Breast Screening

[Ric.ror]

I have been sent an appointment for a mammogram but I have heard they are very painful particularly when you have large breasts
Can I opt for an ultrasound instead

Many thanks for any help

[Tilly2]

No, not the same thing at all. It's only a moment's agony. Go for it.

[wolf63]

I am fat and have big boobs (48gg) and my screening was completely painless and over in minutes.

You should be fine.

[Tilly2]

Painless? No, but it's worth it.

[roopower]

I am 'well endowed' in the chest department and can tell you that a mammogram is uncomfortable but I haven't found them particularly painful. Anyway,it's worth putting up with it to make sure everything is OK. As Tilly2 says, go for it.

[Tilly2]

It takes seconds. Nothing to fear.

[Mrsspagnoli57]

Pain level bearable-depends very much on the nurse who does it. First I had was dreadful-I'm not tall and wasn't aware that the machine can be adjusted so 'everything fits'-next time completely different nurse adjusted machine so I didn't have to stand on tip toe and no problem. Preferable to smears anyway.

[Sqad]

Yes, you could.
If you feel strongly enough about the pain and you have large breasts or may be pregnant, then you can ask your GP to refer you for breast ultrasound.

BUT

Remember....ultrasound is not as effect as mammography in detecting non palpable breast cancer.

Your choice.

[ubasses]

Its the other way round, I am small and find it very painful, on top of that the machine pushes right into my rib cage which does not have any padding. Can't wait for it to be over.

[Tilly2]

Just take a deep breath, four times, and it's over.

[woofgang]

I have got big boobs too. Its not comfortable but not nearly as bad as a smear, no worse than a bad bruise when you poke it. "Some people" like to build up the drama to worry people who have never had one I think. I do not mean anybody on this thread.

[mrs.chappie]

I'm well endowed and felt no discomfort at all. I was expecting it to be unpleasant based on what I'd heard, but it was all over in a flash - I was very surprised. Hopefully your experience will be similar.

[tonyav]

Just asked mrs av, she says it's a little bit uncomfortable but it's over very quickly.

[marval]

I had mine a few weeks ago, a little uncomfortable that's all. It is worth it though, so pluck up your courage and have it done.

[Ric.ror]

Thank you all for your answers
You've certainly eased a few fears

[Fusion5]

It's bit like shutting your boobs in a sash window, but it's over in the blink of an eye.

[Maydup]

Its wasn't at all uncomfortable or painful for me and in fact, the bigger the better. You do feel a little self conscious, but its as dignified as it possibly can be. I cancelled appointments a couple of times out of fear, but finally did it.

I too had heard scare stories about squeezing your boobs into a sandwich toaster or slamming them in a sash window, but it is NOTHING of the sort. The plates are soft plastic and far more gentle than you expect. The whole room is warm and comforting and the nurses are lovely. They do their best to make you feel at ease.

[Jeza]

Fusion, I totally agree but it did hurt for a bit not a flash.

[anneasquith]

a moments discomfort to check for cancer,,,,,,,,,,,,,,worth it.

[nungate]

Never found it painful just a wee bit uncomfortable, nothing really to worry about. If you feel a wee bit exposed take a shawl or large scarf to preserve your modesty until it's time to "meet" the machine. Don't worry too much over it, it's a doddle, and over in no time.

[Brinjal]

If they have a relatively new machine then it isn't too bad. The old machines were very unpleasant