Myths, Fears, and Facts

Photo of Dr. Andrew Murray
By Dr. Andrew Murray Family Physician, Nelson BC
Council Member, Family Practice Oncology Network

Fewer than 50 percent of women in British Columbia have regular mammograms. As a result, many of those diagnosed are already in the later stages of breast cancer. More treatment is then required; and the later the treatment, the less effective it is.

So why do so many women not get mammograms, or delay having them? They do so out of fear, and because of myths coming from misconceptions and misinformation.


Here are facts to combat those common myths and fears.

Myth or Fear Fact
It hurts. Slight discomfort is possible, but not pain. To lessen your chances of discomfort:

  • Schedule your mammogram during the first two weeks after your period
  • Avoid coffee the week before
Ignorance is bliss – I don’t want to find out if I have cancer. Not finding out does not mean you will be safe from breast cancer. It just means you may find out too late to receive effective treatment.
I don’t have a family history of breast cancer, so I’m safe. 90% of women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of it.
I’m young – most women with breast cancer are over 50. 20-25% of women with breast cancer are under 50.
I lead a healthy lifestyle, so I won’t get it. Eating and living healthy reduce the risks, but there’s no immunity to breast cancer.
My breasts are small and feel healthy. Women with small breasts are just as susceptible.
I already examine myself monthly and get a yearly exam from my doctor. These are great starts, but some breast cancers are only felt once they are in the later stages. Mammograms can detect those types of cancer earlier.
I don’t have any of the known risk factors. 70% of women with breast cancer have no known risk factors.

Fear and ignorance do not protect women, but regular mammograms do. Physicians suggest a yearly mammogram for every woman over 40.

GOHAVE1 now.

About the Author

Dr Andrew Murray is a Family Physician in Nelson, BC and is on the Council of FPON. Four years ago the BC Cancer Agency initiated the development of FPON (Family Practice Oncology Network). The aim of FPON is to support Family Physicians in their care of patients with cancer. One of the tasks of FPON is to develop information resources which will allow Family Physicians to have quick access to quality cancer related information while seeing patients i.e. at point of care at time of need. This task was Dr Murray’s responsibility. He enjoys the process of developing medical information resources which will help patients and physicians.

Comments

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  • Posted by Kate (site host) on May 2nd, 2008 #

    Misinformation and shared misconceptions about mammograms and breast health are unfortunately common. People hear things, read things and assume they’re ...

    Misinformation and shared misconceptions about mammograms and breast health are unfortunately common. People hear things, read things and assume they’re true, without going to a trusted source for the facts. Here in our community we have the trusted sources and we’ll help you find the truth. So what have you heard? Let’s talk about it.

  • Posted by Shawna (Vancouver) on May 5th, 2008 #

    Thanks for clarifying this for me!

  • Posted by Anonymous on June 10th, 2008 #

    I don't have a family doctor and in Kamloops there are no physicians taking patients so I am denied access ...

    I don’t have a family doctor and in Kamloops there are no physicians taking patients so I am denied access to a mammogram……does that seem right??

  • Posted by Kate (site host) (site host) on June 10th, 2008 #

    Dear Anonymous, Have you tried calling 1-888-GOHAVE1 for an appointment? Unless you have implants or other concerns you feel your doctor ...

    Dear Anonymous,

    Have you tried calling 1-888-GOHAVE1 for an appointment? Unless you have implants or other concerns you feel your doctor needs to be consulted for, you should be able to call and book an appointment for yourself.

  • Posted by Anonymous on June 11th, 2008 #

    Hi Kate, Yes I did call the 1-888- GO HAVE1 # and it was there I was advised that I ...

    Hi Kate,

    Yes I did call the 1-888- GO HAVE1 # and it was there I was advised that I needed a family doctor to book an appointment. The lady I spoke with was more than ready to book the appt for me, BUT said they needed to be able to send the results to a physician and would not book the appt til then. I asked “what if it takes a year to get a doctor?” Her reply was “well we hope it doesn’t take that long”…… so where do I go from here?

  • Posted by Kate (site host) on June 16th, 2008 #

    Hi again, You’re certainly not alone. We understand that finding a family doctor can be hard, but it's important to have ...

