<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1l3PMT_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1l3PMT_0wCdQ30m00" width="980" height="653" ><figcaption>Tom Drake</figcaption></figure><p>October marks <a href="https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month/?&amp;msclkid=adac36cf569c1dfe13e751dd2f024aa5&amp;utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=Give%20-%20General&amp;utm_term=breast%20cancer%20and%20screening&amp;utm_content=Donate%20To%20Breast%20Cancer">Breast Cancer Awareness Month</a>, a time to focus on education, early detection, and support for those impacted by breast cancer. Mammograms are a key part of this, helping to detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable. However, despite their importance, there are several misconceptions that can prevent people from getting screened. Below, are some common <a href="https://www.northshore.org/healthy-you/fact-checking-debunking-mammogram-myths/#:~:text=Myth%3A%20Mammograms%20are%20painful.%20Fact%3A%20Everyone%E2%80%99s%20pain%20threshold,of%20finding%20cancer%20early%20outweighs%20the%20brief%20discomfort.">myths about mammograms</a>, and the <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-cancer/6-mammogram-myths">facts</a> from <a href="https://www.wmchealth.org/blogs/the-truth-about-mammograms-debunking-common-myths-734">medical professionals</a> to help Iowans feel more confident about scheduling their exams.</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0CcQPh_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0CcQPh_0wCdQ30m00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>Credit: Canva</figcaption></figure><p><b>Myth #1: If breast cancer doesn’t run in my family, I don’t need a mammogram.</b></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0akjpt_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0akjpt_0wCdQ30m00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>Credit: Canva</figcaption></figure><p><b>Fact:</b> Most breast cancer cases occur in women who have no family history of the disease. In fact, about 75% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family link. Being female and growing older are the most significant risk factors for breast cancer, so even without a family history, regular screening is still crucial. All women should start getting annual mammograms at age 40, or earlier if they have other risk factors, such as certain genetic mutations or a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.</p><h2>Myth #2: An ultrasound can replace a mammogram.</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0vnPTL_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0vnPTL_0wCdQ30m00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>Credit: Canva</figcaption></figure><p><b>Fact:</b> While breast ultrasound is an important tool in some cases, it cannot replace a mammogram for routine screening. A mammogram gives a full picture of the breast, much like turning on a light in a room to see everything. An ultrasound, on the other hand, is more focused—like using a flashlight to highlight one spot. An ultrasound is typically used to follow up on specific areas of concern found in a mammogram or for women with dense breast tissue. For comprehensive screening, mammograms remain the best starting point.</p><h2>Myth #3: Mammograms are dangerous because of the radiation.</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3zbKeT_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3zbKeT_0wCdQ30m00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>Credit: Canva</figcaption></figure><p><b>Fact:</b> The radiation exposure from a mammogram is extremely low. In fact, it’s comparable to what you might experience during a dental X-ray or from your natural surroundings over a few months. The equipment used is carefully monitored and calibrated to ensure that the exposure stays within safety guidelines. The small amount of radiation is outweighed by the benefits of early cancer detection. Mammograms are the best tool for catching breast cancer early, when it is most treatable, which can save lives.</p><h2>Myth #4: Compression during a mammogram is bad for your breast.</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=49lCaJ_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=49lCaJ_0wCdQ30m00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>Credit: Canva</figcaption></figure><p><b>Fact:</b> While breast compression during a mammogram can be uncomfortable, it is completely safe and necessary for getting a clear image. Compressing the breast tissue spreads it out, allowing the radiologist to see small structures and potential abnormalities more clearly. It also reduces the amount of radiation required to take the image. The compression lasts only a short time and greatly increases the accuracy of the exam.</p><p><b>Myth #5: Being called back for additional images means something is wrong or the tech messed up.