Question about cancer

So, cancer runs deep in my family history. Half my relatives lost their battles with it—different types, different parts of the body—but it was mostly the women. It was always breast cancer, uterine cancer, or just those scary lumps that turned out to be nothing, but were still there. Some days I have to face the fact that my aunts even had to undergo double mastectomies because of it.😢 I just stumbled upon this article yesterday about how heavier babies actually face higher cancer risks later in life, especially girls, specifically when it comes to breast cancer.
I’m spiraling a little bit here, so I dug up some old medical guidelines for the 20 to 40 age range:
Monthly breast self-exams (I do them, but honestly, I’m never quite sure if I’m actually feeling something or just imagining it)
Annual physicals with my doctor (I go once a year)
Every three years:
Clinical breast exams (Is that just a professional version of what I do at home? Who do I even ask for this? I feel like my doctor might give me a weird look if I bring it up)😕
General cancer screenings (What does that actually entail? Who performs those?)
Uterine check-ups???
Standard gynecological exams (What's included in a basic visit?)
Ovarian screenings (Like an ultrasound?)
Anyway, I'm rambling now, but my hypochondria is definitely kicking in...
Does anyone here actually know the answers to these?

I actually stumbled upon my own lump by total accident. Trust me, if you’ve got one, you’re definitely going to feel it—you don't need to be some medical expert or anything. The only time it gets tricky is if it’s buried deep inside where neither you nor your doctor can poke at it, so that's when you really need an ultrasound. I've actually got one myself, but luckily it's nothing to worry about. Honestly, those things tend to swell up quite a bit during pregnancy.

It’s all because you're terrified that cancer will strike, but it won't ever touch you. 🙂
I deal with those same constant fears about cancer myself... though
it won't come my way since I'm just too much of a happy soul anyway.

Honestly, if you're worrying too much, the stress itself can actually trigger health issues. 🙂 I know, "stress" is such a cliché word at this point—everyone says it. I just figured if I ran all the necessary tests, I’d finally be able to relax. But clearly, I still have a lot to figure out.😕

fadedheron18 said:Well, I guess I really went on a rant there, but honestly... my health anxiety is just totally spiraling right now...

The thing about health anxiety is that it actually makes everything worse because you're constantly stressed out. If you smoke—just quit. Cut way back on sugar, load up on veggies (try to go organic if you can), get moving, and make sure you're getting enough sleep. Also, eat plenty of fish rich in Omega-3... (details). You might even find some relief with vitamin E.

fadedheron18 said:every three years:
clinical breast exam (is that just "professional poking" or what? What should I even ask for? I feel like if I go to my family doctor or some specialist at Mayo Clinic, they'll give me such a weird look😕 )

If I were you, I'd say—get an ultrasound and see a breast specialist! Just ask your primary care physician for a referral after you explain everything you told us here.

general cancer screening (wait, what is that? who actually does that?)

I honestly have no clue about that one... There are blood tests for tumor markers, but they won't send you for those unless there's something else suspicious going on first. Plus, they're way too expensive.

uterine checkup???
general gynecological exam (what does that actually include?)
ovarian check (ultrasound??)

Yeah, doctors at public clinics can be a little stingy when it comes to ordering ultrasounds😢
But in my opinion, you really ought to get it done alongside your Pap smear. Like, once a year.
The general OB-GYN exam usually happens right when you're getting your Pap, so maybe things just seem a bit disorganized.

Basically, the only extra thing I’d suggest is getting a breast exam and an ultrasound.

EDIT: A clinical breast exam and checking the surrounding areas—this is a super important basic diagnostic step. It involves both inspection (looking at the appearance) and palpation (the actual feeling/poking) of the breasts and nearby areas in different body positions. It's usually best to do this during the first phase of your cycle when your breasts aren't as swollen or tender (though that's not a strict rule!).

Copied from http://www.mayoclinic.org/breast-health/index.html

Thanks, dustycanyon6. Those are exactly the things you only remember once you're already neck-deep in trouble. By then, it's too late. I don't smoke, sure, but I have a massive sweet tooth and I'm definitely not getting enough sleep. And stress? Well, life is just one big stressor.
placidgardener19, based on your advice, I’m planning to skip my checkup next week and just blame my doctor if I drop dead early because he didn't catch whatever's going on with my breasts 😁

P.S. What even is a breast specialist? Man, it feels like every med student out there wants to specialize in that lately.😛

ironnomad12 said:The reason you won't get cancer is because you're too afraid of it to ever let it happen.🙂
I suffer from those same constant anxieties regarding illness myself... though perhaps
it won't touch me since I tend to maintain a rather upbeat disposition.

Based on what theory, exactly? 🙄

In fact, that might be the very thing that causes it—creating the condition through sheer autosuggestion.

That’s exactly why she’ll end up getting it—she’s basically manifesting it herself through autosuggestion. [/B]

Look, autosuggestion is powerful. If it can help someone heal, it can definitely tear them down too. But I doubt it can actually create cancer out of thin air. Usually, it's more about negative energy—those suppressed emotions that just sit there and fester until they manifest as autoimmune issues, psychosomatic pain, or even tumors.

Is fear and anxiety actually a positive thing? 😉

Ethan Martinez11 said:So, fear and anxiety are actually positive feelings? 😉

Of course not. I can just shake them off. But there’s a huge difference between everyday stress and full-blown mania or panic attacks. I was talking about that heavy, negative energy you get from deep trauma or issues that people just sweep under the rug instead of actually fixing.

wardancer said:dustycanyon6, thanks. It’s funny how those things only cross your mind once you're already neck-deep in trouble... and by then, it's usually too late. I don't smoke, but man, I have a massive sweet tooth and I definitely don't get enough sleep. And stress? Well, life is just one big stressor, isn't it...

Well, it might not be too late. Think about it—sugar is basically fuel for cancer. If someone keeps loading up on the sweets after getting sick, the disease moves faster and the chances of recovery start slipping away. It's the same deal with pretty much everything else...