Between your packed schedule, work commitments, and caring for your family, making time for your health can easily fall to the bottom of your list. But here’s the truth, staying informed and proactive about your health is one of the most important things you can do to keep up with doing what you love.
If mammograms are on your to-do list but you are not sure where to begin, you are not alone.
There are plenty of myths out there about mammograms, and for women new to screening, it can be overwhelming. The team at South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA) tackled some of the most common misconceptions to provide clarity and help you make the right decisions when it comes to your breast health.
Myth #1: “I only need a mammogram if I notice a change.”
Fact: Screening mammograms are recommended for all women annually, starting at age 40 regardless of symptoms or risk factors.
Changes to your breast health does not always come with clear signs you can see or feel. In fact, early-stage breast cancer shows up only on a mammogram. Breast tissue naturally changes year over year, and mammograms are the best way to monitor these changes for anything that needs a closer look.
Have you ever had a feeling of a cold coming on after a change in the weather? You may start to take it easy and rest over a weekend or take some medicine to curb it before more symptoms show. This approach to easing a cold is no different when it comes to your breast health.
Making screening mammograms part of your annual routine promotes early detection of breast cancer, leading to more simple treatment options and better outcomes
Myth #2: “Mammograms are way too painful.”
Fact: Advancement in mammography technology has made the experience a lot faster and more comfortable for patients.
Sure, you may not enjoy the thought of taking yourself to the doctor all the time. But, it is an important habit to keep you at 100% and ready to tackle everything else life may throw at you.
Today, imaging technology has evolved to improve the experience for patients. Many modern machines now come with curved paddles designed to better fit your body and make the process a lot more comfortable.
Appointment times have decreased substantially over the years, with most mammograms taking less than 15 minutes. Most of this time is dedicated to preparation and reviewing your medical history with the compression of the mammogram only lasting a few seconds at a time.
When you consider the peace of mind provided by annual mammograms, it is a small moment each year that delivers a huge benefit for a lifetime.
Myth #3: “The radiation from mammograms is not good for the body.”
Fact: The amount of radiation used during a mammogram is very low.
Mammograms are considered a special type of X-ray designed to visualize breast tissue. The X-ray technology used for a mammogram emits a very low dose of radiation, equivalent to the amount of radiation you are exposed to during a flight on a plane.
Radiation usage in medical imaging is tightly regulated by the American College of Radiology (ACR) to minimize any associated risks. Imaging centers are routinely checked by representatives from ACR in order to main proper accreditations to practice.
The small amount of radiation you are exposed to is well worth it when you consider the life-saving impact mammograms provided to millions of women every year.
Myth #4: “All mammogram providers are the same.”
Fact: Breast imaging providers vary drastically between technology, clinical expertise, and ease of care.
For many women, the conversation about mammograms often starts when visiting your gynecologist or primary care doctor for your annual wellness visit. It is very easy to follow your doctor’s recommendation, but they cover many areas of the body beyond your breast health. When the topic of mammograms comes up, it is important to ask questions to ensure you are getting the care that works best for you.
The best providers for mammograms do a lot more than that, and it is important to think about what else they can provide beyond mammograms. In some cases, the results of your mammogram may be inconclusive and require further studies to rule out any potential concerns.
If your provider only offers mammograms, they will have to refer you to another provider which can lead to a much longer wait for answers and cause a lot of unnecessary stress. Dedicated breast imaging centers are the best choice. They offer additional studies beyond mammograms, including breast ultrasound, breast MRI, and breast biopsy if needed only within one location. That means less waiting and more support along the way to finding answers.
For a provider to offer screening mammograms and follow up imaging studies, they make a huge investment in their technology and team to have it happen. The radiologists reading these studies are subspecialized in breast health, meaning they have undergone additional training in a particular area of the body. Having one person being able to compare and interpret all your results over time allows for an incredibly detailed picture of your health to be provided. This leads to better outcomes and a better experience for you.
Myth #5: “Mammograms are way too expensive.”
Fact: Annual screening mammograms are considered preventative care, meaning they are oftentimes covered by insurance providers in full at no cost to you.
State legislation in most parts of the United States has expanded what is considered preventative care for women. In New Jersey, it is mandated for annual screening mammograms to be covered in full by insurance providers for all women starting at age 40 when the risk for breast cancer increases.
And if you do not have insurance? There are still options for you. Many municipalities and imaging centers have free or low-cost mammograms available to you. A quick call to your local health department or medical imaging center can help you find out what is available to fit your situation.
Your health is always worth the ask, and support is readily available.
The Bottom Line
Learning about the common myths about mammogram is the first step in advocating for your breast health. You give so much to the people around you, and self-care is a reward worth giving to yourself. If you have been putting off your first or next mammogram, let this be the motivation you need to take the next step.
South Jersey Radiology Associates (SJRA) offers 11 convenient locations throughout Burlington, Camden, and Gloucester counties for screening mammograms. Same-day and next-day appointments are oftentimes available with extended hours in the afternoon and on the weekends.
Scheduling an appointment is easy! Simply schedule online, 24/7, or call our team at (888) 909-7572 today.
