October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s the time of year when we spread the word about mammograms and raise awareness about the importance of early detection.

Yet, despite the abundance of information available on the important role that mammograms play in the early detection of breast cancer, misconceptions still exist. Dr. Meghan Musser, breast radiologist and Medical Director for Kettering Health Breast Centers, addresses some of the biggest myths regarding mammograms:

Myth #1: I don’t have any symptoms of breast cancer or a family history, so I don’t need to worry about having an annual mammogram.

Fact: The American College of Radiology recommends annual screening mammograms for all women over 40, regardless of symptoms or family history. “Early detection is critical,” says Dr. Musser. “If you wait to have a mammogram until you have symptoms of breast cancer, such as a lump.  At that point, the cancer may be more advanced and may no longer be treatable.”

According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage breast cancers have a five-year survival rate of 99 percent. Later-stage cancers have survival rates of 24 percent.

Myth #2: A mammogram will expose me to an unsafe level of radiation. 

Fact: While a mammogram does use radiation, it is a very small amount and is within the medical guidelines. Because mammography is a screening tool, it is highly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, Mammography Quality and Standards Act and other governing organizations, such as the American College of Radiology.

“The new 3D mammogram is more radiation. The radiation dose is still very low and considered safe by the FDA,” said Dr. Musser.

Myth #3: My doctor didn’t tell me I needed a mammogram, so I cannot schedule an exam.

Fact: You do not need your doctor to write you a prescription or complete an order form for you to have a screening mammogram. Women can self-refer to make an appointment for their annual mammogram for earlier detection of breast cancer.

“If you are a woman and 40 or older, you should have a mammogram every year, even if your doctor forgets to mention it,” says Dr. Musser.

Myth #4: I have breast implants, so mammograms are not a viable option because it could cause my implants to rupture.

Fact: Women with implants should have mammograms — just be sure to tell the mammography facility when you make your appointment. Implants can hide some breast tissue, making it harder for the radiologist to see a problem when looking at your mammogram. In order to see as much breast tissue as possible, the x-ray technician will gently lift the breast tissue slightly away from the implant and take extra pictures of the breasts.

A woman who has an implant due to breast cancer surgery in which the entire breast was removed (mastectomy) should ask her doctor whether she needs a mammogram of the reconstructed breast.

Take the time to take care of yourself

After cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women today. In fact, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.

Medicare, Medicaid, and almost all insurance companies cover the cost of having a mammogram.

A mammogram only takes 15 minutes and could save your life. Make your appointment today.

Kettering Health Breast Centers are conveniently located throughout the greater Dayton area. Click here to schedule a mammogram, or you can call 1-800-373-2160.