What You Need to Know About Mammograms

Getting an annual mammogram detects breast cancer early and saves lives. However, there are many myths surrounding mammograms.

Do you think skipping a mammogram isn’t a big deal? Or are you worried that a mammogram uses too much radiation?

Myth 1: I have no breast cancer symptoms or family history, so I don’t need to worry about annual mammograms.

Truth: Annual mammograms are strongly recommended for all women over the age of 40, regardless of symptoms or family history. Early detection is crucial.

If you wait for symptoms such as a lump or discharge to appear before getting a mammogram, the cancer may be more advanced by that point. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for early-stage breast cancer is 99%. For later-stage cancer, the survival rate drops to 27%.

More than 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

Myth 2: A mammogram exposes me to unsafe levels of radiation.

Truth: While mammograms use radiation, the amount is minimal and within medical guidelines.

Myth 3: A 3D mammogram is the same as a traditional mammogram.

Truth: A 3D mammogram, or tomosynthesis, is the most advanced screening and diagnostic tool available for early detection of breast cancer. 

Compared to a standard 2D mammogram, a 3D mammogram provides more images of the breast and captures fine details in thin sections of breast tissue.

3D mammograms offer greater clarity and the ability to distinguish between overlapping normal tissue and cancerous tissue. Data shows a 40% increase in early cancer detection with 3D mammograms.

Myth 4: If I have any type of cancer in my breast tissue, it will always show up on a mammogram.

Truth: While annual mammograms are vital for women, there are limitations, mainly due to dense breast tissue. The denser the breast tissue, the more likely it is for cancer to be obscured. 

Women with dense breast tissue may benefit from additional imaging techniques such as breast ultrasound and breast MRI alongside their annual mammogram.

Myth 5: I had a normal mammogram last year, so I don’t need another one this year.

Truth: A normal mammogram result from last year does not guarantee that this year’s screening will also be normal. Annual mammograms increase the chances of detecting cancer when it’s small and most treatable. They save lives.

Myth 6: My doctor didn’t tell me I need a mammogram, so I haven’t scheduled one.

Truth: You don’t need a prescription or an order form from your doctor to schedule a screening mammogram. If you’re a woman aged 40 or older, it’s recommended to get a mammogram every year. Women can self-schedule their annual mammograms for earlier detection of breast cancer.

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