Ladies over 70 yrs breast sceening test

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Please pass this message onto your friends.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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..

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.

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

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.

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