How common are mammogram recalls?!

[PanicMode]

I am living up to my (very old!) username at the moment...

I have a strong history of breast and ovarian cancer in my family and last year had genetic testing at Kings. They put me on an annual mammogram programme from my 40th birthday (which was this August). Last January however, I found a lump and had a mammogram and sonogram and was told I was 'lumpy and dense' but there were no anomalies and all was fine.

I have just had my '40th birthday' mammogram and afterwards she said I just want to check the images are clear - she told me they were and sent me home. I have had a letter today asking for me to come back for second stage screening and I am absolutely terrified....I know that no-one can really reassure me until I know for sure, but has anyone had similar scary circumstances and it's all been ok?!

My dm has been recalled three times. She has had breast cancer, but the recalls have all been since she had the all clear.

Once there was a shadow caused by the scar tissue, once because of fluid and once because the mammogram wasn't clear enough.

In each case they took another mammogram, and in the first two instances did a scan, followed by a biopsy.

Please try not to panic, mammogram recalls are quite common, and even if it isn't a clear result, it sounds as if you are taking the right precautions to catch any abnormalities early. Success rates for treatment now are amazing.

If I can help, or you want a hand to hold, feel free to pm me.

Thank you so much for your reply. I have neighbours on either side who have had breast cancer - one 4 years ago, one just finishing chemo and I am terrified I am going to be the 'one in three' who gets it but doesn't beat it. I was walking my 3 year old home from nursery saying to myself 'it will be fine' and then feeling all teary in case it isn't ---and I still have just over 10 days to wait for my rescan. Am going to be a nervous wreck by then....

Thank you for your reassurance...

My DD was recalled after her 1st mamm. Got the recall letter on Saturday for a biopsy on the Monday. Very scary. She didn't have a lump but a cluster of calcified cells was found which could be the early cancerous types. She had 5 biopsies, the results 3 days later and all was benign type of cells.
They are trying really hard to catch any breast cancer in the early stages before the cells develop into full cancer.
Good luck

So glad to hear your DD was ok digerd. I know that rationally even it is 'something' it can't be anything massive as I had an all clear after very extensive scans/mammograms sonographs in January, but I am still worrying even though I can't get seen for another 10 days...

I have had 2 routine mammograms (3 yrs apart, no previous issues) and was recalled both times. No problems found both times, but very thorough screening plus scan with incredibly reassuring and professional staff. Hope all is well with you.

Thanks FrenchFemme - so glad to hear you were ok....I am just fretting about getting through the next 10 days without turning myself into a total nervous jelly.

And worrying that if it IS something then my parents are leaving for a holiday in the US for 6 weeks the day after I have the follow up and it will ruin something they have been planning for months.

quite understand your anxiety panicmode - if you'd like a hand to hold do go to the tamoxifen thread as we have all been through similar things. A friend of miner had a recall this week and it was found to be just dense breast tissue. Sending you lots of good vibes x

Thank you so much MaryAnnSingleton - your reassurance is helpful. That's certainly what they told me had caused the picture of the 'lump' on my January mammogram, but but but....!