Messages to others about breast screening

The women we talked to passed on messages of advice to others, based on their own experiences. People are all different and what works for one person might not work for someone else. Here are their suggestions:

  • Always attend for routine breast screening as breast problems are common but can be detected and treated early.
  • Don’t be deterred from going for routine mammograms because they might be uncomfortable or painful. Any discomfort or pain is short-lived and far outweighed by the benefits.

Says women should attend for routine mammograms because any pain is short-lived and far…

Age at interview 75

Gender Female

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It [the pain] isn’t for very long, it only lasts a second or two and it’s no worse than, well what can I say just as, like the prick of an injection or something like that, and it’s just one of these things that yove got to put up with. And the benefits that you gain are enormous and it’s well worth it, only once every few years, just endure a little bit of discomfort really. theres nothing to worry about, they’re very sweet and kind and they treat you very gently and its done very quickly. And yore in and out in two or three minutes and it’s something that’s worth it.

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  • Don’t be deterred from attending breast screening because of embarrassment – all the screening staff are women experienced in their fields.

Says embarrassment shouldn’t deter women from having routine mammograms because the staff are all…

Age at interview 52

Gender Female

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I would just say absolutely go. I would say it does not hurt. It really doesn’t. It’s slightly uncomfortable and when you think of the value of it, it’s worth every bit of it. And it’s not embarrassing at all. You know. I think that’s what peoples other thought, you know, will I be embarrassed or. Well it isn’t embarrassing at all, you know, it’s their job and they do it really, really well and have been really good.

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  • If you are unsure about attending for breast screening, get as much information as you need in order to make an informed choice.
    Be breast aware and, if you notice any unusual breast changes, see your GP.

Tests and treatment

  • If you’ve been recalled after having a routine mammogram, don’t panic because this is quite common and doesn’t mean you have a breast problem.
    If you’ve been diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer (DCIS), allow yourself time to think before you make any treatment choices.

Says women diagnosed with DCIS should allow themselves time before making any treatment choices.

Age at interview 52

Gender Female

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And if it is DCIS I think I would say don’t agree to anything until you’re ready and make yourself ready by whatever means you feel you need. It might be counselling or it might be research or it might be talking to friends. Take, don’t feel as I did very strongly, bullied is too a strong word, but certainly railroaded on to a process that I wasn’t ready for. And I think its important that you are doing it because you’ve decided to do it and not because you, if you agree to a mastectomy, you decide that yourself. And it’s not just because the doctor, the weight of medical opinion, the authority of the doctors pushed you in to that decision before you are ready.

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  • If you’ve been diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, there is plenty of information and support around, including support groups where you can discuss your concerns with others who have been through it.
  • Don’t be afraid to accept help and support from other people.
  • Write down any questions you have before seeing doctors in case you forget them during the consultation.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Says women shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions.

Age at interview 54

Gender Female

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I think the advice would always be to go for screening when you’re called. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, be demanding if you need to be. You know, because I think there is this attitude that, within the medical profession, that they always think they know best [laughing] so I think if you do need to be, you should be prepared to stand up for yourself. And ask the questions yeah, that would be my advice;

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  • Take someone with you to consultations to provide support.
  • Find doctors you can trust and, if you are unhappy, don’t be afraid to change, or seek second opinions.

Says that women who are unhappy with their doctors shouldn’t be afraid to seek second opinions.

Age at interview 53

Gender Female

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There is one thing I would say and that’s not just to do with women or with lumps in the breast and that is, if you think you have a health problem and you’re not happy with a doctor’s view or opinion, then go for a second opinion because it really isn’t worth worrying about it. When I did that in 78/79 I really was very stressed out for a year and you have a right to a second opinion. If you’re not happy, you go and you have it and that’s the only piece of advice I can give I’m afraid.

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  • Be positive and don’t dwell on the negative.

General views on breast screening

The National Health Service Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) was set up in 1988. Women between the ages of 50 and 70 are now routinely invited...