As I left Wales at the age of 49, I had never had a Mammogram, 50 being the age in Britain when you would have your first test done. I also want to have regular smear tests. As I have an IKA (health) book I can go to the Municipal hospital in Mytilini, where I can have these procedures free. Here you can choose to go on any week day morning between 9am and 1pm and take your place in the queue.

The hospital is very very busy and can be a bit impersonal, so I decided to go private.

I have an English friend (married to a Greek man) who recommended the two seperate clinics I would need. As we needed to go to Mytilini we went together taking another friend with us.

We chose evening appointments one following the other for the gynecologist, who spoke perfect English and all went well. We were informed that the results would take seven days, then if there were any problems the doctor would ring us to let us know. If all was well we could pick up a certificate to say as much when we next happened to be in Mytilini.The cost, a very reasonable 60 euros.

Within a week we had morning appointments in Mytilini for a mammogram.The female doctor was Greek/American and we agreed she had a resemblence to the comedienne Ruby Wax. The staff were very helpful and the atmosphere friendly.

We had the mammograms done within fifteen minutes and the results were double checked by a male doctor (husband of 'Ruby'). Thankfully all was well. I found the procedure quite painful but quick. We were then presented with the X-rays!!. Again I thought the fee of 65 euros reasonable.

Interestingly, here in Greece it is recommended that women have their first mammogram aged 35 and every year there after.

Ann