Betty and Evelyn had just had mammograms when I met them in the waiting area. "It's not like a hospital: the surroundings are nicer and more relaxing," according to Evelyn. Both women had come early, ahead of their scheduled appointment times, and had been seen without delay.
Interestingly, both had mammograms several years ago and had found it a painful and anxious experience. Neither found that the BreastCheck service induced anxiety. One of the women said the morning's mammogram had caused only "a little discomfort". The other experienced no pain or discomfort.
They were both full of praise for the radiographer, who took her time and explained everything. The procedure lasted about eight minutes.
Betty advised women "not to be nervous about breast-cancer screening. I strongly recommend that they come forward when invited".
Evelyn's sister declined screening recently. After her own positive experience, Evelyn was heading home to try to convince her sister to change her mind.