Setting off Airport TSA scanners

I rarely travel and last summer I set off the TSA screening system, when going to see a friend I hadn't seen in years. I have no implants (well one metal clip in my arm pit I guess) or anything else that I think should sound any alarms. I was actually shocked and embarrassed, and burst into tears. What they were concerned about was an area on my sternum and remaining breast that is like a big hard lump. My sternum fractured right there and healed strangely. I have a large hard lump from the sternum, and a super tight muscle next to it, "flowing" onto the remaining breast. When they said I needed additional screening I asked why and they touched my upper body where all the damage is and said, "What's this?" It's all flesh and bone, so I have no idea why they were alarmed. They did ask if I would prefer "private screening", but I told them as long as I didn't have to take my clothes off, I was fine staying in the main area. I think the other people there might learn something if they have to witness someone being humiliated like I was. I was actually deeply hurt and had no idea whatsoever that anything like that could happen, no warning from the medical people or the airport people at all, and I thought to myself, "So this is what breast cancer gets you, huh?" I was really shaken and embarrassed. It will make me think twice about flying again. I'd have to really want to go.

threetree,

I am very sorry you felt humiliated and embarrassed. All manner of things can trigger additional screening whether one has had cancer or not. TSA agents look for anomalies. They are not doctors or radiologists and simply operate under the guidelines they’ve been given to help protect the traveling public. The additional screening, which could have been done privately, almost always clears up any questions and then you’re on your way. No one enjoys additional screening and TSA agents are not medical personnel but they are responsible for security and a secondary screening can be part of that for anyone, whether they have had cancer or not. I mentioned earlier that I have had numerous secondary screening over the years which are understandable as my port, my implants and even my leg compression garment are all anomalies. I accept the offer of a private screening and am actually happy that anomalies are carefully checked. Yes, it’s a bit of a pain sometimes but a necessity in this day and age.
Ultimately, the question was can TSA scanners/agents detect cancer via TSA imaging. The answer is a simple no but anything that is considered an anomaly , for whatever reason, merits further inspection.

Great! Getting it checked out by the doctor sounds like a good idea. Take care

PS: I was hoping to provide some comfort by telling you TSA screening is not medical screening. Clearly I missed the mark, so mea culpa again.

waves2stars,

Thank you for taking the time to post that article. I pretty much thought that was the case. I am a former Pan Am flight attendant. Although I have been out of the industry for decades, I still maintain an interest in aviation and try to keep up with things. Thanks again for helping to set minds at ease. Bottom line? Airport imaging equipment is not medical and is not able to “see” internal happenings in human bodies.

Smc123, I expected my hip replacement to show up on the TSA scans, but both shoulders light up every time, too. I think it's because I was born with dysplasia & the arthritis is so bad that the scar tissue looks suspicious.

I'm now 8 years out from my diagnosis, initially HER2+ with the core needle biopsy, then the dreaded triple negative diagnosis when the solid tumor was analyzed. Weird symptoms still bring cancer thoughts bubbling to the surface so I understand why you would inquire about the TSA oddity. It's certainly worth asking your oncologist about to rule out anything worrisome. I don't think Ex meant to come across harshly. The problem with forums is that words aren't delivered with kind, caring facial expressions so directness can convey as brusque or judgmental. Please let us know if your doctor has thoughts on the abdomen situation.

Lyn

Exbrn, as noted, I absolutely believe you were coming from a caring place. I think your initial post was worded a bit awkwardly & would have landed differently in person. Also, I was diagnosed with triple negative cancer in 2016 and the cancer goblins still rear their ugly heads periodically. I think that's perfectly normal rather than an indication that one needs mental health care. That support can be very valuable for anyone who has faced a cancer battle, but, as worded, seemed to imply mental illness if one didn't just "get over it" a certain number of years out. I know that wasn't your intent. Misunderstandings are inevitable on social media.

