Mammogram screening

[Phoenix]

I'm wondering how often you ladies do this?

My last one was approx. 5 years ago and I hated it! I tell myself I should have regular screening but I keep postponing the appointment. I am also concerned about the level of radiation.

What are your thoughts please?

 

[missy]

Hi Phoenix, my thoughts are do it. I have been doing it every year since my mid thirties. At the same visit I also get an ultrasound because my breasts are very dense and it is difficult to read the mammogram so they do a breast ultrasound in addition. In my opinion it's just not worth the risk of not doing it for the minor inconvenience it causes. I don't believe you get a significant amount of radiation with a mammography and IMO the benefit outweighs the risks.

While the statistics might show you don't need one every year (and depending on whom you ask what age you begin is also in question) that is cold comfort if you are the one that gets breast cancer. Statistics are just that and do not apply to every individual. The government is looking at cost/benefit ratio and making recommendations so take those recommendations with a grain of salt IMO. We are more than a statistic.

My gf who is now late 30's was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago (mid 30's) and the younger you are usually the more aggressive the cancer. She had a double mastectomy and radiation and chemo and she is doing well. She is currently undergoing breast reconstruction. However she found the lump herself called her doctor and then went in for a mammography and ultrasound where they found the lump and did the biopsy and found it was malignant. Thank goodness she is doing so well. The earlier you catch it the better the prognosis because as I wrote before breast cancer in young women tend to be more aggressive.

And perhaps even more important are self breast exams because studies/statistics show that more breast cancer is found by the women themselves. So if you are not doing it please start.

HTH and good luck!


PS There is a good show on PBS (in NY) that is called Second Opinion and recently I saw an episode on breast cancer in young women. I just found it on the internet. It was very good and comes from the perspective of a young woman who found a lump and went to her doctor and well here is the episode. Excellent show and you might find it informative.
http://secondopinion-tv.org/episode/breast-cancer-young-women-0

 

[makhro82]

I'm not "old" enough yet but given my family history I will be starting in a few years. My grandmother had her cancer detected early and it gave us seventeen more years and for that I'm very thankful.

 

[ksinger]

And just to keep things interesting, I'll chime in. I am very not of Missy's mindset. Unless there is some family history, I would not start mammograms in my 30's, and in retrospect, maybe not even my 40's. X-ray exposure IS cumulative over a lifetime : toss in the de rigueur chest x-ray for every time you set foot in a hospital for anything, a few more over a lifetime for suspected pneumonia, or spine problems, and a voluntary heart scan which is worth about 6 x-rays, well you see what I'm saying. I push back on such things, because doctors NEVER ask how many other doctors in your past have ordered x-rays or where. And I am very opposed to unnecessary tests and expensive procedures, which American doctors are absolutely in love with. I learned this lesson early - that the tests ordered often have little basis in anything other than doctors covering their butts legally, or they order certain tests reflexively and sometimes even in lieu of an actual exam. And yes, I have multiple personal experiences that have helped me develop those stances.

However, that said, I would certainly not eschew any testing at all simply because I found it unpleasant. I would certainly not wait 5 years between each one. Even I do a mammogram every 2 years, and have since I was 40. And I had one when I was 30 due to a problem (turned out to be nothing).

It's not an easy call, that's for sure. Many women are confused. I think many doctors are confused too. But difficult or confusing, you need to make yourself as informed as possible and then make your choice. Remember, any medical testing is driven (or should be) by odds - as in what are the odds that your set of characteristics (age,gender,race,genetics) is going to develop a condition, and then the odds of an improved outcome if you have the test, weighed against the chances of false positives. The stress and expense of false positives is not something to be taken lightly either. (Personal experiences there too) And as confusing as it is, guidelines can and should change in light of more information. It would be nice if we didn't have to make such calls, and everything was neat and tidy, but there it is.

This WebMD article with questions, is a pretty good starting point for becoming informed about the status of mammogram recommendations.
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/new-mammogram-screening-guidelines-faq

 

[SB621]

Being that I just turned 30 I'm not quite there yet to get yearly mammogram's but when I do- I will have them every year. I think early detection is key so the benefits outweight the risks for me.

