Less than 35 years old and with breast symptoms…
(I think there may be something wrong with my breast…)

When should I visit my healthcare provider or doctor?

Assuming you perform regular self breast examination (SBE) and are in tune with your breast texture (slightly lumpy, very lumpy or smooth), size, shape, flow, symmetry –changes such as the following should prompt a visit to your regular healthcare provider/doctor:

• Thickening, dimpling, reddening of the skin
• Hardening of an area of the breast
• A distinct lump or lumps
• Unusual constant pain in one spot of the breast
• Nipple discharge, recent nipple inversion, unusual persistent nipple rash

If you do not normally perform SBE but have accidentally stumbled onto something vague or something distinct in your breast that “worries” you, you should still visit your healthcare provider. 

But I do not have a family doctor or healthcare provider…..

What happens if you do not have a regular healthcare provider or family doctor because you are rarely ill, and rarely ever see the doctor or you may be studying in a different state away from home? This is no cause for panic. 

A healthcare provider may be the community nurse in your factory, company or college, government clinic, family planning clinic or regular family doctor/general practitioner. You may also choose to visit the Breast Clinics in the major general hospitals in Malaysia. Then, there are the breast surgeons or doctors in private healthcare. You may choose to visit a doctor or nurse that you feel comfortable with. If you are really at a lost because you are new to the area you now live or study in, you may have to ask around.  

Sometimes, you may need to get a second opinion before you are reassured. This is not unusual but we must learn to balance our fears with the facts and trust your doctor/healthcare provider.  

What happens after the healthcare provider or doctor has examined me?

Main possibilities include:

1. They find that you have “normal” breasts, reassure you and no further tests are necessary.
2. They agree with your findings and/or they may have found signs that require further evaluation.

Consult your
doctor if you suspect if there is something wrong

Lumpy breasts are common and may be your natural breast texture. Most lumps
are harmless, or benign.