Mammogram

[Elsalvador]

In the UK, women are only invited for mammogram screenings for breast cancer once they hit 50. I am considering ringing my GP to ask for a one-off early referral for a mammogram. I'm in my mid 40s and my mum had breast cancer in her 60s. Fortunately, she had treatment and a double mastectomy and remains cancer free. I'm therefore not wanting to wait until I'm 50. Reading up about mammograms on the NHS website and Cancer Research site, I'm slightly concerned that each mammogram raises the risk - albeit only very slightly - of developing cancer later in life due to radiation exposure. I know the numbers aren't high but it's a risk nevertheless. However, whilst I have no signs of a lump in my breasts, I know not all lumps can be detected easily. So I'm thinking the risk of starting mammograms early is worth it. In my mum's case, she was diligent about checking her breasts due to a history of cysts. It was actually finding a cyst which led to a scan which revealed the cancerous lump which she couldn't feel and it was already grade 2 by then. I will obviously discuss with the GP but wondered if others have opted and asked to start mammogram screening in their 40s? Thank you in advance.

They won't refer you unfortunately. You can pay for private or feign a lump. Every woman in my family has had breast cancer and I still can't get an early referral.

I've had yearly mammograms since age 30 due to having had cancer. I've looked into this a little and taken some advice as I am 50 soon and will go into the 3 year programme . My research has shown me that the risk of radiation exposure is absolutely tiny, certainly for me with a higher than usual breast cancer risk it's not a consideration . It's a risk but you're talking absolutely minuscule . Secondly you can self refer (not to all hospitals) to some private hospitals for a mammogram , I've not got exact pricing but I think around £200/£300. I'll be doing this yearly on the years I don't get a NHS one once I go into the national 3 year programme . Near me looks like nuffield do jt .

Also definitely worth a chat as I was told my daughter and my sister could have early screening but that might be because I was young

Tell your GP you have a pain in your breast . You will be referred for a mammogram.

I have been having mammograms since 42 due to my family history. I think the risk of radiation per year is the same as a long-haul flight. I self-refer and pay privately, most private hospital groups Bupa, HCA, Nuffield, Spire, etc should offer. If you have dense breasts you may need an ultrasound as well.

Thanks everyone. I hadn't realised they wouldn't refer so easily. I thought that if you had a history of breast cancer in the family, they would refer especially as the cost to the NHS is presumably lower than treating cancer if not caught. I don't have private insurance to cover but will look into paying for it privately.

I think it's worth the conversation with your GP .

I was referred a few years back now (before I was 50 ) due to family history of breast and ovarian cancer - I now have a mammogram every year

I don't know if things have improved but I actually received my first invite for the 50+ screening at 53

There's a charity in Northern Ireland does them for self referral. I'm assuming you're not in NI but it might be worth looking into cancer charities