breast/ovarian cancer screenings

I am positive for BRCA, the breast/ovarian cancer gene. Here in the states, I get regular mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds, but it seems like it might be more difficult to do in the UK, especially to screen for ovarian cancer. Is anyone else on the board BRCA+? What has your experience been like? It's the ovarian cancer that's been the killer in my family, and you can't exactly do a self-exam for that!

While I don't know the answer, I bet you will be pleasantly surprised.  When I was pregnant and they were taking my family history, I explained that my mom is the only woman in her family who has NOT had breast cancer.  I was then asked if she had been tested for the gene.  I was under the impression that there would have been a different path if she had the gene.

The NHS isn't perfect but often you only hear the bad press.  Be your own advocate if you run into any resistance from a particular GP.

Thanks, KFDancer. I am pretty good at advocating for myself so I will be the pushy American if I have to be!

I've never been tested for BRCA but in addition to aunts and a grandmother with breast cancer my daughter died from BC.  While I was in the US my doctor was very cautious and I had mammograms every year.  If anything looked dodgy they would do an additional mam. and also an ultrasound scan.  I do have cysts and was referred to a surgeon for further exams and eventually had a biopsy.  It was OK but indicated it was something to be watched.  He recommended annual mams.
When I went for first mammogram in UK I took all relevant medical records plus a disc with images of previous mams.  They copied it all for my file.  Whereas in the US a radiologist would examine my results immediately while I waited, there was nothing like that here.  I was zapped once on each side and sent on my way.  No feedback at all.  I haven't been called in for another procedure although it's been a year so I assume they've scheduled me for the usual recall of 3 years.  I'm about to question my GP about this. 

You won't receive any feedback if the scan was clear, that's the system.