Here's the 5 point plan recommended by the NHS breast screening programme and Cancer Research UK:
- Know what is normal for you
- Look and feel
- Know what changes to look for
- Report any changes without delay
- Attend for breast screening if aged 50 or over
They've produced a leaflet with further information, which you can view in pdf format here.
I can't emphasise strongly enough how important I feel this issue is, and to demonstrate this I am going to share my own personal experience.
A few months ago I found a lump in my breast. As soon as I could I consulted my GP, who said he didn't think it was anything serious, but referred me to a surgeon to get his opinion and arrange a mammogram to make sure.
I had to wait 7 weeks for that appointment, during which time I didn't tell the children as I didn't want them to worry unnecessarily. Luckily I had the moral support of my mum and other family and friends. But no matter how much I reassured myself that all would be well, I grew increasingly anxious as the time approached.
Tuesday was the day of my appointment. I'm happy to say that it went well. I saw a surgical registrar who was very approachable and gave me confidence in what he said - which was that he doesn't think I have cause for concern. He sent me for the mammogram just in case, and I still have to wait for the results of that. I'm sufficiently reassured to tell the kids now though.
The doc said I'd done the right thing in getting it checked out, so at least should something similar happen in future, I won't feel a complete prat going back again. In fact, he praised me for being 'breast aware'. That's definitely something to check out if you haven't already, ladies! Early diagnosis of breast cancer is key to a good outcome. Actually, this does not only apply to the ladies, as breast cancer can also affect men (although they are in the minority.)
Of course it can be scary to be examined for something so personal. However I can honestly say the staff I dealt with were all pleasant, courteous, professional - and made sure I was put at ease. I wasn't sure how unpleasant the mammogram itself would be, but in actual fact it was ok - slightly uncomfortable but not at all painful. I certainly wouldn't hesitate should I require one again.
One final tip: a friend drove me to the hospital and kept me company whilst I waited. It was good to have someone to help take my mind off my fears, so I'd also recommend this course of action to anyone worrying about an appointment. It may not be for everyone...but it certainly helped me!
Here's to health and 'breast awareness'!
Update:
As you know, a couple of weeks ago I saw a surgeon and had a mammogram to rule out breast cancer. Unfortunately I was recalled to have it repeated, apparently owing to a technical problem with the machine.
Well, I was in the x-ray department for 2 hours yesterday. They did a set of films, then I had to wait while the doc checked those. Then he asked for other views, then a set of more detailed x-rays of a suspicious area. In all I was back and forth from the waiting room 4 times for more x-rays.
He seemed to think it was ok in the end, although I have to wait 2 or 3 weeks to get the official results.
So hopefully that's the end of that episode. I was glad they were so thorough - it's reassuring, although at the time of course you wonder if it's going to be bad news!
