Hi please could one of the specialist nurses help me out , i’ve got a bit of a query regarding safety of mammograms, how long a gap should you leave or is safe between a mammogram? For example is it safe to have a mammogram after 15 months from the first one? And regarding breast ultrasounds, again is there any time limits or gaps or are breast ultrasounds 100% safe?
I would be very grateful if one of the nurses could get back to me.
thanks
Hello Rainbow,
Just wanted to let you know, we have all been there and now we are here for you, I can’t help with your questions, however feel sure one of the Breast Cancer Nurses will post a reply to you very soon.
Take good care, try not to worry (easy for me to say) I always say one day at a time. Wishing you health and happiness going forward.
big hugs Tili 
Hello rainbow786
Thank you for your post asking about the safety of mammograms and ultrasounds.
As @Tili says it can be a worrying time and some people do feel anxious about the risk of having a mammogram and the amount of radiation used. However, although a mammogram is an x-ray of the breast, it only delivers a very low dose of radiation. When you have a mammogram, special care is taken to make sure that the lowest dose of radiation is used whilst still creating a clear image. Mammography machines have a daily quality check to ensure the delivery of a consistent radiation dose. The level of radiation from having a mammogram does not significantly increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast ultrasound is a very safe test that doesn’t involve radiation and there are usually no side effects.
People are advised to have mammograms and ultrasounds dependant on their individual situation and the frequency of these tests can vary. For example, if your treatment team have advised to have a mammogram after 15 months from the last one, they would have looked into the benefit and risk before advising this.
However, you can discuss any concerns you have with your treatment team, or breast care nurse if you have one, or with your GP.
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Stephanie
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