 

[momhappy]

And just to keep things interesting, I'll chime in. I am very not of Missy's mindset. Unless there is some family history, I would not start mammograms in my 30's, and in retrospect, maybe not even my 40's. X-ray exposure IS cumulative over a lifetime : toss in the de rigueur chest x-ray for every time you set foot in a hospital for anything, a few more over a lifetime for suspected pneumonia, or spine problems, and a voluntary heart scan which is worth about 6 x-rays, well you see what I'm saying. I push back on such things, because doctors NEVER ask how many other doctors in your past have ordered x-rays or where. And I am very opposed to unnecessary tests and expensive procedures, which American doctors are absolutely in love with. I learned this lesson early - that the tests ordered often have little basis in anything other than doctors covering their butts legally, or they order certain tests reflexively and sometimes even in lieu of an actual exam. And yes, I have multiple personal experiences that have helped me develop those stances.

However, that said, I would certainly not eschew any testing at all simply because I found it unpleasant. I would certainly not wait 5 years between each one. Even I do a mammogram every 2 years, and have since I was 40. And I had one when I was 30 due to a problem (turned out to be nothing).

It's not an easy call, that's for sure. Many women are confused. I think many doctors are confused too. But difficult or confusing, you need to make yourself as informed as possible and then make your choice. Remember, any medical testing is driven (or should be) by odds - as in what are the odds that your set of characteristics (age,gender,race,genetics) is going to develop a condition, and then the odds of an improved outcome if you have the test, weighed against the chances of false positives. The stress and expense of false positives is not something to be taken lightly either. (Personal experiences there too) And as confusing as it is, guidelines can and should change in light of more information. It would be nice if we didn't have to make such calls, and everything was neat and tidy, but there it is.

This WebMD article with questions, is a pretty good starting point for becoming informed about the status of mammogram recommendations.
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/features/new-mammogram-screening-guidelines-faq

Good advice here and I agree.
I have had 2 in about the last 10 years (with the first one in my early 30s). Unless you are at an elevated risk, I wouldn't get one every year in your 30's and maybe not even 40s.

 

[TooPatient]

I've been following information on this subject the best I can. My family has a non-trivial amount of cancer and I want to be informed as I make decisions on my health. There is so much different information out there!

My paternal grandmother died of cancer. My maternal grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. My maternal grandfather has sarcoma (? -- the aggressive skin cancer). My paternal grandfather had melanoma and some other lumps. One great grandmother died of spinal cancer. Another had melanoma and then a different cancer later. (If you follow out a bit wider in my family tree there is a lot more!)

I spoke with my previous doctor and he said that even with my family history I shouldn't start until 40. Another suggested one at 30.
My new doctor is a wonderful woman. This will be a discussion I have with her in a few months at my annual exam.

Tests are often done WAY too often. I don't want to be going in for all sorts of unnecessary stuff (especially when it involves radiation) and the doctors do tend to add more and more if you aren't careful. BUT after watching cancer in so many people, I don't want to take any chances. It is WAY easier to treat a cancer that is caught early.

Personally, I am currently planning to have one at 30 even if it means fighting the doctor to get it done. Depending on those results I will probably do every 3 years until 40 and then go to every 2 years. Going to more often if there is the slightest indication that it would be beneficial.
I also have an annual exam by my regular doctor and check myself monthly.

 

[justginger]

I think yearly in your 30s is pretty intense. I know mammograms are generally strongly discouraged in women under 40 in Australia (and Paps are only every other year, as well). I had a bit of a lump a couple of years ago and the BreastScreen lady nearly choked when I told her I wanted a mammogram at 28. She literally refused me - said it did more damage than it was worth at that age and suggested an ultrasound instead. It was just a little cyst, went away before I even got to the ultrasound appt.

I have heard over and over how uncomfortable they are, Phoenix - you have my sympathies. But...5 years? It's best if you go. Treat yourself to a nice little reward when you're done.

 

[TooPatient]

I think yearly in your 30s is pretty intense. I know mammograms are generally strongly discouraged in women under 40 in Australia (and Paps are only every other year, as well). I had a bit of a lump a couple of years ago and the BreastScreen lady nearly choked when I told her I wanted a mammogram at 28. She literally refused me - said it did more damage than it was worth at that age and suggested an ultrasound instead. It was just a little cyst, went away before I even got to the ultrasound appt.

