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.

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