Anyone under 50 gone private for a mammogram?

[GeorgeEliot]

Just for peace of mind? I think NHS doesn't kick in until you are 50.

Would like to know what people think as have had a few friends with breast cancer in their 40s.

I did and it found a lump. I couldn't feel it - though my oncologist could. I had it removed and radiotherapy 2 years ago..

It possibly saved my life.

Yes, I did - had lumpy tissue. Mammo, u/s and a biopsy, then annual mammos from 41 to now. I'm 50, just had my last one - now the NHS takes over

All benign in my case, but worth it for peace of mind.

The lower age range has just been reduced to 47 in my area. Not sure if it's going to become a national thing.

If you have any cause for concern under 50 - a possible lump - the NHS referral for investigation is brilliant, in my area at least.

Shocking that you have to go private for a test like this. If you want checkups then you shouldn't have to wait until 50

I had two in my forties. There had recently been a study (Swedish I think) which had shown that it was beneficial. And I was an older Mum, and having panic attacks about dying of something and leaving my babies.

I think the problem with 'earlier' screening is to do with the possibility of finding lumps which are cancer but which are not life-threatening (and you would live your life never knowing you had it either). I read a book shortlisted for some science prize on understanding medical statistics and a large part of it was devoted to Breast cancer screening and the point about the risks of screening were brought up there ('Reckoning with risk' was the book). Actually....just found this info.cancerresearchuk.org/spotcancerearly/Resources-for-health-professionals/CancerInsightforPracticeNurses/Issue1/Breastcancerscreening/ which kinda puts it better than I am.

BTW....I don't feel people shouldn't have earlier screening, just passing on info. I know if I was really worried and going privately would alleviate those fears then I would definintely be tempted too. Just best to be fully informed (which I'm sure privately or NHS they'd tell you these things before you had the screening).

My best friend's Mum had early onset breast cancer and so she had the check for the gene linked to genetically linked breast cancer and think she'll get earlier screening on the NHS. Just got to weigh up the cost-benefit of screening for your particular case and if you have any underlying reasons why you think you might be higher risk.

I have had private screening post- aged 50 as my gynae recommends every 2 years as I am on HRT, rather than every 3 NHS.

In younger women it is harder to spot lumps due to breast tissue.

I think what Zam is talking about is possibly something like DCIS which can be localised and never spread- and this can lead ot unnecessary treatment.

In other European countries they screen earlier and i think in the US too.

Unless you have risk factors, and a strong family history, then there is probably not a lot of benefit.

You also need to look into the added risks posed by more radiation over a lifetime.

How old are you now?

There is a risk from the radiation of the mammogram itself, they don't start until 50 to minimise this. There are loads of survey about mammograms with different conclusions but some do say that if you are breast awre they don't make any difference to detection and survival rates anyway.

I am 47. No cause for concern, although aunt has had bc. Just have had several friends who have gone through it lately, and just want peace of mind as my dc are still quite young.

Thought about it a couple of years ago when friends first started getting it, but was reassured by chat with gp who explained about false positives etc.

but now another friend has just been diagnosed, and I am thinking, I can afford to go private so why not for peace of mind.

Interesting what saggar says.

I've heard the same (as saggars). I also know in most other countries - or at least, in the US and in France - they start earlier.

Extended breast screening info here

I found a lump last year at 44 and it was BC. Have just finished treatment and thankfully got it early enough to be treatable. If I hadn't found the lump and trundled on to 50 it would have been far too late.

Newish research shows women who have a child later than 35 and who have breast fed are at higher risk. Not massively, but still I wish I'd known, as they think that's what triggered mine. (Was 37 when I got pregnant.) In other words, yes go for it. The risk from radiation isn't massive - can't be as in the States they do routine Mammograms from 40 for all women.

yes i know it's a zombie, but it's useful.

I'm six months away from 50 and have pain but no lump (that I can find and nor can the GP, down the phone) and therefore the NHS computer says no despite immediate family history. Child at over 35 & breast fed (per post above, which was entirely news to me - I thought it actually protected).
I guess I need to go private. BUPA don't have anywhere near me - who else do I try?