Even if you set aside a day to get a mammogram , a thousand reasons come to mind for not doing it, don't they? Things like "I don't want it," "I don't know if it will hurt a little," "What if I tell you there's something wrong?" You might think. But are these reasons you think are really true? Maybe you're just scared because of the stories you've heard. So today, let's talk about the common misconceptions and truths about this mammogram test in society.
"No one in our family has breast cancer, so why should I?"
This is something that many people think. True, if your mother, sister, or niece had breast cancer, you are at a slightly higher risk. But the surprising thing is that 85% of women who develop breast cancer have no family history. That is, out of 100 women diagnosed with the disease, 85% have no family history of the disease.
Simply put, family history is not the only risk factor for breast cancer. So don't skip this important test just because "no one in our family has it."
Major misconceptions and the truth about mammograms
Let's look at some other misconceptions about this test and their truth in a table. This will give you a clearer understanding.
| Myth | The Fact |
|---|---|
| I'm not old yet. | Although breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 55, it can also occur in women younger than that. Talk to your doctor about the best time to start screening based on your age and other risk factors. |
| The radiation from this is not good for the body. | The amount of radiation emitted from a mammogram is very low. Think about it, it's less than the amount of radiation you're exposed to on a long flight. So, compared to the health benefits, the radiation risk is negligible. |
| I'm afraid to find out if there's anything there. | This fear is reasonable. But remember, a mammogram does not create a new disease. It only provides information about something that is already in the body. Don't be afraid to come back for tests (callback). In 8 out of 10 cases, it is confirmed that the condition is not cancerous (benign). If there is cancer, it is best to find out about it early. |
| I don't get any tumors. | This is the biggest advantage of a mammogram. It can detect even the smallest changes that you can't feel. It can detect cancer before it has grown and become large enough to be felt. |
"I think it will hurt, that's why I'm afraid"
Yes, you may feel some discomfort or pain during this test because your breast is pressed against the machine. But it only lasts for a few seconds. There are a few things you can do to reduce this discomfort.
- Your breasts are more sensitive around the time of your monthly period , so skip the week before your period and schedule a day for the exam.
- You can reduce discomfort by taking a simple painkiller , such as paracetamol, about an hour before the test.
- Tell the technician conducting the test about your difficulty. They can then help you take the test in a way that is more comfortable for you.
"I don't have time for this."
This is something we often hear. Just imagine, this test takes only 15-30 minutes. Imagine it's part of your annual health checkup. But if you get sick, how much time, effort, and money will it cost? So it's worth setting aside this little time for yourself, for your health.
"My breasts are too dense, so a mammogram is useless."
It may be harder for someone with dense breasts to find cancer on a regular mammogram. But that doesn't mean it's useless. In such cases, your doctor may recommend other tests.
There are now advanced technologies like 3-D mammography . Also, if necessary, your doctor may recommend additional tests like an ultrasound or MRI scan . So don't let this be a reason to skip a mammogram.
"I eat well and exercise, so I'm not at risk"
Eating well and exercising are great! They are great for your overall health. They can reduce your risk of cancer to some extent. But they are not 100% safe. Even people who live a healthy lifestyle can develop breast cancer. Therefore, it is very important to have the necessary medical examinations as appropriate for your age while living a healthy lifestyle.
Take-Home Message
- Many people who develop breast cancer have no family history. So don't avoid testing because "no one in our family has it."
- A mammogram can detect even the smallest changes before you have a lump. Early detection is the most important thing.
- The discomfort of a mammogram is temporary, but the benefits are worth it for a lifetime.
- Talk to your family doctor for advice on when and how to start mammograms that are right for you.
- Living a healthy lifestyle is great, but it's not enough. Proper medical checkups are equally important.
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