10 Excuses We’re Tired Of, Part 2

As promised yesterday, here are more “reasons” you can’t use for putting off your mammogram anymore (at least not by the time you’re done reading here)…

6. I have breast implants. They require extra views,  but mammograms are just as vital for a woman with implants. The risk to the implant is much, much lower than the risk for breast cancer!

7. I’m scared of the compression. It’s okay to be shy and maybe a little apprehensive-  that’s normal. It’s when that stops you in your tracks that we’d like to educate you. Compression is key to allowing us to see cancers and should be only slightly uncomfortable and short-lived (lasting only a few seconds).

8. I’m scared of the radiation. Mammograms are safe; breast cancer is not.

9. I perform self-exams on a regular basis – that’s sufficient. Actually, it’s not. Did you know that mammograms can find breast cancers years before you can feel them and in general at sizes much smaller than those found even by experienced hands?

10. I had one last year – I’m good for now. While the USPSTF in 2009 issued its own guidelines recommending screening every 2 years, those guidelines have been refuted by the American Cancer Society, the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging, as well as others. Your best bet for healthy breasts is to have your screening mammogram yearly after the age of 40.

Bonus reason to get your mammogram – it works! http://www.cancer.org/research/infographicgallery/breast-cancer-mammography-statistics

So… tired of talking about excuses yet? As radiologists, we are tired of hearing them! Don’t let excuses keep you or your loved ones from getting that mammogram!

Image credit: pinterest.com/stevemaraboli

Originally published 10/23/13 on mammographykc.com.