When Can a Mammogram Be Harmful?

When can a mammogram be harmful? Mammograms are widely considered to be an important life saving tool because they allow for early detection of breast cancer. So, when is a mammogram harmful?

There are three times when a mammogram can be harmful:

• If you are having repeated mammograms
• If you are having mammograms and you have a predisposition to cancer
• If there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, or even in the first stages of fetal development
• If you are under the age of 50 and have dense breasts

A mammogram is, in essence, an X-ray picture taken of the inside of the breast, usually performed on women on a yearly basis in order to ensure the lack of any breast cancers or calcifications that may lead to cancer within the mammary glands. These images are often hailed by radiologists as an important tool for reducing the chances of breast cancer becoming lethal due to early detection. Mammograms have been proven to play a significant factor in the breast cancer survival rate.

However, after much research on the possibly harmful effects of recurring mammograms, many women are advised to give themselves frequent self-examinations to decide whether or not they need to have a mammogram performed.  So, when can mammograms be harmful and why? There are a few times when mammograms can be harmful.

Mammograms and Radiation

One of the most important concerns that has resulted in countless hours of breast cancer research has to do with the fact that the image produced in a mammogram procedure is created through the use of exposure to radiation, which is scientifically proven to be one of the leading causes of different types of cancer.

Over the course of time, research has shown that frequent or continued use of mammogram technology increases the risk of developing breast cancer, especially in those women with a genetic predisposition to it.

This causes doctors to be much more discerning when making decisions regarding the prescription of mammogram testing.  It is most often recommended now that a mammogram only be ordered when a self-examination has led a woman to believe that the presence of a lump, or tumor, has been realized, or when a substantial amount of time (2 years or more) has elapsed since the last mammogram has been administered to the patient. 

Mammograms During Pregnancy

A mammogram should not, under any circumstances, be performed if you are pregnant. The dose of radiation that is directed upon the mammary glands during a mammogram may be directly harmful to both the development of the fetus and the baby’s exposure to radiation after birth during nursing because of the cumulative effects radiation has on the human body. 

False Positives

Another instance where a mammogram may result in more harm for the patient than benefit is when the person having the mammogram done is under the age of 50.

When a woman is under 50, the breast tissue is dense. Here, the harm in the mammogram comes because of the density in the breast tissue of younger women. This density of breast tissue may show insignificant lesions or abnormalities that may be mistaken for tumors, resulting in unnecessary procedures, including lumpectomy or mastectomy, where the entire breast is removed. 

Given the research that describes the risks associated with mammograms, any woman who is not at high risk for developing breast cancer should first perform self-exams or make sure a mammogram is truly warranted before undergoing the procedure.