Busting 4 Common Myths About Breast Cancer & Screenings

Author: Dr. Devin Cooper, MD, FACOG

Misinformation can prevent women from scheduling vital medical screenings. Today, we are clearing up four widespread misconceptions regarding breast cancer risk, radiation safety, and mammography.

Myth 1: "If no one in my family has breast cancer, I won't get it either."

• Fact: Over 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of the disease. While genetics play an important role, the primary risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and growing older. Routine screening is necessary for every woman, regardless of family background.

  
  

Myth 2: "Mammograms expose you to dangerous radiation levels."

• Fact: Modern digital mammography uses extremely low radiation doses. To put it in perspective, the radiation exposure from a standard screening mammogram is roughly equivalent to 7 weeks of natural background radiation from our everyday environment (or about the exposure from a commercial transcontinental flight). The lifesaving benefits of early detection far outweigh the minimal radiation risk.

  
  

Myth 3: "If I feel fine and have no lumps, I don't need a mammogram."

• Fact: Mammograms are designed to detect microcalcifications and microscopic tumors years before they become large enough to be felt during a physical exam. Waiting for a physical lump to appear means missing the earliest, most treatable stages of disease.

  
  

Myth 4: "An abnormal mammogram means I have cancer."

• Fact: Receiving a call for follow-up testing after a mammogram can be frightening, but the vast majority of recall visits do not result in a cancer diagnosis. Extra imaging or ultrasounds are frequently needed to clear up overlapping tissue shadows, evaluate benign cysts, or establish a clearer baseline image.

If you're unsure of your breast cancer screening plan, save this post and review your personalized plan with your Gynecologist. Information is power!