s good to hear that you have discussed this with your GP, but if you ever suspect a heart attack, you should call 999.

    It sounds as if you are still worried about the changes in your breast, despite seeing your doctor. It might be worth speaking to your GP about this, letting them know how you feel.

    And if you ever want to chat to one of our nurses, we’re here 7 days a week, between 8am and 8pm.

    Sending best wishes,

    Carole

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/ FS

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007