Hello!

I’m nearing 50 and I am wondering what age to get a mammogram? My Dr doesn’t seem concerned, saying if there are no problems it will be ok. But you hear stories of ladies dying because they weren’t checked. I’m a bit confused.


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  • I have just had mine and just been recalled back to do some more testing as it was a irregular scan but its all good news they found a cyst on my breast


  • I had one in my mid forties, but I believe the recommendation is every two years after you turn 50.


  • I had my first one at 38 years old.


  • After 40 it is free, refer to the breast screening Australia site. I called them for a friend who had a family history but was too scared to call, she had a scan and all good. Better safe than sorry


  • Ask him for a referral and if in doubt see someone else.


  • One you turn 50 you automatically receive a letter from your Breast Screening clinic for a free mammogram and you will get the same letter every two years after that asking you to make an appointment for another one, I know this happens in NSW and Vic, not sure about other states.


  • I have a wonderful female doctor, and she does a breast examination on me every year. Because I have a family history of breast cancer, she was happy to refer me for mammograms, even though I didn’t have any signs or symptoms. If your doctor won’t take your concerns seriously, find a doctor who will listen to you. All women after 50 should have a mammogram at least every 2 years, if not every year.


  • Thank u for reply ,I’ve got a time too see different doctor ,will update when been


  • Thank u ladies ,for peace of mind I will see a different Dr ,maybe a female .


  • If you are concerned about it, there is no harm in getting one done for peace of mind. I don’t think doctors start recommending them until after age 50. But I would definitely get one done if it’s in the family or if you are concerned.


  • if it is making you concerned than if I was you I would have one done and I think your doctor should have set it up for you and I know here at different times in our doctors they have info on the front desk when there is free breast screening being done and where


  • If there is a family history of breast cancer in the family the sooner the better, although mammograms don’t really work well for younger people they should have a breast ultrasound done, if no family history or you have no lumps you can feel the medical profession recommends you begin at 50 , they are free once you turn 50 otherwise you have to pay . They are only recommended every two years so self examination is the best thing to do. If at all worried you should always consult your doctor, if you doctor does not seem concerned, well you know you own body, make them refer you on .


  • Don’t wait until your doctor is concerned, if you are, then that’s enough. Even with both my grandmother & mother having breast cancer, along with 2 close cousins my doctor wasn’t concerned. I just told her I wanted to have one anyway, then changed doctors. It came back clear, but for my peace of mind (both cousins are in their 30’s & my grandmother was 42), I insisted.


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