My mum recently had her routine mammogram and I’m really anxious

My mum recently had her routine mammogram and has now received a letter asking her to go back for some more tests.

I know being called back doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong, and I’ve read that this can happen because they want a closer look at something or need additional images, but I’m struggling not to worry about it.

I suffer with health anxiety, so my mind is obviously jumping to the worst-case scenario, even though I know there could be many completely harmless reasons she’s been called back.

Has anyone else in the UK had this happen after a routine breast screening? What happened when you went back for the additional tests?

I’m probably just looking for some reassurance and other people’s experiences while we wait for her appointment.

Parents
  • Hi Justyouraveragevirgo,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that your mum has been recalled after a routine mammogram. This happened to me many years ago. I panicked, as I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer after a 12 year battle with the disease. Fortunately, the recall was because there was a slight change in my breast from the previous mammogram and nothing untoward was found. I had another mammogram and was given the all clear. It is impossible to predict what the outcome will be for your mum. If she needs further tests to establish this, they will be carried out.

    I am sure that your mum is very anxious at the moment and she will appreciate any support that you can give her. I hope that she doesn't have too long to wait for her appointment. Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for both of you.

    Keeping my fingers crossed for good news.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi Jolamine,

    Thank you so much for your lovely and reassuring message. I’m really sorry to hear that you lost your mum to breast cancer, but it’s reassuring to hear that you were recalled yourself and that it turned out to be nothing to worry about.

    You’re right, we just don’t know what the outcome will be until Mum has her further checks, and I think that uncertainty is what I’m finding hardest at the moment. She’s actually quite calm about it all, but I think I’m definitely the one panicking more! 

    She’s had cysts in the past and she said she hasn’t noticed or felt any lumps, although I know that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s nothing there. We’re just trying to stay positive and get through the waiting, which honestly feels like the worst part.

    Thank you again for taking the time to reply and for the support. It really does mean a lot.

  • Hi there- just like your Mum I was recalled following a routine mammogram & was beside myself with worry.  Mine turned out to be a normal spot/pimple which prompted the recall because it was a ‘change’ in the breast from the mammogram 3 years earlier.  The equipment is so sensitive it can pick up the very slightest of changes which in some ways is reassuring.  I hadn’t felt any lumps or noticed any changes so was relieved with the outcome of no further action.  I hope your Mum has the same outcome. Take care x

Reply
  • Hi there- just like your Mum I was recalled following a routine mammogram & was beside myself with worry.  Mine turned out to be a normal spot/pimple which prompted the recall because it was a ‘change’ in the breast from the mammogram 3 years earlier.  The equipment is so sensitive it can pick up the very slightest of changes which in some ways is reassuring.  I hadn’t felt any lumps or noticed any changes so was relieved with the outcome of no further action.  I hope your Mum has the same outcome. Take care x

Children
  • Thank you so much for sharing your experience.I’m really glad everything turned out to be okay for you and that it was just a harmless spot.

    It’s reassuring to hear stories like yours, especially when you hadn’t noticed any changes yourself either. My mum has suffered with cysts in the past and has had them drained, so that could be one of the reasons for her recall. 

    Hopefully Mum will have the same outcome and we’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief after her appointment.

    Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience, it really does help. x