Smx123, I understand your anxiety. I, too, worry that I'll be that outlier. When I had my hip replaced, the nurse (who gave me creepy Dr. Death vibes) handed the surgeon another patient's replacement components. My blood pressure got too low during the second replacement surgery putting me into kidney failure, doubling my hospital stay & requiring a blood transfusion. My catheter was already out when they gave me heavy-duty diuretics. You're not allowed to go to the bathroom on your own post-surgery and there was a very rare ice storm that meant the hospital was short-staffed. My first chemo port coiled up and retracted 3 cm, something neither the surgeon who implanted it nor my oncologist had seen before despite both having many years of experience. It kinda feels like if someone would be that statistical oddball, it would be me. I hope that your doctor and the information others shared about airport scanners can provide you with some comfort and reassurance.

Hugs, Lyn

I’d say try to keep reminding yourself that TSA screenings are random and it’s not about your health specifically—it’s just their protocol. If you ever need a distraction during those tense moments, I’ve found some peace of mind in knowing I’m getting the best seat I can in the process, haha. You’re definitely not alone in dealing with that travel anxiety! Also, I'm new to this forum, and if you’re ever curious about tips or advice on smoother travel, there’s a great site I came across: travelbusinessclass.com. Take care, and I hope this helps!

Oh great. Glad I stumbled on this. I will fly for the first time since my diagnosis and now I am scared. Do I need a doctor's note to fly now? I have a port installed. Is the port card enough proof that I have a port installed. and I think I still have biopsy clips and I am pretty sure they put more clips on my recent lumpectomy. Wow. I guess I need to ask both my onco and surgeon for this.

Pneuma - Sorry to say this, and in no way do I mean to scare or upset you, but be prepared to be "flagged" for sure. At least you have some advance warning. I was never told by anyone in the medical system that this could happen. They also don't have any signs or information about this at the airport. My port had been removed and I only had one clip, but they focused, not on that, but on a sternum fracture that had healed all "lumpy" and hard, along with a tight muscle structure next to it that blended into my remaining breast. Everyone else waiting in line could see them stop me and ask questions. I felt like I was unfairly singled out and "on stage" for a crowd to witness my embarrassment and tears. I was totally shocked and utterly humiliated. I would like to do anything I can to prevent anyone else from having that sudden unexpected shock experience. To be forewarned is to be forearmed, so brace yourself. If I had known in advance, it might not have been so bad. This happened on the first leg of a trip with an old friend to visit another old friend in another state. At least on our way back, I was aware of what could happen, so wouldn't have been shocked and humiliated into tears like I was the first time. Just expect anything, and all the best of luck to you!

It's more like annoying for me. LOL. I have been stopped before. I brought a cuticle trimmer on my flight. Welp. They ask me what I use with it, I said - uh my nails? It definitely was scary and they actually let me have it. They didn't take it. But you definitely made me prepare for the worst on my next flight. I honestly am anticipating to be stopped but just hope for the best.

So this actually is an addition to my already being nervous flying hoping my arms won't swell. I have read in lymphedema thread on this forum how some of the ladies arms blew up or swell in flights. So ya, cancer made flying extra extra scary. Great.

pneuma,

If you have concerns about lymphedema, please educate yourself and ask your doctor about your risks. You first have to determine if you actually have lymphedema ((LE). I would not advise just buying a compression sleeve/gloves without consulting a LE physical therapist so it can be determined if this is even needed and then prescribe the correct level of compression if needed. Additionally, there have been mixed recommendations for wearing sleeves when flying. I have diagnosed mild LE (on my surgery side, of course), wore a sleeve/glove (prescribed for me) for years when flying. After the new guidelines came out , I stopped wearing my sleeve when I flew and nothing happened! There really is no need to worry about something that you may not even have.

Pneuma, please, please learn and understand LE and your personal risk, which may be minimal. Again, I don’t understand your need to catastrophize but it is not helping your stress level and I’d focus on reducing that rather than worrying about LE which may not even be an issue for you .