Worth attending mammogram or not?

[TheOwlChronicles]

I'll be 52 in November and I've been called for the first time for a mammogram on the NHS. Appointment for October.

However I've been having mammograms privately since I was 45. Just a personal choice to go early and I have them every couple of years.

My last one was in March 2023 and was all clear. The letter from the NHS states to let them know if I've had a mammogram within the past 6 months - which not won't be - it is more than 6 months but not much more!

So - do I bother attending this appointment or do I cancel it?

Yes. I have both.

@DustyLee123 thanks for that. I think I will attend then. I was 50:50 on it

Too many x-rays aren’t good for you. I wouldn’t bother with another one so soon.

I’d cancel. Last time I went for one they had to check it was at least 12 months since my last private one so it’s really not worth it

Well I'm 50 50 again now 😀

I'm aware that too many aren't good for you - is 2 in a year too many then?

Can't recall exact date of mammogram this year but I'm sure it was about march time

Contact them and explain the situation and they can advise you.

Definitely.

This really shouldn't sway your decision.

You get more exposure to radiation from a plane flight than an X-ray.

I wouldn’t bother unless you think something has changed in the last 6 months .

This and take their advice

I've been paying to have a private mammogram and an ultrasound since finishing breast cancer treatment seven years ago because I felt that three years inbetween screening was too long for me to wait. I have turned down the two NHS mammograms I've been offered during that time and On both occasions they would have been within a few weeks of my private appointments. But I've phoned to explain why I don't want the NHS appointment and they've just made a note on my records.

Sorry - that should have said I have an annual mammogram and infrasound.

Nonsense
You get more radiation on a flight.

Thank you for the messages. I've given them a ring because I'm outside of the 6 months but only just.

The woman who answered went off for a few minutes and came back and said they'd cancelled it as they wouldn't advise me having one and they'd be in touch again in three years

So I'll probably just stick to my (own) private schedule and book a private one again in early 2025 - providing there are no issues between now and then.

Thanks all

She did mention though that the reason they were cancelling was due to the radiation exposure