Breast scan. No medical advice

elsien

This article is a couple of years old, but it gives the gist of the argument.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/16/should-i-have-a-mammogram

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/16/should-i-have-a-mammogram

I have so far chosen not to go. However in all likelihood this is less to do with reasoned argument and more to do with my strong dislike for being poked and prodded and having my bits examined. I feel the same way about cervical smears. It is generally considered a small price to pay for potentially life saving tests, but it's something I struggle with.

missbiggles1

I can't think of any good reason not to go, early detection is the key to treating most cancers successfully.

peachyprice

Having 3 people in my life who have had breast cancer, 2 of them now dead, all too young at the time for routine screening, catching it and treating it as early as possible outweighs the miniscule risk from radioactive exposure and a false positive a million times.

I can only assume those who refuse on the grounds of those risks have not lost anyone to breast cancer yet.

Pollycat

elsien wrote: »

This article is a couple of years old, but it gives the gist of the argument.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/16/should-i-have-a-mammogram

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/feb/16/should-i-have-a-mammogram

I have so far chosen not to go. However in all likelihood this is less to do with reasoned argument and more to do with my strong dislike for being poked and prodded and having my bits examined. I feel the same way about cervical smears. It is generally considered a small price to pay for potentially life saving tests, but it's something I struggle with.

I've had a few mammograms, when I got my first invite, I didn't even consider not going and have continued with the testing when I get my appointment.

I was called back once and after a biopsy it was found that it was just harmless calcium deposits that they'd found. But it could have been bad news.

I've read the article and nothing in it has convinced me to turn down my next appointment.

Same for smear tests, I've never missed one.

Sure, neither mammograms or smear tests are pleasant experiences but I'd prefer being prodded and poked for a few minutes every few years to the possibility that a few years down the line, I'm told that I have terminal cancer.

elsien

peachyprice wrote: »

I can only assume those who refuse on the grounds of those risks have not lost anyone to breast cancer yet.

I wouldn't make that assumption. I had a relative die from lung cancer and other intelligent rational relatives who continued to smoke.

People do what they do for any number of reasons - fear of something happening to them, compliance because they get a letter in the post and assume it's a good thing, gut feeling either way, personal experience both positive and negative. I suspect there's very few who've considered all the evidence and made informed decision either way.
I'm not anti-mammagrams and I don't think the radiation is an issue. Just pointing out that motivations are complex whichever way you choose to go.

Dill

peachyprice wrote: »

I can only assume those who refuse on the grounds of those risks have not lost anyone to breast cancer yet.

Emotive use of language usually rings alarm bells for me.
We lost our (very good) GP to breast cancer. She was only in her 30s/40s. However, that doesn't affect the right to make one's own decision regarding health screening.

elsien wrote: »

I suspect there's very few who've considered all the evidence and made informed decision either way.

But that's what the information is there for. You read both the pros and the cons and make your own decision, as the OP is now having to do.

alertleaf

No need. You can do self checking at home, and if you find anything to panic, then you can consult a doctor.

GwylimT

alertleaf wrote: »

No need. You can do self checking at home, and if you find anything to panic, then you can consult a doctor.

Unfortunately it isn't always reliable, due to the location of my mothers breast cancer no amount of physical exam to feel for lumps would have detected her tumour until it was too late.

sheramber

A neighbour was diagnosed with breast cancer as a result of a mammogram- she is in her 70's.

She had now had a double mastectomy.

You don't always feel a cancerous growth. if it is deep in the tissue.

I have a fibrous lump which was picked up by a mammogram but cannot be felt or any obvious changes in the breast seen.

splishsplash

alertleaf wrote: »

No need. You can do self checking at home, and if you find anything to panic, then you can consult a doctor.

Or do both. Self-check and avail of the screening.

What have you got to lose?