6 breast cancer screening myths, busted

Breast cancer screenings save lives. But some people believe things about screenings that just aren’t true. Some people are not sure when to start getting screened. Others think you only need a screening if something feels wrong. Let’s dive into six common breast cancer screening myths. We’ll explain the truth behind these myths and what you should do next. 

Myth 1: Mammograms give you a dangerous amount of radiation 

The word “radiation” sounds scary. Many people think any amount of radiation must be dangerous. This feels even scarier when it comes to breast tissue. 

The truth: A mammogram only uses a tiny amount of radiation. Andrea Fisher, a nurse practitioner at Teladoc Health, explains, “A two-view digital mammogram delivers a low dose of radiation, which sits well below the dose of many other common medical and natural background exposure." This small amount of radiation will not hurt you. And finding cancer early can help you a lot. Fisher says, “The benefit of screening vastly outweighs the theoretical radiation risk.” 

Don’t let fear of radiation stop you from getting screened. If you are still worried, talk with your doctor. Learning the facts can help you feel less worried. 

Myth 2: You only need a mammogram if you have symptoms 

It makes sense to think that medical tests are only for when something feels wrong. If nothing hurts, why get tested? 

The truth: Screening mammograms are made for people who feel fine. They look for problems before you can feel or see them. This is when treatment works best. This is different from a diagnostic mammogram, which doctors use after you notice a change. 

But some changes should not wait for your next screening. See a doctor right away if you notice: 

• A lump you can feel 

• Fluid coming from your nipple 

• A change in the shape of your nipple 

• Changes in your skin, like redness or dimples 

• A new lump or swelling near your armpit 

• Breast pain that does not go away 

Keep going to your regular screenings even when you feel fine. And if you notice any of the changes above, call your doctor right away. 

Myth 3: Everyone should follow the same screening schedule 

People often hear one simple rule, like “get a mammogram every year starting at a certain age.” Then they think this rule is the same for everyone. 

The truth: Screening is not a one-size-fits-all rule anymore. Fisher says it should be a plan made just for you. Your primary care doctor is a great partner to help build this plan. Your doctor looks at your health history and your life to decide what plan is best for you. You might need to start earlier, get tested more often, or add other tests. 

Talk with your doctor about your own risk factors, like family history. This will help you build a screening plan that fits you. Your doctor’s office is the best place to start taking charge of your breast health. 

Myth 4: If your self-exam feels normal, you can skip the mammogram 

Checking yourself at home feels like a good idea. If everything feels normal, it is easy to think that is all you need to do. 

The truth: Self-exams are a good habit. But they don’t replace mammograms. Some changes are too small to feel with your hand. But a mammogram picture can find them. Self-exams and mammograms work best together. They are not meant to replace each other. 

Keep doing your monthly self-exam. Keep going to your mammogram appointments too. Think of the self-exam as one tool and the mammogram as another. Together, they give you a better picture of your breast health. 

Myth 5: You don’t need a mammogram until you turn 50 

Older health guidelines said to wait until age 50 to start mammograms. Some people still believe this, even though the guidelines have changed. 

The truth: Doctors now say to start regular mammograms at age 40. Waiting 10 extra years could mean missing a chance to catch a problem early, when it is easier to treat. 

If you are 40 or older and have not started screening yet, make an appointment with your doctor. Ask your doctor what screening plan is right for you. If you are under 40 but have risk factors, ask your doctor if you should start sooner. 

Myth 6: A mammogram can cause cancer to spread 

Some people worry that squeezing breast tissue during a mammogram could push cancer cells loose. This could make cancer spread faster. It is a scary thought, but it is not true. 

The truth: Dr. Hannah Phillips, a lead primary care doctor at Teladoc Health, points out two studies that looked at this concern. Both studies found that the pressure from a mammogram does not push any extra cancer cells into the blood. 

Don’t let this myth scare you away from getting screened. It is normal to feel nervous about finding something wrong. But Dr. Phillips reminds us, “While it can be scary getting a screening in case something abnormal is found, knowledge is power, and it's much easier to treat cancer when it’s in an early stage.” Getting screened on schedule is one of the best things you can do for your health.