My patients worry about radiation and mammograms

Women generally started getting mammograms in the 1980's and we do not know the long term effects of having a mammogram every year from 35-90 yet. I have seen patients starting their mammograms very early, in their 20's as many doctors will start women 10 years younger than their mother's age of breast cancer dx.
One, started age 21, acquired breast cancer at age 35 and triumphant stated that mammograms saved her life. As a former teacher of Radiology, I am concerned an article published last year from an university back east showing a link between early mammograms "turning on" the gene in patients w a family hx of breast cancer has utterly disappeared from the internet. We instructors and radiologists and physicists all know young tissue is more susceptible to radiation so why are women with a family history starting early with mammograms (also their tissue so dense very hard to read) instead of getting an ultrasound/MRI if presenting with a lump? Is anyone else out there concerned? Also my implant patients get four times as much radiation and I would advise going every two years instead.


This discussion is related to Overexposure to radiation from mammograms.

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mammograms and radiation

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family history of breast cancer

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Am I too young for a mammogram?

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What should a young person do when she finds a lump?

1 Member voted

[SueYoung55]

The BRCA + women I know have difficulty trying to access an MRI without first having a mammogram, their insurance won't pay for it. A lot of them get denied mammogram coverage because they aren't "old" enough. I wonder who sits at these insurance companies and makes these decisions/rules. They are darned if they do or don't.

Go figure.

[bluebutterfly2222]

I'm confused!

If this is  a poll, what is the question?? What exactly would we be "voting" on if we select one of the  listed choices?

[wondering1719]

When is an MRI used?  I have asked about getting one twice and get brushed off but I can't tell why, if they think I should have a mammo, get an ultrasound, and see a surgeon to discuss the abnormalities even thought they're small . . .

[katarina777]

I have the same question as bluebutterfly2222. I don't get it!