Don't let misinformation prevent you from getting a mammogram.
Getting regular screening tests is the best way to detect breast cancer in its early stages, when it’s small and hasn’t spread. In fact, a recent large-scale study showed that women who got regular mammograms had a 60 percent lower risk of dying from breast cancer within 10 years. Yet many women—and men—avoid screenings for breast cancer, often because they are deterred by one or more of the myths below.
“Women should never be afraid of getting screened,” says Abhishek Shrivastava, MD, Director of Women’s Imaging at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Rahway. “Breast cancer treatment has advanced leaps and bounds even in the last 10 years, and far more women are being cured of cancer rather than dying from it. Our goal should be to keep finding breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stage by screening so hopefully one day, we will finally beat breast cancer.” If you’ve been putting off getting screened, learn the facts, then schedule a mammogram—for your sake, and for the sake of those you love.
Myth #1: mammograms can cause breast cancer.
Fact: While a mammogram is a form of X-ray used to take images of the breast, the amount of radiation required is very small. The benefits of mammography outweigh any possible harm from radiation exposure, according to the American Cancer Society.
Myth #2: breast cancer can always be detected by a lump.
Fact: A lump might be a sign of breast cancer, but it could be a sign of something else. More importantly, breast cancer can exist without the presence of a lump. Suggested screening guidelines vary, and men should have a mammogram on the advice of their physician. The American Cancer Society says women ages 40 to 44 should have the option to start yearly screenings, and get annual mammograms from ages 45 to 54 and every other year thereafter. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says women should be offered screening mammography at age 40, and begin no later than age 50, with screening frequency to be determined based on discussion with a woman’s physician.
Myth # 3:getting called back in for follow-up tests is bad news.
Fact: You could be called back for a number of reasons—unclear pictures, dense tissue, a possible cyst—so don’t be unduly alarmed. Fewer than 1 in 10 women who are called back for more tests are found to have cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Myth #4: mammograms are too expensive.
Fact: The cost of not getting a mammogram and not detecting early cancer will always be far greater than the cost of the screening. Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies cover screening mammograms with no out-of-pocket costs. If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover a mammogram, check with a local screening facility to find out about free or low-cost screenings.
Myth #5: mammograms hurt.
Fact: Sometime there is discomfort during a mammogram, since in order to get a good image, it is necessary to gently compress the breasts between two glass plates. The degree of discomfort that a woman will feel depends on many factors, including her own sensitivity to pain, her breast structure (especially if the breasts are cystic) and so on. If you’ve experienced pain during mammograms in the past, there are a few things you can do before your next screening: If you’re premenopausal, schedule the mammogram for the time of your monthly cycle when your breasts are least tender. Take an over-the-counter non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, 45-60 minutes before the mammogram. (Check with your doctor first.)
Try concentrating on your breathing—deep breaths in and out—to help you relax, as anxiety can add to your concern about potential discomfort. The important thing to remember is that a mammogram should never hurt so much that it stops you from keeping up with regular breast cancer screenings. If you’re concerned about pain, talk to your doctor.
Let’s beat breast cancer together. If you’re a woman age 40 or over, visit www.rwjbh.org/mammo and schedule your annual mammogram.