Routine Mammogram appointment 18 months after last one

[vjg13]

I had my first mammogram (UK) at 47, was recalled to the hospital for 3D mammogram and ultrasound and no significant abnormality found so discharged. 2nd mammogram at 50 and again recalled and had further tests. The Dr could see a cyst but said no further tests required and the letter said to be seen in 3 years.

Today, I have had a routine mammogram appointment letter come and it's only 18 months since the last one. I can't speak to anyone until Monday and wondered if anyone knew why the routine appointment is so early?

TIA

In my area, the screening round is 34 months, rather than 3 years, and this is timed from the date of your invitation. So, if you delay the appointment, are recalled and have further tests, then the interval will get shorter.

I don't know why only 18 months though. Perhaps they have changed the way they administer their screening rounds and this has changed the dates? If so, they will recall you earlier than 3 years rather than later as they are supposed to have no more than 3 years between screenings.

According to the "helpful" person on the phone today it is to do with my GP and I can either go to this appointment 18 months too early or I won't get called until 3 years from now. I've decided to cancel this one and will ring up and ask when I'm due instead.

That's what I do now.

I got recalled and had to go through a lot of tests to say what they saw was hormones, then ended up being recalled before I was ready to deal with it all over again.

If you find anything you are worried about, then you can always get referred straight to the clinic by the GP anyway.

That's just it. I am willing to go every 3 years but the last 2 times have been false positives with all the associated stress, I really don't want to do that again before I have to.

I know what you mean. I find it with all screening.

I started out all for it and very positive, but the stress of the process was a bit of a surprise so I have to do it when I am ready now.