Mammogram

Hovel_lady

You might find this interesting.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2124322/Breast-cancer-screening-Thousands-women-undergoing-needless-mastectomies.html

Quote from above article.

"There is currently an independant review underway into whether the UK programme causes more benefit than harm"

Information about that review here which is being carried out by Cancer Research UK and The National Cancer Director.

http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/publicpolicy/ourpolicypositions/symptom_Awareness/cancer_screening/breast-screening-review/breast-screening-review

lessonlearned

At the outset I will say I hate visiting the doctor or any hospital tests. Full stop. I'm sure I suffer from White Coat Syndrome:rotfl::rotfl: I practically faint at the sight of a hyperdermic needle.

Guess what - I have every test they offer me. Why not. Some may be a bit uncomfortable, some embarassing - however they are all potential lifesafers and that is not scaremongering - just stating facts.

Most cancers are far more easily and successfully treated if caught early. High blood pressure is the Silent Killer leading to strokes and heart attacks, early detection of risk of diabetes can save years of ill health and misery. I get tested for all of them regularly. Our surgery is very hot on health screening and preventative medicine, running both well woman and well man clinics.

I think we are very lucky in the UK to be offered this type of health screening. That's all it is - just screening, it's free, easy and convenient. Similar tests with BUPA or the like would run into hundreds of pounds.

Don't be afraid Lizzie. I think the radiation risk is probably no more than a dental x-ray. As long as you are in a low risk category you will only be recalled every three years.

WelshWoofer

Please go - as someone who has has a mum, gran and aunt with breast cancer it could save your life. A few mins discomfort is worth it for the peace of mind and potential benefits. I'd jump at the chance if I was offered one tomorrow.

wondercollie

I've had three cysts that I found myself. My mammograms have been so unpleasant, that I've refused to go back for another. My choice.

There is no history of breast cancer in my family. My old doctor who was male was more insistent on this than my current female one.

I'm more at risk for an MI due to being a shift worker.

Honestly, I'm tired of the breast cancer charities beating us to death with the pink ribbon campaign every October. It's one of the biggest fund raising organizations out there but I'm more at risk of a heart attack/stroke or bowel cancer than I am of breast cancer.

j.e.j.

wondercollie wrote: »

I've had three cysts that I found myself. My mammograms have been so unpleasant, that I've refused to go back for another. My choice.

There is no history of breast cancer in my family. My old doctor who was male was more insistent on this than my current female one.

I'm more at risk for an MI due to being a shift worker.

Honestly, I'm tired of the breast cancer charities beating us to death with the pink ribbon campaign every October. It's one of the biggest fund raising organizations out there but I'm more at risk of a heart attack/stroke or bowel cancer than I am of breast cancer.

I think this is a very honest post, and a brave one.

There is no one-size-fits-all medicine, which is something screening programmes do not take into account.

Being screened gives many people peace of mind, which can only be a positive thing, BUT it is not for everyone and no-one should be made to feel that they are bad or wrong for declining the test, imo.

lessonlearned

wondercollie wrote: »

I

Honestly, I'm tired of the breast cancer charities beating us to death with the pink ribbon campaign every October. It's one of the biggest fund raising organizations out there but I'm more at risk of a heart attack/stroke or bowel cancer than I am of breast cancer.

I understand that Bowel Screening is now freely available for over 60's. If you are at risk then I'm sure they will do this for you even if you are younger. I also think that most GP's are pretty up to speed with advice and testing for heart disease and strokes too.

My family history for heart disease is a bit dodgy so I am monitored regularly for that.

I agree that there is no one size fits all solution but I do think screening of all kinds can be very valuable.

do_lally_tap

Hi Lizzie157,
I have just had my first mammogram so probably the same age as you. The process is uncomfortable but explained in full and over in minutes. I personally felt rather foolish as I also fretted about going, once you get there the more mature women who have obv been numberous times were relaxed and took it as the norm. Please dont worry - go!
A word to the wise....... forget about taking a cardy, just have a normal baggyish top on.
x x x

floss2

WelshWoofer wrote: »

Please go - as someone who has has a mum, gran and aunt with breast cancer it could save your life. A few mins discomfort is worth it for the peace of mind and potential benefits. I'd jump at the chance if I was offered one tomorrow.

WW check whether you fall into a higher risk group because of your family history - that's why I have had them since I was 40.

wondercollie wrote: »

I've had three cysts that I found myself. My mammograms have been so unpleasant, that I've refused to go back for another. My choice.

There is no history of breast cancer in my family. My old doctor who was male was more insistent on this than my current female one.

I'm more at risk for an MI due to being a shift worker.

Honestly, I'm tired of the breast cancer charities beating us to death with the pink ribbon campaign every October. It's one of the biggest fund raising organizations out there but I'm more at risk of a heart attack/stroke or bowel cancer than I am of breast cancer.

I have to date found at least 2 cysts every year since being about 35, and also had a benign lump removed in 1992; I still go for mammograms every year despite them being very uncomfortable as they can detect cancers that I could not hope to find myself.

As to your dislike of the breast cancer charity campaigns - it has previously been recognised that at some point in everyone's life, everyone will be related to or have a close friend who is diagnosed with breast cancer, whether male or female. That's a lot of people, and that is why they are so visible, to increase research by raising funds from those people who have a connection with the disease.

If you feel your job puts you at risk of heart attack, stroke or bowel cancer, then consider screening to establish any actual risk and modifying your lifestyle or diet or even changing your job. I can't reduce my familial risk of heart disease or several different cancers but I have modified my diet, lifestyle and career to improve my chances.

weesmiler

Please go.

My mum went for her first mammogram aged 53, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, successfully treated and is now 6 years clear thankfully.

She couldn't feel a lump at all, it was only the mammogram that showed it.

We are so very lucky to live in a country that offers free breast, cervical, bowel screening.

Best wishes, weesmiler x

mustmakealist

I had a mammogram today. It was not the most pleasant experience but wasn't as bad as I remembered. It was over in about 10 minutes. The staff manning the mobile unit were very professional and put me at my ease.

My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years ago and had to undergo treatment but is OK now. My mum died of bowel cancer years ago and if I was offered screening for that I would take it too. I also go for my smears.

I look at it as a form of insurance - you pay the premiums (or in this case undergo the mammogram). It won't stop it happening if you are going to get breast cancer, but it will pay out (allow you to access treatment early) if you need to.

Hopefully I'll never need treatment, but I feel as though I'm doing the best that I can to look after myself.