Mammogram

I'm 75 and I requested one when I was 73. I'll request another next year.

Although today's mammogram was technically my last at 69, I intend to continue having them if possible.

"No longer" not "no long".

I expected being called for a mammogram would end when I was 65, but that was the year that the age was extended to 70, so I went for one at 66. I was recalled for "probably technical reasons" but ultrasound revealed a DCIS.

I had had no symptoms and the consultant could not feel any lump. I have had no recurrence, but if I had not had that extra mammogram, it would soon have broken through the milk duct in which it was situated and no long been "in situ".

We are very lucky to have the chance to diagnose breast cancer even before it shows any symptoms. We should take advantage of our good fortune.

tv agony aunt deidre sanders mentioned the importance of having mammograms, this morning.
both her incidents of breast cancer were discovered this way, she had no symptoms.

Sitting waiting for what shoiuld be my last.

You can now request yearly mammograms from age 70 as reported on ITV1 this morning 🤞

I have been inspired by this thread to book a mammogram for myself as it has been seven years since I had one. I have just rung up and have been offered one tomorrow morning. I couldn’t believe it. Are women not taking up their routine appointments I wonder.

keepingquiet

2507C0

Is it same for cervical screening? Can you request these after the cut off age too?

I think cervical screening ends at 65 but I could be wrong. I suppose there are medical reasons for this, mainly because the risk of cervical cancer reduces as you get older?

I'm not sure if you can request screening, best to ask your surgery I'd think. I was told that if no abnormal changes have been detected by 65, in the very unlikely event you did develop it, the time for it to become life threatening is likely beyond life expectancy. That was by a doctor who knew my full cancer history. I was just relieved not to have any more smear tests but continue having mammograms.

When I reached the cut off point I had my ' last' mammogram. The lady on the reception desk said " you will not longer be given an appointment for a mammogram but you must keep coming" She handed me the phone number and since then I have telephoned and been given an appointment. It is essential that women keep attending for breast screening.

I rang the number for our local centre a few weeks ago to request a mammogram (I am 79), and was offered one the same day!
Got the result by letter 8 days later, all clear.
I think it's important to continue having them, although I do self-check every month.

i had one in 2023 at the age of 76 and will ring for an appointment in 2026 to have another.
my daughter died in april 2023 at the age of 52 from metastised breast cancer so i think it is important to have a mammogram every three years.

A Radiologist told me to keep on having one every 2 years even
if we are told not to bother.

It is very important. I haven’t had one since turning 70, I’m now 74 and have no one in immediate or extend family that I know of that have had breast cancer. My mum and older sister had bowel cancer so I was regularly screened for that until FIT test. Just this week I had to attend Breast Clinic as I found a lump whilst on holiday in France in mid August. I have had mammogram, scan and biopsy and consult thinks there is a strong possibility I have breast cancer. Now have to wait two weeks for results. Never give up on having a mammogram what ever age you are.

Definitely yes. I "failed" mine in 2019 and had to have biopsy then a wider angle clearance. There was no further spread and I've now had five annual mammos as a precaution, all clear. Age 70 is an arbitrary government cut-off.

I'm being treated for breast cancer, a lump discovered recently following a screening which I requested, as over 71. I had no awareness, and luckily, it has been caught in time and has been dealt with quickly by NHS Tayside. Can't fault the treatment and feel so grateful to all the staff involved in this. In fact, yesterday I was in hospital for another excision to cover another small area. So, yes, definitely request a screening.

2507C0

Is it same for cervical screening? Can you request these after the cut off age too?

I think cervical screening ends at 65 but I could be wrong. I suppose there are medical reasons for this, mainly because the risk of cervical cancer reduces as you get older?

My stepmother was treated for breast cancer in her 80s, it was found because she was still having (requested) mammograms

I would like to thank everyone who replied . You have all made me realize how important it is to continue to get checked. I will make an appointment.

Is it same for cervical screening? Can you request these after the cut off age too?

There’s no doubt that mammograms are essential, but sadly not all cancers are detected by them.

It’s vital that we check ourselves regularly and look for signs of any changes to the skin.
Early detection of inflammatory breast cancer is critical.

I have been given a number to call to request one in 3 years time as I will be over 70. Yes, I think it is really important. A close friend has just died of breast cancer, she was 2 years older than me.

Good luck Dinahmo 💐

My mum was 80 when she developed breast cancer, so I intend to carry on having mammograms for as long as I can.

silverlining48

Hope all goes well with your operation Dinahmo

Thank you