Mammogram

mazza111

missindecisive wrote: »

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.

I had one done after finding a lump. For me I'd say it was uncomfortable to tender. I'm not a small lass, and they do squash them down rather small if you know what I mean, but definitely worth it, IMO, certainly put my mind at ease that the lump was just a cyst, they found several others at the same time that they plan to keep an eye on

peachyprice

j.e.j. wrote: »

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

j.e.j. wrote: »

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

Don't they just

belfastgirl23

I had one done last year through work at the age of 40 - they offered it in conjunction with a cancer charity. Honestly it was perhaps slightly unpleasant, certainly not a big deal in any physical way. Getting my blood pressure taken is probably about the same level of discomfort just as an example. And the woman doing it was absolutely expert and very matter of fact. It felt good to get the all clear. A colleague did get called back for a retest but again it came out clear (I think she had a small cyst).

I reckon as a true MS it's free so why not go for it. It's five minutes in and out and worth it for the peace of mind.

floss2

I have had mammograms & ultrasound scans every year since 2004 aged 40, because of my increased risk due to the number of close family members diagnosed with breast and other cancers.

It's not pleasant, but as a screening process I am more than happy to have my boobs squished in several directions for a few minutes every year.

The only thing I would add is that the process must have been designed by a bloke, and if they had to have their sphericals treated in the same way, they would soon come up with a less uncomfortable way to do it!

1940sGal

lizzie157 wrote: »

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

A couple of weeks ago my mam went for her first mammogram. They told her she would likely be recalled soon after because they had nothing to compare the first one to. The second one was fine and the doctor told her everything was ok.

Better to get it over with and find that everything's ok than to not go

j.e.j.

peachyprice wrote: »

Don't they just

well.. I thought I'd worded it carefully! There may or may not be a risk. Sorry if that's been construed as me scaremongering, - it certainly wasn't my intention.

Whereas I think people who are posting saying words to the effect of "have it done or you'll d-i-i-i-e!! And it'll all be your own fault for not having had the test" might just be spouting commonly accepted opinion which is not actually accurate.

Anyway, this is not the point of the thread. OP wanted people's opinions or experiences and I just wanted to say it IS ok to decline the test if you want to.

j.e.j.

Here are a few links to some info regarding the pros and cons of mammograms. Granted they are from the press, and not from scientific journals, but still food for thought and there's some interesting and relevant information here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/aug/01/dillner-dilemma-breast-cancer
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1070547/Does-breast-cancer-screening-harm-good.html
http://www.thehealthierlife.co.uk/natural-health-articles/womens-health/breast-cancer-mammograms-thermography-99663.html

I hope people find this useful

maman

:wave:lizzie

I'd say definitely be with the 'go for it' camp. Afterwards it is a bit worrying while you wait for the result but the 'all clear' gives you peace of mind and if you do get called back and even if there is a problem it has to be better to know than not know. I'd say the amount of radiation is very small as it's not like you have these tests frequently.

missindecisive wrote: »

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.

I have sympathy with your friend even though I disagree with her decision not to go again. I loathe any tests/procedures that are personal in any way. It's not (as others have said) that it hurts hugely but it is a vulnerable situation which I detest. I like to be in control. I just grit my teeth and get in and out ASAP.

mazza111

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it as I've previously stated, but my old mammy says she's getting no more tests for anything. If it's gonna kill her then so be it, she's had her life. Doc has tried to get her to go for tests for all sorts, but after twice beating cancer, she just doesn't want to go through it all again.

clare64

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at 43. Afterr chemo and a bilateral mastectomy I am fine,however I would always advise that if you are offered a mamogram - take it!
Clarex