I had my first mammogram today

[Youspurnme]

I didn’t really know what to expect as I have heard some horror stories but it was fine.
Boobs briefly squashed into the machine, all over in less than 5 minutes. Not hugely comfortable but not especially painful.
Anyway hope this reassures anyone who has their first one coming up.
Obviously I’m assuming results come back fine 😁 but I’m grateful that despite its struggles the NHS still provides this screening. Fingers crossed for healthy boobs for us all.

I’m 50, 51 in April and I haven’t been called for one? Now im sat thinking do I need to book it myself.

OP thanks for the positive post, I don’t mind medical stuff but it’s good to hear a positive reaction.

Thankyou for posting this. I’m another one whose mammogram picked up cancer that was undetectable to touch. Even my specialist said he could only feel a thickening rather than a lump. I’ve had operations and treatment - due to the early discovery by mammogram, it hadn’t travelled. If I hadn’t had the mammogram I’d be in a different place treatment and life expectancy-wise.

@reversegeari think it’s anywhere between 50-55, I don’t think you need to self refer in England anyway

Another one here who was surprised that it was just uncomfortable rather than painful as I was expecting. I have large boobs so really expected the squishing to hurt but it was discomfort rather than pain and a lot quicker than I expected.

A smear test however is a nightmare for me. I still go though.

I always post this on these threads - you may get a callback after a first mammogram as they have no baseline to go off. I got a callback after my first, had a fibroadenoma (sp?) so had to get a double check but it was nothing.

Try not to freak out if you get recalled for a second one. I got recalled and apparently it is quite common as they have no historic information so don’t know what ‘normal’ looks like for you.

I’ve had two horrible radiographers at different locations. One was so awful I asked for someone else to come into the room kind of as a chaperone/witness because I thought she wouldn’t continue to be as unpleasant in front of a colleague. I put in a complaint to pals and got an apology after they looked into it.

And they do hurt some women, it’s a bit unkind to set an expectation that they are merely uncomfortable for all women as the actual experience can come as quite a shock. I find smear tests much less uncomfortable.

Yes we should all have them (although I’m dreading my next mammogram being due)

Bravo 👏

I found a lump in my boob three years ago. Went through a triathlon of mastectomy, chemo and radiotherapy... still here to tell the tale 💕

Pain is during. Doesn't tend to last after. You can take a painkiller before if that helps?

Homestly the pain isn’t worth not having it done. Please always do it. Sometimes in life things are uncomfortable but so much better to have it done that not and God forbid something. Isn’t found and left.

My point was more to say that sometimes people find them painful and uncomfortable but that doesn’t mean I would ever not do it if medically told to.

You have made the point that I was trying to make but much better. Totally agree and thank you!

I told people who haven't had one that it was a bit like having your blood pressure taken but on your breast rather than your arm! It was uncomfortable and I was just about to ask her to stop when she did anyway.

I seem to be in a minority on here in refusing mammograms and smear tests.. Smears were so painful I struggled not to scream and after the first few I opted out of the other regular tests. There are downsides to having them, its not all pluses.

This is excessive thinking. I've had one every year for 30 years. Yes it hurts a bit with some positions often due to the machine digging into your armpit. There is also a bit of a squeeze before the plates release. It is seconds.

@2old4thispoo Your post made me very sad.

A close relative has felt the same way as you (in terms of avoiding appointments for many years due to anxiety), and has recently been diagnosed with metastatic cancer - which could have been discovered at a much earlier stage had they sought medical advice. It feels like such a stupid, tragic, easily avoided thing, and I am devastated for my relative.

Screening is such an amazing thing - we are so fortunate to have so many screening programmes in the UK. Can you seek help for your anxiety, or speak to a friend or family member, and get their support to allow you to attend appointments? Your future self will thank you for it..

I have spoken to a 3 different GPs, been prescribed anti anxiety meds, beta blockers and diazepam.
Also tried hypnotherapy and counselling.

Unfortunately none of it worked.

I've never spoken to my family or friends about it and they aren't aware. Ultimately, its my choice.

My thinking is that I really couldn't tolerate attending medical appointments or treatment so honestly, I would rather not know.

I know it makes no sense, but its how I feel.

Yeah not always especially if they can’t get a clear position or picture. I wish it was only seconds sometimes!

After all these years, you'd think someone would come up with less painful ways of doing medical tests. Mammograms, smears, colonoscopies, even blood taking and the wretched BP machine cuff.

@Georgiepud A girl after my own heart regarding the BP cuff. Doesn’t seem to bother most people, but I hate it.

I had one just before Christmas due to finding a lump. It was all clear luckily.

I have dense breasts, partly age I guess, and they are also incredibly large, which I believe makes it more painful.

I did have find it quite sore, but it was only for a few seconds, and the pain goes away as soon as it is over. It would not stop me going.

They basically ask you to stand in a certain way ( arms outstretched etc) , you lean into the machine, and they put you in position and it’s done.

Yes, it’s something like this, from Baroness von Sketch.

I've been getting mine for years via a charity, due to familial risk. I've also had genetic cancer testing due to a gene being in the family. I'm 47 now. I'd urge anyone who is worried to just please do it. That's how they found my mums breast cancer, during a routine mammogram.

Trust me, I'm very familiar with burying one's head in the sand (my preferred option).

With these checks we just have to brace ourselves and push on through and get it done. Please. 🙏

I would class it as uncomfortable more than painful. It’s pretty straightforward.

Thanks for this thread, I am same age as you and was wondering if I need to contact them or if I should just wait to get called, will give it a bit longer. 51 this week.

Done!
So quick. It was uncomfortable, but only for a moment. Phew!!

Mammogram is fine. A bit of a squishing needed but all really well run and efficient. The desk bit where they check who you are made me feel ill because she had the window open and is many floors up. A friend who had breast cancer missed one screening because she didn't feel like it - then she found a lump.

Smear is just something you have to do. Another friend threatened to drag me there if I ever decide I don't want to go. Had one during Covid and the nurse said "you can take your mask off if you like" ... which kind-of made me giggle.

An ECG with multiple leads was just awful. I have huge boobs which got in the way. I felt very nude having that done. Which was odd as I wasn't.

The dentist is a lovely man. And he's said 12 months until my next check. I'll be doomed when he retires though.