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Breast screening. Shall I go or not?

(87 Posts)
kathsue Fri 05-Jun-20 13:16:58

I had an appointment for a mammogram the first week of lockdown which, of sourse, was cancelled. I've just had another appointment letter for next Tuesday. There are the usual precautions like going alone, using hand sanitiser and wearing a mask but I'm not sure whether to go or not.

I'm not in the very vulnerable group but I'm nearly 70, I have ms and high blood pressure so I've been very cautious so far. Part of me thinks it's not worth the risk but part of me wants to get it done while its available.

Any advice please.

GrannyGravy13 Fri 05-Jun-20 13:23:02

In your situation I would go.

There is a Proffesor of Oncology who is trying to encourage everyone to go for screening whenever /wherever possible.

Kate54 Fri 05-Jun-20 13:24:45

Go. Absolutely.

SueDonim Fri 05-Jun-20 13:25:34

I’d go. They will be well set up for keeping you safe.

Lucca Fri 05-Jun-20 13:43:53

As a breast cancer survivor (sounds a bit dramatic sorry !) I’d say absolutely yes you should go !!

pensionpat Fri 05-Jun-20 13:45:35

Go. Go. Go. Another survivor here.

Elegran Fri 05-Jun-20 14:27:50

Go!

Teetime Fri 05-Jun-20 14:31:00

Definitely go they will take care of you.

tanith Fri 05-Jun-20 14:38:28

Definitely go it will be fine.

kathsue Fri 05-Jun-20 14:42:28

Well , the advice is unanimous. Looks like I'll be going!
Just need to make myself a mask/face covering now.
Thank you all.

Charleygirl5 Fri 05-Jun-20 14:42:56

Please go!

Pippet Sat 06-Jun-20 09:36:44

Go every time. Scary I know but as you say the staff will protect you. Straight there and straight back. Best wishes

Ladyleftfieldlover Sat 06-Jun-20 09:37:20

I was in a similar position. Annual mammogram cancelled in March but appointment remade for a couple of weeks ago. I went and await the results.

Kate63 Sat 06-Jun-20 09:40:42

Please go, I too am a survivor. The hospitals are organised to keep you as safe as possible.

Shropshirelass Sat 06-Jun-20 09:46:13

Yes, you must go. Everything will be clean and safe for you. It is essential to have breast screening.

Mollygo Sat 06-Jun-20 09:47:33

Go. The hospital will be set up with all they need to keep you safe.

Daisyboots Sat 06-Jun-20 09:51:46

Definitely you should go and all precautions will be taken to keep you safe. Also I believe that after the age of 70 automatic recalls are no longer sent you have to arrange it yourself.

Puzzler61 Sat 06-Jun-20 09:54:41

It’s a Yes from me.
Several family members have been to or stayed in hospital over last 12 weeks (not Covid related thank goodness) and reported back how impressed they have been with precautions in place to make patients feel safe. Good Luck ?

Paperbackwriter Sat 06-Jun-20 09:59:30

My husband has recently been to our surgery for a vaccination (pneumonia) and again for an ECG. All precautions were in place, plenty of PPE and distancing. Do go - it'll be fine.

Patticake123 Sat 06-Jun-20 09:59:54

Go, gal, go!

rizlett Sat 06-Jun-20 10:01:38

It sounds like you are taking the time to consider your options OP.

It's likely the risk of contracting Covid is low as you will probably be given a mask and the staff will be masked.

Your risk may be increased if you travel on public transport to get there.

It would be important if you do go to ensure increased hand washing.

Maybe in the circumstances it might consider declining this one at this time but requesting they send you another apppointment next year especially if there is no history of breast cancer in your family.

Perhaps look at the risk of getting breast cancer at your age with your lifestyle.

Do you self check as that will also lower your risk.

It might be worth checking on a breast cancer charity website to see what advice they would offer regarding routine mammograms.

The usual age for screening to cease is 71 although there are trials in the UK offering up to the age of 73.

47girl Sat 06-Jun-20 10:04:28

Definitely go, I’m 73 and intend to carry on having mammograms every 3years. I rang up and went before lockdown. It’s important because it affects my age group more.
The staff will make sure you’re safe.

tinytears Sat 06-Jun-20 10:05:40

I am due mine this year and was wondering the same thing about whether it would be safe to go, after much consideration I now know that I will definitely have it done as I feel confident that all safety measures will be in place when I go for the screening.

sunshine57 Sat 06-Jun-20 10:05:42

Please go to your appointment.
I have had breast cancer twice and a double mastectomy.
Second cancer was picked up at yearly mammogram.This appeared between one mammogram and the next one.

To everyone- please get checked- it is a life saver.

silverlining48 Sat 06-Jun-20 10:07:35

I am 71 and trying to get an appointment but despite ringing again am still waiting for a date. Definitely go.