I had triple negative bc at the age of 33 and have had annual mammograms since. I turn 50 this year and I've been told i will only get them every 3 years. Is this right im starting to feel really anxious about it already.
My mum had cancer in 2013 and after 5 years of clear mammograms, they tried to reduce it to three yearly. But my mum refused to do that. She even lied and saif she had breast pain one time so she could still get a yearly mammogram. That might sound bad lying but it's worth it for your peace of mind. Insist on having them every year xxx
I am sorry to hear you were treated for breast cancer some time ago and appreciate switching from yearly to 3 yearly screening much be a worrying thought.
However this is the recommended guidelines for follow up after the age of 50 ( unless you are over 50 at diagnosis in which they have yearly mammograms for 5 years following their treatment) to return to the 3 yearly follow up programme. There is more about this here.
I appreciate having regular check ups can be a security blanket in some ways and very reassuring but there is no evidence of benefit in having them carried out more frequently. Do remember that the risk of recurrence is highest in the first 5 years after diagnosis and whilst there is always a chance the cancer will return in the future this seems much less likely after 10 years.
Of course in between mammograms be breast aware and if you have any concerns about any breast changes then arrange to see your doctor so they can assess you and arrange for you to go to the breast clinic if needed.
