Last November i had my final mammogram after 5 years of yearly checks. I was told i would now go onto the 3 year national register.
I have just had a letter inviting me to go for my NHS screening, which is now due.
It’s only been 8 months though, so i was wondering if i should postpone it or go anyway.
I have been a little concerned with an area in my breast and was thinking about going to get it checked.
Hi Shellbee - I would go anyway. When my 5 years of annual checks was over, I received my NHS one the year after anyway - it just fell that way as it was 6 years since my last NHS one (first invitation received just after my diagnosis). If nothing else, it will hopefully give you peace of mind on the area you are concerned about then you will get recalled every 3 years again. Good luck and hope all goes well for you x
Thank you JuSt,
I think I worry too much about the radiation side of mammograms, our bodies get so much of it, don’t they, going through treatment, and wondered if it was a bit soon. But yes, i think you’re right. If I go it will put my mind at rest about my concern.
1 Like
Hello shellbee
Thanks for posting. Even though it is only 8 months since your last mammogram, we would suggest that you still have your NHS breast screening which is due. As @JuSt says having your NHS screening will give you peace of mind and you will then be called every 3 years
You mention that you are concerned about exposure to radiation. It may reassure you to know that having a mammogram every 3 years for 20 years means being exposed to a small amount of radiation. Although this can very slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer in the future, the amount of radiation you are exposed to during a mammogram is very low, and you would receive a similar amount from a return flight between London and Australia.
In the meant time, if you are concerned about an area on your breast, we would also suggest you make an appointment to have this checked by your GP.
We encourage everyone to be breast aware. Being breast aware means getting to know what your breasts look and feel like normally (for you). This will then give you the confidence to notice and report any changes to your GP.
Whether you’ve had breast-conserving surgery or a mastectomy with or without reconstruction, it’s important to be aware of any changes to the breast, chest or surrounding area, even if you’re having follow-up appointments or regular mammograms.
Checking your breast or chest is simple and there’s no special way to check, as long as you check all of the breast or chest area, up to the collarbone and into the armpit. This information suggests the changes to look out for.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
We will be closed on Wednesday 18 June for our staff conference.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
We’re currently evaluating this service. If you’d like to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.
Best wishes
Angela
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.