Feeling absolutely terrified and anxious, just read my report, abnormality on left breast, uncertain. Convinced myself I now have cancer. I have no lumps, pain or changes. Anyone in the same position?
Being recalled after a mammogram can be worrying, but it is important to know that being recalled does not mean you have cancer. In fact, most women who are asked to come back for further tests will not be diagnosed with breast cancer.
Around 4 in every 100 women who attend breast screening are recalled for further assessment. There are several reasons why this might happen. For example, the mammogram may have shown an area that needs a closer look, breast tissue can sometimes appear dense or unclear on the images, or the pictures may need to be repeated to get a clearer view.
Waiting for further tests and results can be an anxious and uncertain time, and many people find this period particularly difficult. While you are waiting, it may help to remember that being asked to come back for more tests is quite common and is often simply a precaution to make sure the radiology team has all the information they need.
If you'd like to talk things through, our nurses are here to listen and offer support. You can call our free Helpline on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
