Constantly worried about breast cancer

[thecw]

Hi All: I am new to this group. I am a sufferer of hypochondriasis, I constantly worry I'll be diagnosed with breast cancer. Each year when my mammogram is due the anxiety creeps up to ridiculous levels and I am convinced that I will be told they see something that warrants a biopsy then told it's cancer. I watched my sister die from breast cancer and have been told that I suffer from PTSD from that. Other that this health fear I don't really fear other health issues. I was tested for the BRCA gene and am negative. Although I always think I would be happier if I could have my breasts removed. Someone please help!

 

[Cuchculan]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your sister. But you were tested for the gene and it was not there. So that is a big plus. Obvious why you feel as you do. Hard to lose any family member. It is still effecting your life. Not sure if you went to therapy or anything similar? Just to talk out how exactly you are feeling and thinking. Get some kind of feedback from an expert. So you can learn to try and live your life without worry. It all takes time and some hard work. But it can be done with the right kind of help.

 

[triceps]

Hi and welcome thecw. I don't know how old you are but there's not much more assurance you can get than a yearly mammogram encouraging result. The negative genetic result shows that you're not predisposed to breast cancer. You're being as proactive as possible that assures early detection. Believe it or not, I'm confident that the relief you might get from a double mastectomy would be temporary. That's just the nature of health anxiety. It's great at convincing us to have irrational fears of the major diseases. I'm sure sorry about your sister.

 

[Pfeltham]

I have exactly the same fear the only difference is that I am afraid of every type of cancer, and I cannot go to doctors easily so I am always alone with my terrible horrible fears even if I am medicated


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[ScaredyKat]

I'm so sorry about your sister - and your anxiety. The only way I deal with scary medical appointments is I schedule something good straight after them. So I'll go for coffee with a special cake at a special place, or go for a walk in the botanic gardens, or something that really floats my boat. I might feel ill for a bit after the appointment, but somehow this works for me to then go straight on to the good thing.

 

[Izthewiz]

Listen to your doctor if there is nothing there, out of sight out of mind.
Don't self diagnose ever.
Less then 5% those are correct.
My aunt just Beat breast cancer and she's deaf and living life to the fullest.
Don't worry about tomorrow let tomorrow worry about it self.
Sorry about your sister.