Mammogram recall anxiety

Have just received a recall letter after my mammogram I’m 70 so should’ve been my last mammogram. I have always had lumpy breast but am now panicking that I’ve missed something?  My lovely sisters had breast cancer in her late 50s and sadly passed away at 61. Obviously her cancer was my first thought but my tests have always been clear. 
Only been a couple of days and I’m really struggling with the anxiety, my appointment is next Wednesday so 10 days to wait. 

  • I had a similar experience, having a recall after my last mammogram. I know it's frightening and it seems like a long time to wait, but first of all, four out of five women will be fine. In my case, something was found but dealt with very quickly. I had another mammogram at the recall and, because it was confimed that something was found, a biopsy that found a cancerous lump. Following a lumpectomy and radiotherapy, I was given medication to take and I have a checkup every year. Just had my first and all was fine. 
    I can't tell you not to worry. It's impossible for you not to do so, under the circumstances. All I can say is that the odds are on your side and, even if something is found, there's treatment available. Good luck and let us know how you get on. If you want to ask anything more, please do.Gill xx

  • Thank you so very much for the reply, it has made me feel so much better after reading this. Have been thinking about all sorts of things and my head is spinning!  Your reply has really helped me xx

  • Hi Castlecumpo,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    I am so sorry to learn that you lost your sister to cancer. I know that this is a worrying time, but it's just as well that we have routine mammograms available in the UK. Many people are unaware of having any symptoms. Not all recalls result in a cancer diagnosis. It is a fact that only 20% of all those who attend the breast clinic will get a cancer diagnosis.

    I once had a recall, which turned out to be necessitated by a slight change when my current mammogram was compared with a previous one. After further investigation, there was no cancer present. Hopefully this is more to do with your lumpy breasts. I'm sure that next Wednesday feels like a lifetime away at the moment. Try to distract yourself from the wait by keeping busy. It doesn't matter whether this is with work or pleasure.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you. I sincerely hope that nothing untoward is found.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx