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.

  • Thank you for reassuring me!️ Are you able to go through what will actually happen for my mum on the day of her appointment? Like, what’s the routine procedure for people who get called back after a routine mammogram? Also, roughly how long do these appointments usually take? I know what they need to do will depend on what she’s been called back for, but even just a rough baseline of what to expect would really help me feel a bit more prepared for Monday.

  • Thank you for reassuring me! Are you able to go through what will actually happen for my mum on the day of her appointment? Like, what’s the routine procedure for people who get called back after a routine mammogram? Also, roughly how long do these appointments usually take? I know what they need to do will depend on what she’s been called back for, but even just a rough baseline of what to expect would really help me feel a bit more prepared for Monday.

  • Thank you for reassuring me!️ Are you able to go through what will actually happen for my mum on the day of her appointment? Like, what’s the routine procedure for people who get called back after a routine mammogram? Also, roughly how long do these appointments usually take? I know what they need to do will depend on what she’s been called back for, but even just a rough baseline of what to expect would really help me feel a bit more prepared for Monday.

  • Hi I'm not sure what the procedure is but I'm sure someone will pick this up and get right back to you ,either a Moderator or someone who has been recalled as I've seen this pop up many times ,if you want to you can type in the search forum space at the top "Recall after Mammogram"  and lots will will come up ,I hope this helps ....

  • Hello justyouraveragevirgo

    There is some useful information about mammogram recall on the Breast Cancer Now website that you might find helpful. 

    Depending on what additional screening your Mum needs at her appointment on Monday, she may be there for a few hours. Please do not read anything into this. Additional tests, scans and biopsies do not automatically mean someone has cancer. Often, these procedures are done to rule out cancer, and the length of time your Mum is in clinic is not an indication of the seriousness or outcome of the appointment. 

    It's understandable that you are feeling anxious about your Mum's appointment but worrying will not change the outcome on Monday. It will however leave you feeling much worse over the next few days. As others have said, the important thing is that your Mum is getting this checked and if there is a problem, she will be with the right team to get this resolved. 

    Hopefully the appointment on Monday will bring you both some reassurance. Do let us know how she gets on. 

    Sending you both my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi there- during my recall I was there for about 3 hours altogether. I saw the Consultant first who took my history & examined the breast that had prompted the recall.  I then had a mammogram on the same breast followed by an ultrasound scan.  After the scan they told me straight away they couldn’t find anything of concern but that I would go back to see the Consultant again who would give me the full results & outcome.  She told me that all of the tests confirmed her suspicions following the initial examination that the area of concern was a simple spot/pimple & that I didn’t need any biopsies or any further treatment as everything was perfectly fine.  There was a bit of hanging around between the initial examination, then waiting for the mammogram, then the ultra sound & then back to the Consultant again but obviously, for me, it was a really good outcome in the end.  I really hope it’s the same for your Mum.  Take care  xx

  • Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me about your experience, I really appreciate it.

    Knowing roughly what happens will definitely help me prepare for Monday, and knowing that it’s completely normal for her to be there for a while will hopefully make things a little easier for me while I’m waiting. I know if I’m unsure about what’s happening or she’s in there for ages, that’s when my anxiety will start spiralling and my mind will jump to the worst possible conclusions. So hearing about your experience has honestly been really helpful. 

    Thank you again for taking the time to share your experience with me, it really does mean a lot xx