Mammogram

lizzie157

I've been called up for a mammogram as they are extending the programme to younger women. Am a bit worried as I've had a look around on the internet and it seems that quite a few people are recalled (especially when around my age ) for further investigation and later found to be ok. I suppose I'm just worried about the unknown really, just wondered if anyone who has been could tell me was it worth it, I know some people won't go prefering to rely on self exam, what are the pros and cons from a womens point of view.?
Thanks

Carmen

Please go for the mammogram, you have nothing to lose.
Let the professionals do their work, for your peace of mind.

meer53

Surely having a mammogram and being recalled to be told everything is ok is a good thing ? I can't imagine why anyone wouldnt go for one.

mazza111

definitely go, it's not as bad as people say, wasn't for me anyway, yes it was uncomfortable and a little sore. Even if they call you back it may be just to do something like an ultrasound as most breasts have cysts in them.

peachyprice

Seriously? You've been given the opportunity for a mammogram to detect early signs of breast cancer and you're considering not going because 'some people' prefer not to go?

There are no cons, none at all.

rosalie-lavender

I totally agree with the other posters. Go and get it done. I had one last year and it was fine and not particularly uncomfortable. While I was there a lady who had lived in France came in. She had already had more than one mammogram, in spite of being younger than me. She said they start them younger there.

Anything that detects breast cancer early is an opportunity not to be missed even if there are possibilities of being recalled for what turns out to be a false alarm. I was told while I was there that this is a possibility for first mammograms because there are no previous scans to compare the results to.

DUKE

Test yourself by all means but do go for your mammogram (although it's not pleasant having your t***s clammped to death :eek:) as it's very, very important. I've had breast cancer, so take it from me - although I found the lump myself. At least your mind will be put to rest. Always, always check everyone, mine was only 0.6 cm & the medical people were surprised that I found it myself. Although the mammo never picked it up, a biopsy confirmed what I'd found. It could cost you your life!

j.e.j.

I'm going to go against the grain here. OP I'm not sure how old you are (?) but like with smears, there are pro's and cons to ANY sort of screening, one disadvantage of which is that sometimes these tests worry women totally unnecessarily.

I am a firm believer in going for a test because you the patient want it done and not because you're being 'summoned', as it were.

From what I've gleaned, there may, or may not, be risks to having a mammogram done, ie. it's exposing you to radiation.

I suppose what I'm saying is the patient should be given FULL and objective information about the risks and benefits of the screening and then decide for themselves.

Fwiw, I personally would not go for a mammogram at this stage of my life because I do not think it is relevant to me.

meer53

j.e.j. wrote: »

I'm going to go against the grain here. OP I'm not sure how old you are (?) but like with smears, there are pro's and cons to ANY sort of screening, one disadvantage of which is that sometimes these tests worry women totally unnecessarily.

I am a firm believer in going for a test because you the patient want it done and not because you're being 'summoned', as it were.

From what I've gleaned, there may, or may not, be risks to having a mammogram done, ie. it's exposing you to radiation.

I suppose what I'm saying is the patient should be given FULL and objective information about the risks and benefits of the screening and then decide for themselves.

Fwiw, I personally would not go for a mammogram at this stage of my life because I do not think it is relevant to me.

Why don't you think it's relevant ? Breast cancer can affect anyone at any age. Male or female.

missindecisive

a 61 yr old friend of mine went for one and she said it was a terribly unpleasant experience, and that she will not have another one ever.
However, it would not put me off going for one personally, any test that can reveal a ticking time bomb has got to be worth going through a few moments of discomfort..surely.

j.e.j.

I know that meer53. Everyone knows that. Cancer can affect anyone at any age. I won't go into further detail here, as it's my health and I'd rather not post further info on the internet, but I stand by my decision.

I am not in any way making judgements on people who have had the test done and have found it to be a very positive thing. Nor am I saying women should not have it done.

However, the point of my post was that people should get the information and decide for themselves and it IS ok to say no IF that's what you decide.

A lot of women do love scare-mongering other women, unfortunately