First Breast Screening - anything I should know?

[Whalemusic333]

I have my first breast screening appt this weekend. I'm 51.
anything I should know in advance? I have large breasts (HH cup) but petit in stature and build otherwise.

i am very supportive of the process and know how essential it is. But I am nervous that it will hurt and I'll be uncomfortable during and afterwards. Any tips? Is it as bad as a smear test - which I find painful and very traumatic?

Also my mum was diagnosed with cancer at 51 (not breast cancer) and she died at 52 so this is preying on my mind too.

A friend described it to me as being vigorously felt up behind the bikesheds at a year 8 disco, which it totally was. However, it was very quick and the lady doing it was very nice about it. I'd also been warned that you have to walk into the room topless, which felt weird. I took some painkillers afterwards as I was sore from the squishing. Much preferred it to a smear though.

It only hurts for a few seconds. It doesn’t hurt afterwards.

Tell the doctor it’s your first time and you’re feeling nervous.

You will probably feel a bit cold during the part with your top off.

Plan to do something nice afterwards (buy a new book or have a coffee or glass of wine or your favourite food for lunch) and focus on that during the few seconds when the machine is grabbing you.

Take painkillers before you go.

Don't use spray deodorant or talc on the day of your appointment (roll-on is ok). If you have long hair, tie it back so it doesn't get in the way.

Top off only in the mammogram room, no walking about topless.

It feels strange for sure but doesn't hurt, just feels weird and odd and uncomfortable.

I have big boobs and found it helpful to hold/support the one not being squashed.

The woman performing the mammogram will move your body.

Take 2 paracetamol 30 mins before your appointment if you fancy.

I am so sorry to hear about your Mum, that's a toughie.

The deodorant advice is very important, can't believe I forgot.

No spray deodorant.

It felt slightly uncomfortable as you have to arrange/squish breasts so both are scanned but it didn’t hurt and yes I felt slightly awkward but they do it every day so are used to breasts.

I'd been warned it would hurt but it absolutely didn't and I was in and out really quickly. Appreciate some women do find it a bit painful so take a couple of painkillers just in case.

It is uncomfortable and a little embarrassing if you're not used to whipping your top off at the drop of a hat.
But the radiographer will be lovely (I swear they do a personality screen for this role).
I've had loads because unfortunately I have a diagnosis.
But id always put regular mammograms off through sheer embarrassment and fear.
My cancer wouldn't have been picked up by regular mammograms anyway but I feel stupid for being so concerned previously.

There's nothing to fear

Sorry, just reread your post.
Completely sympathise with what your mum went through.
I've found that anxiety (it was my dad) really follows you.
All I can say about that is deep breaths.
It's no wonder you have those fears.
I don't know anyone who has lost someone through cancer doesn't.

Unfortunately it leaves its mark.

Good luck today, you've got this.

Thank you all, you have been very lovely and reassuring x

I hope you find it not too bad. Big hug, stuff like this is Big Girl Pants on time. We'll be holding your hand through the ether.

Mine are about the same size, it's more uncomfortable than painful. It doesn't take long. Be prepared for them to look like pancakes, that's a bit weird. Also, depending on which machine / operator, sometimes they can't fit it all on in one go. They take the films from above and the side so there's a bit of manoeuvring to get in the right position. It's all over in a jiffy though.

Sorry about your mother, mine also died of cancer, four months after diagnosis. 💐

I am nervous that it will hurt and I'll be uncomfortable during and afterwards.

It will hurt and you will be uncomfortable but only during, not afterwards.
But you don't need to be nervous.

I get more concerned about not being able to use deodorant before the scan than anything else!

Come now, there is no need to say it WILL HURT. Lots of us have said no, it doesn't hurt, it feels weird and odd and uncomfortable but it doesn't hurt. You could say it might hurt, that would be more accurate. Might, not will.

What's with the deodorant thing? I wasn't told not to wear any before mine.

If you're still having periods try not to go if you're due and have sore boobs!

Spray deodorant (the aluminium, I think) can show up on the image as white patches/lesions, not helpful to the image interpreter.

It didn't hurt me at all but I was surprised they lift your boob in and not you!

I have my first one at the beginning of December, age 52, no 53 then (just after my birthday) and am a bit nervous tbh. I hope yours goes well @Whalemusic333

You will do a lot of foot shuffling to get in the right position. You feel a bit silly. The ladies who do this are experts. The machine may stick into your underarm at one of the shots. The machine does squeeze but it is literally seconds. Just let them position you. I've had loads of them.

I find it quite painful, but it's very quick. I had no pain afterwards.

Can't say I find it painful just uncomfortable and embarrassing as I don't like being touched but it's very quickly over. What I would say is don't panic if you get recalled, I did after the first, apparently a higher percentage get recalled after the first as they have nothing to compare it with.

Thank you all. There was quite a bit of handling and positioning by the member of staff and the squeezing was very uncomfortable for me but at least not painful. It was certainly not as traumatic as smear tests! It ran on time and I was in and out in 10mins. Now for the two week wait.

Well done @Whalemusic333 , glad you got it done. Good luck for the results. I know the worry