5 Mammogram Myths: What You Should Know

Yearly physicals and screenings often seem inconvenient, especially when you feel perfectly fine. But staying on top of your health through preventative care is the best way to stay healthy and improve your quality of life. Preventative care aims to prevent or alleviate various health conditions before they develop.  

One of the many ways to accomplish this goal is through screenings, such as mammograms. Mammograms are x-rays of the breasts and are a much-talked, dreaded rite of passage for aging women. But numerous misconceptions about mammograms circulating may prevent some women from undergoing this important health screening. Let’s explore some common myths about mammograms and the truth behind each of them. 

Myth 1: I don’t need a mammogram because I have no family history of breast cancer. 

This is a common myth among women. The truth is that only 5-10% of cancers have a genetic or hereditary component, and 85% of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women without any known risk factors or family history of breast cancer. For this reason, women should get their first or baseline mammogram at age 40. 

Myth 2: A mammogram will expose me to too much radiation. 

Many women have read or heard about the consequences of exposure to high radiation levels and fear that the mammogram radiation dose is unsafe. Mammograms are entirely safe. They are a type of x-ray and use a minimal amount of radiation — below the acceptable limits suggested by the FDA. 

Myth 3: I can’t have a mammogram because I have breast implants. 

Many women mistakenly believe that they cannot get a mammogram with implants because it is not safe. The mammography staff takes extra care to ensure the integrity of the implant and produce the best imaging possible. 

Make a note to inform medical staff that you have breast implants when you schedule your appointment because extra pictures and time may be required for your exam. 

Myth 4: Mammograms are too painful. 

It is important to compress the breasts for a few moments during a mammogram to guarantee a clear picture and detect subtle abnormalities. You may experience temporary discomfort during this time. There is no lasting breast pain after a mammogram. Your breasts may be more sensitive during the time right before or during your period, so consider scheduling your routine mammogram in the middle of your menstrual cycle. 
 

Myth 5: 3-D mammograms are the same as traditional (2-D) mammograms. 

Digital or 2-D mammography is very effective at detecting early breast cancer but is only a 2-dimensional picture of your breast. 3-D mammography provides a three-dimensional, computer-generated view of your breast by creating more images of the breast at different depths.  

3-D mammography is 40% more accurate in detecting early cancer and reduces false positives by 40%. Many women have dense breast tissue, making cancer harder to detect in a 2-D mammogram, so 3-D mammography is preferred for these patients. 

We are Here to Help Keep You Healthy 

You are your best advocate, and it is never too early to take charge of your health by being proactive with your preventative care.  

At Flagler Health, you can be confident that your continued health is our number one priority. Contact your health provider today at Flagler Health to discuss the right time for your mammogram.  

Your physician will answer any questions about mammogram myths, mammogram prep, and mammogram follow-up. UF Health St. JohnsImaging Center offers digital mammography and 3-D mammograms and is committed to providing the earliest possible detection of breast cancer with our computer-aided analysis. We are here to help you enjoy your life to the fullest by providing the best preventative care screenings and options for you and your family.