NHS 3 yearly routine mammogram

Reported

I suffer with extreme health anxiety anyway, so my mammagram is a very difficult time for me. I have had lots of therapy and i try hard but I know my family suffer when I dont function. I worry that if something was found I would just crumble, what quality of life would that be, for ever thinking it would come back.
I do go each time but feel so bad.

Health anxiety must be a horrible thing to endure, and it must surely defy logic.
Hiding from something that could save your life, and worrying that if they find breast cancer and treat it successfully, that it will come back. They need to find it first to save you.
My life was saved by a routine mammogram which found BC so far back that it couldn't be felt. It had already spread to my lymph nodes. Surgery, chemo and radiotherapy eleven years ago now. I know there are others like me on here who will tell you the same as me, please go for your mammogram.
And yes, BC whispers in your ear, but you have to conquer the fear.

Thank you, I will.

I too think my life would just fall apart if I even got a recall this has been one of the worst weeks of my life I have just gone to bits this is my third one and the anxiety has got worse with each one this time it’s on another level

Yes, mine too. I told myself I wouldn't put myself through it again, but I worry about not doing it just as much. I argue with myself.
Best wishes

Is there counselling or some form of therapy you could have to help?

If I am having a routine test then I wouldn't worry. If it was because of a health problem I would be concerned and thinking about it until the results came through.
The problem we have had, my husband and I is having to wait sometimes over a month for results.
I have a US test next week which is not routine but monitoring so I will be glad when the result comes.
The one thing I hate is the routine monitoring I have testing my heart valves and Echo-cardiogram. It can be a male or female technician. I only want a female to do it and when I asked last year they said it is who is on the rota. I told my daughter I just couldn't go through with it again with a male technician. She rang up the hospital and they agreed that a lady would do the test. I've started worrying already as I am due for the test any day now.

I'm not worried about the outcome of tests, it's having them done that terrifies me. (If they're invasive ones)

I’m currently having some cbt but it’s not working for me the anxiety is just so strong I am going to ring the clinic and the gp when they open as I can’t carry on like this ???

I am sitting here waiting for my daughter to take me for mammagram. I have not for a few days, my mouth is so dry, and fear has consumed me. I am trying to google if i have it done can i tell them i dont want results if its too much for me to wait. I need a get out clause.

I have rang the clinic and the images haven’t been looked at yet I’m looking at at least another two weeks wait I really don’t know how I’ll manage I already feel so awful

I have an appointment at a mobile unit next week. I am 80 and have been attending these appointments every three years since I was in my thirties. However, last year due to a routine operation which then led to a seizure and ITU I was not well enough to attend. I rang a few weeks ago and now have this appointment which is really worrying me. As said before it is the waiting time and basically I don’t want the stress. I have even considered cancelling it. The last time I went I asked if I should go again because of my age and was told I should as the risks increase with age. My real fear is hearing about the long waits for treatment if something wrong is detected and the hospital thinking at 80 81 soon I should go to the back of the queue or not bother with me. It’s the stress that I don’t want as I have experienced too much of it in the last few years and just want a peaceful state of mind for awhile. I’m in a quandary as if I don’t go it will be probably bothering me that I didn’t.

Im sure to say, that unless I had had treatment before, and if I live long enough, I will not be going then!
The anxiety for me is just too much.
I would concentrate on feeling well and enjoying your life.

My mother's mammogram saved her life as it picked up on cell changes. I attend mine, but just try to put it out of my head. Like others I have normally forgot, then the letter arrives. Same with the bowel cancer test. There is breast cancer within my family, but I just try not to think about it. We are fortunate to have testing here.

I had a routine three yearly mammogram a couple of weeks ago and currently waiting for the result. I have never been unduly anxious before but this time the mammographer called a colleague in to have a look at the screen ?. I know logically that it probably means nothing and a doctor reviews the films but I must admit to feeling a little edgy this time.

When I was first called at age 50 years I cancelled the appointment because prior to that I had had investigations (ultrasound and biopsy) for breast lump, benign thankfully, and the state I got myself into was terrifying. I was in living in Germany the next time I was due so missed that too. I managed to drag myself to the next mammogram 3 years later - all clear. To my utter shame I bottled out of the next 2, using Covid as an excuse for 1 of them. I have just had a mammogram after cancelling and remaking the appointment 4 times! The results came last Saturday, all clear, I feel that I have won the lottery. No idea how I will feel when called for the next one. My heart sinks when I read of breakthroughs in diagnosing very early cancers with regular blood tests, easier screening etc. I just have no idea how I would cope with them all. Stupid I know but it is surprising after reading these comments how common and real this fear is. I could not forget that the results are due, they are on my mind every second of the day.

Those over the age of recall who opted to have further mammograms, are pleased they have done so? It would put your mind at rest I guess, even if it meant further anxiety waiting for the results.

Ive done it.

Well done Angjan!
Hope it wasn't too uncomfortable for you, and good luck for the waiting time. You've done the right thing, be proud of yourself!

Thank you, I needed that.

Well done Angjan! I've had a routine invitation today, I'm 58 this year and have never had a mammogram, putting my first invitation off and then not being recalled until now - the appointment's in May. I'm not sure if I can face going - through fear and then worry waiting for results. I'm busy reading up on the pros and cons of mammograms (surprisingly there are cons!). I'd tell my daughter to go, but don't know if I want the stress and anxiety. I examine myself and BC isnt in my family, I'm not on HRT either. Decision time! I admire all the women who go with no second thought!???

Thank you very much. Not in the best place now. But hanging in there.

I wonder if any of you ladies who've had a mammogram can tell me honestly what it involves, etc, plus is it as painful as I imagine?

Hollyhock in my experience not painful at all, just a slight discomfort over very quickly. Wish all tests were as easy! I’m over the age of recall now but will still opt to have them done.