Hello Justyouraveragevirgo

I'm sorry to hear that your Mum has recently been called back for further screening following a routine mammogram. It's understandable that you're feeling anxious about what the reason for this might be. 

About four out of every 100 women screened are recalled. You’re slightly more likely to be recalled after your first mammogram, and the majority of women who are recalled don’t have cancer. There's more information available about being recalled after a mammogram on the Breast Cancer Now website. 

We know that for many people this period of waiting and uncertainty can be difficult. If it would help to chat things through with one of our nurses, you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice and support they can. 

Hopefully your Mum will get some clarity and reassurance at her next appointment. Do keep in touch and let us know how she gets on. 

Sending you both our best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

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