To be scared of having a mammogram

[violeticecream]

I have received an appointment for a mammogram in a couple of weeks time. I am nearly 51
I know I am being daft but I am really worried about it being painful as i have big boobs and imagine it's worse if they are bigger rather than smaller
Is it that bad or is it bearable?

I remember having one about fifteen years ago and it was uncomfortable but the one I had last week was absolutely fine. Hardly squished my boobs at all (medium sized.)

Also there were lots of women there but my appointment was on time and everyone seemed to be in and out quickly so no time to wait around and get nervous.

Big boobs are easier to manipulate and flatten and it really doesn't hurt. The staff are all women, adult females, very experienced, and kind. it will take a couple of minutes max.

Just a few minutes fizzysci. I'm sure they would be able to accommodate you if you find standing difficult. They will scan women in wheelchairs as well.

Big boobs here and it was surprisingly ok, I didn't even feel the slightest bit self conscious as the nurse hauled my huge tits into place and I'm someone who would normally be embarrassed by that type of thing.

Large boobs here and it's not that bad, not nearly as bad as the dentist and far less scary than a smear. I've had it done twice and wouldn't give it a second thought to be honest.

Thanks for all the replies everyone That's really helped put my mind at ease. Will definitely go to the appointment.

Big boobs here and not at all painful. I too would take 100 mammograms over a smear.

I'm fat of belly and large of nork coupled with being a short arse. I kept getting belly fat trapped in the squisher.
I also made the mistake of using talc under my norks after my bath on the day of my first appointment. Apparently it shows up on the x-rays, so I had to get them done again.
I've been going since I was 47. (I'm part of a trial where women slightly younger than the usual with no family history of breast cancer are screened)

Definitely agree to the bigger boobs being less uncomfortable. Spare a thought for these of us who have a pace maker though! Mine is sat flat across the bit these stuff in the machine, it's about the size of a credit card and excruciating when the machine squeezes against it . But I still go and have it done.

I have to be honest I have had 2 or 3 now and I find them incredibly painful. But I have always been there because of what turned out to be cysts, so that's probably why!

best bit is when the letter arrives to say the NHS has found your bosoms to be perfectly satisfactory. :o I remind dh often that I have Officially Approved Boobs

I've been having yearly mammograms since age of 35 due to family history and the radiographer told me more uncomfortable for us smaller of boob too.

Never found them painful at all just a bit uncomfortable when they do the side ways bit. Im another one who would much rather a mammogram than a smear or even visit the dentist come to think of it ! Hope all goes ok for you.

I didn't find it painful at all, just slightly uncomfortable.

I’m not a fan, I was always rubbish at twister and this reminds me of it. I end up on tiptoes one side, with my arm very uncomfortably pressed against the side of the machine, with a nurse getting exasperated because the angle isn’t right and keeps trying to move me while boob is trapped in the plate. Gets right on my nerves and would rather have a smear.

I've never had a mammogram, but have carried our hundreds (I'm a radiographer btw not a nurse 😋)

Most don't seem to find it painful. It's an few uncomfortable seconds the compression is on before it automatically pops back off the breast. The more compression, the clearer the image, but I always listen and stop if necessary.

I genuinely find the biggest challenge is not the shape and size of the breast but how relaxed a patient is and how well they let me take the lead in positioning, which is a lot down to my communication skills really.

Please go, it'll be over in less than 5 minutes. Mammograms save many lives, over 1300 a year.

Hi everyone
Just wanted to say that I went for my mammogram yesterday. I was worried for absolutely no reason. It was complete fine, not painful whatsoever.
I hope this may reassure anyone who is worried about having one.