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Mammogram after radiation

Blod
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Hi. I am 13 months post treatment for tonsil & lymph mode cancer. Treatment included 30 sessions of radiotherapy. I’ve had a letter asking me to go for a mammogram. Is it safe to do so?

Thanks

  • Hi Blod,

     

    My name is Amy and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

     

    I hope you are recovering well from the treatment you had to your tonsil and lymph nodes 13 months ago. I appreciate your concern about having a mammogram after radiotherapy.

     

    A Mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast whereas radiotherapy uses high energy rays to a precisely targeted area. It is therefore safe to have a mammogram after radiotherapy. And the benefits of screening would usually outweigh any risk of radiation exposure.

     

    If you remain concerned, you can speak to your cancer team about this in more detail. If you are not due to speak to them before your mammogram appointment you could call and leave a message for your head and neck cancer nurse or consultant, usually via their secretary.

     

    I hope this helps.

      

    Best wishes, 

    Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. 

    Ref: AC/LJ

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