Mammography and Radiation Risks

 TBS Editor's Note: This is one of those topics which leaves my gut feeling unsettled. The party line is “don't worry, get mammograms.” However, there are enough instances where, “oops, we had no idea that ‘this' would happen,” comes after the fact...take silicone breast implants for instance. Anyway, another case of rock and a hard place for women's health. Certainly it's time for a safe, affordable diagnostic tool for women of all ages.

According to Health Canada the risk of getting cancer from mammography is considered to be extremely low.

Mammography uses X-rays, and the cell damage caused by X-rays can cause cancer. However, if mammography is conducted properly the radiation dose is generally quite low. After a dose this low, your body can usually repair the few cells damaged by the X-rays.

The benefit of early diagnosis and treatment far outweighs the risk of the small amount of radiation received during mammography.

The Benefits of Mammography

The benefits of mammography far outweigh the risk. There is plenty of evidence that early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can save lives. For a woman aged 50, early detection of breast cancer improves the chance of survival by up to 40 percent.

Quality of life is another benefit. Early diagnosis of breast cancer can reduce the need for radical treatments, including extensive surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. These treatments can have serious side effects.

Source: Health Canada it's Your Health

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