A new study suggests that young women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer actually may raise their risk of breast cancer by getting regular mammograms.
The mammogram, a test designed to detect breast cancer, may actually contribute to causing breast cancer in high risk young women under the age of 30. A study presented at the Radiology Society of North America (RSNA) examined how the low doses of radiology used in mammography affect women with either a family history of breast cancer, or those who have genetic mutations linked to breast cancer.
The study suggests that at-risk women who were exposed to radiation five or more times before the age of 20 were 2.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer than women who had not been exposed to radiation of this magnitude. Though the preliminary study suggests the dangers of repeated exposure to mammography radiation, author of the study Dr. Marijke C. Jansen-van der Weide, reminds us that it is still very important for at-risk women to receive regular breast cancer screenings.
“For high-risk women, it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks of mammography with their doctor and come together on a screening strategy, and to keep in mind that at a young age you can use an alternative screening technique like M.R.I†Dr. Jansen-van der Weide said.
The director of cancer screening for the American Cancer Society, Robert Smith, questions the analysis of the study and disagrees that the M.R.I could replace mammograms in high-risk women. He said that the M.R.I has the potential to miss some tumors that mammography could find, and the best approach for high risk women is to use the two tests together.
The presentation of this study at the RSNA annual conference came not even a month after a recent government task force’s recommendation for the discontinuation of routine mammograms for women between the ages of 40 and 49, which has caused confusion and controversy among millions of women. Nonetheless, the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) advises women to discuss the benefits and risks of routine mammogram screenings for breast cancer with their health care providers.
Ultimately, the decision to begin regular mammography screening is an individual one that should take patient breast cancer history and potential risk into account, and should be discussed with your doctor to weigh the specific benefits and harm for you.
Click here to learn how to perform a self breast exam.
Click here to learn about risk factors.
* Note: Cancer screening and risks are NOT affected by breast implants. See article here
3 COMMENTS
Leave A CommentI’m kind of mixed about this. My conspiracy theorist side asks who sponsored the study that showed women are more likely to get breast cancer with earlier screenings? Are insurance companies in on this, too?
My more rational side says, it seems like getting regular mammograms at a younger than recommended age is a good idea. Early detection saves lives and not all lumps can be detected via palpatation. But I can see that maybe more that more radiation exposure could increase the chances. I’m just not sure if those chances are more dangerous than undetected cancer due to older age guidelines.
My grandmother died of breast cancer two years ago, so this is an issue near and dear to my heart.
Ive had 11 total mams. 4 of those being within the past few weeks. I will get another on monday next week! I am still some what young (38) and they are suspecting I have inflammatory breast cancer! I’d like to think my exposure prior to this has NOTHING to do with whats going on with me if that is what it is! My guess is that the insurance companys are in on this and don’t want to pay for them! I truly believe this is more hereditary than anything! But either way, I am all for women getting them at younger ages despite their theory! So get those titty pinchers done!
Here is a good Op-Ed article regarding mammograms and breast cancer, written by the President and CEO of the Breast Cancer Fund Jeanne Rizzo:
http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_13928994?nclick_check=1