Breast screening for over 70s

Yes, I'm 81 and requested screening a couple of years ago, and got an appointment almost the same day!
And every 20th of the month I self-examine/feel my breasts. Was told to do that by a GP, who said to pick my birthdate, as it is an easy date to remember.
e.g. if your birthday is 4th May, you would do it on the 4th of each month.
Can't remember how often the screenings are, whether it's every 3 or 5 years.

Yes I did because of family history.

I requested a mammogram two years ago and was able to attend our local hospital almost immediately . I was surprised how little take-up there was in our area from the 50-70 age group.

I kept telling myself that I must request screening after 70, but never got round to it. At the age of 78 I found a lump which was removed, followed by radiotherapy. Thank goodness I had continued to examine my breasts every month. Let this be a lesson to us all. We can get cancer at any age!
Thank you, tanith for starting this thread, if it prompts members to book mammograms it could save lives!

I just checked again but they won't be back in my town for 2yrs so i will have to go further afield but i will still go

As we get older it is far less easy to pick up breast cancer by screening so, they stop screenings at 70 to keep the number of false negatives down.

I thought the opposite was true because breast tissue becomes less dense as we age.

My understanding was that screening isn't offered because a slow growing tumour is unlikely to cause any problems to somebody who might die from other causes. Not only that, but women over 70 are more likely to have other health issues, which might take precedence over treatment for breast cancer.

Having had a mastectomy I find it strange that the mammograms I've had yearly might stop at seventy I can't see why being seventy would reduce the need to check I will prob request they continue

I ring up every 3 years and make my own appointment for mammogram!

My relative was invited for screening after 70 as she had a history of breast cancer - you could check if this still happens Takethat.

TakeThat7

Having had a mastectomy I find it strange that the mammograms I've had yearly might stop at seventy I can't see why being seventy would reduce the need to check I will prob request they continue

After 70, natural breast changes makes mammography a less reliable screening method. Too many false positives.

I had breast cancer at 36, and two other lumpectomies that were false alarms/ benign cysts. Then decades of self exam every month + regular mammograms, all negative.

At 80, I still self examine every month. All three previous lumps were detected by me in the shower.

I have not had a mammogram since the age of 70. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week.

valdali

My relative was invited for screening after 70 as she had a history of breast cancer - you could check if this still happens Takethat.

I don't think it does. I have one more post-breast cancer mammogram, by which time I'll be over 70. I've been told I'll have to make appointments if I want to have mammograms after that. I won't be invited automatically.

Sorry to hear that me2u I hope you have successful treatment and recover well

I've had breast cancer, quite unusual as I had invasive lobular and ductal cancers in the same breast. The lumps were so deep in my rather large breasts they were only picked up by a routine mammogram. I've been incredibly lucky and my cancer was treated with surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. I've had mammograms every year since and will shortly be put on bi-annual mammograms for the rest of my life. Any woman over the age of 70 can request a mammogram every 3 years and I'd advise all women to take advantage of this screening.
TakeThat7 have you been told your mammograms will cease at 70? My local health authority certainly don't stop then but do lengthen the gap to 2 years.

Thank you Rosie51, its quite a shock and I don't know yet the result of the biopsies. So don't know what treatment I will need. I feel apprehensive. Will know on Monday.
So glad you're over the worst and now being routinely monitored. I wish you well.

It's natural to feel apprehensive me2u but treatments today are so much more advanced. Be kind to yourself as you would be to others. It's OK to feel anger, fear, dread, hope and a million other emotions. I really hope that on Monday the results and any treatment going forward give you some comfort that all will be well. I'll not sugar coat it, some of the treatment is unpleasant, others are pretty horrible but if the end result is elimination of the cancer then it's worth every bit of it. Sending positive vibes and best wishes to you. When you feel able it would be good to hear what your journey going forward will be. Take care x

I had a breast cyst removed a few years ago.
I am well over 70 now and so, will not automatically be screened.
However, my much older sister had Breast Cancer at 83. I am a few years younger . Since my cyst removal, I have not had any follow-up.
This thread has reminded me to request a mammogram. Life gets in the way and these things go to the back of your mind and stays there , until something like this crops up.

I requested one after I turned 70. Hopefully will keep having them, it was a simple process to telephone and get booked in.

Yes, it is worth requesting a screening and it is relatively easy to book one.
Best wishes me2u, and to anyone else who needs them, whether you have posted or not.

✨️ ✨️ 🙏

me2u, thinking of you. I went through the same in 2024/25. The outcome is hugely successful these days, hope you have encouraging news from your biopsies.

I requested it last year and got an appointment no problem. Fortunately clear but I will go again in a few years.