Mammogram Recall - wtf

[Allaboutthecheese1]

Had first mammogram a few weeks ago, now had a letter asking me to attend for further tests and ‘helpfullly’ pointing out that only 4% of folk get recalled but of them only 25% have cancer.

Feeling rather anxious now! Is this a common thing? I’m fit and healthy and only just 50 😳…. appointment isn’t for 14 days so I’m left to ponder…..

I would also add @Allaboutthecheese1 that its worth calling them and asking to be put on a list for an early cancellation. That worked for me and my appointment was brought forward about 4 days.

I did say when I started my own thread about this that I think the wording of the letters could be better. Obviously they don’t want to say it’s fine when it might not be for a tiny number but I think I would have been reassured by language around “image clarity” or similar.

I've had a recall and it was really scary but it was nothing. I'm in a higher risk category so I have mammogram and MRI annually.
When I got recalled they did an ultrasound and a biopsy. I think the reason they're vague about "further tests" on the letter is because they'll make a decision about what tests are needed depending on what they see. If the ultrasound showed a simple cyst for instance, they wouldn't do a biopsy. But if it showed up something they were less sure about, they might want to biopsy it.
They did say it's v common to be recalled on first one because they have no baseline to compare images to. So if your tests show up a benign fatty deposit or cyst, next time you have a mammogram they'll know that's there and you won't need to be recalled iyswim.

I also had a recall on my first mammogram.

It was concerning how quick it all was, I was in the breast clinic within 2 weeks. They did additional tests - another mammogram on a bigger machine, examination, ultrasound - took it all away for a consultant to look at (never actually met them).

Then came back and said they'd like to take some biopsies, there and then, to make sure. It was very scary, but painless. The women at the breast clinic are very good at what they do and get you through it, chatting to you and taking your mind off what is happening.

Got my results a week later to say all clear.

It is more common to get a recall on first mammograms. I've had another two since then and no problems. Try not to worry too much (easier said than done).

@Allaboutthecheese1
Definitely call them on Tuesday and ask if they have any cancellations can they offer it to you. When I was recalled I had to call them to confirm that I would be attending the appointment the following week. When I called to confirm they offered me a cancellation the next day.

They tell you that so you know there is small odds that something may be wrong, rather than this meaning that something is definitely wrong.

I don’t get your ”wtf” title - you are getting free screening and free investigation which in many countries you’d have to pay for or would simply not be available.

I paid £850 for a private mammogram in the UK, so it isn’t cheap.

In days gone past and before screening women found they had breast cancer when they got a smelly black discharge from their breast. They’re wear scarves to cover it and people would avoid them because of the smell. For me that merits a comment like “wtf”, not a free screening recall.

I was recalled after my 1st mammogram last year. Was asked to attend a breast cancer clinic for further testing - the appointment is basically as long as it needs to be, and any further testing needed happens on that same day. So, started with another mammogram, an ultrasound, and a needle biopsy.

it sounds scary, but I found the whole process very reassuring and they know exactly what they are doing. I had a radial scar, which they told me they suspected right from the start of the callback appointment. Not cancer, but appears very similar on a mammogram.

it happened at a very difficult time for me too, and I just had to be strong and convinced myself that the result was out of my control and I wouldn’t worry until there was something to worry about. Easier said than done, I know! But it helped that the appointments and team were so thorough and very supportive throughout. I did have to have the radial scar removed via a vacuum assisted excision a few weeks later (not pleasant but a quick process). I now will have annual mammograms for five years as a precaution.

From my experience, please try not to worry until you have been to the appointment. It is a tried and tested process and they will support you and guide you every step of the way. Take a breath, and be easy on yourself.

Thank you so much everyone who has posted. The kindness of strangers is amazing especially when the weather is great and people are out and about. I really appreciate it as I don’t have many people to speak to in real life. Again - all this information is so appreciated.

@Nogimachithank you for your comment which I did not find helpful. My Wtf related to my own surprise at the letter (and the unnecessary statistics contained in it) rather than any sort of ingratitude to the NHS. I’m glad you are in the lucky situation to be able to afford private care.

