I had a mammogram once, I’ll never have another one though…because that one mammogram discovered cancer which resulted in surgeons taking both my breasts. That one mammogram saved my life. I was 41.
Have you ever had a mammogram? Maybe you wonder what’s involved in a mammogram? For goodness sake read on because this is one screening you don’t want to put off.
One in eight Aussie women will receive a breast cancer diagnosis by the age of eighty five.
Breast cancer is one cancer that we can actually screen for, which is awesome because not all breast cancers present with a lump. In fact mine wasn’t palpable and the doctors told me it would have got me before the lump was able to be felt. Scary shit right?
Breast cancer kills, BUT, early detection saves lives. Early detection is vital.
Who can have a mammogram?
So who can have a mammogram? Any woman with breast tissue. You can still have them if you have implants, are older, have a pace maker or are taking HRT. My implants are because of reconstruction and I don’t have breast tissue so I can’t have a mammogram now, instead I have a physical examination and cross my fingers.
Breast screen Australia offer free mammograms in all States of the country for women aged 40-74 but will only invite you via letter every two years from the age of 50. That’s most likely because around 75% off breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50. Of course you can still get a referral for a mammogram ‘before’ the age of 40 but you won’t be accessing the free breast screen service.
Cost of a mammogram
You also can’t access the free breastscreen service once you’ve had breast cancer, instead you’ll be in the care of a specialist who will guide you to the screening that’s best for you.
The cost of a mammogram through private screening varies, some private health insurance will cover all costs, check your policy. I didn’t have private health insurance and from memory Medicare covered most of the cost, I think I had a gap of around $100.
Mammograms might seem daunting, you know, flipping your boobs out for strangers and all. Let me tell you, walking around bald and boobless is much more daunting. So let’s dispel some myths about a mammogram, what really happens and all.
Once you’ve booked your appointment you actually rock up. Yep, you need to attend. Don’t be scared, the radiographers are lovely and will talk you through the testing every step of the way.
What to wear to a mammogram
My tip is wear pants or a skirt with a top because then you aren’t getting full nude. Once you’ve changed into a gown (you get to keep your bottoms on) the nurse will take you into a room ready for screening.
This part only takes a few minutes. You place your breast on plate, not a dinner plate, more like a little Perspex shelf. Then it’s compressed (I didn’t find this painful), feels a little weird and maybe a little uncomfortable but once the radiographer takes a few snaps and the other breast is done it’s all over. If you feel real pain, speak up and let the nurse know. Afterwards you’ll be asked to sit for a few minutes while your tests are reviewed.
Your X-rays are reviewed by two radiographers and if you’ve ever had a previous X-ray they are then compared to your new snaps. Sometimes you might be asked for another screenshot, perhaps from a different angle. If something suspicious is found the radiographers consult with your GP and will most likely do an ultrasound and sometimes a few fine needle aspirations too.
This is what happened to me. You can read about it here.
Younger women have denser breasts so an ultrasound may be needed but it isn’t always call for alarm, it just gives a clearer image. In fact, even as I lay on the table with the radiographer clicking away while deep in my guts I suspected knew that something was really wrong I wasn’t alarmed. I just needed to let the doctors and radiographers do their thing.
What next?
If nothing super suspicious is found you head home and go about daily life, you’ll receive a letter in the mail confirming nothing was found and reminding you to book another appointment. If further testing is required you’ll receive a call from your GP, I received mine at work on a Saturday morning, pretty safe bet an early minute was called for.
Why have a mammogram?
Mammograms save lives, pretty simple really. Please, book your appointment, rock up and get your boobs screened. In between screening be ‘breast aware’, get to know your breasts and take note of change. More on what to look for in the next post.
Have you put off a mammogram? What’s your tips for having a mammogram?
I was only thinking about this the other day. I’m going to be all over my free screen when I turn 50 and I’ll be there like a shot if anything untoward happens in the Boob Department before. Thanks for demystifying the whole mammogram shebang, sometimes, the most scary part is the fear of the unknown. But knowledge is power!
Hey Sammie free screenings start at 40! Look into it Hun. Knowledge IS power, you’re right x
Here, here…..
Why would you not want to do something that could save your life.
At 47 I have just had my 2nd mammogram & ultrasound – and yes they found an abnormality,
Then Off to a specialist to find out more, but all ok.
It’s so much better to know your body as it is an amazing vehicle that’s takes us every where xo
Good for you ? having that early ‘baseline’ mammogram is good too, and once you start screening you just become more in tune with changes within your body x
Thank you Jen, I started having my screening mammograms in my 40s, I tried at around 41 but was breastfeeding so I had to wait until I stopped. Mine were free, and I just checked their page and it does say the are free for women in their 40’s.
Yes they are free from 40…every 2 years. You won’t get an invitation (or reminder) letter until you are 50 but your GP just needs to write the referral.
Good advice and mammograms are much less uncomfortable than they used to be so just do it!
Exactly ?
I’m due for my 3rd mammogram later this year and wish a bit more information like this was available before my first one, I was really nervous and had no idea what to expect. I do find it a bit painful but I wouldn’t skip it. Thanks for getting this information out there to help other women and encourage making use of the free service from the age of 40 not 50. I have several friends diagnosed before the age of 50, best to be safe and start screening early.
