Breast screening for over 70s

me2u

I have not had a mammogram since the age of 70. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week.

So sorry to hear.

You are a prime example of why we should not let the NHS write us off at 70.

You can request and it varies. I elected a routine at 73 and got it. (Lump found, with immediate follow-up as benign) Now, in my area, I cannot self-elect, but it is easy to get referred but only because of my history.

Best wishes, I hope all goes well xx

I've requested it ever since I was over the age to be called. It's always done in our local Tesco carpark so quite convenient while I drive. I think it's every three years - it's on my paperwork and I jot it down in my diary when I should ring and book it.

I’ve just had my last routine one, I’m 69 and asked if I could have one into my 70’s. Like you I saved the number and have put it in my outlook calendar

Not sure if it's all of England but once I hit 70 I stopped getting invites. I called and booked when I hit 73, no probs. Unfortunately with the smear that stops at 64 and you can't get another on the NHS. If you have problems in that area u have to get a gynae referral from your GP

Yes, I request screening in my 70s, because my mum got breast cancer in her 70s.
When I used to take her to hospital there were loads of ladies over 70 with it.
I don’t understand why they stop doing them at that age

Given that risk of breast cancer actually increases with age, and half of all deaths from breast cancer are in women over 70, I think it is very important to keep having them. In fact, I don't really see why the NHS stops screening just at the age when risk goes up. I think most people are capable of weighing up the risk of over diagnosis versus the risk of dying from the disease.

I'm 73 and discovered this year that I can book myself in. I rang and was given an appointment for 2 weeks later. Good service.

I requested screening myself in 2023. Not because of anything that I was concerned about, but because I was 75, and hadn’t had a mammogram for five years. In other words, precautionary. I was recalled after the mammogram, and had a biopsy. Luckily, it turned out to be nothing to worry about. I was told then, to be sure to request another mammogram in three years time, which I did. I had it a few weeks ago, and no follow up required.

Hi.
Yes 2 years ago I requested a mammogram.
I was 72. Found breast cancer stage 1.
Put through the 2 week protocol and surgery then radiotherapy. Which was not nice.
Took a while to recover as other health issues but had 2nd year mammogram in January and given a clear!
Three more to go. 🙏🏻🤞🙏🏻💐

You can just ring them to book one when you are past 70.

I'm over 80 and recently decided to be screened. all done within 10 days

me2u

I have not had a mammogram since the age of 70. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with breast cancer last week.

That’s awful.

I am 73 and knew I wouldn’t automatically be called so I rang up in May and got an appointment within two weeks. All was well I’m pleased to say.

At my screening aged 69 i was given a little card with contact details on it to book future tests , I’ve since had two scans, with my next one due 2027. In this day and age we are having to become more responsible for our own health. I’ve never had to wait more than two weeks for my scans held at a unit in the local Tesco car park.

I ring every. 3 years and have been given an appointment without a problem.

Thank you everyone for your kind words and encouragement for tomorrow, I need that! Will let you know the outcome. It's just so daunting.

I requested it last year and got an appointment no problem. Fortunately clear but I will go again in a few years.

me2u, thinking of you. I went through the same in 2024/25. The outcome is hugely successful these days, hope you have encouraging news from your biopsies.

Yes, it is worth requesting a screening and it is relatively easy to book one.
Best wishes me2u, and to anyone else who needs them, whether you have posted or not.

✨️ ✨️ 🙏

I requested one after I turned 70. Hopefully will keep having them, it was a simple process to telephone and get booked in.

I had a breast cyst removed a few years ago.
I am well over 70 now and so, will not automatically be screened.
However, my much older sister had Breast Cancer at 83. I am a few years younger . Since my cyst removal, I have not had any follow-up.
This thread has reminded me to request a mammogram. Life gets in the way and these things go to the back of your mind and stays there , until something like this crops up.

It's natural to feel apprehensive me2u but treatments today are so much more advanced. Be kind to yourself as you would be to others. It's OK to feel anger, fear, dread, hope and a million other emotions. I really hope that on Monday the results and any treatment going forward give you some comfort that all will be well. I'll not sugar coat it, some of the treatment is unpleasant, others are pretty horrible but if the end result is elimination of the cancer then it's worth every bit of it. Sending positive vibes and best wishes to you. When you feel able it would be good to hear what your journey going forward will be. Take care x

Thank you Rosie51, its quite a shock and I don't know yet the result of the biopsies. So don't know what treatment I will need. I feel apprehensive. Will know on Monday.
So glad you're over the worst and now being routinely monitored. I wish you well.

Sorry to hear that me2u I hope you have successful treatment and recover well

I've had breast cancer, quite unusual as I had invasive lobular and ductal cancers in the same breast. The lumps were so deep in my rather large breasts they were only picked up by a routine mammogram. I've been incredibly lucky and my cancer was treated with surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. I've had mammograms every year since and will shortly be put on bi-annual mammograms for the rest of my life. Any woman over the age of 70 can request a mammogram every 3 years and I'd advise all women to take advantage of this screening.
TakeThat7 have you been told your mammograms will cease at 70? My local health authority certainly don't stop then but do lengthen the gap to 2 years.