incompleteness of breast screening

I guess it’s what happens when we put everything onto a computer and then walk away until it reminds us, or in this case, doesn’t.
Apparently the attendance rates for Mammograms fell sharply and yet nobody thought to check why. I’m sure that underfunding will be blamed rather than a particular person who was responsible for that department.

I have every sympathy for those poor ladies and their families, however, I know the last date I went for a mammogram and I have reminders to tell me when my next one is due.

I don’t rely on others for my health check dates.

I thought I might be one of those women but I just checked my last mammogram letter and it was June 2016 and the letter says if you will be 70 within 3 yrs then I won’t be called again. I will be 70 in 2 mths so I think I am outside the group but I might book myself in for another one next year anyway.
Terrible tragedy for ladies who have died or even been diagnosed because of a clerical error if that was the cause.

It all comes down to the underfunding, understaffing and the efforts of J Hunt & co to sell the NHS off to private companies.

I got my letter today. It tells me of lots of helplines I can call if I am worried, but it doesn't say 'sorry'

Computer systems are never infallible. I do think that we also need to take responsibility for our own health. If you want to be screened and haven't had a letter then why not phone up and ask. The NHS shouldn't have to have total responsibility for our health. Surely it is up to us.

I couldn't remember when I last went, so made a point of checking last time I saw the doctor.

I agree, wildswan - anyone over 70 can ask her GP every 3 years to be referred. I think it's a mixture of expecting to be reminded and just losing track, but I do feel it is unfair really to complain.

I rang the helpline number to check that I wasn’t in the group, they said not but that I can ring my local West London screening service to ask for one anyway.
I shall do it in a few months as I’m not to be called again, I can’t fathom why they automatically stop it at 70 when it’s still going to be a risk and know there will be many women who either forget or don’t bother who may live to regret it.

Exactly tanith. I believe it is almost a third of all breast cancers occurring in the over 70's.

I have heard no useful information about this. There is so much speculation about how many numbers might need new screenings.
I am sure that those doing these screenings must have some statistics and a fairly clear idea of how many patients in these age groups might be expected to show signs needing treatment.

I am sure they could make a good estimate, they have been doing them for years now. But it will clearly worry people . The Government could offer a little more information about the risks.

Ladies over 70 please, please book yourself in for a mammogram . My much loved friend was told at 70 that she would not be called but that she could request one after 70. She kept putting it off and was diagnosed with a very aggressive breast cancer at 74 and by then there was nothing that could be done. I miss her every day.

I have had breast cancer diagnosed by routine screen so feel sorry for these ladies but why did they not pick up themselves that they had been missed .I have lots of different tests and make sure the appointments come when they should .

Screening stops at 70-ish, as I understand it, because it's not as effective in older women. In fact, there is debate as to its effectiveness altogether. I know someone who has decided not to have any mammograms or smear tests as they feel the risks outweighs the benefits.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-43989516

I'm relieved to hear of these replies because I also heard that after 70 there's no recall for mammograns.
We all have the responsibility to check our breasts manually, every month or so.
Any doubts, go to the GP.

I don’t know when my last one was it seems a long time ago but I haven’t been even thinking about it I just presumed I was just beyond the age group of being offered them
I keep dates for annual things in my diary but wouldn’t know more long term dates I would just go if and when recalled so I can quite understand how people have not realised they had missed their date if they were around the time it was to finish anyway
What age do the smear tests finish that was a distant memory ?

SueDonim what risks do you mean? apart from a false positive or negative I can’t think of any risks.

It's in the link, Tanith. As you say, there is the risk of false positive/negative results and also a risk from the radiation itself.

There's quite a bit of info about the risks/benefits that is explained in the leaflets issued by the screening service.

Yes there is radiation but the dose is minuscule but everyone has their different ideas about it I suppose.

Yes, that's it. They give you the facts so everyone can make their own decision.

As SueDonim says, there are risks and benefits to be considered, and of course you could have the result ( and be clear) but start developing cancer a few months later anyway.
I can’t understand why anyone leaves it until they get, or don’t get a letter,it can be easily checked up on by ringing the surgery.
Possibly these women in the 68-70 age bracket were not bothered by not being called.

I’m more concerned about smear tests which also stop at 70 I believe. I did ask when my next smear and mammogram were due and was told I’d automatically receive a letter! I was 70 last year and may have been one who missed my last mammogram. I will ask for both when I’m 72/73 as there’s so much cancer in my family.

Well I’m confused. I had my last screen in March 2015. The all clear letter afterwards clearly stated that if I were to be 70 in the next 3 years ( which I was in Nov 2016) I would no longer be called but could arrange one myself. I actually had the letter on my desk as I was thinking about whether to book ( given the evidence is not clear cut) when the story broke. Yesterday I received the letter saying I should have been called and saying I would be sent an appointment. So I’m being counted in the number missed but that’s wrong. Very odd. The letter does apologise btw ygg it uses the phrase ‘incredibly sorry’

Something doesn't add up about this story.

First, the fact that nobody noticed this situation for years. Second, why did they take so long to break the story once they realised the situation? And third, they appear to have managed to handle the issue in such a clumsy way that it has upset and worried thousands of families and probably clogged up the appointments system for years to come.

An additional point is that women who choose (for their own private reasons) not to have a mammogram will now come under unfair and intrusive pressure from other family members to do so.

Other Gransnetters have pointed out that they don't normally wait for the letter or shouldn't have been on the list anyway.

I'm not questioning the need for an inquiry and for immediate action for those who have been missed out, and my heart goes out to them ... it's just that this seems to have been mishandled.

I went for my last mammogram last year but was handed a leaflet with a number to ring should I want one in 3 years time. I hope I will remember to do so - [diary: where are you?]. I had a recall at this particular session which was scary. I was told it was a 'technical fault' with the screening of one breast and luckily the re-xray of the one breast was clear. I can't remember the last time I had a smear test and am surprised not to have been called as I once had to have pre-cancerous cells removed. So that will be added to my diary too!

They send a leaflet with your appointment explaining that there are a lot of false positive results which lead to unnecessary treatment and worry. I don't understand why they want to frighten people off nor why there is an age limit on any screening test.

I am heartened by hearing so many of you saying just what I have been thinking ever since this recent news was brought to the forefront........what has happened to simply each person taking care of their own body?
Yes these checks and recalls are useful but they should not be in place of each one of us thinking and acting on behalf of our own health.

Although having had multiple cancers including breast cancer in both breasts,as well as Cervix yet I have had no offers of screening.
Just as well I have taken a firm grip of my own health.

Feeling very sad for all those caught up in this scandal though,especially those no longer here but grieving partners and families are.Compensation just does not cut it.