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Ladies over 70 yrs breast sceening test

(19 Posts)
jeanie99 Sat 23-Mar-19 00:25:32

Ladies over 70 are not routinely offered a mammogram test unless they have a breast cancer history.
You only need to make a request as I did two weeks ago and you can have the test every 3 years.
My dear friend was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of months ago, she had no lump or symptom at all and would not have known if it had not been for the test.
She had a lumpectomy last week and is awaiting a date for her radiotherapy. Because she has a history of breast cancer this was picked up by her yearly mammogram test.
I would urgently advice all ladies to request a test it could save your life and it is so simple.

Sussexborn Sat 23-Mar-19 00:33:52

Who do you need to contact? Your GP or the local breast screening service?

tanith Sat 23-Mar-19 06:58:18

I contacted the breast screening service in my area and was told that they would be happy to screen me again and if I would ring for an appointment in June it would then be 3 yrs since my last screening.

Anja Sat 23-Mar-19 07:22:51

Yes, thanks for the reminder. I need to set this on motion.

GillS Sat 23-Mar-19 07:26:59

Last year I was offered the opportunity to take part in a breast screening trial for ladies over 70. Of course I accepted. Fingers crossed it gets rolled out across the country.

Juliette Sat 23-Mar-19 07:45:41

I’ve had the over 70s test this year GillS I’m in the midlands. Coincidentally my daughter has also been included in the under 50s trial, equally important..

GillS Sat 23-Mar-19 07:49:02

Juliette I'm in Hampshire, sounds hopeful, doesn't it. Good news about your daughter's trial as well.

BlueSky Sat 23-Mar-19 09:52:56

I will definitely request it as I believe next year will be my last automatic recall. Do they tell you that it's going to be your last automatic recall at your appointment when you are just over 70? Yes I would have also appreciated it if the first one had been before 50, I was waiting eagerly for the test as my mother had breast cancer , that's before any kind of screening was introduced.

tanith Sat 23-Mar-19 09:59:43

I don’t remember being told but I knew it stops around 70 so called them to find out the situation and they looked me up to tell me when my last screening was.

Lazigirl Sat 23-Mar-19 10:02:14

Shropshire screens until 73. Not sure if it's a trial or permanent.

jeanie99 Sat 23-Mar-19 10:20:02

Ladies you don't need to contact your GP just ring your local hospital which performs the test and they will book you in.
It's so simple and could save your life.

dogsdinner Sat 23-Mar-19 10:20:14

I pay €30 and have one done each year on holiday. Dr talks me through after and gives me the xrays. Just walk in and get done. Wish same in UK.

jeanie99 Sat 23-Mar-19 10:21:23

Please pass this message onto your friends.

henetha Sat 23-Mar-19 10:24:27

Some areas have mobile breast screening units. There was one in our local car-park a couple of years ago, so I went in and asked if I could make an appointment. They said I had to do so through my doctor, so I did and then had the test a few days later.
I'm keeping an eye open for the next time the mobile unit appears.

maryeliza54 Sat 23-Mar-19 10:54:22

In my area for the under 70s the Screening service sends out the letters based on information from GP records. I’m in the over 70 trial as well so didn’t have to be proactive but yes contacting them ( the screening service) directly if you’re not in the automatic recall group is the right advice.

EllanVannin Sat 23-Mar-19 11:05:22

I was screened 4 years ago at 74 when I had a full body scan ( PET )via a mobile unit. It was done through Alliance medical at the request of a consultant who required a full diagnostic image.
I haven't bothered with any further appointments for breast screening.

Blinko Tue 26-Mar-19 11:29:19

I'll be 73 in 2020 and it will be three years since my last screening. I shall definitely request it to continue.

NanKate Tue 26-Mar-19 12:18:18

I’m 72 and recently had odd sensations in my left breast. I had had a clear mammogram about a year ago. My doctor agreed to give me a manual test which was painless and just meant that he presses down on every inch of my breasts in a systematic way. He said I had a couple of cysts that were often found in women of my age but no lumps, bumps, thickening, inverted skin, weeping from the nipple and that I was fine. I will arrange a mammogram when my 3 years is up.

I’s important to regularly check ourselves.

The sensations were to do with my Polymyalgia and have now gone.

Kilmun Tue 02-Apr-19 22:15:26

The last mammogram I had made them think that I had a large tumour but after an ultrasound couldn’t spot anything, I had six darts fired into my breast to take a biopsy and subsequently got a letter saying that it was just fatty tissue!