Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think if men had to have mammograms...

131 replies

YourSpleenIsDamp · 22/09/2024 13:32

... somebody would have invented a better way to do it? Still bruised three days later - chest and boobs - and holding poses while they get the right angle has set my arthritic shoulder off. I feel bad complaining about it, because obviously I'm grateful for the screening, but my god the soreness. It's brutal. Currently on yearly screening, looking forward to only needing it every three years when I turn 50. Maybe it's less awful without F cups? But my mum is an A cup and she finds it horrendous too! Any advice for making it more bearable?

OP posts:
BMW6 · 22/09/2024 14:01

Totally agree OP. I wish there was the option to pay for an ultrasound scan instead.

2Old2Tango · 22/09/2024 14:00

Some of them do. My DH found a lump and ended up having a mastectomy of his "moob" and then had to have regular mammograms, up until he died. He would complain as to how much it hurt and I'd say "welcome to my world". I do agree though that with all today's advances, it's surprising they haven't come up with something better. I'm sure a lot of men who have to undergo a prostrate exam probably say the same thing.

BigGapMum · 22/09/2024 13:56

I'm a double G cup. I find mammograms a bit uncomfortable but I've never had bruising from them. It might be worth contacting the breast screening matron, to see what they say about it, and to see if there is an alternative way of having mammograms another time.

Pirri · 22/09/2024 13:54

I've been on yearly mammograms since having breast cancer. Very tiny breasts. I actually asked the mammographer last week if it was more difficult with small or large breasts and she said neither, it's all down to the person.
It's painful but reassuring.
My 5 years is up now so I have to wait 3 years, I'd much prefer the annual pain for peace of mind.

KnittedCardi · 22/09/2024 13:54

I had one once where they gripped so hard it tore the delicate skin under my boob. It bled like hell.

I did then have a more extensive scan at a breast clinic with a different machine, which moved itself, rather than them moving you. So, better machines do exist, they are presumably more expensive though.

RadicalRaven · 22/09/2024 13:43

They really shouldn’t be causing you to bruise. I’d raise this with them if you go back for another.

Swipe left for the next trending thread