    Hi again,

    You’re certainly not alone. We understand that finding a family doctor can be hard, but it’s important to have the results from the screening sent to a doctor for review and, if necessary, to schedule any follow-up screenings and testing. You can visit the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC website, at https://www.cpsbc.ca/cps and click on the “Find a Doctor” link on the menu on the right side. Some walk-in clinics have agreed to receive the results of a screening mammogram for the specific purpose of providing follow-up referrals, if needed, so you might want to contact the Screening Mammography Program of BC at 1-800-663-9203 to see if there is a clinic near you for this purpose.

    We’re so glad you’re following up and looking for a way to get your screening done!

  • Posted by Brittany (Vancouver Island) on June 19th, 2008 #

    Hey. I'm under 40 but my mother had breast cancer. Should I get one, or is age 40 the general ...

    Hey. I’m under 40 but my mother had breast cancer. Should I get one, or is age 40 the general rule?

  • Posted by Kate (site host) on June 20th, 2008 #

    Hi Brittany, 40 is the guideline, but because of your mother's history of breast cancer, or if you have any special ...

    Hi Brittany,

    40 is the guideline, but because of your mother’s history of breast cancer, or if you have any special concerns, such as noticing a change in your breasts, then you should speak with your doctor about having a mammogram.

    Great to see you’re looking ahead like this!

    Kate

  • Posted by Nancy (Abbotsford) on June 20th, 2008 #

    I'm also under 40, but after breastfeeding my daughter, I've been having lots of breast pain. After 4 visits with ...

    I’m also under 40, but after breastfeeding my daughter, I’ve been having lots of breast pain. After 4 visits with my doctor, she’s out of ideas.
    Although I’ve heard that pain is not usually associated with breast cancer, should I have a screening done? Can I get a screening done?

  • Posted by Kate (site host) on June 20th, 2008 #

    Hi Nancy, Women under 40 can go for a mammogram with a doctor’s referral. You really are your best advocate and ...

    Hi Nancy,

    Women under 40 can go for a mammogram with a doctor’s referral. You really are your best advocate and if something is not right, you need to follow your instinct and request further testing. This may include a mammogram and perhaps an ultrasound, but either way you need to consult with your doctor to figure out what is best for your situation.

    Good luck, and if you feel like it, please come back and tell us how you’re doing.

    Kate

  • Posted by Natasha on July,10,2008 (Maple Ridge) on July 10th, 2008 #

    How old do you have to be to get one done?

  • Posted by Kate (site host) on July 15th, 2008 #

    Hi Natasha, Mammograms are recommended for women 40 years old and over. However, if you're under 40 and have concerns, you ...

    Hi Natasha,

    Mammograms are recommended for women 40 years old and over. However, if you’re under 40 and have concerns, you can have one with a doctor’s referral.

    Kate

  • Posted by Nancy (Vancouver) on August 6th, 2008 #

    Thanks for the information Dr. Murray. It is very helpful. I just called to make an appointment but ...

    Thanks for the information Dr. Murray. It is very helpful. I just called to make an appointment but they don’t give me one because I’m not over 40. If I have a concern, why do I have to wait to be over 40 to get a mammogram?

  • Posted by Kate (site host) on August 6th, 2008 #

    Hi Nancy, If you are under 40, but have a specific concern about your breast health, you should make an appointment ...

    Hi Nancy,

    If you are under 40, but have a specific concern about your breast health, you should make an appointment to visit your doctor. Your doctor will certainly then refer you for an appointment for a mammogram. You do not have to wait until you are 40 if you have a problem or concern before then.

    Good luck and let us know how it goes!

  • Posted by Anonymous (victoria) on October 23rd, 2008 #

    what should i do if i have breast implants? i went to see a doctor last spring, she said i ...

    what should i do if i have breast implants? i went to see a doctor last spring, she said i have nothing to worry about if i am under 40 and do not have a history of cancer in my family. but i have heard that breast implants put me in a risk category and i have to have routine mammogram every year.

  • Posted by Kate (site host) on October 24th, 2008 #

    Hi there, This is a great question. It may be more difficult to view breast tissue when implants are present. ...

    Hi there,

    This is a great question. It may be more difficult to view breast tissue when implants are present. Special positioning and possibly additional images are required. If you have implants, or special concerns, you should contact your doctor for a referral to a diagnostic imaging office near you.

    Kate (Site Host)

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