There's been great success at spreading the word about the importance of mammograms. So most women know that regular mammograms, though not perfect, are the best method available to detect breast cancer early. Early detection allows more treatment options and a better chance to beat the disease.
But there are still some holdouts. Some women still don't put aside that half hour a year for a mammogram. Their reasons for resisting a mammogram usually have more to do with myth than fact. Listed below are some of the common myths about mammograms. Please help spread the facts.
Myth 1: I don't need a mammogram because no one in my family has had breast cancer.
Fact: Every woman has some risk for developing breast cancer during her lifetime. This risk increases as she ages. It's true that some women are considered to be at higher risk. And having close family members who have had breast cancer is one of those high-risk markers. But about 80 percent of the women who get breast cancer don't have any of the known risk factors.
Myth 2: I don't need a mammogram because I examine my breasts every month and have no symptoms.
Fact: Breast cancer takes years to develop. Early in the disease, most cancers of the breast cause no symptoms. A mammogram can find breast cancer when it is very small, as long as two years before it can be felt in an examination.
Myth 3: Why get a mammogram? If they find breast cancer, nothing can be done about it.
Fact: When breast cancer is caught in its earliest stage, as only mammograms can do, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent. The odds are not as good in more advanced cases.
Myth 4: The X-rays from mammograms are dangerous.
Fact: Mammograms are safe. Modern equipment uses very low-level X-rays, weaker than those for a routine chest X-ray.
Myth 5: Mammograms are just too painful.
Fact: For most women, the few seconds of discomfort seem a small price to pay for the protection of a mammogram. For a pain-free mammogram, avoid caffeine for two days before the test, and schedule it for a time when your breasts will be least tender. Avoid the week just before your period.
The Current Debate
Mammograms have been in the news lately. Last fall, a respected British medical journal published a study that claimed mammograms might not make much of a difference in preventing breast cancer deaths. In the following months, a debate raged. Once the dust settled, this country's major medical groups all came out strongly in favor of regular mammograms.
In fact, soon after the article, 10 premier health organizations, including The American Medical Association, The American Cancer Society, and The American Academy of Family Physicians, placed "An Open Letter to Women and Their Physicians" in The New York Times. These organizations stressed, "The evidence as a whole solidly supports reduced breast cancer mortality rates due to mammography screening."
All women need to discuss this issue with their doctor. Don't let the controversy stop you from getting the screenings you need.
The information provided is intended to help you make informed decisions. The Genworth Financial companies do not provide medical information, advice or recommendations. Consult your physician before making major changes in your lifestyle or health care regimen. Please note that Wellness partners, their products, services, and offers may change over time.
