Opinion on Breast Screening

[shambles]

I would appreciate and value your thoughts on breast screening please.

This will be the second time time in 3 years that I am scheduled to have the scan.

I have Graves'/Hashi's and no thyroid. I previously had 3 benign breast cysts and there certainly seems to be some evidence that there is a connection between Graves' and breast disease. Cancer research suggested a 12% increase with Graves'.

My concern is obviously the radiation but also identifying if you do have breast cancer.

All input welcome.

[Clutter]

Shambles,

I'm not aware I'm at high risk of developing breast cancer but I have had breast cysts in the past and I do have mammograms when scheduled.

[shambles in reply to Clutter]

Clutter, many thanks for your reply, I appreciate your knowledge and experience.

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

What sort of scan shambles ?

I had years of breast cysts during perimenopause, many aspirations and attended all mammograms when called. An ultrasound found 24 at one time although none hd ever been mentioned following anynofnthe mammograms.

I'm past the age when called now but have been told I can request a mammogram.

Two years ago I had reason for investigation again and decided against a mammogram but opted for ultrasound again and despite being told I was too old to have fibrocystic breasts now, another 10 were discovered in the one breast scanned.

Personally, just my opinion, knowing I may still be prone to so many cysts, I would not have any more mammograms, I would prefer ultrasound.

I don't have Graves or Hashi's.

[shambles in reply to SeasideSusie]

Thanks very much for your reply.

Should have been a bit more specific and stated mammogram.

I think I was thrown a bit years ago when I first attended the breast cancer clinic for the biopsies that they raised the connection between Graves' and breast cancer and said I should be checked yearly. I looked on the cancer research site and found this:-

cancerresearchuk.org/about-...

Benign thyroid conditions

Breast cancer risk is increased by about 3 times in women who have autoimmune thyroiditis. But breast cancer risk does not seem to be increased by having an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

They have since changed the format of the sight and no longer make such strong statements.

I am not convinced that mammograms are the best thing but also do not want to go with breast cancer undetected.

I agree that cysts could be a result of many things and that it is probably common with women that are pre-menopausal as opposed to thyroid specific.

[ljk1]

Personally I would take the mammogram every time it was offered-I have lost a sister and several friends to breast cancer,none of them took the tests and it is heartbreaking to think they might possibly have been saved through an earlier diagnosis.

[shambles in reply to ljk1]

I am sorry for your loss, how awful.

I am fearful of the consequences of not being checked but just wish there was a better method.

I will almost certainly attend my appointment and thank you for highlighting the need for the scan.

I wish you well.