Am I overreacting?

I went through breast cancer treatment 16 years ago. Double mastectomy, chemo, radio, lymph node removal, lymphoedema. Signed off with no ongoing checks, told to keep an eye out for changes. There’s been a few scares over the years, but overall the NHS has dealt with them quickly.

I started having blood in my stools and had a colonoscopy with polyp removal a year ago, This put me into the bowel screening system. This year, blood was found again, and I had another colonoscopy. No polyps, but a mass found low down. It was removed and sent for analysis. Lots of reassurance that it’s highly unlikely to be anything sinister.

4.30 on a Friday I received a call from the Bowel Screening Service saying they had found severely abnormal cells and I should contact my GP. I explained I have a history of cancer and could this be metastasis. I was told they had no further information and I should chat with my GP. They kept stressing I shouldn’t do nothing. When I asked what would happen if I did nothing, they said, ‘You will die of cancer’. Nothing else. As it was so late on a Friday there was no one to contact, so I did the stupidest thing and went on google. (Should have contacted Macmillan, a fantastic support through my breast cancer treatment).

It turns out I have AIN3 and am having a biopsy on Friday.

The only person I have spoken to is the surgeon who was very matter of fact and wouldn’t expand until after the biopsy.

I’m aware that my GP has complained to the Bowel Screening Service that there is no referral process in place, it’s not right that patients have to go back through their GP for referral.

The prospect of painful surgery, ongoing checks, possible cancer with the debilitating treatment that ensues is terrifying me. 

This time the NHS has failed me. I’ve complained but explained I only want the system to be changed and training to be given. I can’t be doing with protracted complaints procedures.

Have I overreacted?