"Mammogram February 2018"

I had my mammogram on 28.02.18 and prior to my appointment completed the proforma that was sent to me, providing an outline of my 10 year history of cysts in both breasts and small lumps in my armpits. Previously these cysts were aspirated but on my last appointment I was told that this is no longer the preferred treatment and that I would just have to wait for them to disappear.

I told the technician in the screening room that I currently have at least 2 and what feels like three cysts in one breast and that these have become very sore and that the lumps under my arm are also uncomfortable.

She said that she couldn’t see any cysts because I have very dense breasts.

There was no explanation of the type of density nor the implications of having dense breasts.

Previously I have been sent for ultrasounds in order to secure a better image of lumps and these have always confirmed the lumps as cysts not tumors.

The letter informing me that my mammogram showed no sign of cancer, arrived on 14.3.18.

It reminds patients to visit the GP if any further changes in breasts are noticed and that some breast cancers are not detected by screening.

There was no reference to any of the lumps I had identified.

So I don’t know whether they were seen on the mammogram images or not.

I also wonder what will be the point of visiting the GP regarding changes in my breast if a screening fails to notice them or comment on their characteristics.

I have read that in Australia and the US there is a requirement for doctors to categorize the level of breast density and to discuss with women whether they therefore require more frequent screening.

A recent Canadian research study suggests that breast density is as significant a factor in incidents of breast cancer as family history.

The screening at St Bart’s seems to merely suggest that it is an inconvenience.

I should have been delighted to receive the letter confirming no sign of cancer.

But I feel neither reassured nor well informed by the simple letter I received.