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KymB's avatar
KymB
Member
11 years ago

Please share YOUR mammogram / BreastScreen experience

Hi Ladies

I am a BCNA Consumer Representative and Community Liaison volunteer. Tomorrow afternoon I am speaking with a group of Radiographers and trainee Radiographers at the BreastScreen Radiographer Training Centre.

While I'm sure that those of us that have had mammograms would agree the process can be uncomfortable and/or painful, I'm wanting to know how YOU were treated by the Radiographer attending to you. I have listed some example questions below - but ANY FEEDBACK you can provide on your experience with a mammographic Radiographer would be fantastic. 

It's short notice I know - but as always, I appreciate your help and value your feedback.  Your feedback will be shared with BreastScreen, to help improve the mammogram experience for all women.  Thank you!
SAMPLE QUESTIONS BELOW .... feel free to answer any or all. Any feedback welcome!

.  - Was the Radiographer welcoming, friendly and polite to you? 

- Did the Radiographer speak clearly and audibly?

- Did the Radiographer explain what was going to happen when you had your mammogram?  (Particularly if it was your first ever mammogram.)  

- Was the Radiographer emphathetic and kind to you?

- Was there something done/said by the Radiographer that really pleased/helped you?

- While you were waiting to see the Radiographer, was your modesty considered?  e.g. Were you given gowns to cover both your front/back while waiting?  If you have only one breast remaining, was the Radiographer sensitive and mindful that you were not left in a waiting room with other people, in a gown, looking lop-sided?

- If you have had several mammograms, what has made one experience better or worse than the other ... in terms of how you were treated by the Radiographer.

Thank you.

Kym :)

 

9 Replies

  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    11 years ago

    I've only had very good experiences with my mammograms. Radiographers have been polite, gentle, sensitive, respectful and made the whole the experience okay. 

  • KymB's avatar
    KymB
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Ladies

    Thank you for your comments - much appreciated.

    If anyone else wants to post a comment I still have a couple more hours before I'll be collating responses and heading off for my talk at BreastScreen.  Thanks again!

    Kym :)

     

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    At my yearly mammogram, I found I was treated with respect, the radiographer introduced herself and was very explanatory which made me feel like I wasn't just another number. After I got the hook wire in just before surgery, the radiographer at the hospital saw what a wreck I was and put her arm around me and told me everything would be alright, what an angel, 

    Hazel xx

  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    At my yearly mammogram, I found I was treated with respect, the radiographer introduced herself and was very explanatory which made me feel like I wasn't just another number. After I got the hook wire in just before surgery, the radiographer at the hospital saw what a wreck I was and put her arm around me and told me everything would be alright, what an angel, 

    Hazel xx

  • margiemoo's avatar
    margiemoo
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi

     

    I was looked after very well with my mammogram, treated with respect and care. When I was having my core biopsy and was crying staff were very empathetic. It did make things "easier". 

    Marg xx

  • margiemoo's avatar
    margiemoo
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi

     

    I was looked after very well with my mammogram, treated with respect and care. When I was having my core biopsy and was crying staff were very empathetic. It did make things "easier". 

    Marg xx

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Kym, not sure if what I have to say is what you a looking for but this is an issue that needs to be addressed in Australia.

    Firstly I have alway had good experiences with the people doing my mammograms and ultrasounds.  The only complaint I have is that in Australia they seem to be oblivious to dense breast tissue. I had one lady tell me that my 48year old breasts were as good as a 35year olds, I was actually very pleased with this news.

    It was only after I was diagnosed with a slow growing 20mm breast cancer that could not be felt by anyone, that I found out that I had very dense breast tissue. My diagnosis of Stage 2 was only six months after an all clear mammogram and ultrasound. I was fortunate that I had a good GP who insisted that I get a second opinion on a fibrodenoma.  I have since found out that on my reports it stated breast density obstructs any underlying problems. The ability of mammography is compromised.

    The people doing these tests need to tell us this information. All GP 's are interested in is clear or not clear.

    Breast density is one of the strongest predictors of failure of mammography screening to detect breast cancer.  Women need to be informed of their risks, cancer turns up 5 times more in women with extremely dense breast tissue than those with fatty tissue.

    This information needs to start somewhere, perhaps with you Kym and the Radiographers that you will be meeting.

    Cheers and all the best,

    Viv

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago
    I really appreciate it if the radiogragher introduces herself to me. It's a little thing but I think it's important- otherwise you feel like a nothing. Tonya
  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago
    I really appreciate it if the radiogragher introduces herself to me. It's a little thing but I think it's important- otherwise you feel like a nothing. Tonya