Breast Cancer Screening Myths That Could Be Putting Your Health at Risk

There’s no denying the important role of regular mammograms in reducing breast cancer risks and saving lives. Yet for many women, misunderstandings and myths about screening may prevent them from having regular screenings, putting their health and their futures at risk.

At Invision Sally Jobe, we use state-of-the-art mammography technology for the most accurate results, supporting early diagnosis and treatment. Here, our team busts some of the most common myths that could be keeping you from getting the screening you need to stay healthy.

Myth 1: There’s no breast cancer in my family, so I’m not at risk

It’s true, having a family history of breast cancer does increase your risk. But it’s also true that most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have any family history of the disease. 

There are lots of other risk factors that can play a role, including having dense breasts or certain benign breast conditions, beginning menstruation before age 12, and even being 5 foot 6 or taller. 

Lifestyle factors can increase your risk too, like being overweight, drinking alcohol, or using certain hormonal therapies, including some types of birth control.

Skipping or delaying a mammogram simply because you don’t have a family history of breast cancer poses a risk of missing an early diagnosis and delaying lifesaving treatment. Regular screening is your best defense, regardless of whether you have any known risk factors.

Myth 2: I don’t have symptoms, so I don’t need a mammogram

Some women think that as long as they don’t observe any lumps or other unusual changes in their breasts, they’re free of cancer. But that’s not the case. In fact, many women diagnosed with breast cancer have no noticeable signs or symptoms, making regular mammograms even more essential. 

Like any cancer, breast cancer responds best to early intervention. Mammograms are designed to detect tissue changes long before you can feel them during a self-exam or even a medical exam.

Myth 3: Mammograms involve significant radiation exposure

Mammograms do use radiation to obtain those detailed images of your breast tissue, but the amount of radiation used is extremely low. It’s so low that it’s about the same amount of background radiation you’re exposed to over seven weeks of just regular, daily living.

Any risk from this very small amount of radiation is far outweighed by the benefits of catching breast cancer early. 

Myth 4: Mammograms are very painful

OK, total honesty here: Mammograms can definitely be uncomfortable, but they’re not painful. What’s more, the entire imaging exam is extremely fast, so any discomfort you do have is brief — and it goes away immediately afterward. 

The most important thing to remember is that the lifesaving benefits of regular mammograms far outweigh any temporary discomfort you might have.

Myth 5: Mammograms are only essential after menopause

Some women mistakenly believe mammograms only become important beginning in their 50s or so, about the time they reach menopause. But current guidelines recommend beginning screening much earlier than that — at age 40 for most women. 

Screening should occur every two years up until age 74 for women with average risk of breast cancer. For women with elevated risk factors, earlier or more frequent screening might be appropriate. 

Don’t fall prey to misinformation

Regular mammograms help you play a more proactive role in your health, identifying problems early so they can be treated, while providing you with peace of mind. If you’re overdue for your mammogram — or if you’ve never had one — don’t delay scheduling this important health screening. 

Request an appointment with our team at Invision Sally Jobe in Aurora, Greenwood Village, Golden, Littleton, Lone Tree, Parker and Denver, Colorado, today.