Anyone have early mammogram’s due to increased cancer risk?

[icebearforpresident]

I have my first one tomorrow and am feeling quite nervous about it though I don’t really know why.

I have a terrible breast cancer history on both side of the family and saw a geneticist early this year to discuss the possibility of testing for cancer causing genes/mutations. My mum has had this already and one of the markers they look for is category 3. Those tests were done years ago so they are going to retest her before deciding if I should have genetic tests done myself. In the meantime my own increased risk is deemed enough that I get early mammograms from age 35.

I spoke with a breast surgeon 2 weeks ago who told me they would submit my referral straight away as my birthday was last week but not to expect it anytime soon given everything that’s going on. The appointment for tomorrow arrived over the weekend!

I’ve always been quite pragmatic about the whole situation and there’s no doubt in my mind that if I had genetic testing and something found I would have preventative surgery. But suddenly I’m freaking out a bit at the prospect of a mammogram. I’m not even sure why, I know how the procedure is carried out and examine myself regularly so not expecting anything to come up.

Anyone else in the same boat?

[Coconut80]

Yes I am classed as moderate risk so have been getting an examination and mammogram annually for 10years I'm in Scotland so might be different. The breast centre is very good kind and efficient. I usually see the Dr and she does a breast exam. You then go through to a wee no men allowed waiting room and get called for the mammogram. It is nothing to worry about. It's awkward leaning into the machine and the radiographer positions your breasts. They are squashed flat and it does sting. I think they take 3 positions per breast. Usually 2 weeks or so I get a letter saying it showed no cancer. I find it reassuring given my family history. It will be fine and will put your mind at rest xx

[Tronkmanton]

I’ve got family history of breast cancer so have had annual mammograms from age 40, rather than whatever the standard age is. To be honest I find it really reassuring that I’m checked every year and it gives me a bit of piece of mind that at least on that day there is nothing to see. My mother’s cancer was picked up on a routine mammogram, she felt no lump. I’m rather small of breast so the mammograms aren’t particularly pleasant but neither are smears/giving birth etc! I had my most recent one last week and was told that if I hear nothing in 2/3 weeks then all is well. My NHS trust no longer writes to say all clear- so perhaps ask them what the procedure is in your area. Good luck.

[icebearforpresident]

Thanks @coconut80, I’m actually in Scotland as well so good to hear. I didn’t realise I might get examined as well, the letter just mentions the actual mammogram and says not to use spray deodorant! Makes sense that they would do both though.

[MacavityTheDentistsCat]

I do. I've been having them annually for nigh on 20 years because both my mother and maternal grandmother died from breast cancer. It's really OK, and I only find the 'squashing' of the breast (to get a clear image) to be uncomfortable during certain parts of my cycle (generally, the earlier in my cycle the better). It's over and done with in seconds though so it's fine. It's really worth doing because them having a series of pictures of your breasts taken over a number of years can be helpful in quickly identifying irregularities. All the best with it x

[defnotadomesticgoddess]

Yes I have annual mammograms and have had genetic tests too due to family history. I’ve had a few lumps checked out (which have all been nothing to worry about) and I’ve got used to it as normal now. Both my aunt and sisters early breast cancer (They’re both ok now) was picked up from routine mammograms (they had no symptoms) so it’s good to know if there was anything they’d find it early. I usually take paracetamol before I go as it’s a bit uncomfortable but it’s over really quickly. My last one was last week and was the quickest in/out because of the Covid precautions. Hope it goes ok x

[flossletsfloss]

I'm due to get them annually from 40 due to everyone woman on my maternal side getting breast cancer at some point so would be interested to know how you get on. Good luck!

[Coconut80]

Hello fellow scot I go to raigmore in Inverness to the breast centre there, they are great. Over the years I have always had prompt results and annual reminders for appointments. They are really nice and kind as I guess they are dealing with women with lumps and cancers. I have lumpy breasts and the Dr did a needle biopsy and ultrasound and again within 2 weeks I had the results. If you are ever worried they respond quickly. Good luck tomorrow it will be over quickly and there are always good magazines xx

[foxyknoxy30]

Yes ,I am adopted and traced my BM only to be told history of breath cancer 😣contacted the gp and am on a yearly referral to the breast cancer clinic at hospital, get regular mammograms.They honestly don't bother me slightly uncomfortable but the nurses doing it are totally professional and know what they are doing to make sure they get the best pictures.

[foxyknoxy30]

Oh and Scotland as well

[icebearforpresident]

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I know it will, most likely, be fine but all of a sudden it seems real now the appointment is here. My mum, who had 10 years cancer free, now has a secondary breast cancer in her bones, which as many of you may know can’t be cured but can, in theory, be managed for a long time. She got that diagnosis a matter of days before my first appointment with genetics (which took 6 months to come through) so it’s all kicking up again in my mind.

[defnotadomesticgoddess]

It’s very reasonable to feel how you do. When I had the genetics test my sister was still recovering from her mascetomy and my dad also has cancer it was so emotional. Good for you for taking responsibility and getting checked. Hope it all goes well x

[icebearforpresident]

All done, had it earlier today and of course it was fine, or at least the procedure was got to take a few weeks for the result. I have a large chest so honestly I didn’t find it painful at all, a bit of pressure but not like what I was expecting. The worst thing about it was having to wear a mask, my health board now want everyone attending an outpatient appointment to wear one. I’ve not worn one before as I don’t need to use public transport and I live in a small town so even in shops maintaining a social distance has been pretty easy, so found that a bit claustrophobic.

Fingers crossed the results come back ok🤞

[MacavityTheDentistsCat]

Great to hear that it went well. Yes, fingers crossed.

[SurreyHillsGirl]

Yes, I have to have early mammograms. Oddly last year when I went private, like you, I had to wait for results, however, last week I went to a specialist NHS breast clinic and they went away while I waited and came back with the results. I also had an ultrasound as I’ve been having a lot of pain in one breast, again, came back with test results on the day. It’s the waiting that’s the worst bit for me. I’m sure you’ll get the all clear. You are doing the right thing by keeping on top of your breast health.

[grey12]

My whole mother's close female family had breast cancer early 40s and the NHS doesn't want to look at me until 40 I do yearly ultrasounds, privately paid. Palpation doesn't work on me so well because I tend to have lumpy breast tissue. Fun fun...

Good luck! I've heard it's painful, worse if you have small breasts.

[Coconut80]

@icebearforpresident glad it went well and hope you get the results soon xx