Mammogram

Please, please, carry on getting mammograms, everyone! My breast cancer was DCIS found during a routine mammogram, I regularly checked myself but I would not have felt anything until it was too late. A friend was in the same situation and was reluctant to go for biopsy when she was called back. I told her off and when she finally got treatment she was told that by the time she felt a lump it would have been too late for her. I know a lot of women find it uncomfortable but a few minutes discomfort could save your life.

After I was 70, I was in a group selected entirely randomly to be called for one last mammogram two years later. I went - and an abnormality was found. After a repeat mammogram, and a biopsy, I got the all-clear.
However, I realised that had I not been selected (& attended) and there had been anything wrong - I would never have known...until it was too late. I was called for a follow-up two years later - and have put a reminder in my calendar to ring to request a mammogram every other year.
Yes - ask for appointments; you might be very glad that you did..!

Hope all goes well with your operation Dinahmo

I have had one since turning 70 , they were very nice and suggested that I have one every 2 or 3 years

France, 74, I am still having screening for breast, thyroid, veins and uterus plus smear, colonoscopy not forgetting bloods. I hope it continues otherwise I will pay. Prevention is better than cure, if it can be done. I deserve it.

I'm in France, aged 77. Back in April thee rheumatolgist that I see sent me for an MRI. 3 working days later I had a phone call saying that he had the results and I needed to see him urgently.

He not only told me about the auto immune disease that I have, he also told me that I had a shadow on my left breast and he arranged an appointment with a gynae for 12 days later.

I had a date for the op in June but, because I had bronchitis when I saw the anaesthetist I could not have the op then.

This resulted in a change of hospital, delays because some results went missing so the next date was also cancelled. I am now having the op next week.

All the above is to point out that you might not feel anything. I didn't and still haven't but I am feeling grateful to the rheumatologist for seeing that there was/is a problem.

So, even if you are over the age for recall, try to get a mammogram.

You contact the local breast screening service. Your surgery will have the number.

DeeAitch56

Just coming up to my last appointment before I pass the age of no longer being called (UK) I didn’t know we were allowed to self refer, do we just contact our local hospital?

Ask when you have an appointment.

I think you contact the local breast screening service for your area. I think I've seen a notice on the side of one of their mobile vans.

Just coming up to my last appointment before I pass the age of no longer being called (UK) I didn’t know we were allowed to self refer, do we just contact our local hospital?

susz

I had lobular cancer and a mastectomy 10 years ago, the cancer wasn't picked up on a mammogram so please don't just rely on them, any changes please just go to your GP.

My breast cancer was lobular too. Initially, the GP dismissed me because she couldn't feel a lump, but I definitely felt a strange sensation and a sort of thickening of breast tissue.

My cancer was picked up by a mammogram six months after dismissal by the GP, but had to be confirmed by ultrasound. It was only when I had an MRI scan that a second cancer was identified in the same breast.

My message to all ladies would be that you know your breasts best. If you're concerned about something which just doesn't seem right (especially if you're post-menopause), keep pushing to be scanned.

I had lobular cancer and a mastectomy 10 years ago, the cancer wasn't picked up on a mammogram so please don't just rely on them, any changes please just go to your GP.

I am 76 and still have mammograms every 3 years. . I have to make an appointment with tye breast screening people and go along.
Yes it’s not just about lumps. Google Know your lemons 🍋 and see what to look out for.

I think it's important to continue. It is surprising how many people are not aware that they can still have mammograms, probably because there is not much advertising . I think the above posters say why it is important to continue.

I get called for one avery year because I’m high risk due 8 woman in my family having breast cancer. My mum died at the age of 43 and an aunt at 65

I did not know it was possible to have a mammogram after the set age. While living abroad in different countries I was always called back for a second investigation/ultrasound etc after my annual mammogram due to having micro calcifications and family history. They were very careful but once back in the UK no secondary check at all, makes me wonder how efficient the UK service is compared with other countries.

I am 78 and had breast cancer when I was 44. I still have a mammogram every 3 years - I phone to request it and will keep on doing so. It was a mammogram that saved my life and feel so strongly that every woman should have regular checks. Ok it is not the most comfortable thing to have, but just grit your teeth and DO IT - please !!!!!!

Do please continue to have them. Also, when self-checking don't just look for lumps. Any changes to shape or texture are important too. I had a small crease in my breast over 2 years ago, requested a mammogram and it came back clear. But last year I could see it getting more pronounced and was referred to the local hospital breast clinic. I had lobular cancer and 3 weeks ago had a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction (using own flab!). Recovering well and will be forever grateful to our local hospital and to the Royal Marsden. (I'm 74, btw - risks don't diminish with age)

I had a mammogram on request in 2021 (couldn't get one in 2020 for obvious reasons). It found a small cancer, which I had removed a month later and a then had a course of radiotherapy. I now get one a year for five years as follow-up; three have been clear. I couldn't feel the lump myself from the outside and nor could the doctors, so the requested mammogram probably saved my life.

Definitely continue with the regular mammograms, it’s very easy to call and book. Relieved that I did, screening in 2020 when I was 72 revealed lobular cancer. Had no symptoms so goodness knows what would have happened if I hadn’t bothered! Had surgery within 6 weeks, then being called for annual screening for next 5 years. All looking good thank goodness,

After my 5 annual mammograms subsequent to breast cancer treatment I was placed on the 'virtual clinic' and get one every two years, with an immediate appointment if I feel any lump. Probably because my combination of breast cancers is unusual and were only discovered during a routine mammogram. My mammograms are completely hospital based and not administered by the national scheme. I shall be having them until I die and am very grateful for this level of monitoring. I advise anyone to have mammograms for as long as they can, it could save your life, and definitely did save mine.

I continued to have 5 years of mammograms after breast cancer, but now I'm 76 I will not be called for more, however I was told that anybody can ask for a mammogram if they are no no longer on the Call List at over 70. Just call your local breast screening centre, no need to call the GP.

Yes absolutely continue to have 3 yearly mammograms, also examine yourself regularly including in armpits.
Your health is the most precious thing and as individuals we need to take responsibility for our health 😊

My mum is 90 - still making an appointment every couple of years. Risk goes up, not down with age.

Yes I’m 75 next birthday and ring my local NHS breast check … they always say you don’t have to have it! But I insist and therefore get a mammogram x

I have my last one next week, I am 69.

However, I have a history of breast lumps and cysts, so I think it is wise to keep on having scans past seventy.