Annual Mammogram?

[Haydon2012]

Hello, I had bilateral Breast Cancer in 2012, Lumpectomy's, Chemotherapy, Herceptin Radiotherapy and Letrozole for 10 years. I had annual mammograms and this year was told it would be my last one annually and now would be asked to go every three years. I was also told that where both my cancers were are in a place where Mammograms are difficult to pick up. I am worried to leave it every three years, and asked if I could pay for one annually but the nurse said that having a mammogram every year also has it’s risks of radiation. I have had Thyroid Cancer too and radiation can cause this.

What are your thoughts on this.

[Lucifair]

Fantastic that you have gone 10years all clear. I am due my first mammogram post lumpectomy, chemo, radiotherapy and herceptin in January and I am already worrying about it. If I was you I would pay and have one either annually or every 18months. I agree 3 years is too long.

[Haydon2012 in reply to Lucifair]

Hi Lucifair I won’t reach my 10 years until 2022. I am confused as to why I have now gone on to every three years.

[Lucifair in reply to Haydon2012]

I am sure they have told me its every year for five years

[Jennymary]

I had lumpectomies and radio in 2013/2014 (no chemo), I've had mammograms every year for five years, final one 2018, I'm now every other year before going every 3 yrs so this has been my first year without one but I know I only have to ring my breast clinic if I thought something was wrong

[scarlet12]

Could you have an ultrasound privately each year instead of a mammogram? I think this is what I would want to do.

[Haydon2012 in reply to scarlet12]

Hi yes I have asked but I never get a straight answer. I will definitely be asking again.

[scarlet12 in reply to Haydon2012]

You could maybe go through your GP. Explain your concerns and say you'd like to continue annual monitoring and would like to do so without the radiation risk. I think this is what I will do. I'm only 4 months in to letrozole use but I really do understand how you feel re: continuing monitoring x

[anrean]

Congratulations on reaching the 10 year mark!! I continue to have a mammogram every year at the advice of my oncologist - it is standard protocol here and will continue for the rest of my life. Personally, I would not feel comfortable going three years. Please ask why, express your concerns, and ask to change to ultrasound to avoid the radiation.

[Haydon2012 in reply to anrean]

Hi Anrean I won’t reach my 10 year until 2022, so I am confused why they put me on a mammogram every three years now!

[Evelyn28]

Hi diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. Part of my treatment plan was a mammogram annually for 10 years then every two years. Just received a letter to say that I do not have to go this year. Apparently it should have stopped after 5 years. Like you I would gladly pay for an annual mammogram. I feel dumped.

[carolinenailsea]

Really tricky this one. I understand there is a balance between the risks of missing a cancer and exposure to too much radiation. My instincts are they do not definitively know where the right balance lies and that it's likely to be different for each person. All you can do is get as much advise from the medics as possible and make an informed decision. Good luck . Caroline

[Shelby4now]

Hi I just finished reading your post and replies and found this post interesting. I have had 2 bc one in 2009 and one in 2014 . chemo and radiation first one and the 2nd one just radiation and tamoxifen. In 2016 pet scan showed it had spread to numerous locations in my bones . I showed my onc that I had a dimple on my right breast again and wanted to go for a mammogram . His answer was no. Due to the mbc it would not be necessary as he would not operate. I have had 74 radiation sessions and I had exceeded the limit. Just wondering has this happened to anyone else

. God Bless and wish you all well Shelby