Mammograms and breast cancer treatment: Separating facts from myths

Breast cancer is a growing concern in India, and globally. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) identifies it as the most common cancer among women in our country. Worryingly, over the past decade, experts have observed and reported an alarming rise in breast cancer afflicting younger women, between the ages of 35 and 45. While family history is an important risk factor, genetic predisposition only accounts for 10%-15% of the cases, the rest occur in women with no specific risk factors beyond sex and age.
Despite the alarming trends, breast cancer need not mean end of life. It can be prevented and treated very successfully by taking proactive steps to minimize risk factors and encourage early detection.
Screening tools such as regular breast exams, both self-checks and clinical evaluations, including mammograms, play a crucial role in early identification of any abnormalities in the breast tissue, and successful treatment with improved outcomes. Mammograms play a crucial role in timely and accurate diagnosis. But, women face significant barriers to access, with myths and misconceptions about this diagnostic technology being one of the biggest hurdles.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we aim to dispel these myths and empower you with life-saving knowledge. Let’s address five common misconceptions about mammograms and breast cancer screening:
Myth 1: Mammograms are not needed if you don’t have symptoms or family history
Fact: All women above 40 years of age, regardless of symptoms or family history of breast cancer, are advised annual screening with mammogram.
Myth 2: Mammograms cause exposure to harmful levels of radiation
Fact: Mammograms use low-dose X-rays, calibrated to the minimum radiation necessary to produce clear images of breast tissue while avoiding harm. The radiation exposure from a single mammogram is comparable to the amount one would naturally receive over two months, which is safe. The advantages of early detection far outweigh the minimal risk posed by the radiation involved. Additionally, technological advancements have made mammograms faster which further reduces exposure.
Myth 3: A doctor’s prescription is a must to get a mammogram done
Fact: One does not need to consult a doctor or get a prescription to undergo a mammogram. This imaging test can be self-prescribed, and adopted proactively as an annual practice. Women should choose a well-equipped medical centre with adequate infrastructure and technologies.
Myth 4: Younger women can avoid mammograms as they are at a lower disease risk
Fact: The age at which a woman should start getting a mammogram depends on her risk factors for breast cancer. Women with a family history of breast cancer or known genetic mutations (BRCA 1 and 2) can start as early as 30 years of age, or even earlier, if advised by their doctor. Driven by lifestyle changes and hormonal factors, including the early onset of menstruation, the rate of breast cancer among young women is on the rise. Additionally, exposure to radiation, especially during critical developmental periods like childhood and adolescence, has been recognised as a significant risk factor for breast cancer.
Myth 5: Mammogram can detect all anomalies of the breast tissue
Fact: Although mammograms play a vital role in breast cancer screening, dense breast tissue (as is the case with younger women) is difficult to observe with this diagnostic test. Dense breast tissue can obscure or disguise cancerous tissue, making it difficult to detect. In such cases, additional imaging techniques such as breast ultrasound and MRI may be advised by the doctor.
(Author: Dr. Ashok Kumar Vaid, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Cancer Care, Medanta Gurugram)