Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Busting Myths for Better Health
Breast cancer is becoming an increasingly pressing issue worldwide. It stands as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women and has been on the rise in recent years.
Alarmingly, over the last decade, there has been a notable increase in breast cancer cases among younger women aged 35 to 45. While having a family history is a significant risk factor, genetic predisposition accounts for only 10%-15% of cases; the majority occur in women who do not have any particular risk factors aside from being female and older.
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However, it’s crucial to note that a breast cancer diagnosis doesn’t equate to a death sentence. With proactive measures to minimize risk factors and promote early detection, this condition can be both prevented and effectively treated. Screening methods, including routine breast examinations—both self-checks and clinical assessments—along with mammograms, play an essential role in the early identification of any irregularities in breast tissue and lead to successful treatment with improved outcomes.
Mammograms, in particular, are vital for timely and accurate diagnosis. Nonetheless, many women encounter significant obstacles in accessing these screenings, with myths and misconceptions about mammograms standing out as major hurdles. This Breast cancer awareness month, our goal is to dismantle these myths and equip you with life-saving information.
Image via Everyday Health
Let’s tackle five prevalent misconceptions about mammograms and breast cancer screenings:
Myth 1: Mammograms are unnecessary if you have no symptoms or family history.
Fact:
All women over the age of 40, irrespective of symptoms or family history of breast cancer, are recommended to undergo annual mammogram screenings.
Myth 2: Mammograms expose you to dangerous levels of radiation.
Fact:
Mammograms utilize low-dose X-rays that are calibrated to provide the minimum radiation needed to create clear images of breast tissue while minimizing risk. The radiation exposure from a single mammogram is comparable to the natural radiation one would typically receive over two months, making it safe. The benefits of early detection significantly outweigh the minimal risks associated with radiation exposure. Furthermore, advancements in technology have made mammograms quicker, further decreasing exposure time.
Myth 3: A doctor’s prescription is required to obtain a mammogram.
Fact:
You don’t need to consult a physician or secure a prescription to have a mammogram. This imaging test can be self-initiated and adopted as a proactive annual routine. Women should select a well-equipped medical facility with the necessary infrastructure and technology.
Myth 4: Younger women can skip mammograms because their disease risk is lower.
Fact:
The appropriate age for a woman to begin mammogram screenings depends on her breast cancer risk factors. Women with a family history of breast cancer or known genetic mutations (BRCA 1 and 2) may need to start as early as age 30 or even earlier if recommended by their healthcare provider. Due to lifestyle changes and hormonal influences, including early menstruation, the incidence of breast cancer in younger women is on the rise. Additionally, exposure to radiation, particularly during critical developmental stages like childhood and adolescence, has been recognized as a substantial risk factor for breast cancer.
Myth 5: Mammograms can identify all breast tissue abnormalities.
Fact:
While mammograms are a key tool for breast cancer screening, dense breast tissue—common among younger women—can make it challenging to spot abnormalities. Dense breast tissue can obscure cancerous areas, complicating detection. In such scenarios, additional imaging methods, such as breast ultrasounds and MRIs, may be recommended by a physician.