Mammograms

[anniemae]

Do you ladies get yearly mammograms? How old were you when you started? I keep reading that they can cause cancer due to radiation and I wonder if we are doing more harm than good? Thoughts?

 

[kyton]

In Australia we get free checks every 2yrs after you turn 50. In just about to book in for my second one.

 

[pezgirlroy]

Yes. I get a yearly mammogram. I am 46. I started at 40 due to family history. And in my opinion they are absolutely worth any tiny small risk.

 

[Nancyg56]

My sister in law was diagnosed with breast cancer after her 1st mammogram. My niece is a breast cancer survivor. My daughter has been getting hers yearly since age 35. I don't skip mine either. Early detection is key.

 

[Mrs. Bradbury]

I am 61 now but back when I turned 40, in the US the suggestion was a baseline at 40, so I had one. I was also acutely aware of the danger of breast cancer due to a younger mother with kids my kids' ages dying of it. So, so sad. That said, because I have always had normal mammograms and have zero family history of breast cancer, now I get one every few years. I think family history and age matters.

Came back to add: what is gained by the small amount of radiation far exceeds any risk.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I started in my 30s due to family history and insurance allowances. I get mine done annually. I know there is low dose radiation exposure, but it’s my understanding that the benefits of early detection through routine mammography far outweighs any risks.

 

[focusondisney]

I keep reading that they can cause cancer due to radiation

Where are you reading this? A reputable medical, scientific site or Facebook?

 

[Meriweather]

Started at 40, every year (except I think one year during the pandemic)....I'm, 70

 

[DisneyHardin]

I got my first one just after my 40th birthday and have gotten one every year since. I have a supplemental cancer insurance policy that pays me $75 to get it done each year.

I've never heard any stories of anyone who got cancer from the mammogram machine.

 

[JediBonas]

You should check where you're reading this information, studies have shown that routine screening mammography reduces breast cancer deaths in women aged 40 to 75. The amount of radiation is really minimal, you have to remember you're exposed to radiation every day.

I go yearly for a mammo and ultrasound since 40, they're adding breast MRI this year (so I'll have a screening every six months) due to my risk score.

 

[mjkacmom]

Of course, where are you getting this “information?”

 

[SandyinMonterey]

Yes. I get yearly mammograms. The 3D one. I think I started in my mid to late 30's. I have a family history of breast cancer so I also get a yearly MRI. It's set up so I'm seen/doing something every 6 months. Had my MRI in March and my mammorgram is scheduled in August.

 

[LilyWDW]

I need to start getting them (I'm 42) but for some reason I have severe anxiety about the idea of doing it. Like crippling anxiety. No idea why.

 

[Allison]

What the heck. Of course I do. It's the smart and responsible thing to do.

 

[dez1978]

The radiation from a mammogram is equivalent to about 2 months worth of "background" radiation. 1000% worth it to detect breast cancer. I get them 2x year because of family history and dense breasts.

I need to start getting them (I'm 42) but for some reason I have severe anxiety about the idea of doing it. Like crippling anxiety. No idea why.

I was kind of anxious about my 1st one, but it didn't hurt at all. To me the most awkward thing about it was having another person grab them to put them in the squisher properly lol. But I nursed 2 babies for about 3 years total, so modesty and embarrassment went out the window then.

 

[aprilgail]

I started at 29 and insurance covers then every year starting then- I had no known family history- I was adopted and back then I had not found my bio family yet to learn if there was a history so I didn't want to take any chances!

 

[Aladora]

I cannot emphasize how important it is to get your mammograms!

I was due to start getting mine at 35 because of family history of breast cancer, however I was diagnosed with BC 3 months before my 35th birthday, so I've only ever had one mammogram before my bilateral mastectomy.

I know it can be anxiety inducing but mammograms save lives. Period.

 

[CdnCarrie]

Started at 50 which is standard here. No family history.

 

[Kooks and Bay Bay]

A modern mamo is less radiation than a chest X-ray.

I've had 2.
I was 30 when I had the first one because I was having some tenderness but apparently was nothing.
That one didn't hurt or bother me at all.
I had my second one last year because I noticed a tiny lump. It also turned out to be nothing concerning. This one the machine was a bit different and it was quite uncomfortable but whatever it still wasn't that big of a deal.
I'm not quite at the age to get them yearly but I probably will once I am.

 

[TCRAIG]

I get them usually every other year and started in my 40s…there’s no family history so I was pretty lax about getting mammograms regularly…well no longer. My last mammogram in Dec found a lump - had a biopsy - it was cancer - had my surgery in April and radiation finished end of June. The surgeon and oncologist all agreed that my cancer would not have been found without the mammogram.