Some of this recently applied to me. I have a history of thyroid cancer and melanoma in situ, so I’m treated as if I need every screening available - which I don’t do.

6 months ago I had an ultrasound of a breast lump (I don’t do mammograms), the lump was “suspicious”. I was rated as a Birad 4 and told I needed a biopsy. I didn’t understand 6 months ago what I do now so I scheduled the biopsy. They told me that during the biopsy they’d place a titanium marker to identify the lump. After doing research on the marker I told them I’d do the biopsy but don’t consent to the marker - they refused to do the biopsy without it. I was then told we can “wait and watch” by doing another ultrasound in 6 months, they also downgraded me to a Birad 3. If we could wait and watch why wasn’t I offered that to start? Rhetorical question. I then went to a breast specialist, she refused to do the biopsy without the marker but would remove the lump surgically. The hospital required a covid test since I am unvaxxed, I said no. Fast forward to this month, my 6 month follow up ultrasound showed no change. Very long story to demonstrate how they tried to scare me into an unnecessary procedure. If my situation was urgent why were they willing to deny me a biopsy because I refused the marker? I was also told I qualify for genetic testing which I said no to. I thought I was awake 6 months ago, but this was a new experience. I share this in the hopes that another woman facing this situation will give herself time to explore her options and not be quickly herded into invasive treatments.