How bad is it to not do a mammogram?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Figure it out.

I had mammograms and then during Covid kept making excuses not to schedule my annual. My mom had BC and her genetic testing was negative, meaning mine would be too, and I used that as an excuse. I mean, with no genetic component what are the chances?

Well, I did end up having BC and went through surgeries, chemo, radiation.

Early detection saves lives. Go.

Responding to myself to say, regarding insurance-- that was the worst part of my cancer journey. Literally crying on the phone pleading with the insurance company to do what they said they would. So if you don't like dealing with insurance that is a reason TO deal with it now.
I know tasks like this are annoying and I procrastinate, too- but please just call today. I want you to be healthy and there for your family. Just do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can't you call and schedule?

OP - because I first need to call my insurance and figure out why they said I was out of network. I hate talking with insurance. It takes forever.

Schedule it somewhere else?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, where did you try to schedule? It seems like a place like Washington Radiology takes pretty much everything - it’s like a cattle call so I get that some people may feel disrespected. And more uncomfortable for some than for others, especially depending on where you are in your cycle - try to not schedule in the last week or two depending on how sensitive your breasts get in luteal phase. But go do it.

I had my scan last month at Washington Radiology. Got an early appt, filled out the paperwork in advance and was in and out in 20 mins. I usually feel very faint during and after these scans but not this time. The tech was very good.

I know I sound like a commercial but it honestly was much less uncomfortable than I was dreading it would be.

Pls go, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Tell us what your insurance is and where you are and someone can tell you if you’re in network. I’ve always been happy with Washington Radiology - for mammograms, breast MRIs because I have family history and a gene mutation that increases my chances, a needle biopsy for something they found, and a thyroid scan. But I have friends who strongly prefer Sibley for this.

Please do this. My sister canceled her scheduled mammogram because she had just broken her driving foot so getting anywhere was a PITA, and by the time she went back a couple years later she had three tumors and needed a double mastectomy and chemo. My stepmother stopped getting them too early and ended up with breast cancer that was controlled after surgery and chemo and radiation but later came back and killed her.

Please tell me about a breast MRI at Washington Radiology. I typically have mammograms there, which are fine, but OB suggested an MRI due to dense breast tissue. I have been dreading this and putting it off because I hate the thought of an MRI.

[Anonymous]

This doesn't make sense. Message or PCP or OB and tell them you want an order for a mammogram. I use a OB/GYN that is in the Inova system and she sends it to me for an Inova hospital. I schedule it on MyChart. It takes about 15 seconds.

[Anonymous]

My 48 year old cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer yesterday. Please make the appointment. Hugs

[Anonymous]

Call. Go. 30 minute appointment. 5 minutes to settle insurance insurance. Could save your life. Found cancer early and saved lives of those I know/love. Hug.

[Anonymous]

OP, where are you located? Bc I switched from Washington Radiology to VHC Imaging and it was a night and day difference.

[Anonymous]

OP
Look at the website for where you want to go. See if they list "participating insurances." Is your there?

If so, then call the place for an appointment. They will figure it out. Portals suck. And often are not right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am 42 and still haven't scheduled a mammogram. I went online to do it but the online portal wouldn't let me (said I was out of network even though I wasn't) and then I just haven't taken the time to call my insurance to figure it out.

I guess it depends on your risk tolerance. Breast cancer is best treated if caught early, which regular mammogram do. If you are a risk taker, sure skip it, percentage wise, you might be lucky. However, the consequence if you are wrong, might be your life.

[Anonymous]

Another person here who had early stage BC detected on my very first mammogram. No family history. You can look up all the risk factors and I have none. I also had one of those tumors you can't feel.

[Anonymous]

This thread is insane. According to the ACS, mammograms at 40-44 are optional and you should just discuss with your PCP whether they are necessary based on risk profile.

I started mammograms at 45 and it's fine. I have no family history and lower-than-typical risk because I have never taken hormonal birth control. I know other women who have been doing them annually since 35. It just depends.

OP, you're fine. Talk to your PCP about getting one ordered, since it's something you want to do now. But it's not "bad" that you haven't had one yet. Do you have any family history? Don't let your anxiety go haywire based on the "Cancer Horror Story Storytime" people have decided to turn this thread into. It's fine.

[Anonymous]

OP, I hope you never get breast cancer, whether or not you get mammograms.
If someone does and it's been around long enough to be felt as a lump, it's likely more advanced. That will require a lot of time, phone and internet work, and stress than if it's early stage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is insane. According to the ACS, mammograms at 40-44 are optional and you should just discuss with your PCP whether they are necessary based on risk profile.

I started mammograms at 45 and it's fine. I have no family history and lower-than-typical risk because I have never taken hormonal birth control. I know other women who have been doing them annually since 35. It just depends.

OP, you're fine. Talk to your PCP about getting one ordered, since it's something you want to do now. But it's not "bad" that you haven't had one yet. Do you have any family history? Don't let your anxiety go haywire based on the "Cancer Horror Story Storytime" people have decided to turn this thread into. It's fine.

It's "fine" but not wanting to make a phone call isn't a great reason. Facilities want business. They will do the insurance stuff once they get your id number and group number and plan. Just give those in advance when you call to get a future appointment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is insane. According to the ACS, mammograms at 40-44 are optional and you should just discuss with your PCP whether they are necessary based on risk profile.

I started mammograms at 45 and it's fine. I have no family history and lower-than-typical risk because I have never taken hormonal birth control. I know other women who have been doing them annually since 35. It just depends.

OP, you're fine. Talk to your PCP about getting one ordered, since it's something you want to do now. But it's not "bad" that you haven't had one yet. Do you have any family history? Don't let your anxiety go haywire based on the "Cancer Horror Story Storytime" people have decided to turn this thread into. It's fine.

It's "fine" but not wanting to make a phone call isn't a great reason. Facilities want business. They will do the insurance stuff once they get your id number and group number and plan. Just give those in advance when you call to get a future appointment.

And if they don't or are out of network, pick another place. It's good to keep using the same place or system for comparisons but for a first just find one that's convenient physically and procedurally. Insurance websites often have find a provider featires once you log in.