I have heard over and over how uncomfortable they are, Phoenix - you have my sympathies. But...5 years? It's best if you go. Treat yourself to a nice little reward when you're done.

Is there a reason why they do a traditional mammogram rather than ultrasounds? I remember hearing some years ago that the ultrasound was more expensive but I just sort of figured that had changed by now?

 

[iluvshinythings]

I had a baseline done at 35 and then one every year after the age of 40. There isn't a history of breast cancer in my family but I do have dense tissue and my doctor says that is the reason for the annual screening.

 

[ruby59]

Ultrasounds are usually done for women with very thick breast tissue. When I have mine done the screen is usually pointed in my direction. When you have all that "white" (dense tissue) lumps can sometimes be hidden. When I was younger, I had ultrasounds. The density will thin out during menopause , so I was switched back to mammograms.

For women without a family history, my gyno recommends a baseline at 40, and then yearly screenings. But the most important part is knowing how to check yourself, which you should be doing monthly.

Also the new machines make it much easier than the ones that used film. They do not need to squeeze as hard.

 

[Smith1942]

This is a very complicated question and everyone's situation is unique. Speaking for myself, I have a strong family history, with my mother currently dying of breast cancer (she's OK right now and doing well, it's under control and hopefully will be for a while yet; but it has spread to spine and pelvis) as did her mother before her. My mother is an only child, so if she had had a sister, it would be easier to calculate my genetic risk. But she doesn't. In addition, I've got other risk factors - Pill use, late childbearing, benign breast disease, previous fibroadenoma, been overweight in the past, quite possibly dense breasts, and more. The only thing in my favour is that I didn't start my periods too early.

Even so, 40 is seen as early to start in the UK. It's 50, shortly to come down to 47. In the US, even with my FH, it's still 40.

The trouble with frequent early tests is that mammos are known for detecting things which look suspicious and turn out to be not, which means lots of unnecessary biopsies, scarring and emotional stress. I'm not sure how much ultrasounds for dense breasts offset this, or if they have a high false positive rate too. I know that for someone who is really high risk, like I would be if my mother had had a sister and if that sister had also had it, or someone who possibly has dense breasts and FH, then MRIs are sometimes used. But then you're getting into the realm of really intense testing with all that that means (stress, expense, etc.).

So, I'm still not sure whether to get the mammos at 40 or wait a few years. (Please don't chime in with advice - I go to the amazing Breast Centre at MGH and I'll take their recommendations!)

Even with all my risk factors, I may never get it, whereas someone with no risk factors at all, might. The majority (something like 80%) of people who get breast cancer have no family history. There is a strong possibility that my mother's and grandmother's cancers were NOT connected genetically. My grandmother didn't get it till 80, so I'm not sure that counts in terms of extrapolating a genetic connection. We could have an undiscovered gene....or my grandmother's cancer could have been simply due to old age, and my mother's could have been due to chance.

I'm just trying to say that it's a really, really complicated question with so many variables for each woman, and I don't think it can be answered satisfactorily here.

 

[Begonia]

I'll go with you Phoenix - I'm on my way!

I hate all things medical, especially mammograms and physicals (with paps). For a quite a number of years I used to buy myself a really nice pair of earrings after my physical as a sort of light or beacon to get me through. I have quite a number of nice earrings. Now I just have to plan which earrings I'm going to buy, and then end up not buying them afterward.

I go yearly and am 47.

Grandma and Great Aunt died of breast cancer. Mum went 5 years ago with lymphoma. F**king cancer.

I'll pack a thermos of green tea and some nice cookies. Then we'll go get them earrings. Or maybe just look.

I'm on my way.

 

[tyty333]

Ive gone every year since I turned 40. I don't find them painful. A little uncomfortable - yes but not painful. May be
due to my super stretched out breast ( 3 kids...just sayin').

 

[justginger]

This is a very complicated question and everyone's situation is unique. Speaking for myself, I have a strong family history, with my mother currently dying of breast cancer (she's OK right now and doing well, it's under control and hopefully will be for a while yet; but it has spread to spine and pelvis) as did her mother before her. My mother is an only child, so if she had had a sister, it would be easier to calculate my genetic risk. But she doesn't. In addition, I've got other risk factors - Pill use, late childbearing, benign breast disease, previous fibroadenoma, been overweight in the past, quite possibly dense breasts, and more. The only thing in my favour is that I didn't start my periods too early.

