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[rosebrid]

I have been invited for my first mammogram this month. I am uncertain as to whether to take it up in regard to potential radiation risks and risks of over diagnosis. There is no history of breast cancer in my family. Can people advise as to their experiences and opinions without judgement as I will take on board all opinions.

[Nas]

Hello,
I would most definitely be going for the mammogram.

Mammograms can help
save lives with early detection.

I am unclear what you mean about potential radiation risks and risks of over diagnosis?

[rosebrid]

The information leaflet enclosed is quite clear that some women may embark on a course of treatment that is not needed due to a cancer that would never have become life threatening. And also a mammogram every three years does increase the risk of cancer albeit slightly

[Nas]

I think patient information leaflets have to include these risks. Same with most medications.

I would imagine it would be rare for a person to have to undergo unnecessary treatment for a non life threatening cancer. Many discussions amongst medics and the patient are to be had, before any treatment begins. Plus you have the right to decline treatment if you decide the risks outweigh the benefits.

[sheila99]

I think the risks of not going are far greater than the risk of going. The nhs doesn't spend £££ for screening programs that don't save lives.

[Nas]

I think the risks of not going are far greater than the risk of going. The nhs doesn't spend £££ for screening programs that don't save lives.

Agree 100%

The screening programmes are there for a reason. And with respect, how would you feel if the NHS announced that they were going to withdraw all mammogram procedures? The procedures which potentiality save lives.

[Aprilflower]

I have been invited for my first mammogram this month. I am uncertain as to whether to take it up in regard to potential radiation risks and risks of over diagnosis. There is no history of breast cancer in my family. Can people advise as to their experiences and opinions without judgement as I will take on board all opinions.

I think the risk of over treatment refers to DCIS, or stage zero.  This is because they really can't tell which will go on to be life threatening.  Not even the highest grade of DCIS always becomes dangerous.  Women with low grade are now offered monitoring instead of treatment.

However,  why take the risk.  Life is dangerous and none of us survive, but the trick is to take every opportunity to stay as fit and healthy for as long as possible.

Mammogrames are low dose radiation.  You probably get more going through airport security.

[bombsh3ll]

I think your concerns are valid, and although I personally would have chosen to go for mammograms had I not been fortunate enough to access risk reducing mastectomies based on my family history, I know it would have had a profoundly negative impact on my mental health.

You may find the following talk by Professor Baum interesting;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n5hXe8fJ8g

I do not agree with all of the sentiments expressed in this video, particularly the anti-mastectomy stance, however he does have a point about the characteristics of tumours typically picked up on screening i.e. indolent and slow growing, vs the aggressive cancers that develop and spread quickly within the 3 year interval, and also that there are many false positives and non-lethal tumours picked up.

[MummyClanger]

I think that in time they will come up with a better screening system and I do remember reading about all the risks with the leaflet included for my last mammogram. I don’t discount the radiation exposure but I have quite lumpy breast tissue I think they call it fibrous and I’m not sure I would spot a lump if it was small. I don’t have any family history either, however a friend who didn’t have any family history was  diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer from a mammogram. She said that she regularly examined her breasts and just didn’t pick this up. It was so tiny. She’s now five years post cancer after chemo and double mastectomy. But like everything you have to weigh it up yourself.

[Terri123]

No family history of breast cancer for me either, didn't stop me getting it at age 46.  Many breast cancers are not related to family history.  I wish routine screening had started earlier as it may have saved me having to have all that aggressive treatment.

The radiation exposure is no more than going on a few flights.

Your body, your choice.

[CLKD]

We sit in front of TV and computer screens without thinking ?

My lump felt on palpation never showed on mammogram.  It never stopped me going for regular screening nor have I ever worried about exposure.

[Miss Sunshine]

I was like you and had read so much about radiation exposure and over diagnosis.  I have no family history.   However as a vigilant checker and over checker, I still would never have felt my dcis.  Only mammogram picked it up.  It was a high grade and I still could have decided to walk away and take my chances.  Mine showed up as micro calcifications.  I've had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.  None of the treatment was hard.  Emotionally it's all taken it's toll.  I was worried about radiation exposure but when something like this shows up you are exposed to much more radiation because of the need to do biopsies etc.  I asked about this and was assured it was all still within safe limits.  My surgeon told me my dcis may never become invasive but it's strange how easy it is to not worry until you know it's in your body and suddenly the thoughts of  over diagnosis gets put to one side and you just want it out of your body.  Mammograms are not perfect but for now they are the best we have.  Ultimately it's up to you.