9 Common Myths About Mammograms

This Breast Cancer Awareness month, we want to correct some common myths about mammograms. We sat down with Kristie, a Radiologic Technologist at Perham Health, who gave us some great information. Kristie is a radiologic technologist with advanced training and certification in mammography. She has worked in mammography for thirty years and hears all kinds of myths about mammograms. Here are some of the most common ones.

Myth 1: Breast cancer doesn’t run in my family so I won’t get it.

This is the most common myth I hear my patients say. They believe that if there is no breast cancer in the family, they have no risk. In actuality, 80 – 85% of women who get breast cancer have no family history. 

Myth 2: Having dense breasts doesn’t affect my chances of getting or finding breast cancer. 

Breasts are made up of fatty, fibrous, and glandular tissues. Women with dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue. Breast density isn’t related to the size or firmness of breasts and can only be seen on a mammogram. Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer, and it makes it harder to see cancer on a mammogram. That means breast cancer can hide in those tissues and we may not see it until it is larger and more aggressive. We recommend that women with dense breasts have a 3D mammogram. 

Myth 3: A 3D Mammogram isn’t any better than a regular mammogram.

During a 3D mammogram, multiple images known as “slices” of the breast are taken at different angles. This creates a 3D image of the breast which allows the radiologist (a doctor who reads the x-rays) to see fine details more clearly and minimizes overlapping tissue. There are clear advantages to having a 3D mammogram: earlier detection, fewer callbacks, better images for radiologists to determine if an abnormality is cancer. Many insurance companies are paying for 3D mammograms. I tell patients to check with their insurance to see if it is covered.

Myth 4. Mammograms are always painful.

I’ve been doing this for 30 years and the biggest reason people don’t get a mammogram is because they think it is too painful. It shouldn’t be so painful you don’t want to come back. Communication is the key. I explain what we are going to do and that the patient is in control. I’m not going to do anything that they don’t want me to do. Always tell your technologists any concerns you have so that you can work together to make it a good experience. We also have breast pads for women with very sensitive breasts. I want you to have a good experience so you want to come back every year. 

Myth 5. Mammograms give off too much radiation.

I get asked about radiation a lot. Mammograms give off a very low dose of radiation. The benefits of a mammogram far outweigh any harm caused by low-dose radiation. 

Myth 6. I had a normal mammogram so I don’t need to have one next year. 

This depends on your age. Perham Health recommends an annual screening mammogram starting at 40 years old. Women who get regular mammograms are more likely to have their breast cancer found early when it is more easily treated. This means they are less likely to need aggressive treatment like surgery or chemotherapy and more likely to be cured. If you aren’t sure, talk to your provider.

Myth 7. I’m too young (or old) to have one.

The younger you get breast cancer the more aggressive it tends to be. That’s why we need to find it early. If you are younger than 40, but have a concern or have a strong family history of breast cancer, you should see a provider first. You and your provider can work together on your best course of action which may include getting a mammogram earlier than 40. When to stop getting mammograms is a personal choice. Not sure? Talk with your provider.  

Myth 8. If I get a callback, it means I have cancer. 

A call back does not mean you have cancer. It is common for people to get called back. We call people back because we need to get a better look at an area in your breast that looks different in comparison to your previous mammograms. The most common reason for callbacks is overlapping tissue. Only 20% of people who come in for a call back will actually find breast cancer. Most findings are normal. We do our best to get people their results as fast as we can because people are anxious. 

Myth 9. I need my provider to write a referral to get a mammogram.

If you’re at least 40 years old and have no current breast concerns, you can schedule your mammogram without a referral from your provider. You can also schedule your mammogram through My Sanford Chart. If you’re under 40 and/or have any breast concerns, you will need to see your provider first so we can provide the best plan of care.  

My advice to women…

• Get a mammogram every year. It’s the best thing you can do to find breast cancer early when it is still treatable.
• Talk to your mammogram tech. The more communication, the better the mammogram will be. Let your tech know your concerns.
• Take off all deodorant, body lotion, and powders, especially anything with glitter in it, and even it says it’s natural. Most antiperspirants have aluminum in it which can look like cancer and lead to a woman getting a false positive for breast cancer. We make everyone take it off.
• If you are transferring your care to Perham Health, request your mammogram results from your previous clinic. We need it to do a comparison.

Contact us to schedule your mammogram.