recall mammogram-decided not to attend

Absolutely your own choice. You have been to the breast clinic and had their advice. You must decide for yourself what is best for you.

I have a friend who has had flooding, and decided not to have it checked, as she wouldn't have treatment anyway, should it be cancer. (She is in her mid 40s)
Its an individual choice.

I identify a bit with RosieLeah. I used to have mammograms, but once I passed 70 I decided not to go on. (They are still available at this age if you request one.) I weighed up the likelihood of developing cancer, the effect of endless tests and waiting for results on my mental health, and decided to do no more tests. The same goes for bowel cancer tests. It’s a calculated risk.

Like RosieLeah, I have seen several people go through unpleasant treatments, operations etc, only to die in the end. I’m 79 soon. My life’s work is done. I’ll risk it.

Why would you not? If it is an early problem it can be sorted. If you leave it you may get to the position of not seeing those grandchildren grow up.

As a retired doctor I would recommend strongly that you go for the recall mammogram. Sometimes tiny specks of micro calcification show up on a mammogram which are suggestive of very early cancerous change. You feel perfectly well in this situation and have no palpable lumps. It may be the first mammogram was technically poor and the radiologists want a better view. It is a nuisance but I would definitely say just go and have it done. But at the end of the day, your body your choice.

Are you for real tilly?

I think everyone else has said it all.

Not all types of breast cancer cause lumps.

Well that’s a cheery post Rosie!

I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. It did not show up on a scan or a normal mammogram. I needed a layered mammogram and MRI.
Of course it is your choice not to have treatment but why wouldn’t you? It sounds like it could be nothing so why not go back for peace of mind?

I have never attended a mammogram, though I have been sent appointments. This is just my own personal decision. Two of my friends developed breast cancer. They both went through surgery, and chemo, but both died. I also don't wish to be mutilated. I have no-one dependent on me so, if I'm diagnosed with cancer, I shall take as a sign that my time is up, and will go without a fight.

Welcome ttnbp.

That is a very intimate 1st post.

I think it would be very foolish not to go for the recall mammogram since they’ve told you they think you need further investigation. It might be nothing to worry about at all but surely it’s better to make sure everything’s
OK rather than risk a cancer developing.

I was recalled for a second mammogram not long ago but it turned out that the original one had been a bit blurry and they needed a sharper image. I got the all clear.

The NHS will struggle more if you develop invasive breast cancer and have to have extensive surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. You could be occupying a hospital bed and a consultant’s time for months if you leave it. I’m surprised you have been given the all clear, and yet have been recalled. I didn’t have any symptoms, but I did have stage 0 breast cancer. Easily and quickly dealt with.

To make sure you will enjoy life for goodness sake keep your appointment .Doctors dont see patients without good reason.If its all fine then thats brilliant but dont risk something serious being wrong with you because"the NHS is struggling" get it checked woman .

thank you so much B9exchange I have thought long and hard about it,i don't want what I feel, are more unnecessary tests, the NHS is struggling enough, without me adding to the cost,i am okay, no medications,a bit overweight, premenopausal, but i can sort these things out.i am 50 and just want to enjoy life a bit now,raised 5 kids,2 grandkids and one on the way.i have a great life-work balance,a lot to be thankful for, i appreciate your opinion,thanks again

Oh no! The mgram may have picked up something tiny which the Dr couldn’t know. Tiny can equal life saving! There’s no choice to be made when ten minutes can save your life.

It's a difficult decision that only you can make after weighing up the odds and your own feelings.

Mammograms can pick up early cancers, but for every one of those, three to four will have false positives that cause a lot of needless worry, sometimes unnecessary biopsies. These facts are given out in the advisory leaflet that you get with the appointment (at least I did).

If it was me and I had been reassured at the breast clinic, then I think I would not go for the second mammogram. If you check your breasts regularly and the breast clinic doctor isn't worried having seen the mammogram, then it seems a reasonable decision to take as you may well go round the circle over again. But please don't decide on the opinions of others, do your research and make up your own mind.

thank you bluebelle

,i saw a dr at the breast clinic,she assured me i was fine, but have the mgram anyway, so I did, now I have been recalled for further investigation,i have decided not to go,i am not ill,and have no lumps,i believe it is hormonal,and dont want any furthur tests.

Is this your first post Tilly ? quite a name you ve chosen

Mammograms can show up abnomalities that cannot be seen or felt. I'm a little unclear on the order things have happened. Are you saying:

GP referral
Mammogram and breast clinic
Mammogram recall

Is the radiologist acting independently of the breast clinic doctor? I agree with Eloethan.

I'm a bit confused by this. Did the doctor tell you it was unnecessary to have the follow-up mammogram? I think I would want to clarify that before deciding not to keep the appointment.

Your choice entirely - your decision obviously BUT ???? think about it some more before you cancel the appointment and maybe cancel something greater than you want to imagine. Feal the Fear and do it anyway - wise words - have courage.