25 Worse Things Than Getting a Mammogram

on May 17, 2011 at 4:36 PM

pink white cupckaes I turned 40 last year and for my birthday, my doctor gave me an order for my first mammogram -- how sweet! That was in November. Six months later I finally made the appointment, and I have to admit I waited so long because I was afraid. Afraid of intense pain.

Well, I'm happy to report that I survived not only my first mammogram, but also an 1.5-hour recheck (part mammogram; part ultrasound) on my right breast, and everything is A-OK. Even better, it really wasn't that bad at all. It's not the most fun I've ever had on a sunny spring afternoon by a long shot; however, the pain and discomfort were far, far less than I anticipated. In fact, I can think of at least 25 things that are worse than getting a mammogram.

25 Worse Things Than Getting a Mammogram

1. Stubbing your toe.

2. Craving chocolate when there is none.

3. Getting a filling.

4. Getting a root canal.

5. Going about an entire day with a giant pimple on your nose.

6. Getting a charley horse in your calf.

7. Breastfeeding for the first week or two.

8. Having the stomach flu.

9. Getting a pap smear.

10. Running a mile when you haven't run in awhile.

11. Getting tangerine juice in a cut.

12. Hearing your child say "I hate you" the first time.

13. Getting headbutted by your toddler.

14. Being turned down for the promotion.

15. Enduring prolonged nausea.

16. Riding out the common cold.

17. Plucking your eyebrows.

18. Surviving aerosinusitis.

19. Getting food poisoning.

20. Wearing clothes when you have a really bad sunburn.

21. Staying still and quiet through a bikini wax.

22. Making your way through the block of fat-free cheese you accidentally bought.

23. Getting your ears pierced.

24. Giving birth (obviously).

25. Breast cancer (obviously).

Seriously, ladies. Don't let fear stand in the way of breast health. You are strong, and you can totally handle it. If you feel any abnormalities or changes in or around your breasts or it's simply time for your routine mammogram, make your appointment today.

Have you had a mammogram before? What was your experience?

Image via khrawlings/Flickr

About the author Sheri Reed

is a writer and the Entertainment, News & Sports editor for The Stir. She loves a good film, watches lots of good TV and follows Ryan Gosling's every move because she has to -- for work.

Filed Under: breasts, cancer, general health, medical tests

Comments (19)

LoriAnn87

on May 17, 2011 at 5:34 PM

No I have not had one yet but I will be getting my first one done when I turn 35 since I have a family history.

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Facebook comment from Denise Queme

on May 17, 2011 at 7:38 PM

At age 40, my doctor along with my boss just nagged me to death to get a mammogram baseline. Finally, I told my doctor if she could get an appointment for me NOW, not in a couple of hours or tomorrow, I would get one. Immediately, my back-talk got me an appointment with the Director of Mammogram Land. Which I was scheduled for an immediate removal of a quarter size tumor. IN OTHER WORDS LADIES, GET A MAMMOGRAM. I was lucky to have nagging sincere ladies in my life. Yes it hurts like something you've never experience! but better than dying.

kisses5050

on May 17, 2011 at 7:47 PM

Mammogram Shammmmogram.. I was soooo worried.... It wassssss nooooo big deal... The most uncomfortable thing was the coldness on the machine... I have big boobies,,, it didnt hurt.. It was weird a bit uncomfortable.. not anything horrid...not anything I could not go through again... PLEASEEEEE GET CHECKED!!!! GET CHECKED GET CHECKED!!!!

Facebook comment from Dawn Felhaber

on May 17, 2011 at 8:01 PM

I've recently had a mammogram, it's uncomfortable, and you want to hold your breasts all the way home. But looking at the list of worse things, I agree. Esp. since breast cancer would be way worse.

Angellinda

I had mammogram done at age 47 & 48. They didn't find anything! But I found a lump when i was 49 which turned into Triple Negative Breast Cancer!! Know your own body and get anything suspicious checked out. Best of luck in your healing wellness!. pink ribbon

Sarasahmof3

on May 17, 2011 at 8:43 PM

I have had 3 and I just turned 35. The only complaint I have with it is, why are the rooms so cold(but that is with most doctor's offices) Other than that it was just very boring. Luckily the nurses were very talkative. I have one every 3 yrs. My next one is for my 36Th birthday. I had no pain or discomfort after or during. I just about froze my tat tats off though, LOL.

Nonmember comment from Paula

on May 17, 2011 at 8:51 PM

It is what you make of it. Two things make all the difference: 1. a good, caring technician and 2. your attitude. If you think it's gonna hurt, it's gonna hurt. If you walk in the room expecting an adventure (which is just another word for an experience you've never had) then it is an interesting experience. I had a benign tumor about 15 years ago and had at least a dozen mammos in one day. Sure, I was a little sore the next day, but it needed to be done. P.S. Same thing goes for childbirth.

Tess929

on May 18, 2011 at 12:16 AM

I had a mamogram in my 20's - the worst is that I'm short and had to stand on tip toes for several mins with my chest pinned so I couldn't really move - my calves hurt more then my boobies

Nonmember comment from Annie

on May 18, 2011 at 12:39 AM

Relevantly, there's ONE thing truly worse than getting a mammogram: getting BREAST CANCER.

Facebook comment from Marti Faith McGrath

on May 18, 2011 at 10:48 AM

Mammogram saved my life .A lump was found in a routine mammo. and it was a small stage 1 cancer with no lymph node involvement . I underwent lumpectomy , 4 rounds of chemo and radiation .I am celebrating 4 years cancer free this month . Uncomfortable ... alittle .Worth it ...absolutely !