Advantages and Disadvantages of Screening Mammograms: What You Should Know

Given their numerous benefits, it is understandable why many countries have implemented screening mammograms. However, it is also important to be aware of their potential risks. While these screenings can help detect breast cancer early, they can also lead to false positives, overdiagnosis, and unnecessary treatments that can cause physical and emotional harm. As such, it is crucial to make informed decisions about one’s screening options, weigh the benefits against the potential risks, and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.

First, let’s understand the advantages of screening mammograms. The primary advantage is the ability to detect breast cancer in its earliest stage possible before any symptoms occur. This can lead to early treatment and a decrease in advanced breast cancer cases, which is much harder to treat. However, it is important to note that this advantage varies among age groups.

An analysis on the efficacy of screening mammography has shown that screening mammography significantly reduces breast cancer mortality in women aged 50 to 74 years after 7 to 9 years of follow-up (regardless of the screening interval or number of mammographic views per screen). Yet, there is no reduction in breast cancer mortality in women aged 40 to 49 after 7 to 9 years of follow-up. Thus, it is crucial to discuss with one’s healthcare provider about one’s risk factors and when to start breast cancer screening (Females with a higher risk may want to begin breast cancer screening at an earlier age than average females).

Now, let’s take a look at the disadvantages. Although the following information may seem daunting, it is important to be well informed to prioritize health.

False-positive results

A false-positive result happens when a mammogram shows an abnormality (a “positive” result) that is not present in actuality. This is a common occurrence in screening mammography, and it is more likely to occur in young women, women with dense breasts, women who have had previous breast biopsies, women with a family history of breast cancer, and women taking estrogen. To confirm the accuracy of the result, additional mammograms or diagnostic procedures such as breast ultrasounds will be conducted. In many cases, women with a false-positive result will have a biopsy.

Having to undergo additional tests can be an extremely tiresome experience. It can be time consuming and not to mention the financial implications that may arise. Moreover, it can cause a lot of physical discomfort. Receiving false-positive results can be incredibly stressful and may lead to increased personal anxiety and negative psychological effects.

Over-diagnosis

During screening mammography, over-diagnosis can occur when a mammogram detects cancer or a tumor that would not have caused any harm or symptoms to an individual's well-being or life.

Over-treatment

It can be challenging to distinguish between harmful and harmless cancers or tumors, resulting in the treatment of almost all detected cases. This over-diagnosis may lead to over-treatment, where a disease is treated even though it would not have negatively affected the person's life. Unfortunately, over-treatment may not extend a person's lifespan and can cause negative physical, emotional, and psychological effects due to treatment.

False-negative results

Sometimes, a mammography may fail to detect the presence of cancer or tumors in the breast, resulting in a false-negative result. Although less frequent than false-positive results, this tends to happen more often in women with dense breasts. Dense breast tissue can make it challenging for mammograms to identify abnormalities accurately. This can be risky since undetected cancers can grow and become more dangerous. Aggressive cancers may develop rapidly, even in a few months, and may become challenging to treat once they metastasize.

Learn more: Breast Density: Are You Aware?

Radiation exposure

Mammography can cause some concern due to radiation exposure. It is important to note that mammography uses x-rays images that expose individuals to a very small dose of radiation. Although the radiation dose is usually harmless, frequent exposure can increase cancer risk. Therefore, it is important to communicate with one’s healthcare provider to determine if a mammogram is necessary. The benefits of getting a mammogram should outweigh its potential harm. Women who are pregnant or suspect they may be pregnant should avoid getting mammograms, as radiation may be harmful to the development of the fetus. Instead, consider a breast ultrasound as an alternative.

If you are unsure about whether or not to go for a screening mammogram, it would be best to consult a healthcare professional about your breast cancer risk and if a screening mammogram is appropriate for your situation.

Ensuring that one’s health remains a top priority is crucial, and one way to achieve that is by being mindful of the potential advantages and disadvantages of undergoing a screening mammogram. While it is understandable to feel discouraged by any potential drawbacks, it is always helpful to have a conversation with a healthcare provider regarding alternative screening methods that may prove beneficial. The healthcare team will support and assist individuals in making informed decisions.