cancer anxiety

[pastelclaire]

i’m a bit of a hypochondriac and have a very intense fear of cancer. it used to ruin my life and give me panic attacks all the time because i’d convince myself i was dying, but as i got older it hasn’t affected me as much. however, because i used to cry cancer so many times as a kid, now i’m afraid to speak up when i feel symptoms anymore out of fear that no one will take me seriously and brush it off as hypochondria/anxiety. for example, i’m currently experiencing breast pains, burning, and tightness. i’m not pregnant, breastfeeding, or anywhere near my period, and i’m only 18. but i haven’t brought up my concerns to anyone yet because i’m not sure if i’m freaking out for nothing or if this is something worth taking seriously. so if anyone has any advice about these anxieties or any knowledge on my symptoms i would really appreciate it!

[BlueSky125]

It seems like something to get looked at. Just because we have anxiety doesnt mean that we cant have something wrong with us. For me i look at are the symptoms new or different then in the past. Most insurance companies have a nurses hotline that you could call as a starting point and get an objective opinion on if it needs to be checked out.

[Agora1]

Hi pastelclaire, it is always in your best interest to get a physical exam.

It is not uncommon for young woman to experience breast discomfort

sometimes due to cystic breasts which are hormonally caused. They are

not dangerous. But anytime something bothers you or is a new symptom,

it needs to be checked out. Right now you are doing yourself an injustice

by worrying about something that most likely isn't there. Good Luck with

finding some reassurance. xx

[lettingoffsteam]

OK,so when did this fixation with cancer start?Did someone close to you have cancer?You are young and therefore likely to be low risk for cancer. The symptoms you describe are hormonal changes which shows that your body is working as it should .My breasts hurt in the way you describe all through my menstrual years and now I'm 56!My 18 year old daughter also gets this and is well. Have you spoken to your doctor about getting any help for your anxiety? Counselling would help you a lot and is available online.