Even so, 40 is seen as early to start in the UK. It's 50, shortly to come down to 47. In the US, even with my FH, it's still 40.

The trouble with frequent early tests is that mammos are known for detecting things which look suspicious and turn out to be not, which means lots of unnecessary biopsies, scarring and emotional stress. I'm not sure how much ultrasounds for dense breasts offset this, or if they have a high false positive rate too. I know that for someone who is really high risk, like I would be if my mother had had a sister and if that sister had also had it, or someone who possibly has dense breasts and FH, then MRIs are sometimes used. But then you're getting into the realm of really intense testing with all that that means (stress, expense, etc.).

So, I'm still not sure whether to get the mammos at 40 or wait a few years. (Please don't chime in with advice - I go to the amazing Breast Centre at MGH and I'll take their recommendations!)

Even with all my risk factors, I may never get it, whereas someone with no risk factors at all, might. The majority (something like 80%) of people who get breast cancer have no family history. There is a strong possibility that my mother's and grandmother's cancers were NOT connected genetically. My grandmother didn't get it till 80, so I'm not sure that counts in terms of extrapolating a genetic connection. We could have an undiscovered gene....or my grandmother's cancer could have been simply due to old age, and my mother's could have been due to chance.

I'm just trying to say that it's a really, really complicated question with so many variables for each woman, and I don't think it can be answered satisfactorily here.

Smith - have you considered being tested for BRCA1/2, with sch a strong immediate lineage?

And TP, I thought maybe you could do ultrasounds instead of mammograms too, but apparently they are different enough that it is not recommended for screening. Ultrasounds are used diagnostically, when the location of a lump is already known - it's hard to find something new with US, especially if there is a lot of tissue to cover. I was told mammogram = screen, ultrasound = differentiate, and then FNA/core bx for diagnosis.

 

[missy]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this yet but only a small percentage of people who are diagnosed with breast cancer actually have a family history of it.

I think yearly in your 30s is pretty intense. I know mammograms are generally strongly discouraged in women under 40 in Australia (and Paps are only every other year, as well). I had a bit of a lump a couple of years ago and the BreastScreen lady nearly choked when I told her I wanted a mammogram at 28. She literally refused me - said it did more damage than it was worth at that age and suggested an ultrasound instead. It was just a little cyst, went away before I even got to the ultrasound appt.

I have heard over and over how uncomfortable they are, Phoenix - you have my sympathies. But...5 years? It's best if you go. Treat yourself to a nice little reward when you're done.

Ginger, watch the show I linked in my first post here. This woman in her 20's felt a lump in her breast and went to her gyn who said she doesn't fool around with lumps and did an ultrasound and then mammography and then biopsy and it was a very aggressive breast cancer. So if you have a lump don't dismiss it whatever your age. Please get it checked by a gyn and please make sure they take it seriously. I personally know too many younger women who have had breast cancer. With no family history whatsoever.

And ladies, please always keep in mind that government recommendations are based on statistics because they are concerned with what serves the greatest percentage of individuals with spending the least amount of money. If you are the individual who gets breast cancer it is cold comfort indeed if you missed an early diagnosis. Know your breasts, do monthly self checks and make sure you get any lumps you find checked out. Also, find a doctor you trust and go by their recommendations and not so much by statistics. You don't want to be a statistic.

 

[Sparklelu]

No history of BC in my family. March1,1995 diagnosed with stage 2 infiltrating ductal carcinoma in my right breast. March 21,1995 my maternal first cousin was diagnosed with stage 2 infiltrating ductal carcinoma in her left breast. We are 6 months apart in age, both we 38 when diagnosed.
No mammos prior except for 1 ten years earlier to check out a lump, that was diagnosed as as cyst and if memory serves me was aspirated and determined to be "nothing" the same spot is where my tumor was.
I have a mammo on the left every year since. With ultra sounds if the find something hinky. Eight years ago we found a lump, biopsy proved negative.
No real advice, do what you and your doctor feel is best.

 

[FrekeChild]

My mom's mammogram missed her stage 4 lumps. They are far from being a guarantee.

 

[justginger]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this yet but only a small percentage of people who are diagnosed with breast cancer actually have a family history of it.

