1. The compression used for mammography is painful. While it is true compression used in mammography may cause some discomfort, it is rarely painful. Compression is necessary for mammography for several reasons. It thins the breast making it easier for the radiologist to find abnormalities. As well, compression decreases the radiation dose to the breast. It can help to schedule a mammogram at a time when the breasts are less sensitive, such as one week after a period.

2. The radiation to the breast is harmful. The radiation that goes to the breast during a typical mammogram is extremely small. The benefits of mammography far outweigh any theoretical risk due to radiation. In fact the increased risk of death because of the radiation from one mammogram is equal to 60 miles of car travel, smoking three quarters of one cigarette, or being a man age 60 for 20 minutes.

3. No one in my family has ever had breast cancer; therefore, I do not need a mammogram. The fact is most women (75%) who develop breast cancer have absolutely no family history of breast cancer whatsoever. Therefore, all women are at risk and should have yearly screening mammography by age 40.

4. I don’t have any lumps in my breasts. Therefore, I do not need a mammogram. The benefit of regular screening mammography is that small breast cancers can be found before they are able to be felt by the patient or her physician. If a breast cancer is found earlier, the chances for cure are much greater.

5. I have no time to get a mammogram. The average mammogram would only require a woman to be in the office for about 30 minutes. This is a small amount of time to spend once every year for a procedure that could save your life.

6. I can’t afford a mammogram. The average charge for a screening mammogram is less than $100.00. This includes the technical component (films, paperwork, processing, equipment, etc.) and the professional component (radiologist consultation, review of previous films and full report with recommendations). This is a small investment for a procedure which could save your life. Kern Medical Center has periodic free breast cancer screening clinics which include instruction in breast self examination, a breast examination by a physician, and a mammogram. To make an appointment contact the Surgery Department at 661-326-2170. The American Cancer Society also provides assistance for screening mammography and can be contacted at 1-800-ACS-2345 or call 661-327-2424 for the Kern County office .

7. I am afraid the mammogram might find something. This is a psychological barrier many women experience. However, it should be kept in mind that if an abnormality is found on a mammogram it is much more likely to be at a curable stage than if it is found later when the woman or doctor is able to feel it.

8. I am not sure which facility will provide high quality mammography. As of October 1, 1995 all facilities performing mammography must have accreditation from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Therefore, women can be assured that all facilities which currently perform mammography are of high quality. Accredited facilities can be found by calling the American College of Radiology at 1-800-ACR-LINE. Kern Radiology is an accredited facility.

9. I am under 50; therefore, I do not need a mammogram. In fact, the current recommendations of the American Cancer Society state that women should have screening mammography every year beginning at age 40. Sixteen percent of all breast cancers occur in women ages 40 to 49 and 25% of the years of life lost to breast cancer occur in this age group. Routine screening mammography in women age 40 to 49 can reduce the death rate from breast cancer by up to 40%.

10. I am afraid if cancer is found I will need to have my breast removed (mastectomy). In fact, women who have regular mammography are less likely to have a mastectomy than women who do not. Cancer can be found at an earlier stage, thus obviating the need for mastectomy. Most cancers which are found early can be treated with a lumpectomy and radiotherapy. This usually results in minimal or no cosmetic deformity to the breast.