Age 50 mammogram

[DinosaurDiana]

Can I ask what age you were when you got your first one ?
I know the service will be behind due to obvious reasons, but I was wondering how long I might wait and if it’s worth seeing if I can go private ? The reason is because I have a non-cancerous lump in my boob that was diagnosed about 5 years ago and, although it’s not changed, I’d like to keep an eye on it now I’m this age.

I would speak to your gp to make sure you’re referred. I am 48 and had my annual mammogram last June and am going for my next one on Saturday. Seems to be going ahead as normal at my hospital.

I thought they only started at 50 years of age ?

I had my first aged about 48 (part of a clinical trial around earlier screening) and have had a second since then. I'm 53 now.

If you're 50 you should definitely get one, so contact your GP and ask.

I started having them around 45 years old- part of a trial .

In some areas they started trialling earlier and later mammograms.

I would ask your gp.

I ended up not being called for my first until I was almost 52 for some reason. And it turned out I had cancer. Thankfully it hadn’t spread and and was treated easily.

I had had two mammograms whilst living overseas as they test from age 40.

I'm 42 and have had them annually since age 39. I have had a few lumps (all benign) but I asked for regular screening due to family history. They assess the family history and then decide if you can have them annually, my risk was high enough that the answer was yes. If you have any history it might be worth exploring that route, start with your GP.

Pre pandemic in our area they were contacting v soon after 50th birthday.

(England)

I had one at 47 and 50. In my area they started offering them to 47 year olds.

@DinosaurDiana

I thought they only started at 50 years of age ?

Family history unfortunately. I’m very keen to have them as that’s how my sister and aunts breast cancer was picked up early (no signs apart from it showing on the mammogram) and they’re both now ok.

OP I am 50 at the end of this month; had the letter inviting me for my first screening about a week ago and it's booked for 11 June. Am super grateful our health authority is clearly "on it" despite COVID but I realise not all areas may be the same. Good luck

I was 50 last year and haven’t heard yet 😩
When the non-cancerous lump was found, and the surgeon wanted to leave it in situ, I asked for regular checkups and he actually laughed. He said that he can’t have women with harmless lumps in his clinic !!
What a tit - excuse the pun.

Just rung the GP. They don’t make the appointments, I just have to wait.

Went on the website. Apparently the breast team ask the GP for a list of patients of the right age every 3 years !!!! 3 Years !!
So they only guarantee you will be done before your 53rd birthday.

@DinosaurDiana for peace of mind it might be worth paying for a private mammo. Most private hospitals offer them. Cost is around £200. The NHS offers them every 3 years and I've been told by drs that this is not often enough. They would prefer every 2 years of less.

Maybe check what's available in your area.

[quote LeilaLiesLow]@DinosaurDiana for peace of mind it might be worth paying for a private mammo. Most private hospitals offer them. Cost is around £200. The NHS offers them every 3 years and I've been told by drs that this is not often enough. They would prefer every 2 years of less.

Maybe check what's available in your area.[/quote]
Thanks for that, it’s what I thought I might have to do.
Do I just ring up and book in, or do I need to ask my GP for a referral ?

Mostly, you can just ring up and book.

Are you near London?

No, but thanks. I’ll phone next week.

Update - paid for a private one, £270 !, but it was worth it for the peace of mind.
They will do them annually but ask you to have the NHS one when it’s your turn.