I think yearly in your 30s is pretty intense. I know mammograms are generally strongly discouraged in women under 40 in Australia (and Paps are only every other year, as well). I had a bit of a lump a couple of years ago and the BreastScreen lady nearly choked when I told her I wanted a mammogram at 28. She literally refused me - said it did more damage than it was worth at that age and suggested an ultrasound instead. It was just a little cyst, went away before I even got to the ultrasound appt.

I have heard over and over how uncomfortable they are, Phoenix - you have my sympathies. But...5 years? It's best if you go. Treat yourself to a nice little reward when you're done.

Ginger, watch the show I linked in my first post here. This woman in her 20's felt a lump in her breast and went to her gyn who said she doesn't fool around with lumps and did an ultrasound and then mammography and then biopsy and it was a very aggressive breast cancer. So if you have a lump don't dismiss it whatever your age. Please get it checked by a gyn and please make sure they take it seriously. I personally know too many younger women who have had breast cancer. With no family history whatsoever.

And ladies, please always keep in mind that government recommendations are based on statistics because they are concerned with what serves the greatest percentage of individuals with spending the least amount of money. If you are the individual who gets breast cancer it is cold comfort indeed if you missed an early diagnosis. Know your breasts, do monthly self checks and make sure you get any lumps you find checked out. Also, find a doctor you trust and go by their recommendations and not so much by statistics. You don't want to be a statistic.

I don't think this woman didn't take me seriously - she was an employee of the dedicated state BreastCancer center - she just thought a mammogram at my age would be damaging if unnecessary. So the ultrasound was to come first, and they would assess from there. The appt was only 6 days after I called and the cyst had subsided by then. It was likely a hormonal thing.

But I agree with what you're saying - anyone who thinks something is 'off' should INSIST on a proper check.

 

[missy]

My mom's mammogram missed her stage 4 lumps. They are far from being a guarantee.

They are but a tool in the arsenal against breast cancer Freke. That's where self breast exams come into play as well as ultrasounds and any other necessary testing. As I wrote they always do both mammos and ultrasounds on me every year because it is almost impossible to read the mammos due to my dense breast tissue but it is still an important tool. I am very sorry about your mom's stage 4 diagnosis. Cancer sucks.

Elisa- I hope you are doing well!

 

[missy]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this yet but only a small percentage of people who are diagnosed with breast cancer actually have a family history of it.

I think yearly in your 30s is pretty intense. I know mammograms are generally strongly discouraged in women under 40 in Australia (and Paps are only every other year, as well). I had a bit of a lump a couple of years ago and the BreastScreen lady nearly choked when I told her I wanted a mammogram at 28. She literally refused me - said it did more damage than it was worth at that age and suggested an ultrasound instead. It was just a little cyst, went away before I even got to the ultrasound appt.

I have heard over and over how uncomfortable they are, Phoenix - you have my sympathies. But...5 years? It's best if you go. Treat yourself to a nice little reward when you're done.

Ginger, watch the show I linked in my first post here. This woman in her 20's felt a lump in her breast and went to her gyn who said she doesn't fool around with lumps and did an ultrasound and then mammography and then biopsy and it was a very aggressive breast cancer. So if you have a lump don't dismiss it whatever your age. Please get it checked by a gyn and please make sure they take it seriously. I personally know too many younger women who have had breast cancer. With no family history whatsoever.

And ladies, please always keep in mind that government recommendations are based on statistics because they are concerned with what serves the greatest percentage of individuals with spending the least amount of money. If you are the individual who gets breast cancer it is cold comfort indeed if you missed an early diagnosis. Know your breasts, do monthly self checks and make sure you get any lumps you find checked out. Also, find a doctor you trust and go by their recommendations and not so much by statistics. You don't want to be a statistic.

I don't think this woman didn't take me seriously - she was an employee of the dedicated state BreastCancer center - she just thought a mammogram at my age would be damaging if unnecessary. So the ultrasound was to come first, and they would assess from there. The appt was only 6 days after I called and the cyst had subsided by then. It was likely a hormonal thing.

But I agree with what you're saying - anyone who thinks something is 'off' should INSIST on a proper check.

Ginger, I neglected to say I am so happy it turned out to be just a cyst!
And I agree, we need to listen to our gut. No matter whatever others might say. We are our own best advocate.

