Did you know you're entitled to ask for an NHS mammogram?

[anorak]

I didn't.

I've just been diagnosed with breast cancer and have had my first mammogram at the age of 46. I have been told that this cancer has been growing for years and that a mammogram would have picked it up long ago.

I have also learned that in the UK you can go and ask for a mammogram (I think annually) if you are over 40 and they will send you for one but they don't normally suggest it to you as it costs money to them.

I am now going to have to have a mastectomy. Don't be like me - go and have a mammogram now.

i think a lot of people don't know. i work at m&s, they offer all their staff aged 40+ mammograms each year, so by passing the nhs.

I have found this out, as am being testing for a cancer gene. Manograms are only effective once you are over 40 (and then not for all), as the breast tissue is too dence.

My sister asked for a mammogram last week when she consulted her doctor about something else. She was told she is not eligable for screening. She is 44. Is this right?

Anorak - sorry to hear about the diagnosis.

Best wishes for the op. xxx

I had a mammogram when I was 39, when the lump was first found in my boob. It didn't show anything, and nor did the scan. I went through all the stuff again this year. I can't remember what the mammogram did show, but the lump was huge!