I got a recall on my 2nd one - they called me for the re-call and arranged it quite quickly (so was worried), turned out to be nothing - i have some dense tissue & it was imaged at a weird angle.

The further tests were another mammogram, followed by a review of those then an ultrasound by a doctor who talked me through it and told me there & then what it was ie: it was nothing.

Not helpful or necessary - go have a word with yourself

Don’t you think it was important to clarify why they put the stats in the letter and offer the OP some perspective, since she didn’t seem to
understand the former (which is hopefully reassuring for her) and may have been helped by the latter?

No.

I have plenty of perspective. I think you may have missed the message in my prior response

I’m not in the zone for an argument, I’m seeking support and reassurance not anything else, if you’re not up for that, that’s fine but please don’t make an already stressful situation more difficult.

I think it’s more common after a first mammogram as they don’t have anything to compare it to.
I was recalled for a second mammogram and scan - they thought it was fine but decided to send me for an mri.
They thought the mri was probably fine but decided to do a biopsy just to be sure.
They inserted a clip to mark the area that had been investigated.
It was stressful as it went on for a few weeks but everything was fine and I’m glad they were thorough.

What a vile reply.

Agree. Vile. Lacking in empathy and a single iota of understanding. Hope you’re doing ok @Allaboutthecheese1

Happened to me too, it's more common after your first as they don't know what the norm for you looks like.

They gave me a very thorough futher mammogram and ultrasound on the left breast but it was all good.

I had a recall after my first mammogram, which ended up being just a fibroadenoma so nothing to worry about. As others have said it's much more common on your first mammogram as they have nothing to compare it to.

I had a more detailed mammogram/ultrasound/biopsy at the first recall appointment, and then they repeated the biopsy a month later (basically it just looked really suspicious on the scans so they double checked the biopsy just to make sure). It took a couple of months for me to be told it was all fine (which is longer than most but it's worth stating that even though I had all the tests and had the "we think you possibly have cancer" chat in the room with the nice sofas and the boxes of tissues, it ended up being ok).

The waiting part is very stressful, sending good thoughts your way xx

Really struggling with the panic, as the appointment gets closer :(

You’re in a lot of good company, OP. I think most of us struggled. But the odds are very much with you: first that the recall will not prove to be for cancer, and second that in the unlikely event it is, it’s been caught early and can be nipped in the bud. The statistics are excellent.

Literally millions of women around the world have put BC behind them and are living full, healthy lives.

For now, can you give yourself some nice treats?

Honestly @Allaboutthecheese1, I can understand the worry having been in the same situation but the odds really are on your favour

Lots of love, @Allaboutthecheese1 . The waiting is shit. Headspace helped a little, the mindlfulness does give me a small period of peace and a bit of respite. Give it a try? I have just had my next screening appointment through in the post and I am really hoping I don't go through it all again. I will be telling everyone about my last recall, I'd rather they take 12 images in one appointment than go through the recall again.

It is a terrible wait but hang in there it's very likely every thing will be fine, even if you need further investigation.

I was panicking when I got a recall. I could barely read and understand the letter I was so terrified. Mine was a cyst which was painlessly drained on the day. That year my sister had a recall as well which was just down to a bad picture. The waiting is bloody awful though

Another one here who had a recall following my first mammogram. I had also had a scare earlier in the year for bowel cancer, which followed the same pattern.

It's horrible and mind-warping the wait in-between. For me, it was like guilty until proven innocent.

Try to be kind to yourself, I kept beating myself up, thinking I had no right to be upset.

Of course this limbo is like a cruel and unusual punishment, but it's totally normal to feel the way you do.

I'll keep everything crossed for you x

Edited as duplicate post

Happened to me. All was fine, thankfully. As others have said you’re much more likely to be recalled after your first mammogram. In my case it was an area of dense tissue they wanted to take a closer look at. I was given the all clear after a more thorough assessment and ultrasound. I’ve since had another mammogram and all was good. Try not to worry, it’s way, way more likely to be nothing of concern 💐