Mammograms: What You Need to Know - Are they Safe?

Are Mammograms Safe?

Yes! Mammograms use a very small amount of radiation—about the same as you'd get from just 7 weeks of natural background radiation.

👉 The risk of harm from this is extremely low. For most women, the benefit of early cancer detection far outweighs the tiny risk from radiation.

💥 Do Mammograms Cause Cancer?

Not really. While any radiation could technically increase risk, the dose from a mammogram is so low that it does not significantly raise your chances of getting breast cancer—even with yearly screening.

The only exceptions might be:

• Women with certain genetic conditions (like BRCA mutations)

• Those who had radiation to the chest as a child or teen

If that applies to you, talk to your doctor about custom screening plans.

❌ Why Do Some People Avoid Mammograms?

Some women choose not to get screened because they:

• Worry about radiation (even though it’s minimal)

• Have heard stories about false positives or unnecessary biopsies

• Dislike the discomfort

• Prefer alternative approaches

  
  

We understand! That’s why we encourage you to talk with your provider about your unique risk factors and concerns. Your comfort and peace of mind matter.

⏰ What Happens If You Skip It?

Missing regular mammograms can mean:

• Breast cancer being found later, when it's harder to treat

• A higher chance it spreads to other parts of the body

  
  

💡 Did you know?

• Mammograms can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 40%

• Most breast cancers are found in women who weren’t getting regular screenings

🔥 What About Thermography (Thermal Imaging)?

You may have heard of thermography as a no-radiation way to screen for breast cancer. It uses heat patterns to look for changes.

But here’s the truth:

• It’s not accurate enough to catch cancer early

• It misses many cancers that mammograms can find

• It’s not FDA-approved as a stand-alone screening tool

• 
  

👉 Thermography should not replace mammograms. If you're interested in it, talk to your provider about whether it's appropriate as a complementary (not alternative) tool.

💬 Final Word

We know screening choices can feel overwhelming. But mammograms remain the gold standard for early detection—and early detection saves lives.

If you’re over 40, or have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your provider about when to start and how often to screen.