HI Marina. First of all try not to worry - 1 in 4 women get a recall for all sorts of reasons. Ring the clinic in advance if you have any questions regarding the nature of your recall. 

I had the same experience in January this year- routine mamogram, fit and healthy 54 yr old, felt nothing - and I check regularly.  I had a recall to hospital to the assessment unit. Met by a very kind breast nurse who explained there was a area of concern-  she held my hand ( literally) through a repeat mammogram on my left breast , ultrasound and biopsy under local anesthetic. I was absolutely petrified, shaking and so scared. It was all so unexpected. The consultant was honest with me at this appointment and said it looked like a small cancer in a milk duct. It was under my nipple so I would never have felt it. She assured me it was very early stage and completely treatable. Still ...you worry. 2 weeks later results - small ductal cancer in situ ( didnt look like it had spread- very early stage and estrogen dependant)  

So i am 4 weeks post surgery and had my results this week. I had a wire guided proceedure with sentinal node biopsy. Proceedure lasts about an hour in day surgery. Small 1.5 cm tumour in a milk duct under nipple completely gone! Good margin and no other cancer cells found there or in lymph. I will have radiotherapy  in a month or so with estrogen blockers to follow. Early diagnosis means they can get rid of the cancer and the follow up belt and braces ( as they call it)  to ensures it stays away! I didnt think I could get through it but i have- the breast team at my local hospital were amazing, so kind and compassionate. The breast nurse team are always there to answer any questions. Try not to worry - I am on the other side and I have made it! So gratefull it was picked up early! You will be ok!!! :) xxxxx

Hey Marina,

Just take it a step at a time. I pray that all is clear and they are just being cautious. If not then you will have all the support to lean on - try not to over read- your imagination will run away with you - as mine did! Good luck!!! xxxxx

Hi Marina,

Being recalled after a first mammogram is very common, especially if you have dense breasts.  It doesn't mean anything is wrong, just they need to take another look as there is nothing to compare it to.  I've been recalled after 3 mammograms, but I do remember being terrified the first time.  It was fine, and statistically it is unlikely to be anything sinister.

Getting checked is really important.  I was diagnosed with cancer this year when a mammogram showed calcifications, which can't be felt.  My cancer was caught very early in two areas Grade 0 and Grade 1, which I am very thankful for.

I've also had numerous lumps too that were just fluid filled harmless cysts, so do try not to worry too much about the lump you may have found.

You will worry until you know for sure, but stay busy to distract yourself and you will soon get through it.

Good luck.

Hello Mary  

Thank you very much for your reply, it is very reassuring and calming and has helped calm me down.

Thank you again

Marina xx

Hello and thanks for your post

A mammogram can sometimes show up an area that the doctors are not sure about, but they can't confirm what it is as more information is needed before a result can be given. This often means a repeat mammogram and possibly further tests such as an ultrasound and a biopsy.

Most women who get a recall turn out not to have cancer. Also, women who have had their first breast screening are more likely to be recalled than those who are having subsequent mammograms. This is because, if there are any question marks there are no previous breast x-rays that the specialist can use to compare 'the problem area' with to look for changes.

The organisation Breast Cancer Now have information on their website about screening recall and you might like to read it here. This gives a little more detail about the points I have mentioned.

Waiting when you are worried is stressful, but hopefully you will know more soon.

Kind regards,

Celene

Thank you so much Celene,

that was really reassuring and thank you so much for the link.

Marina xxx