Busting Mammogram Myths

7 March 2016
 Categories: , Blog


Breast cancer is a serious health threat for women, and it should come as no surprise that there are special diagnostic procedures designed to help diagnose this problem while it can still be treated. Mammograms can be highly effective at helping catch breast cancer, but it is an unfortunate fact that some women may avoid seeking these services because they are under the belief that some common misconceptions about mammograms are true.

Myth: Women Never Need Mammograms Until They Are At Least 40

While it is true that it is often recommended for women to start receiving regular mammograms when they are approaching middle age, there is a belief that there is no need for younger women to undergo this type of procedure. However, this can be an extremely dangerous belief to assume because everyone's healthcare needs are different.

As a result, you will need to consult with your doctor to determine when you should start receiving mammograms. These professionals will be able to consider your family history to advise you on when you should start receiving regular mammograms. For example, patients that have a strong history of cancer in their personal medical or family histories may be advised to receive these exams as early as possible.  

Myth: False Positives Make Mammograms Unreliable

A false-positive result can be a very stressful experience for a person to go through, and they are an unavoidable risk with this type of diagnostic procedure. Unfortunately, some people will let this make them believe that mammograms are extremely unreliable. However, the presence of false positives should not be something that discourages you from receiving these examinations. These results essentially are when your doctor suspects a tumor may be present but further testing proves otherwise. In the event that the mammogram returns a suspicious diagnosis, the patient will undergo further examinations to verify the results.

By going through a secondary set of examinations, you will be able to know whether the initial positive result is verified or disproven as a false positive. Depending on the severity of the results, these tests may require biopsies to ascertain what is occurring in the patient's body. For those that are unfamiliar with biopsies, this is a minor surgical procedure where a piece of the suspected tumor is removed for analysis. While this may not be a particularly convenient process, it is essential for ensuring that you receive the best medical care possible.

For more information, contact Women's Care Inc or a similar organization.


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