First Mammogram Worries

[Callywals]

I'm about to have my first ever mammogram. I received an appointment from my GP due to my age. I notice it says they ask you questions first and I just wondered what they ask you. Also, on the underside of my breast I have a little whitehead type lump, I've had it for a few months and I just pop it every so often and a small amount of white puss comes out then it goes flat. It's a lot smaller than it was when I first noticed it and I hardly ever have to pop it anymore, it does seem to be gradually going away. Shall I mention it to them at the mammogram or will they notice it themselves and do you think it will prompt them to do further investigations? I have extreme health anxiety, I know I should probably have gone to my GP but I recently lost my son and haven't felt like leaving the house, now this mammogram appointment has arrived and I'm trying to pluck up the courage to go.

So sorry to hear about your son. Yes I would tell them about that but don't know whether they will do more tests or not. Not an obvious cause for concern.

You should definitely go, the women that do them are lovely and will put you at your ease. It is uncomfortable I can't lie, but doesn't take long.

Sorry to hear of the recent loss of your DS, it must be very difficult for you to get out and about but please go for your mammogram. It is very important for everyone to have it done. Tell them everything, with that knowledge they will look more carefully at the results, they are sure to be friendly.

Thanks so much for the replies, I'm going to force myself to go.

What is the age they invite you to have it done as I'm 48 and never had it?
In my home country women have it routinely from the age 35

@alwaysclockwise I think it's over 50.

I am sorry for your loss, everything must still be so raw and painful, and any worries so exaggerated.

I don’t think the mammogram people will be too interested in your lump tbh, they will be more concerned with getting a clear image of your breasts. By all means mention it, but I think they will direct you to an appointment at your gp surgery . Why not ask for a practice nurse appointment for the lump if you are finding it hard and it is increasing your anxiety,if there is anything they are worried about they will refer you on to a gp appointment.

The sort of questions they will ask are possibly about where you are in your menstrual cycle, about any changes you have noticed in your breasts , any nipple discharge, pain , or lumps ( this is where you mention yours). They don’t actually examine your breasts, but be prepared for them to manipulate them between the mammogram plates . They will take at least two images of each breast ( more if the images are not clear). One will be a side to side image where the plates are vertical, and the other horizontal. They both require a little contortion on your behalf and can be a bit uncomfortable and pinching for a few moments. Wear something that means you can strip to the waist easily, so not a dress!

Well done for going to the appointment, I hope it gives you the confidence to take good care of yourself,physically and emotionally.

@viques thank you so much for that information.

You are welcome. Ps I am sure your appointment letter mentions it, but don’t use talc or a spray deodorant that morning.

So sorry about your son. You must be broken. No wonder you are anxious. I also have v bad health anxiety after having a baby. I had a mammogram recently (my third, I’m 49) and honestly, it was absolutely fine. All very quick, the nurses are kind and patient and not particularly uncomfortable, a smear is worse IMHO. I wish you all the very best.

General medical history stuff, nothing you won't be able to answer.

As it happens, I have a form I completed last time I went for a mammogram at an NHS breast clinic. Questions might vary depending on your hospital trust, and might include -

Have you had a mammogram previously?
What age did your 1st period start?
Do you have children?
Did you breastfeed?
Are you currently breastfeeding?
Have you ever used oral contraceptive or other hormonal forms of contraception?
Have you ever used hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause
Has anyone in your family had cancer of the breast or ovaries?
Do you have any allergies?
What medication do you take?

Thank you so much for all the replies, they've really helped me.

How did it go? I am wondering whether to opt for an ultrasound as an initial step

Take all screening options offered. If you're in the UK, it's standard practice to start with a mammogram, and then an ultrasound if needed.

Breast clinics are very very very good at what they do. They will look after you and ensure you get the screening(s) you need.

Good luck with everything.

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Unlike PPs, I've never really been asked any questions before a mammogram, nor does the letter I get say anything about talc or deodorant? The nurses that do the mammograms are lovely though.

I'm the original poster, name changed recently and I've only just noticed new comments on this thread. The mammogram was fine, it was "uncomfortable" at times but it was over very, very quickly, I was in and out of the place in about 5 minutes and all the staff were lovely, very respectful. I didn't get the results for a couple of weeks and the anxiety was doing my head in so I phoned the number on the appointment letter and they told me the results over the phone, thankfully all clear. I would have another one, at least I know what I'm facing now, I wouldn't exactly look forward to it but I know I can cope with it. Thanks to everyone for the comments.

I'm so glad, OP, and pleased you didn't find it awful.

@BatshitCrazyWoman Thank you.