</b></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3lRheJ_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3lRheJ_0wCdQ30m00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>Credit: Canva</figcaption></figure><p><b>Fact:</b> If you’re called back for more images after a screening mammogram, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem or that the technician errored. In most cases, it just means that the radiologist saw something they want to take a closer look at, such as dense tissue or an area that looks different from previous images. If you do need additional tests, it’s just part of making sure you get the most accurate results possible, as early detection is always key.</p><h2>Myth #6: Mammograms are only necessary for women over 50.</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=47eotx_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=47eotx_0wCdQ30m00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>Credit: Canva</figcaption></figure><p><b>Fact:</b> While the risk of breast cancer increases with age, mammograms are important for women starting at age 40, and sometimes earlier for those with additional risk factors. Younger women are still at risk, and regular screening helps to detect cancer before it can spread. For women at average risk, starting mammograms at 40 provides the best opportunity for early detection and successful treatment.</p><h2>Understanding the Mammogram Process</h2><p>For Iowans preparing for a mammogram, here’s what you can expect during the screening process:</p><p><b>Before the appointment:</b> Most healthcare providers recommend starting regular mammograms at age 40, but your doctor may suggest beginning earlier depending on your family history or other risk factors. Many clinics and hospitals in Iowa make it easy to schedule a mammogram, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, when there are often outreach programs to encourage more women to get screened.</p><p><b>During the mammogram:</b> The procedure is simple and typically takes less than 30 minutes. You’ll be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown. During the mammogram, each breast will be placed between two plates for a few seconds to take the image. While the compression of the plates may be uncomfortable, it’s important for getting clear images with minimal radiation exposure.</p><p><b>After the exam:</b> A radiologist will review the images and compare them to previous mammograms if available. If no abnormalities are found, you’ll be notified and continue with your regular screening schedule. If further imaging is needed, the radiologist may request follow-up tests (ultrasound) to get a better look at any areas of concern. Most of the time, this doesn’t indicate a serious problem but is part of ensuring an accurate diagnosis if there is a "finding."</p><h2>Tips for a Smooth Mammogram Experience</h2><ul><li><b>Avoid scheduling around your period:</b> Try to schedule your mammogram when your breasts are least likely to be tender, such as the week after your period, to reduce discomfort.</li><li><b>Skip deodorant, lotions, and powders:</b> These products can show up on the images and may interfere with the clarity of the results.</li><li><b>Bring previous mammogram records:</b> If you’ve had a mammogram at a different facility before, bring those images with you to allow the radiologist to compare them and spot any changes.</li><li><b>Early detection is key:</b> When detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable, with a nearly 99% survival rate for localized cases. Regular mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer before it causes symptoms or spreads, giving you the best chance for successful treatment.</li></ul><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4SA6rz_0wCdQ30m00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4SA6rz_0wCdQ30m00" width="1600" height="1067" ><figcaption>Credit: Canva</figcaption></figure><p>This October, take control of your health by scheduling your mammogram. Facilities across Iowa, including mobile mammography units, make it easy to get screened. Whether you’re over 40 or have additional risk factors, staying on top of your screenings can make all the difference. Mammograms can save lives by catching cancer early—don’t let these myths stop you from scheduling this essential exam at your Iowa health care provider.</p><h2>LOOK: Counties with the Highest Cancer Rates in Illinois</h2><p><a href="https://www.stacker.com/illinois">Stacker</a> ranked the counties with the highest cancer rates in Illinois using data from the CDC.</p><h2>Counties with the highest cancer rates in Wisconsin</h2><p><a href="https://www.stacker.com/wisconsin">Stacker</a> ranked the counties with the highest cancer rates in Wisconsin using data from the CDC.</p></div></body>

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Mammogram Myths and Facts Iowans Need to Know

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to focus on education, early detection, and support for those impacted by breast cancer. Mammograms are a key part of this, helping to detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable. However, despite their importance, there are several misconceptions that can prevent people from getting screened. Below, are some common myths about mammograms, and the facts from medical professionals to help Iowans feel more confident about scheduling their exams.