Breast Cancer screening at 46!

[ladybird69]

I'm 46 yrs old have no history of cancer yet I've been sent an appt for a breast screening appt for next month. The accompanying letter says it offers early screening to some patients, but I haven't asked to be seen! has anyone else had experience of this?

[ladybird69]

bump

[PollyPerky]

There has been some talk of lowering the age for 1st screening for some time. You ought to be pleased! In Europe and especially France I think they start screening at 40.
It's nothing to do with your personal risk- it's mass screening. You can refuse if you don't want it.

[Ledkr]

Ring them and ask why? It maybe random. Do you want the screening? I know it's quite contraversal.
I had Breast cancer at 27 so don't be led soley by age.

[DickDewy]

Where I live, they're offering it early too. I've recently had an invitation to go.

[maresedotes]

In Kent they pick women randomly over the age of 45 for screening. I had it done last year.

[ladybird69]

oh sorry Ledkr I didn't know that
hmmm maybe I should count my blessings and be grateful that I can have an early check, I just wondered if there was any reason for it but it seems random. thanks for your answers

[FarrowandBallAche]

Some areas offer screening earlier. I was offered it at 48.

Ring and ask.

[bendybrickpumpkinpatch]

I work in a breast screening unit. Routine screening starts in your 47th year now.

[mumto2andnomore]

Definitely go for it, I was 41 when I was diagnosed so really wish they did start earlier

[Footle]

Friend was diagnosed at 25.

[flushingfreda]

I was offered at 47 and glad I was because they found cancer as it was caught early hopefully it will not return .

[paulapantsdown]

In London it is because of a 10 year trial to extend the age group by 3 years at each end - 47 and 73 if you see what I mean. If this shows that they catch more breast cancers then it will be rolled out for everyone. I was told it was 10% of all women in my area randomly getting an early/late screen. I counted my self very lucky last year to get the extra one!

[Yika]

I live in Belgium and here it's annual screening from the age of 40. I'm glad - a friend of mine was diagnosed very, very early in her early 40s - they said it wouldn't have become a noticeable lump for at least another 10 years so definitely wouldn't have been discovered without screening.

I find it a bit strange though that they don't explain how or why some are selected for early screening, as in your case.

[ladybird69]

thank you for all of your replies especially bendy. I'm so sorry for those of you that have been through breast cancer, I will take advantage of the early screening opportunity. Bless you all.

[mrsrhodgilbert]

Definitely take up the offer, there isn't always a lump to feel, as I found out to my cost.

[CiderwithBuda]

I agree - take it.

I lived in Hungary for six years from age 40 and had one every year. All fine. Moved back to uk 4.5 years ago and have just been called for my first mammogram here at age 51. Was called back yesterday and they found something. Had further images taken yesterday and an ultrasound an biopsy. Mine would not have been a lump yet either. At this stage it is just odd looking calcium deposits.

[DickDewy]

Buda, are calcium deposits something to worry about? I thought they were harmless.

[CiderwithBuda]

Some are DickDewy. I have some in left breast which are apparently harmless. The ones in the right breast are markedly different.

[vjg13]

I went for a routine mammogram at 47 and even my femail GP who is in her 40's was unaware they had lowered the age in this area.

I was recalled for further screening and all was ok. Be aware that you are more likely to be recalled on your first mammogram.