From cold plunges and bovine colostrum to “compression-free” mammograms, there seems to be a new health trend every time we scroll through social media. Some are harmless, some are helpful and others are simply too good to be true.
As a breast radiologist, I see firsthand how confusing this advice can be. And when it comes to breast health, misinformation can do more than create confusion. It can keep patients from getting the screenings and care they need. I believe women deserve to have the facts so they can make informed decisions about their health. So, let’s clear up a few of the breast health myths I encounter most often.
Myth: I don’t have a family history of breast cancer, so I’m not at risk.
Fact: This is one of the biggest misconceptions I hear. Most women who develop breast cancer do not have an inherited genetic mutation. Family history matters, but it is only one piece of the puzzle. Being a woman and getting older are the two most important risk factors. That’s why regular screening is so important, even if no one in your family has ever had breast cancer.
Myth: Breast cancer only happens to older women.
Fact: I often tell my patients, “If you have breasts and birthdays, you have risk.” While breast cancer becomes more common as we age, younger women can develop it, too. Women at average risk should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40, consistent with the American College of Radiology’s recommendations. Women at higher risk may need to begin screening earlier. If a woman is in good health and would benefit from early detection, we should have that conversation. There also isn’t a birthday to automatically stop mammograms.
One of my favorite pieces of advice? Before you leave your mammogram appointment, go ahead and schedule next year’s screening. Make it a date with yourself!
Myth: Mammograms are outdated and don’t really work.
Fact: Mammograms are still our most effective breast cancer screening tool, and they save lives. With 3D mammography, we can look at a woman’s breast tissue in thin slices, helping us find cancers that might otherwise be hidden.
Of course, no screening test is perfect. Mammograms can be less sensitive in women with dense breast tissue. Depending on your breast density and individual risk, you should talk to your doctor about whether additional imaging with ultrasound, breast MRI or contrast-enhanced mammography may be helpful.
Myth: Thermography can replace my annual mammogram.
Fact: The FDA has not cleared thermography as a standalone breast cancer screening. I understand the appeal of a test that promises to detect breast cancer without compression or radiation. Unfortunately, thermography, which uses an infrared camera to detect heat patterns near the breast’s surface, cannot reliably identify the early changes we are looking for when screening for breast cancer and is not an effective replacement for mammography.
Don’t let an alternative test give you a false sense of security. Mammography is the most effective established primary screening tool for detecting breast cancer early, when it is often most treatable.
Myth: If I get called back after my mammogram, I must have breast cancer.
Fact: First, don’t panic! Getting called back after a screening mammogram is common, and most women who are called back do not have breast cancer. It means we need a little more information. Sometimes we simply need another picture of an area that wasn’t completely clear on your screening images. Other times, we may want to take a closer look with ultrasound or compare an area with your previous mammograms.
According to the American Cancer Society, fewer than one in 10 women who are called back after a screening mammogram are ultimately diagnosed with breast cancer. Please don’t put off your additional imaging. The sooner we get the answers we need, the sooner we can give you peace of mind or help you take the next step.
Myth: All hormone therapies carry the same breast cancer risk.
Fact: Hormones are a hot topic right now, especially when it comes to menopause. The answer isn’t as simple as saying hormone therapy (HT) is good or bad. Different HTs have different benefits and risks. For example, combined estrogen-progestogen menopausal HT can increase breast cancer risk, particularly with longer use. Estrogen-only HT has a different risk profile and varies depending on treatment formulation and duration.
But HT can also make a tremendous difference in quality of life. For many women, the benefits may outweigh the risks. The key is having an informed conversation with your healthcare provider about your menopause symptoms, personal risk factors and treatment options.
In today’s social media-driven world, it can be tempting to take health advice from someone with a beautiful feed and a convincing story. But when it comes to your breast health, there is no substitute for good, science-backed medical information and a healthcare team you trust.
Ask questions. Know your risk. Stay up to date with your screenings. And if you notice a new lump or another change in your breasts, don’t wait for your next mammogram to have it checked. Your health is too important to leave to the algorithm.
Stacy Smith-Foley, M.D., is a fellowship-trained breast radiologist and founding physician of The Breast Center at CARTI. For more information, visit the CARTI website or call 501.537.MAMO.
