Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 12:16     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
Anonymous wrote:Breast cancer is probably the one cancer that I never worry about. I may be delusional but I have zero family history on either side.

I've had regular mammograms and never had a horrible experience but the last one hurt and I thought then that I might never do it again.



Not to be that person but my mom was diagnosed at age 30 with zero family history on either side and my best friend was diagnosed at age 39 with zero family history.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 12:14     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
I think it's important to stay in the habit of making yourself do it annually because otherwise it becomes too easy to put it off another year. I'm almost 60, no family history, but I do it every year. As far as procedures go, it's a breeze. The hardest part is facing your own mortality to schedule the procedure. Welcome to getting older. I'll take a mammogram over a traditional colonoscopy any day of the week!
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 12:03     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
Breast cancer is probably the one cancer that I never worry about. I may be delusional but I have zero family history on either side.

I've had regular mammograms and never had a horrible experience but the last one hurt and I thought then that I might never do it again.

Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 12:00     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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.


Did you actually find a doctor who admitted this is true? Because in my experience they insist it is 100% safe and roll their eyes if you don't want it.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 11:55     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
You should get a mammogram. I'm only one person but in the last 3 years I've had 3 friends under the age of 45 diagnosed with breast cancer. While the guideline is currently to begin at 40, guidelines are notoriously slow to change especially when it comes to women's health.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 11:54     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 11:52     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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
Post 01/14/2026 11:49     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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
Post 01/14/2026 11:48     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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
Post 01/14/2026 11:34     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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
Post 01/14/2026 10:45     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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
Post 01/14/2026 10:35     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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
Post 01/14/2026 10:30     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
OP, where are you located? Bc I switched from Washington Radiology to VHC Imaging and it was a night and day difference.
Anonymous
Post 01/14/2026 10:29     Subject: How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
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
Post 01/14/2026 10:27     Subject: Re:How bad is it to not do a mammogram?
My 48 year old cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer yesterday. Please make the appointment. Hugs