Mammograms are an essential preventative measure for breast cancer. They are low-energy X-ray imaging tests to examine the breast tissue. Early detection is essential for improving the prognosis of breast cancer.

Women should have regular mammograms starting from age 40. However, mammograms carry benefits and risks, which everyone should know about before undergoing the test.

The benefits of regular mammograms

Early detection of breast cancer

The primary benefit of regular mammograms is the early detection of breast cancer. Mammograms can identify cancer even before a lump or other symptom appears.

Early detection provides time for doctors to intervene with treatment before cancer has spread beyond the breast.

Improving chances of survival

Early detection significantly improves breast cancer prognosis and increases the chances of survival. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), breast cancers detected early have a survival rate of 99 percent for at least five years or more.

Early detection makes it easier to treat breast cancer and reduces the risk of a recurrence.

Reducing the need for aggressive treatment

When the cancer is caught at an early stage, less aggressive treatment options may be possible, such as a lumpectomy or radiation therapy, which has less impact on the body than chemotherapy.

This reduces the risk of serious side effects associated with aggressive treatments.

Cost-effective

Regular mammograms are cost-effective as detecting cancer at an early stage means less time in the hospital, less invasive surgery, and less need for chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

These all reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system and individuals.

The risks of regular mammograms

False-positive results

One of the risks of mammography is a false-positive result. This is when a mammogram indicates that there may be cancer when there isn’t. False-positives can lead to anxiety, fear, and other unnecessary tests and procedures, such as breast biopsy.

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment

A mammogram may detect small cancerous cells that may never have grown, spread, or caused harm. This is known as overdiagnosis, which may lead to overtreatment.

Overtreatment may result in unnecessary surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, leading to negative impacts on a woman’s quality of life.

Radiation exposure

Mammograms require very low doses of radiation, but regular mammograms can expose the body to cumulative radiation exposure. However, the risk of cancer from radiation exposure from mammography is small and outweighed by the benefit of imaging tests.

Discomfort

Mammograms can be uncomfortable as they require breast tissue to be compressed between two plates to obtain an image. Compression can cause discomfort or pain for a short period, but it should not last.

Conclusion

Mammograms remain an essential preventative measure for breast cancer, with the primary benefit of early detection, despite the risk of false-positive results, overdiagnosis and overtreatment, radiation exposure, and discomfort.

Women should talk to their healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate mammogram schedule based on their personal risks and medical history.