Tell us about your breast cancer screenings...

From baseline mammograms to being prepared for a follow up call, genetic testing, those unpleasant little stickers and how a mammogram really feels with implants, let’s get into it.  Does a mammogram hurt? When did you start screenings? Read on as Rebecca and Kim share their experiences genetic testing, Ashley shares her experience with implants and Jen explains how a follow up call isn’t a reason to be alarmed.

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

I know that screenings, exams, and tests can be scary. I have always subscribed to the notion that information is power, and I would rather know and deal in absolutes than not know and worry about possible outcomes.

Each time I sit in the waiting room, each time I wait for results, I feel that queasy feeling. That feeling “I am sure it will be fine, but what if…..” I have gone annually for my exams, and I have been lucky with the results.

The imaging center I go to is beautiful and the doctors, nurses, and imaging experts are so kind. The first time I had a mammogram, I was shocked at how fast the process was and how relatively painless it was.

After my most recent screening, I met with someone on their genetic testing team. My sister, at 49, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Because of her diagnosis, they recommended genetic testing. I know some people would rather not know, but again, I want the information! I did the testing, and it found no abnormalities and was negative for the BRCA2 gene, which is associated with breast cancer, among several others. It was a huge relief and made me feel a little more informed about genetic predispositions related to my health.

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

I actually had my first mammogram back in 2020, before getting breast implants. I had my implants done in 2020 and 2021, and my plastic surgeon required a mammogram beforehand. So I had already had two mammograms before I even turned 40!

I’m 44 now, and I’ve continued getting my mammogram every year since turning 40.

And here’s something I find interesting. My mammograms actually hurt MORE before I had implants! I have no idea why. Don’t get me wrong, they’re still uncomfortable, but I was expecting them to be so much worse with implants, and that hasn’t been my experience.

I will say, every time they squeeze my boobs between those plates, there’s a tiny part of me wondering, Is this the year they’re going to pop one of these things?! 😂

My plastic surgeon has assured me that mammograms are safe with implants, and I’m happy to report that both boobs have survived every appointment so far!

Thankfully, I’ve never had an abnormal result or a scary experience. And I’m incredibly grateful for that.

But I will say, one thing that scares me is hearing stories about women who have a normal mammogram and then discover a lump or receive a breast cancer diagnosis shortly afterward.

It’s a reminder that while screenings are incredibly important, they’re not foolproof. A normal mammogram doesn’t mean we should ignore changes in our breasts between appointments.

And I think that’s the part that sticks with me. We can do everything we’re supposed to do, show up for our appointments, get our screenings, and still not have complete certainty.

But that’s certainly not a reason to stop going.

I’m actually a big believer in earlier screening and having conversations about individual risk. Personally, I wish routine mammograms started at 35 instead of 40. I feel similarly about colonoscopies. I know there are medical reasons behind screening guidelines, but I can’t help wishing we could catch more cancers earlier.

And since I brought up my implants, I’ll add this: I absolutely love mine. After having three kids and breastfeeding all three, getting implants was something I chose for myself. I feel more confident, sexier in bathing suits and certain shirts, and honestly, more like me.

But that’s a whole different conversation!

As far as breast cancer screenings go, my experience has thankfully been pretty uneventful. I show up, get squeezed, briefly worry about my implants, and go about my day.

And I hope I get to keep telling that same boring story for many, many years to come.

Because when it comes to mammograms, boring is exactly what I’m hoping for.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

I had my first and only mammogram so far at 36. I’ll be turning 40 in the next year, and you can bet I’ll be scheduling my next one right away! I was terrified going into my first mammogram because I had heard so many stories about how painful it could be. While having your breasts smashed between two plates isn’t exactly fun, it honestly wasn’t that bad! I always say the little metal stickers they put on your nipples were more uncomfortable to remove than the actual mammogram.

I wish women had easier access to early screenings and testing. My biggest piece of advice is to always advocate for yourself and your health. If something doesn’t feel right or you have concerns, speak up and keep asking questions. You know your body best, and your health is worth it!

Kim, Interior Designer from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

My OB/ GYN recommended a baseline mammogram when I was 39 before I started regular annual screenings. Those results netted "something" my doctor wanted to watch, so I went for mammograms every 6 months and had an ultrasound to rule out any concern. From there, I was back on the annual train- every October. I prefer to go to our local hospital - they are a well-oiled machine and if you need any follow ups, they can handle it all there. Then, last fall my screening protocol was ramped up a bit following genetic testing.

My grandmother passed away of ovarian cancer in 1980. And, while I had been offered genetic testing for years, it wasn't until a brave family member did her own testing and was found positive for BRCA 2 that I decided to get tested as well. BRCA 2 is a gene mutation that increases your risk for 5 cancer (including ovarian and breast) and my mutation is identical to my family member's. So, this takes my risk for breast cancer up to 60-80% depending on the study. While a "risk reducing" surgery may be in my future, for now my protocol is a mammogram every October and a contrast dye MRI every April. I had my first MRI last April and while it wasn't my favorite experience, it was a relief to hear the all clear.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Planner from @GlobalOnDemandTravel

I am so thankful for the technician on my first mammogram. Before even starting she mentioned that with the first exam, and with my type of tissue, it is very common to get called back for a diagnositic mammogram and to not be alarmed. So, when I got the call that there was a suspicious area they wanted to take another look, I was prepared and not alarmed. Turns out all is well and I am so thankful she prepared me so I wouldn't get too anxious after that call.