Should I get a mammogram?

[BlogOnTheTyne]

I've just been sent my first offer of a mammogram, (never had one) as I've hit the age of 51. Got no worries/symptoms about lumps or anything different or disquieting in my breasts but I am perimenopausal.

I know there are pros and cons of testing - ie they might detect a problem early on - BUT - they might give a false positive leading to worries and/or treatment unecessarily - and also, I know that the more mammograms you have, this can actually very slightly increase your risk of breast cancer.

I'm interested to hear from both those who've gone ahead and had regular mammograms - and why - and those who've chosen not to. What are your reasons behind your decision? Do you regret your decision - either way? Thanks.

I have one yearly due to family history and am glad to be able to get it done - had them over 10 years now I'm in my 40s and frankly if they find anything, best I know so they can do something. If I was offered any other screening, I'd have it - rather know and get anything sorted is how I feel. I am prepared to take the small risk of radiation from the 4 xrays.

I definitely would but then may be slightly biased as I found out I had breast cancer at 41 and it's been a horrible year of treatment. A mammogram might have found it at an earlier stage before I felt the lump.

I have decided not to have a mammogram. I do not have any confidence in the mobile screening units as they do not have the necessary equipment on board for comprehensive screening, which is why so many women are referred for treatment.

I will seek help if and when I get a lump in my breast.

I had my first one in April, got called back as there was calcification. Brilliant one stop shop in Edinburgh. All clear given that day. Hopefully next time they will have one to compare with.
There is a great debate about these screening tests. They do cause anxiety and there is a chance of picking up things that would never cause any problems. Having said that I old do it again.

Of course you should. I've known people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer through screening and thank goodness: they're still here today due to early intervention and treatment! I also know of someone who maybe did have unnecessary biopsys because of scar tissue being seen on the scan, but so what? The potential benefits totally outweigh a few potentially unnecessary investigations.

Yes you should! I've just had surgery yesterday for early stage breast cancer. Went for first routine mammogram 5 weeks ago at 50 years old. No lump, absolutely no signs. Mammogram revealed 1cm lesion, had core biopsy which confirmed it was cancer. Feeling fine after wide excision, will have radiotherapy and 5 years tamoxifen or such like. Hopefully all sorted. Just feel grateful it's been picked up. That's what screening's about.

Thanks. Anyone else chosen not to have a mammogram? I keep reading about false positives and unecessary treatment, on the web.

I'm really pulled between going ahead and having one done and leaving it perhaps for another 3 years, as the risks of breast cancer increase with age.....but of course if there is something wrong already, then it'd be stupid not to have a mammogram now....

Yet, if there isn't anything wrong but the mammogram falsely suggests there is, it'll wreak havoc in my life and cause all kinds of angst...and then there's the exposure to radiation from a mammogram that might increase my risk anyway....

I've just had one at 41 as part if family history screening (will do it annually). Would rather a false positive than living in ignorance of a potentially likely problem.

If I was really concerned about a false positive I would go for a 2nd opinion i the result showed positive.

The thing you have to remember is that these days Breast Cancer isn't going to kill if you get it early enough. I've had Breast Cancer. Fortunately it was found early enough to be deemed treatable. I have never yet met someone who had unnecessary treatment. Please go. It genuinely could save your life.

No Question...get it done.

I have read loads of stuff on the statistics involved in mammograms and whether they are worthwhile. It is not very clear cut. It never was, but there is a lot of political pressure to keep it going.

At the end of the day, you have to make your own decision as to whether it is worth it for you or not, based on your own circumstances, expectations and what you are prepared to tolerate.

The only alternative is to be self-aware. This may be just as good, or not depending on your circumstances and what you read.

Whatever you decide, it is also worth doing a general health overhaul from time to time, and making sure you are eating well, not smoking, getting plenty exercise and drinking sensibly. As more women die of heart related problems, this is probably wise. It will also reduce your chances of all sorts of cancer, as well as breast cancer.