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About Breast Cancer > Myths > Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread

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    • Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread
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    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
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Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread

Here’s The Truth

A mammogram, or x-ray of the breast, currently remains the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. Breast compression while getting a mammogram cannot cause cancer to spread. According to the National Cancer Institute, “The benefits of mammography, however, nearly always outweigh the potential harm from the radiation exposure. Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is extremely low.”

The standard recommendation is an annual mammographic screening for women beginning at age 40. Base your decision on your physician’s recommendation and be sure to discuss any remaining questions or concerns you may have with your physician.

Related reading:

  • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
  • Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
  • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
  • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
  • Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
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