 

[FrekeChild]

My mom's mammogram missed her stage 4 lumps. They are far from being a guarantee.

They are but a tool in the arsenal against breast cancer Freke. That's where self breast exams come into play as well as ultrasounds and any other necessary testing. As I wrote they always do both mammos and ultrasounds on me every year because it is almost impossible to read the mammos due to my dense breast tissue but it is still an important tool. I am very sorry about your mom's stage 4 diagnosis. Cancer sucks.

She passed away almost 4 years ago. She was diagnosed originally in 2001, when she found the largest lump in a self exam, about a month after having a mammogram. She was about to be cleared after being in remission for 5 years, when they found it again, and after more than 3 years of battling it, she couldn't do it anymore.

So, my warning to all is to not rely on mammograms to let you know you are cancer free.

 

[missy]

My mom's mammogram missed her stage 4 lumps. They are far from being a guarantee.

They are but a tool in the arsenal against breast cancer Freke. That's where self breast exams come into play as well as ultrasounds and any other necessary testing. As I wrote they always do both mammos and ultrasounds on me every year because it is almost impossible to read the mammos due to my dense breast tissue but it is still an important tool. I am very sorry about your mom's stage 4 diagnosis. Cancer sucks.

She passed away almost 4 years ago. She was diagnosed originally in 2001, when she found the largest lump in a self exam, about a month after having a mammogram. She was about to be cleared after being in remission for 5 years, when they found it again, and after more than 3 years of battling it, she couldn't do it anymore.

So, my warning to all is to not rely on mammograms to let you know you are cancer free.

I am so sorry Freke.
That is wise advice to be sure. I have a healthy distrust of doctors and screenings etc. All one can do is the best they can with what they have available and if there is still a question in one's mind keep pushing/pursuing and doing whatever you can. Hugs to you.

 

[Sparklelu]

Missy-- I'm great! Just finished up with a revision of my implants and doing great. Cousin opted for a lumpectomy and chemo and radiation.( I did chemo mastectomy wTRAM FLAP. Reconstruction) she has a reoccur acne about 7 years later but is great now also.

FYI for you dense breast ladies a website chick full of info!! Who knew????
http://www.areyoudense.org

 

[missy]

Missy-- I'm great! Just finished up with a revision of my implants and doing great. Cousin opted for a lumpectomy and chemo and radiation.( I did chemo mastectomy wTRAM FLAP. Reconstruction) she has a reoccur acne about 7 years later but is great now also.

FYI for you dense breast ladies a website chick full of info!! Who knew????
http://www.areyoudense.org

So happy you are doing great Elisa!!!!! And thanks for the website.

 

[ksinger]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this yet but only a small percentage of people who are diagnosed with breast cancer actually have a family history of it.

I think yearly in your 30s is pretty intense. I know mammograms are generally strongly discouraged in women under 40 in Australia (and Paps are only every other year, as well). I had a bit of a lump a couple of years ago and the BreastScreen lady nearly choked when I told her I wanted a mammogram at 28. She literally refused me - said it did more damage than it was worth at that age and suggested an ultrasound instead. It was just a little cyst, went away before I even got to the ultrasound appt.

I have heard over and over how uncomfortable they are, Phoenix - you have my sympathies. But...5 years? It's best if you go. Treat yourself to a nice little reward when you're done.

Ginger, watch the show I linked in my first post here. This woman in her 20's felt a lump in her breast and went to her gyn who said she doesn't fool around with lumps and did an ultrasound and then mammography and then biopsy and it was a very aggressive breast cancer. So if you have a lump don't dismiss it whatever your age. Please get it checked by a gyn and please make sure they take it seriously. I personally know too many younger women who have had breast cancer. With no family history whatsoever.

And ladies, please always keep in mind that government recommendations are based on statistics because they are concerned with what serves the greatest percentage of individuals with spending the least amount of money. If you are the individual who gets breast cancer it is cold comfort indeed if you missed an early diagnosis. Know your breasts, do monthly self checks and make sure you get any lumps you find checked out. Also, find a doctor you trust and go by their recommendations and not so much by statistics. You don't want to be a statistic.

And yet, the risks of overdiagnosis (of a cancer that was never going to kill you in the first place - and those DO exist) and/or overkill on treatment is very real and NOT inconsequential.

