Breast cancer screening

Hi there, I a m going out of my mind with worry. I’m on the high risk surveillance programme for breast cancer so annually I have a mammogram and MRI. This year however I have bilateral nipple discharge. I had my MRI and Mammogram on the 11th January and an appointment with the breast clinic on 28th January. When I saw the consultant on the 28th she said my MRI is clear however they don’t have my mammogram results but she said she isn’t worried about the bilateral discharge and basically told me to go home. I have since received a letter saying they need to see me for further testing. I’m really worried and I’m really confused as how can my mri be normal but not my mammogram. Hope someone can help me I suffer from severe depression and anxiety and lost my older sister to breast cancer last her she was in her early 40s.

  • Hello and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you are waiting for results of tests. Unfortunately I can't tell what happened in your situation. I can only say that when one test is unclear or needs further information then another test is usually performed. Both the MRI and the mammogram look at the breast from different angles.

    I can understand how unsettling this can be but without being involved it is difficult to say much more.

    You could ring the breast clinic to see if one of the breast care nurses can ring you back. This may or may not be possible but if you don't have the date of a further appointment maybe they will be able to help with this.

    Try if you can not to over think it for now. There are many different breast conditions other then cancer but I know how important it is to be thoroughly checked and anything serious ruled out.

    Try and keep yourself busy and your mind on other things whilst you are waiting.

    You are very welcome to ring and discuss any of this with one of the helpline nurses.

    Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm.

    All the best,

    Catherine