First time mammogram

[Agloveandbeyond]

I'm 52 and have been called for my first time mammogram and the nerves have hit already. I’ve heard some horror stories of the procedure being painful, particularly as I have quite large breasts.
does anyone have any words of wisdom that would help thanks

I had my first at 54 - please don't worry I am 38 D and it was plain sailing did not hurt at all - there 10 minutes max!

I think it can be more painful at certain times of the month if you are still menstruating. Also recommend taking ibuprofen before your appointment.

It's more uncomfortable than painful.

In my experience it was holding my arm up to get the right angle. I got a cramp in my shoulder.

The nurse was very sympathy and kind and it did not last long. I would prefer it over the dentist.

I had my first one last month - also larger of nork.

I'm not going to lie, it was uncomfortable and I found I had to contort a little to get into the position she wanted me in for some of the shots, but that's all - uncomfortable rather than painful, bit nippy but didn't last that long.

The radiographer guided me through it without manhandling and it was really ok.

Have had 2. Neither were painful, despite having enormous boobs.

I find it's mainly uncomfortable with a last few seconds where you want to scream make it stop but then the pressure releases. I was told it's worse for women with less breast tissue.

It is a little uncomfortable and doesn't last long.

Please ignore any horror stories. Thousands of women have them every year without any of the issues you are worried about.

It's uncomfortable but over quickly. I was pretty nervous, but it wasn't as bad as I'd feared.

I'd heard how uncomfortable it was too, but I found it absolutely fine. No pain, discomfort or embarrassment.

They aren't the most comfortable, but over quite quickly.

I have tiny boobs and was similarly worried. But mammograoher said size has little bearing on levels of discomfort. Mine was uncomfortable. I was surprised at the force I felt but she explained it is becisse they need to get ot a bit like a pancake. And they include the tissue at side as well. But it wasn’t painful.

And it was very quick.

I think they are worse for people with small breasts as they have to squash the breast tissue on the plates . Please be aware that the call back rate is quite high for first timers as they have nothing to compare against , it’s something like 25-30%

I'm have enormous boobs. I've had 3 mammograms and none of them have been painful. The staff have always been lovely.

I have breast cancer. It wasn't found through a routine mammogram. I found a lump.

I really hope despite the nerves that you go.

I have small breasts B cup and have had 3 mammograms none of them were sore just uncomfortable
I found it similar to that feeling when you get your blood pressure checked, there’s uncomfortable pressure for like that second and then it stops

I made the mistake of using talcum powder under my large sweaty boobs. It showed up immediately on the images, so I had to have them done again in the same session!
(I've been going since my early 40s as part of a trial to see if younger women with no family history of cancer would benefit from mammograms at an earlier age).

Maybe just think about how it could save you life and any minor momentary discomfort pales into insignificance

The worst bit is how cold the plate is and having to stretch accross the machine. They do 2 each side and its literally just seconds that you are squished for. I eas advised to not wear deodorant as it gives a better scan. Good luck.

DD - barely felt it.

It was probably the easiest and most pleasant appointment I've had in years - went straight in, no waiting, a clean, quiet and calm environment, a lovely radiographer and I was all done and out again in minutes.

I had my first just over a year ago, I have very large breasts and it wasnt painful at all just a very firm squeeze.

The staff are great, they really put you at ease and it is over quite quickly.

I recently had my first, and it was a doddle - the squashing didn’t hurt at all, and the only difficult bit was trying to get all the tissue from the sides, where mine are now determined to slide off under my armpits. They’ve never really liked each other, always preferring to stay as far apart from each other as possible, but now things are less pert, they are definitely diving off in opposite directions as soon as they are unleashed. Really, don’t worry at all. The staff are lovely too, so kind and gentle.

Had my 1st at age 40 (abroad) when an F size. Another 3yrs later when GG. Never painful either time. It was more uncomfortable having to stand at a slight angle whist it was done.

I was nervous about my first too, but I've had two year this and neither were as bad as I was led to believe. Uncomfortable but I wouldn't say painful.

Thank you all for your comments, very reassuring.
can I also ask if anyone has had it done in the mobile van if they have toilets inside?

I didn't see a toilet in the mobile can