I wrote above that I'd had a mammogram (and an ultrasound) when I was 30 for a problem - I had pain in one breast, that ultimately turned out to be nothing. What I did NOT mention was how we found out it was nothing. I remember the wording from the radiologist's report very well to this day, no abnormalities found, but "because 4-8% of breast cancers are radiographically occult, biopsy is recommended." And I, being a dutiful (if freaked out) 30 year old, called to set up my biopsy. On the phone, I said, "So this is going to be some sort of needle biopsy, right?", to which the woman replied, "Oh, no, you're recommended for an excisional biopsy." I nearly slipped a cog. EXCISIONAL?? You don't have to be a doc to figure out what excisional means. So I did NOT schedule but went home even MORE freaked out. What pray, were they suggesting be excised? (x marks the spot...sort of) cut cut cut...oops, nothing there..cut cut cut...oops, repeat. There was N.O.T.H.I.N.G found, so wth?? So while freaking with friends, one older and wiser gal said, "Why don't you find someone who specializes in diagnostics only, someone with no ingrained view that cutting is the first choice." I jumped on it and found the top breast diagnostician in our area (by calling my ex-boyfriend/current-husband's mother, who had had lymphoma) , and went, films in hand, to see her. Of course by this time, I'm pretty defensive, so when they tried to hustle me into the mammogram room I was like, "What are you doing?" and the tech said, "You are going to have a mammogram.", to which I replied 'NO, I'm NOT. You have the films I brought, because I'm not having 2 mammograms in one week." She said, "Well, we can't vouch for someone else's films.", and I just said, "Well, that's too bad, because you're going to have to deal with what you have."

So, after the other ultrasound, manual exam by the doc, and a thermagram (controversial but she did them) and her reading the films, she found 2 fluid-filled cysts (in the location in question) that the original sonogram had missed, nothing more. She told me to try cutting out caffeine and sent me on my way. Twenty years later I'm still here, and un-cut. But make no mistake, if I had been a "compliant patient", I'd have undergone the expense, pain, and possible disfigurement of a VERY unnecessary surgery. And subequently, more recently, I had a false positive - like so many women - for which I did decide to have the needle biopsy - another unpleasant procedure.

I believe mammograms are good tools, I just don't have believe they are anything close to a holy grail, and having them is far from risk, pain, worry , or expense free, as my experiences demonstrates. And bucking a doctor is hard. I'm something of a pro, with a good track record of bucking wisely and deferring wisely. But they are supposed to be the experts, yet often you have to second-guess them. It's wearying trying to determine whether your own spidey-sense is really that good, or whether the doctor is better, because they blithely order this and that with zero thought as to the cost to YOU in money, pain, recovery time, or in peace of mind.

As for cold comfort, well, having already had cancer (non-breast variety: I was the wrong sex, age, gender and had no risk factors), I have no illusions that more screeningscreeningscreening is going to do me better than some judicious screening. I'm not a big one for the false security extra screening seems to provide, and I've already been down the "what did I DO wrong??" rabbit hole. And believe me, if you ever get any kind of cancer, in our culture, where we're hammered daily with the idea that lifestyle is everthing and that WE could have done something to prevent it (vitamins, exercise, vegan, whatever, just DO something), the first irrational thing through your mind will be that YOU failed somehow. THAT is a huge waste of time I can tell ya.

 

[Sky56]

Too many false positives for my type - dense breasts. Beat me with a wet noodle, but I never had a mammogram and I am almost 58. Physically healthy my whole life except for an occasional cold. I stay out of doctors' offices, but would go in if I present symptoms.

 

[packrat]

I've asked a few times and been told not to worry about it yet. My aunt had breast cancer and had the lymph nodes removed on one side rather than a mastectomy. She had chemo for several weeks as well. On that side of the family, my gramma's sister died of breast cancer and there is a lot of skin cancer there..don't know if that has any bearing on anything, but Dr has never seemed concerned. I'm going to be 39 and have asked for about 5 or so years now and just get meh, no biggee. I check on my own for now.

 

[ksinger]

"...I was the wrong sex, age, gender and...."

Really? Wow, sex AND gender. Clearly I'm tired AND stupid....

 

[CJ2008]

I don't do the monthly self-exams but you guys are inspiring me...are there any good websites/explanations of how to do one?