Anyone decided to not go for mammogram?

[florriepeck]

My next mammogram will be due in a couple of months ( my third one: I'm 55).
Feeling apprehensive, having had breast implants and an uplift last year.
My surgeon at the time reassured me that mammograms don't affect implants ("you could jump up and down on them"); just said that a different view of the breast tissue needs to be taken by screening staff.
I've read recently that some breast cancer specialists doubt whether mammograms are worthwhile anyway, due to the risk of overdiagnosis.
Has anyone decided not to have a mammogram for that reason, with or without implants?
Or has anyone had a mammogram after implants, and what was your experience?

[DramaAlpaca]

I'm the same age as you. I don't have implants so my experience is different, but my personal view is that I'll have any health screening offered to me for my own peace of mind. I find mammograms terribly uncomfortable, but I still have them. It's completely up to you of course, but if it was me I'd go.

[Babdoc]

I don’t go for mammograms myself. France and Switzerland are considering stopping the program altogether, and a study from Denmark has shown overdiagnosis rates of between 1 in 5 and 1 in 3. Which is a large number of women subjected to surgery, radiotherapy or chemo unnecessarily. There is also evidence that the program is failing to reduce the number of large (over 2cm) tumours being picked up, so is unlikely to improve mortality rates.
There is discussion at present about screening less frequently or only in targeted groups, eg those with a family history.
I don’t want to deter women from going, but I think you should read up the risks/benefits and make an informed decision.
Personally I won’t accept any screening test with such a high false positive pick up and such major health implications of unwarranted treatment.

[Bsmirched]

I can't see how over diagnosis at a mammogram would lead to unnecessary chemo or surgery? Unnecessary stress for a week or two and biopsies but no one would be put through cancer treatment because of a dodgy mammogram.

[Bsmirched]

And a false positive of 1 in 5 still potentially saves the lives of the 4 out of 5 correctly diagnosed, surely?
Sorry OP, no help in your specific situation I know but I'd definitely go.

[Restingbitchface01]

I had a "dodgy" mammogram last year. Had surgery for large non invasive tumour which had prob been there a while. Pathology on tissue removed showed it also contained a 1cm very regressive tumour which had not shown up on mammogram because of the size of the non invasive tumour. 6 rounds of chemo and 19 rounds of radiotherapy later and I'm just about ready to go back to work. Go for your mammogram ladies!!!

[AnyFucker]

My friend went along to her mammograms and nothing was picked up. She is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer that she picked up herself from feeling a lump.

I will still attend mine though. I have an almost superstitious fear of developing something that could have been screened for.

It's an individual choice.

[EmpressLesbianInChair]

I have family history so I’ll go for mammograms once I’m old enough. It doesn’t feel worth the risk not to. No implants though.

[Marcasite]

I agree wholeheartedly with other posters here; every mammogram is worth attending. It's uncomfortable, takes time out of your day and causes temporary anxiety, but I wouldn't miss the chance of that peace of mind. I have relatives and a MIL who've suffered breast cancer and their pain and discomfort was far greater than mine every 2 years. We are lucky to have this opportunity from the NHS so I recommend that you take it; good luck

[yellowallpaper]

Overdiagnosis doesn't end up with chemo and radiotherapy, but with a biopsy which is quick and easy. You don't treat benign lumps with chemo etc.

It found cancer in my aunt and she's been treated and effectively cured. Up to you of course.