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Original poster

Mammogram fears

40 replies

DiaryofWimpy · 15/12/2025 17:35

I’ve Togo for my first routine mammogram tomorrow and have no idea what to expect. One friend said it was so sore she wouldn’t go for another one and has missed 3 appointments

My mum said it’s a bit uncomfortable

I wondered if any one over 50 could talk me through it.

Thanks in advance

OP posts:
Chasingsquirrels · 15/12/2025 17:37

Differing degrees of pain or uncomfortableness for everyone.

I'm 53 and had 1 at 50, 1 at 52 and 2 a few months ago when I went to the breast clinic for a lump.

I've found them very mildly uncomfortable (have small breasts).

Mikart · 15/12/2025 17:38

I have no problem with them...had 4. I have 36G boobs and am very tall so I need to adjust myself a bit. But I personally dont find them uncomfortable

Original poster
DiaryofWimpy · 15/12/2025 17:39

I have very small breasts, I can’t even fill an A cup

OP posts:

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LegoWig · 15/12/2025 17:40

I’m a 34F. It’s slightly uncomfortable but not painful at all. It’s all over and done with in 5 minutes. Usually wait about 4 weeks for the results.

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 15/12/2025 17:41

I have small boobs and it was mildly uncomfortable, chances are you'll be fine

Mischance · 15/12/2025 17:41

No big deal at all - don't listen to the scaremongers.

Chinsupmeloves · 15/12/2025 17:43

A bit uncomfortable having your boobs squashed but it's so quick, have found the 2 I've had perfectly fine. After treatments far more intrusive things I never even thought about it.

Original poster
DiaryofWimpy · 15/12/2025 17:45

Thank you for the replies very reassuring.

I can deal with uncomfortable

OP posts:
Poms · 15/12/2025 17:48

It’s uncomfortable but only takes a minute or two.

northernerinsomerset · 15/12/2025 17:48

I actually just had my annual mammogram today & honestly you will be fine.Its only slightly uncomfortable,it’s over so quickly.You’ll be in and out in ten minutes.Definitely rather have that than a smear.👍

InMyOpenOnion · 15/12/2025 17:48

I am on the higher risk list so have been having them annually since the age of 40, now 53. I am also small busted. It's usually easier to see more if your breasts are smaller, so they tend not to have to "squash" them too much. You will be fine. If you're quite short, it can be worth asking them to lower the machine a bit more than they have, as that is where it could dig into your armpit. But it's a moment of mild discomfort at worst. It's so worth doing, please don't be put off by your friend's experience.

MelOfTheRoses · 15/12/2025 17:49

If you are worried, take a paracetamol a couple of hours before the appointment and a nurofen plus half an hour before and you will be bombproof 👍

I have a plethora of horror stories, but my last one was in a new unit, with new equipment and a wonderful radiographer who talked me through the whole thing. Just like everyone says they should be. And it came back clear. 🥳

Geranium879 · 15/12/2025 17:50

I had one last week and it was fine. Your boobs get squash vertically and then horizontally. Just for a few seconds. It’s uncomfortable but nothing to worry about! Your friend sounds a bit silly.

Original poster
DiaryofWimpy · 15/12/2025 17:52

Yes she’s a friend of my brothers more than myself

OP posts:
FionaJT · 15/12/2025 17:53

I had my first last week, I was nervous but it wasn't any worse than a cervical smear. Not nice, but not terrible.

shellyleppard · 15/12/2025 17:53

Op I'm 56. First mammogram just after 50 . I'm a big girl and its uncomfortable but also very very necessary. Five minutes and its done. The staff sre always very helpful and friendly.

Thistooshallpsss · 15/12/2025 17:54

Mildly uncomfortable I was chatting to the nurse who told me there is no such screening program in the Philippines and all healthcare was private. I’m grateful.

vincettenoir · 15/12/2025 17:56

It didn’t hurt me and the clinician was super efficient and good at her job.

MujeresLibres · 15/12/2025 17:56

I had one yesterday. It's a bit uncomfortable, but over very quickly. Less unpleasant than a smear test. I had my results straight away.

HollyhockDays · 15/12/2025 17:59

You will be asked to undress your top half. They will position you and “scoop” your boobs a bit. They will step behind a screen and then you will feel the plates squeeze a bit. I do deep breathing and count backwards from 10. It’s sore but not horrendous. I have 36 DD boobs.

Mullaghanish · 15/12/2025 18:01

Just remember the radiographer is usually a woman and probably had one herself, so she knows what it’s like. Plus she’s looking at boobs all day long so no need to be embarrassed.. pretend you’re a continental lady well used to being topless!

knottywig · 15/12/2025 18:03

I’ve just had my second today. It’s uncomfortable because you have to manoeuvre into a bit of an awkward position and you can’t be shy because you are topless. The technician was lovely and kind and funny. She wasn’t embarrassed so I wasn’t. 2 positions for each boob. Was over in 10 minutes. Seriously, this is life saving so important. Less invasive that a smear - is have mammogram over a smear any day! I have FF cup boobs so can’t help how it is for A cup.

Pippatpip · 15/12/2025 18:04

Take paracetamol and neurofen beforehand. It is quick. There is squishing and there are better ways of spending 30 seconds of your life x about 4 or 5 but you can do it. You would have had worse pain. Infinitely preferable to a smear test.

AuDHDqueen · 15/12/2025 18:07

Please go to the appt. I’ve had breast cancer. Caught early so am fine now. Mammograms last about three seconds then the breast is released. It’s uncomfortable but take a big breath, hold it and then it’s over. It’s not painful but it is essential.

Meadowfinch · 15/12/2025 18:10

I've been for about 10 mammograms so far.

You strip to your waist, then the nurse shows you how the position yourself against the machine. She will bring the second plate down to press against the top of your breast. It's mildly uncomfortable, more like getting a bruise than major pain. Each "photo" takes 5-10 seconds.

I've had BC. A few minutes discomfort is infinitely better than months of surgery/chemo/radiotherapy