Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. However, despite increased awareness, numerous myths and misconceptions persist, which can prevent early detection and timely treatment. At Radhiant, we are committed to providing accessible, high-quality mammography services to ensure that all women—regardless of location or financial status—receive the screening they need. With over 8,000+ patients screened and our lead radiologist, Dr. Anith Chacko, boasting 21+ years of medical experience, we are here to set the record straight and empower women with the facts.
The Danger of Breast Cancer Myths
Misinformation can lead to unnecessary fear, delayed screenings, and missed opportunities for early detection. Debunking mammogram myths is crucial for promoting early detection, reducing fear, and ensuring women make informed health decisions. Misconceptions about pain, radiation risks, cost, and eligibility discourage screenings, leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes. Early detection is key—90% of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women over 40, and regular mammograms significantly increase the chances of catching cancer in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.
By addressing these myths, we empower women to take control of their breast health, increase access to life-saving screenings, and combat misinformation. Raising awareness ensures that more women, regardless of background, understand the importance of routine mammograms, ultimately improving survival rates and health equity.
Common Breast Cancer Myths Debunked
Myth #1: Only Women with a Family History Are at Risk
Fact: While a family history of breast cancer can increase a woman’s risk, only 5%
to 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, caused by inherited genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2. This means that 90% to 95% of breast cancer cases occur in women without a known genetic link. Additionally, around 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history or other high- risk factors. Even if breast cancer doesn’t run in your family, you are still at risk, making regular screenings and early detection crucial for all women.
Myth #2: Mammograms Are Only Necessary for Women with Symptoms
Fact: Many women believe they only need a mammogram if they feel a lump or notice symptoms, but breast cancer can develop long before any signs appear. In its early stages, breast cancer often causes no pain, lumps, or visible changes—which is why relying on symptoms alone can be dangerous. Cancerous cells can start multiplying deep within the breast tissue, forming tumours that are too small to be felt during self-exams or even by a doctor’s physical examination. By the time a lump is noticeable, the cancer may have already progressed, making treatment more complex. This is why routine mammograms are crucial. They can detect tiny abnormalities years before symptoms develop, allowing for early intervention when breast cancer is most treatable. Take action:
✅ Schedule your annual mammogram starting at age 40—earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors.
✅ Know your risk—if you have a family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, talk to your doctor about earlier or more frequent screenings.
✅ Don’t wait for symptoms—early detection saves lives! A mammogram takes just 15 – 20 minutes, but it could save your life. Stay proactive about your breast health—you deserve it!
Myth #3: Breast Cancer Only Affects Older Women
Fact: While it is true that the majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over 40, younger women are not immune to the disease. Breast cancer can develop at any age, making awareness and early detection crucial for all women. Statistics show that:
– Women aged 40 to 49 account for approximately 15% of breast cancer cases.
– Women aged 50 to 59 make up about 25% of breast cancer cases.
– Women aged 60 to 69 represent nearly 30% of breast cancer cases.
– Women aged 70 and older account for approximately 20% of breast cancer cases.
Although 90% of breast cancer diagnoses occur in women over 40, younger women should remain vigilant. Those with a family history of breast cancer or genetic predispositions, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, should discuss early screening options with their doctors. Regular self-exams, clinical breast exams, and mammograms as recommended can significantly improve early detection. Any unusual lumps, changes in breast shape, persistent pain, or abnormal discharge should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, regardless of age.
Myth #4: Mammograms Are Dangerous Due to Radiation Exposure
Fact: The radiation exposure from a mammogram is extremely low—comparable to the natural environmental radiation a person receives over a few months. A standard two-view mammogram delivers an average dose of 0.4 millisieverts (mSv), which is roughly the same amount of radiation a person is exposed to from natural sources over 7 weeks. For perspective:
– A one-hour domestic flight exposes a passenger to about 0.01 mSv of radiation.
– A two-hour domestic flight results in approximately 0.02 mSv of exposure and so on.
This means that the radiation from a mammogram is equivalent to taking 4 one-hour flights or 2 two-hour flights. This minimal level of radiation is highly regulated and considered safe. On the other hand, skipping mammograms poses a much greater risk than the radiation itself, particularly for women over 40 or those at higher risk for breast cancer. The benefits of early detection far outweigh any minor risks associated with mammograms. Detecting breast cancer early, when it is most treatable, significantly increases survival rates and reduces the need for more aggressive treatments
Myth #5: Breast Cancer Is Always Detected Through Lumps
Fact: Not all breast cancers present as lumps. Some symptoms include skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in breast size and shape. Other warning signs can include persistent breast pain, redness or swelling, an inverted nipple, or unexplained rashes around the nipple area. This is why regular mammograms are essential—they detect cancer before it becomes physically noticeable.
Myth #6: If I Have No Symptoms, I Don’t Need a Mammogram
Fact: Many women believe that if they do not have symptoms—such as a lump, pain, or visible breast changes—they don’t need a mammogram. This misconception can be life-threatening, as many cases of breast cancer are asymptomatic in their early stages. Breast cancer can grow silently for years. A mammogram can detect tumours as small as a grain of rice, long before they become large enough to be felt by hand. Waiting for symptoms to appear can mean missing the best window for early, life-saving treatment. In addition to cancer, mammograms can detect benign tumours, cysts, and other abnormalities that might require monitoring or treatment.
Myth #7: Mammograms Are Painful and Ineffective
Fact: Mammograms involve briefly compressing the breast between two plates to obtain clear X-ray images. This compression is necessary because: It spreads out the breast tissue for better image quality, it reduces the radiation dose needed and it minimises motion blur, ensuring accurate results. The pressure lasts only a few seconds per image, and while some women feel mild discomfort, others may not feel anything at all. Sensitivity levels vary based on factors like breast density, menstrual cycle timing, and individual pain tolerance. If you’ve been putting off your screening because you’re worried about discomfort, you’re not alone. However, understanding what to expect and knowing that comfort is a priority at Radhiant can help ease your concerns. Our experienced team uses gentle positioning techniques and advanced equipment to minimise discomfort as much as possible.
Myth #8: The Compression and Pressure During a Mammogram Can Damage Breast Tissue and Lead to Cancer
Fact: The compression and pressure during a mammogram study is firstly minimal and secondly does not cause breast cancer! It actually helps detect it early when it’s most treatable by providing good imaging. Some women worry that the compression during a mammogram could harm breast tissue or cause cancer to develop or spread. However, there is no scientific evidence linking this to an increased risk of cancer. The brief compression used in mammography is designed to spread out breast tissue for clearer imaging, not to cause harm. At Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging, we prioritise gentle yet effective compression techniques to ensure both safety and comfort while obtaining high-quality images.
Myths and misconceptions about mammograms should never stand in the way of life-saving screenings. Fear of the unknown often causes women to delay or avoid mammograms, but misinformation can be far more dangerous than the screening itself. The reality is that mammograms do not cause cancer or harm breast tissue—they are essential for early detection, which significantly improves survival rates. Breast cancer often develops without symptoms, and by the time it’s noticeable, treatment may be more complex. Educating yourself from reliable medical sources empowers you to make informed health decisions instead of letting fear dictate your choices. Skipping a mammogram is a greater risk than having one, and at Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging, we ensure a safe, comfortable, and accessible screening experience. Taking a proactive approach to your health could save your life—don’t let myths hold you back. Book your mammogram today!