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Breast screening. Shall I go or not?

(88 Posts)
kathsue Fri 05-Jun-20 13:16:58

I had an appointment for a mammogram the first week of lockdown which, of sourse, was cancelled. I've just had another appointment letter for next Tuesday. There are the usual precautions like going alone, using hand sanitiser and wearing a mask but I'm not sure whether to go or not.

I'm not in the very vulnerable group but I'm nearly 70, I have ms and high blood pressure so I've been very cautious so far. Part of me thinks it's not worth the risk but part of me wants to get it done while its available.

Any advice please.

grandMattie Sat 06-Jun-20 11:08:56

Go, go, go! The risks of not being caught early are higher than catching CV19. I think we have been slightly brainwashed into thinking “if I go out, I’ll die”. ( ducks into bunker again...)

All the best.

mrsgreenfingers56 Sat 06-Jun-20 10:58:08

Please, please do go. I went for one 10 years ago, no lumps or signs or family and showed grade 2 breast cancer. Thankfully still here, nearly didn't go for the mammogram as going on holiday the day after and busy. Thought what an inconvenience to be called for that when going on holiday, boy have I eaten my words since.

GrandmaJan Sat 06-Jun-20 10:55:43

Speaking from experience, please go. They wouldn’t ask you unless they were absolutely sure you (and the staff) are safe.

Flakesdayout Sat 06-Jun-20 10:53:53

I was due a smear test in February and not heard a word.(Have now seen GP to get another referral). Any opportunity to be screened for something that could change your life I would go. No hesitation whatsoever.

nipsmum Sat 06-Jun-20 10:51:39

This will be your last routine mammogram as they stop when you are 70. You can request one 3 yearly after that if you want to. I'm 79 and still have a mammogram on request.
Please keep the appointment my friend was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 75. She had a mastectomy and is fine now aged 87.

Toadinthehole Sat 06-Jun-20 10:41:23

Yes....go definitely. I’ve been in the hospital with my pregnant daughter having various tests/ scans etc, and they’ve been really empty, just doing essential stuff. I’m sure it’s the same across the country. Hope it goes well for you.

WOODMOUSE49 Sat 06-Jun-20 10:40:27

Go. It's a must.

It's good to hear that hospitals are picking up and doing cancelled appointments.
I hope to hear soon about the three I had cancelled.

Davida1968 Sat 06-Jun-20 10:37:39

Yes, go!!

MerylStreep Sat 06-Jun-20 10:25:49

It was only yesterday that I was talking with my neighbour who is a nurse in the breast screening unit.
The nurses are all concerned about the amount of women who are not attending.
I don't wish to alarm you but let's suppose that you did pick up the virus. The chances are that it would be mild. Whereas if that lump is not examined, who knows. Please please go.
As my neighbour says: you would be in the safest place you could be.

Craftycat Sat 06-Jun-20 10:17:02

GO! They will have all the precautions laid on & you should never miss a mammogram.
The alternative is far too scary to contemplate.
Please go.

Theoddbird Sat 06-Jun-20 10:16:04

Go...

Isobelw Sat 06-Jun-20 10:12:07

GO GO GO I was diagnosed through a routine mammogram. I had absolutely no symptoms.

My tumour was deep against my chest wall and had already spread to my lymph glands and they said it could have been another year before I was aware of it.

Screening saved my life.

silverlining48 Sat 06-Jun-20 10:07:35

I am 71 and trying to get an appointment but despite ringing again am still waiting for a date. Definitely go.

sunshine57 Sat 06-Jun-20 10:05:42

Please go to your appointment.
I have had breast cancer twice and a double mastectomy.
Second cancer was picked up at yearly mammogram.This appeared between one mammogram and the next one.

To everyone- please get checked- it is a life saver.

tinytears Sat 06-Jun-20 10:05:40

I am due mine this year and was wondering the same thing about whether it would be safe to go, after much consideration I now know that I will definitely have it done as I feel confident that all safety measures will be in place when I go for the screening.

47girl Sat 06-Jun-20 10:04:28

Definitely go, I’m 73 and intend to carry on having mammograms every 3years. I rang up and went before lockdown. It’s important because it affects my age group more.
The staff will make sure you’re safe.

rizlett Sat 06-Jun-20 10:01:38

It sounds like you are taking the time to consider your options OP.

It's likely the risk of contracting Covid is low as you will probably be given a mask and the staff will be masked.

Your risk may be increased if you travel on public transport to get there.

It would be important if you do go to ensure increased hand washing.

Maybe in the circumstances it might consider declining this one at this time but requesting they send you another apppointment next year especially if there is no history of breast cancer in your family.

Perhaps look at the risk of getting breast cancer at your age with your lifestyle.

Do you self check as that will also lower your risk.

It might be worth checking on a breast cancer charity website to see what advice they would offer regarding routine mammograms.

The usual age for screening to cease is 71 although there are trials in the UK offering up to the age of 73.

Patticake123 Sat 06-Jun-20 09:59:54

Go, gal, go!

Paperbackwriter Sat 06-Jun-20 09:59:30

My husband has recently been to our surgery for a vaccination (pneumonia) and again for an ECG. All precautions were in place, plenty of PPE and distancing. Do go - it'll be fine.

Puzzler61 Sat 06-Jun-20 09:54:41

It’s a Yes from me.
Several family members have been to or stayed in hospital over last 12 weeks (not Covid related thank goodness) and reported back how impressed they have been with precautions in place to make patients feel safe. Good Luck ?

Daisyboots Sat 06-Jun-20 09:51:46

Definitely you should go and all precautions will be taken to keep you safe. Also I believe that after the age of 70 automatic recalls are no longer sent you have to arrange it yourself.

Mollygo Sat 06-Jun-20 09:47:33

Go. The hospital will be set up with all they need to keep you safe.

Shropshirelass Sat 06-Jun-20 09:46:13

Yes, you must go. Everything will be clean and safe for you. It is essential to have breast screening.

Kate63 Sat 06-Jun-20 09:40:42

Please go, I too am a survivor. The hospitals are organised to keep you as safe as possible.

Ladyleftfieldlover Sat 06-Jun-20 09:37:20

I was in a similar position. Annual mammogram cancelled in March but appointment remade for a couple of weeks ago. I went and await the results.