I wonder if anyone out there knows anything about the quality of mammograms. Last year I was chatting to a doctor and he told me that the newer mammogram machines were far more accurate at spoting changes in the breast. I had bc three years ago - and am just due for my yearly mammogram. I was treated privately and the hospital I use has got one of the oldest mammogram machines in our area.
Does anyone think I should ask to use the new machine at our local NHS hospital or the one at the other private hospital that is also much newer. Am I being silly??
Don’t really want to make a fool of myself with the consultant as he has been very supportive through all this.
Many thanks.
Caroline
Hi
At best they have been reported as being 80% “effective”.
As one of the 20% failed by mammography I refuse to attend for anything other than MRI and if it’s a matter of funding then it is worth paying for it or putting pressure on the PCT. I don’t plan to be failed twice …
To those of you with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations then NICE guidelines reocmmend MRI for the under 50s. I suppose the over 50s can go to h*ll? Anyway, mammography on BRCA1/2 is way less than 80% efficacious and if you’ve a family history of BC then NICE guidelines say you should be offered MRI surveillance.
Rant over.
Hi Ladies
Im 34 and brca 2 was dx in oct 07 and have never had any scans other than ultra sound and mammograms. When they did my bi-lateral masectomy and recon in dec 08 they found a small tumour in the “good” breast tissue that they took out but 2 months previous i had had my first annual mammogram which had come back clear. My hospital is supposed to have the latest stuff but it didnt show up my tumour. When i go back in june i will be pushing for all scans just to be on the safe side. If your not happy ask about it, if your consultant is supportive im sure he’ll understand your worries.
Take Care
Leslee x
Hi Leslee,
Hope you dont mind me asking, I had bilateral with no recon last July and am due for my yearly check up end of June, how do they do this? Do you know what I should ask for when I go?
thanks
Shirley
Hi Shirley,
Im not sure how they do the check up, i had my first annual mammogram before my op so i still had my boobs. It will be the first time ive seen my onc in June since end of radio last August. I was told by my conslutant that having the op would mean no more mammograms because theres no tissue to see, i think it will be to see how you feel, if there are any changes in your breasts and scars how your doing on any tablets ect. If your considering having recon they will prob talk to you about this then too. If you want any more info fire away i’ll help if i can and if i cant theres loads of lovely people on here who will.
Take Care
Leslee x
thanks Leslee, hope you get on OK when you go, mines end of June, lets us know how you get on
Shirley
x