Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

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:
TheJustJoker · 15/12/2025 18:11

Retired radiographer/mammographer here, who’s had lots of mammos being an older lass. The pain or discomfort felt can vary wildly amongst ladies as some have much more sensitive boobs than others (especially if still perimenopausal). But the compression of breast tissue for the examination is vital as this “thins” the breast tissue out ensuring all the structures in the breast can be demonstrated and no nasties (often subtle) are missed. Any discomfort is fleeting. Don’t miss your mammogram!

Original poster
DiaryofWimpy · 15/12/2025 18:12

Oh I’m definitely going just wondered what to expect, now I know I feel better. Thank you ☺️

OP posts:
Myfridgeiscool · 15/12/2025 18:13

Your boob is squished for about 3 seconds each time. Twice on each side.
It’s a bit uncomfortable but over so quickly.
It’s so important to get checked.
I took paracetamol the first time I went but haven’t bothered since.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

General health Women's health
Brightbluesomething · 15/12/2025 21:27

I’m under 50 but had my first one a few weeks ago at the breast clinic after finding a lump.
Not in the least bit painful and definitely not worth any pain relief. It’s very quick.
She does position them where they need to be and you have to stay very still for a few seconds. She squished each one vertically then horizontally and the machine swivels to your height/angle.
Mine are large and I’ve heard it’s a bit worse if you have smaller breasts as they do need to put them between the plates.
Absolutely nothing to worry about and you really do need to go. I had the all clear and it’s a weight off my mind.

hby9628 · 15/12/2025 21:30

It’s not painful as such it’s just a bit awkward trying to get the correct position. I’ve only had one but the ladies were amazing. Don’t worry you will be well looked after.

ShrimpBoil · 15/12/2025 21:38

And please note you might get a call back after your first as they have no baseline to work off - I had a fibroadenoma (sp?) found on my first one but it was totally benign so they know what it is now. I took painkillers beforehand and it was fine (big boobs here). The staff are excellent in our local clinic.

unsync · 15/12/2025 21:48

I had mine last week and it was fine. If I get a wobble, I think of my dear friend who died of BC and my other friend who had a double mastectomy. It's worth the temporary discomfort or embarrassment. The radiographers have seen it all before.

Radiatorvalves · 15/12/2025 21:55

I’ve had 3. The nurses have been great and very efficient. It’s a bit wierd, wedging your boob into a sandwich toaster, but not horrendous. I’d say it was slightly uncomfortable as opposed to anything worse. I’m approaching the age my mum was when she died of cancer so have always gone for screenings.

Original poster
DiaryofWimpy · 16/12/2025 15:06

I’ve been and had it done.

It was fine, not even uncomfortable I just did what she told me and moved each body part she told me too 😂

Thank you all for your input.

OP posts:
Soony · 16/12/2025 15:09

Glad to hear it. I'm like you, barely an A cup and find them uncomfortable but I've had breast cancer so am a bit of a veteran.

Original poster
DiaryofWimpy · 16/12/2025 15:15

sorry to hear you had breast cancer.

Ive to wait 4 weeks for my results

OP posts:
Myfridgeiscool · 16/12/2025 15:42

Well done @DiaryofWimpy, nice one.
Hopefully you’ve also reassured others by starting this thread.

Original poster
DiaryofWimpy · 16/12/2025 15:46

Yes I’m sitting here smiling at how worked up I had got myself. I was in and out in 7 minutes, the lady was lovely and talked to me the whole time I was In there, I will know not to get too stressed next time 😊

OP posts:
madaboutpurple · 16/12/2025 15:48

It is worth going so you can find out how your health is. You will be called back if needed. If not you will get a letter telling you there is no need to worry. Simple really.

InSpainTheRain · 16/12/2025 16:24

I will describe my experience in 3 stages.
I have large boobs and they take a while to position me and the machine - but that bit isn't uncomfortable, just a bit of a faff and back and forth.
Then, once in position they bring down a kind of "plate" that takes the pic - it kind of holds your boob in place. Not uncomfortable apart from you can't move.
Then there is a tightening when they take the image - that can be uncomfortable - but it doesn't last long and is soon over.

Each side (for me) had 2 different images taken - so four in total I think. Defintely worth it - don't listen to scaremongers!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page