Breast screening......

i now fall into the over 70s [well i will in august] and had my "squashed boobs" a month or so ago. as i'm disabled i had the results verbally before i left the hospital [they think that disabled people would find it difficult to come back to the hospital if needed again] and by letter a few days later.
in the letter was an explanation that i won't be called up as a matter of course in another three years but am welcome to ring them to book an appointment in 2020 - this i will do. especially as i'm on hrt and intend to continue to take it.

I think you are right about it hurting more if people have more to squash icbn2802. I'm fairly small and have never found it at all uncomfortable. Well worth having done just for the peace of mind it gives you.

You really should take up this invitation, it was this screening process that discovered my breast cancer.

Another yes vote here. It's a doddle.

Please do go, there is a little discomfort but really only for about 10 seconds. Some people don't go because they "don't want to know the result" - which is just silly. I have been called back twice for repeats - which freaks some people out as they immediately think the worst - once was for a technical reason as the picture didn't come out well, the second for a blurry bit which they again wanted to double check. The staff have always lovely and very gentle.

It doesn't take long and it's worth the little bit of discomfort. Don't hesitate - take up the offer. I've always found the staff very pleasant and helpful.

Myym you do a disservice to the skilled, gentle and considerate professionals performing mammograms with specially designed equipment. That is NOT an approximation of the procedure, don't be alarmist and don't make things up.
Anybody worried about the procedure does NOT need to hear horror stories like this -especially when exaggeration is the kindest thing to say about your silly suggestion.

I was put on a breast screening trial at age 49 and I had 1 a year for 10 years. It has finished now as I am nearly 61 (so just have 1 every 3 years now)
I didn't mind doing this as it was for research into whether it was worth screening women younger.
I always find it quite uncomfortable but not really painful. I find it is easiest if you can relax and let the radiographer put you in the best position on the machine.
I think if early detection can save your life then and screening can't be bad.

How do people feel about continuing with tests after 70? I am 77, and had a couple by request, but felt I was being a fusspot.
Then there were reports accusing older woman of not being aware they were still at risk.
Does anyone have any information on this?

Comparing smear tests and mammograms - boob squash is no more uncomfortable than smear test and much less embarassing!
Now I'm out of the age range I'll certainly ask for another in 2 years.

Nothing to worry about at all. If you want a practice run to know what it feels like...
*Take 2 hard back books
*Stand up
*Place boob between the books
*Squash books together
*Repeat on other side

Honestly, quickly done and out the way, do take up all the delightful tests you are offered as the years go on

You say it's not the sort of thing you can talk to mum about, *icbn2802, but your mum must be about 70+ so she has either done it, in which case she knows all about it and the pair of you, as grown women, could exchange notes, or she hasn't done it but ignored all the "invitations", so talking about your experience could push her to go and have it done too.

icbn280 Please, please don't be anxious. It is only an X-ray although a little uncomfortable, it is very quick. I went along dutifully for years with negative results until .... 2004 when I was called back as they had "found something". The doctor examined me and couldn't feel a lump but showed me the Xray and there was a huge dark splodge all across my right breat. She thought it was a cyst so inserted a needle and I watch as the dark blotched disappeared into the syringe. I can only describe the relief as the same as the moments after giving birth when the pain and pushing stops!
I did ask her if it could turn to cancer and she said that was quite possible. I also asked her if it had anything to do with taking HRT and she did say "it is beginning to look like it for some women" I had already stopped HRT by then.
With all the cuts to services going on at present, we are so very very lucky to have this sort of support and care.

Can I throw in a note of caution here - thermography is safer and more effective than mammography, but you have to pay for it.

Just do it! I have breast cancer in my family so have had mamagrams from the age of 35 (I'm now 56)...I'd rather do it than not Just let the radiographer place your breasts where they need them to be and it will be over in moments..It does feel strange them being flattened but the discomfort is over in moments

I've had my smear test,my mammogram AND my bowel cancer check all within the last couple of weeks ,I'm wondering if there are more checks on their way ,I've been waiting over 3 weeks foor an appointment for an MRI scan which is unusual here ,usually appointments are quick,so I might call them Monday and hopefully no more Doctors for a long while

At least with this one you get to keep your knickers on

I was called for screening when I was 49 and I've just recently been for my second one, three years later. It's literally 5 minutes. You go in the cubicle, whip your top and bra off, put your cardigan/jacket back on then wait to be called through. Each boob gets scans from a number of angles and thats it. I haven't got big boobs and I must say I've found a couple of the positions quite painful but the pain has gone as soon as the plate lifts up. Good luck, it really is worth doing

I'm definitely having this done. I was just wanting some insight into what it's actually like. I've never missed a cervical screening; as undignified as they can be I'm very aware just how important they can be. So I won't be turning down this 'opportunity' for want of a better term!
Thanks everyone for your comments ?

A friend of mine aged 74 asked if she could have one done recently, went along, and they found a lump.Cancerous, she had it removed really quickly....but if she hadn't gone along for a screening, who knows.She had not detected anything herself and had no pains.
icbn Only you can decide, but screening does pick up a number of people who have cancer before they know it themselves.
Only done every three years of course, but still worth doing.

I have been selected for a trial screening women over 70. I think I am due at least one more.

Even though you no longer automatically get called for screening after a certain age, you can ask for a mammogram if you want one.

Although I know mammograms are less effective as you get older, but many older women are diagnosed with that cancer so I intend to ask for one every three years

It is uncomfortable but well worth it, I haven't a lot to squeeze. My follow up letter saying everything was ok also advised that my next mammogram in 3 years at the age of 69 would be my last. I live in Wales, as far as I'm aware there are no extensions here.

Quite right Greenfinch, the trial covers age extension at both ends of the screening program, though it has always been possible to request a mammogram if you are over the upper age range for being sent an invitation.

I am at the other end of the scale.I had the invitation to take part in a trial for the over seventies which I accepted without hesitation.Having had 20 years of mammograms I can honestly say I have never found them either painful or even uncomfortable.Just a squashed feeling and then it is all over with.