Why would people not return for their 6 month follow-up mammogram?
Hi, I just went through a 3-D mammogram, then a call-back mammogram and US and then a 6-month follow-up mammogram. The 6-month follow-up was normal—BI-RADS 1 negative. So, I was very, very relieved. But I was extemely anxious before the normal findings on the 6-monht follow-up. The tech mentioned in passing that many patients who are scheduled for a 6-month follow-up mammogram do not even show up. I was wondering if that is due to fear (that would have been my reason—it was difficult to walk out the door and into the mammo center) or maybe financial constraints or maybe they just don't have the anxiety that I experienced. Does anyone have any insight on this phenomenon? The fact that lots of people don't show up for the 6-month follow-makes me feel kind of dumb for being so nervous about mine.
Comments
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I guess some people might not go to a six month follow up because of the insurance copay or because they figure a year between mammograms isn’t that long. You were wise to go to your appointment since if a problem were found it would be at an earlier more easily treatable stage. If you have been called back recently it is normal to be nervous before the next mammogram. It’s much better to follow medical advice than bury your head in the sand.
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