Breast Cancer, Hormones, and Missed Warning Signs: Why Blood Tests Still Matter
Recent UK media coverage has highlighted tragic cases where breast cancer symptoms were initially dismissed as hormonal changes.
While breast cancer remains uncommon in younger people, these stories reinforce a critical message:
Persistent symptoms should always be investigated — not assumed.
Blood tests alone do not diagnose cancer.
However, they play an important role in risk awareness, symptom investigation, and early escalation.
Hormones and Breast Tissue: A Clinical Link
Breast tissue is hormonally sensitive.
Changes in hormones can cause:
- Breast tenderness
- Lumps
- Swelling
- Density changes
However, not all breast changes are benign.
Key hormones involved include:
- Oestrogen
- Progesterone
- Prolactin
- Thyroid hormones
Abnormal hormone patterns do not confirm cancer, but they may:
- Explain symptoms
- Support referral decisions
- Identify risk factors needing further imaging
Why “It’s Just Hormonal” Is Not a Diagnosis
Hormonal explanations should be tested, not assumed.
Clinical best practice includes:
- Listening to symptoms
- Assessing duration and progression
- Using blood tests to support clinical judgement
- Escalating when symptoms persist
Blood tests help clinicians decide what to do next.
Blood Tests MDC Offers to Support Breast Symptom Assessment
Core Hormone & Health Markers
| Test | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Oestrogen & Progesterone | Hormonal balance affecting breast tissue |
| Prolactin | Can cause breast changes when elevated |
| Thyroid Panel (TSH, FT4) | Thyroid disorders mimic breast symptoms |
| Full Blood Count | General health and immune balance |
| CRP | Identifies systemic inflammation |
| Vitamin D | Linked to immune and breast health |
These results help determine whether:
- Symptoms align with hormonal imbalance
- Further investigation is warranted
- Referral should be escalated
What Blood Tests Can and Cannot Do
Blood tests CAN:
✔ Support symptom assessment
✔ Identify hormonal imbalance
✔ Highlight inflammatory or systemic issues
Blood tests CANNOT:
❌ Diagnose breast cancer
❌ Replace imaging or biopsy
❌ Exclude cancer on their own
At MDC, results are clinically interpreted, not delivered without context.
Who Should Consider Testing?
You should consider a hormone and health review if you have:
- New or persistent breast changes
- Breast pain not resolving
- Menstrual irregularities
- Family history of hormone-sensitive cancers
- Ongoing fatigue or unexplained symptoms
MDC Clinical Standards
- Results within 24–42 hours
- On-site consultant review
- Private and discreet setting
- Central London access
Aligned with the Marylebone High Standard
Book a Women’s Hormone Health Review
📍 73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
📞 +44 7495 970109
🚇 5-minute walk from Baker Street tube
