Breast screening. Shall I go or not?

Fennel I think 70 is the upper limit in most areas but you can request one afterwards.

Yes, yes, yes please go. I went to every single mammogram but was overlooked for the Final one after the age of 70. When the system caught up with me I had what should have been my final one at the age of 74 and a small tumour was identified. I had a lumpectomy in December 2018, had a course of radiotherapy and have now been discharged by the oncologist. I have had one follow up mammogram and will have four more.

Silverlining48 keep trying for your appointment and best wishes to all of you who have been through the breast cancer experience.

Kathsue, just caught up with this thread, and so glad you went and have a clear result.
I was 76 when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and I had a mammogram this morning. I have been very apprehensive, as I have been experiencing aches and discomfort since just before lockdown.

Best wishes to you

I agree with everyone who says go for the test - it's not invasive, just an xray.
@ Greengran I think at one time the UK stopped testing for breast cancer after aged 70. Maybe they've put the age limit up now.

Super news kathsue. Bet you’ve heaved a big sigh of relief. Well done. ?

I went to the hospital yesterday I felt as safe as houses they have had two sinks and soap dispensers and paper rolls put in the reception area Everyone there staff and visitors wore masks and seating was separated
I went on buses and those too were very safe alternate seating very few people on theM and everyone wore masks

Well done kathsue

Don't think about it........................just go! You owe it to yourself.

Just an update. I got the results of my breast screening this morning and its all clear. ( Big sigh of relief )

Just read your update kathsue
I was about to ask “did you wented ?” As DGS might say.
Robo
. Wishing you all the best with your treatment.

Just to say 'well done' .
I think it is important to reiterate that we must still take care of our health despite being worried about the pandemic.

Well done ?

I DID IT!

I went for my mammogram this morning and it all went ok. They'd told me to wear a face covering so I got my sewing machine out yesterday and made myself a mask. The first thing the nurse said was "have you washed your hands?" then she sent me to the toilet to wash my hands ( I did feel like a schoolgirl ).

I was in and out in 10 minutes altogether. I know I shouldn't have been worried.

Thank you all for your overwhelming support.

Sitting here in hospital this morning to start my first chemo session- please go x

Slightly different but hubby gave blood last week. Every care taken regarding his safety as a well as the staff - I would say go and follow all the advice.

Yes I think you should go. I had to have a scan of my ovaries 2 weeks ago to follow up a suspicious growth found on a scan at the end of Feb. I didn’t want to go but it was fine. All staff wearing masks, social distancing in place. Better than missing a potential cancer which would be more serious if not detected earlier.

I would go

yes .do go .you can get breast cancer at any stage .even cancer under your arms./lymph nodes...might be a bit uncomfortable but it better knowing than not..

This is a timely post for me. When I last had a mammogram
they told me I would have to arrange my own appointment after 3 years. I must have been 68 as now 71 and found a letter where I’d scribbled Sept 20. I’ve been debating whether to make an appointment and it seems from this thread that I should. I also had a pneumonia jab cancelled at the beginning of lockdown so was interested to see that someone’s husband had been to surgery for his .

I live in the Oxford area and received a letter to say they were doing trials for some over the age of 70 and others at the younger age of the spectrum. I was on the trial and went and was in and out in 5 minutes. Received the all clear results within a fortnight. It will probably be the last mammogram I will have. The leaflet accompanying the letter made for interesting reading though.
I would go.

Over 70s are the most vulnerable group for breast cancer - I cannot understand why routine screening stops at 70. I will certainly keep going, and would urge you to do the same kathsue - everything is sanitised and safe, as my neighbour told me last week having had a scan.

If you do go, definitely do a bit of preparation. This will make you feel more comfortable if you feel anxious. You will likely be offered a mask and to sanitise your hands, but I took these with me on recent visits (also something to press a lift button if you have to use one). I've had to attend hospital twice recently for tests and all the staff were wonderful and caring and wore PPE. I personally put a plastic basin at my front door to place my shoes when I got home. I also took a shower and washed my clothes. This is because I work in the NHS and staff routinely do this if they can't shower at work. I also avoided bringing in my handbag so I would not need to place it on any surfaces - but honestly the NHS have stringent infection prevention and control methods - including decontamination of surfaces. I drive so that wasn't the issue - public transport would be my biggest concern.

I haven’t been called for one for years. I’m 80, and wonder if it’s worth asking if I can have one.

It’s 70, after which you can ask for referrals. I’m 72 and will set one in motion as soon as all this has died down. I think smears are the same.

Please please GO♥️