I wish I’d had some info before mine too. Around 25% diagnosed are u der 50 years of age so best to start sooner rather than later
Exellent, clear speach from you, as always, Thank you. My recall came in the form of a letter from Breastscreen SA, that I knew was not an invitation for afternoon tea! Thank goodness it was picked up early like this, as no lump presented. Found to be aggressive and fast-growing, so treatment (radical though it felt) has been fast and expected to have a good prognosis.
Early detection really is the key Tania and I’m so pleased you got on top of it in time. Go you! ?
I’m sorry your first mammogram was the last one Jenni!
I have had a lot as I found a lump in my early 40s and also have to have an ultrasound too I’ve also had lots of biopsy so taken I’ve got a benign lump in my milk duct that I have to watch so far so good andI hope it stays that way and I find that they hurt being small busted with no density left but that’s only my opinion xx
I’m glad you’re on top of it Lisa and getting regular testing x
Good one Jen. I have been going regularly (sound like I’m talking about my bowels!!) since about 43 as my cousin was diagnosed with breast ca, and she’s a few years older than me. She went to be checked, because her girlfriend said you really should. Like you, no obvious lump. Needless to say, she owes so much to her bestie. And she’s fine now too.
The other reason to do it regularly is that we are at our ‘lumpiest’ in our 40’s and 50’s. Many are benign cysts but shit, you don’t want to mess with it! (my recent experience 🙂 )
So, listen to your besties and just go and get it done. Just like pap smears!!
Thanks Jen! Take care. Talk soon.
Ax
I’m so pleased your cousin is going well. You’re right those lumps can be difficult to decipher so seeking help is the best thing to do x
Great post Jen.
Discomfort and embarrassment is nothing compared to the alternative.
Absolutely nothing….the alternative is far more uncomfortable x
I was super surprised at how quick, easy and painless it was for me. In my head I had it pegged as whole ordeal, and had made myself really anxious. So when I was in and out in less then 10 minutes, I was pleasantly surprised. Lucky for me there were no abnormalities, but I have those near and dear to me not be so lucky. I’s one of the reasons I do mine religiously, my next one is due in a few months.
Thanks for taking the time to write such clear and succinct words about such an important message
#YOUROCK
K
xXx
Thanks Hun and I’m pleased you are getting your screening xx
Thanks so much for this. My darling Aunty is having her 2nd mastectomy next week (last one was 14 years ago). It’s so important to be aware. Unfortunately I had a really bad experience at Breastscreen a couple of months ago that might put someone else off bothering again, though I won’t be so silly. I’m 41 too, and I read a post of Mrs Woogs about mammograms and I duly booked one online. Now I happen yo be breastfeeding, but there was nothing saying that that would prevent me having the procedure done, and I googled a bit to see if it’s ok to have one while bf. According to my research it was ok.
When I got into the treatment room and had my boobs out, the technician asked me my age and then asked quite rudely why I was there. I was too flummoxed to just say, um, to get screened for breast cancer?
Sorry, posted too early! She then asked if there was any chance that I was pregnant and I said no but I am breastfeeding and she looked incredulously at me and said “Well we won’t be able to do it then! Or if we we do it will be very painful for you!”, all delivered in a tone oh “Stupid woman!”. She made me sit in a chair in a corner, topless, saying pull the screen around you. I felt totally humiliated and stupid, almost in tears. She went and spoke to a superior and came back with a massive change in attitude, all apologies, though indeed they couldn’t do the mammogram.
Anyway, sorry for the essay! I have had a mammogram and ultrasound, been to breast specialist in 2008 due to a lump. They all usually do a great job. One thing that I have learned with an asd son is not to let one person put you off xx
Oh no, I’m sorry you had such a bad experience. Sometimes bedside manner is lacking in medical rooms…I hope this woman had a good think about how she treated you. Maybe a letter to the right place will result in some training? You’re right though, one person does not make a whole organisation or profession. Big love to your aunt x
I am currently recovering from a mastectomy. I am 46. I have had mammograms every two years since my thirties. This time I had a 3D mammogram and it was far less painful and much more accurate. My cancer came on quickly but was caught early enough to have a great prognosis, Get tested ladies and follow your gut instinct too – I ignored the nagging feeling that something wasn’t right for a while. Listen to what your body is saying and take care of yourselves first and foremost (said with hindsight!).
Instinct is powerful ! It’s like a tap on the shoulder…sorry to read about your mastectomy I hope your prognosis is good and you are healing xxx
Thank you Jenni. This was something I’d always wondered about. Sharing this with everyone I know. Thank you thank you! Xx
Awesome Shannon and thank you xx
I turn 40 next Friday. My aunt and great-aunt have both been treated for breast cancer so I’ll be ringing up for my free mammogram as soon as I can. Thanks for sharing your experience and giving us all a kick up the pants!
Happy birthday for next week and bravo on booking your scan ?
I am booking in. Thank you, Jenni. x
You made my day, thankyou xx
I am due for a pap smear next month – I am totally looking into having a mammogram. You are not too young at 40 are you? Regardless you have convinced me, I will pay whatever it takes to get it done for peace of mind. Thanks so much for sharing such an important topic hun xx
Makes me happy!! Free scans from the age of 40 at breastscreen, link in the post Hun. It’s a good idea to start and then you have a baseline scan. X
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was referred for a mammogram earlier this year at the age of 30 but it was then decided to do an ultrasound instead as they told me they don’t like doing mammograms on women under 40. Luckily my breast tissue issues were hormonal and nothing nasty, but it certainly gave me a wake up call.
Mammograms aren’t always so clear under 40…it’s always recommended to have an ultrasound too. Glad all was well with you and the results were clear x