Some people may question whether the benefits of mammography outweigh possible risks. For instance, mammograms can identify abnormalities that turn out not to be cancer. This can result in additional testing, visits, and sometimes procedures, which can cause stress and anxiety. Mammography also exposes people to a small amount of radiation, although the amount is so small that the actual risk, if any, is too small to measure.
However, regular mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer at the earliest-possible stage. They identify cancer before symptoms (such as feeling a lump) occur. Early cancers found on a mammogram are often small, confined to the breast (meaning they haven’t spread to other areas), and can be the easiest to treat.
Bottom line: Having routine screening mammograms reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer by 40% or more, so getting screened is well worth the small potential risk, said Dr. Baker.