Mammograms are a medical imaging technique that uses low-energy x-rays to create an image of the breast. Mammograms are used to detect and diagnose breast cancer, as well as to monitor treatment progress for those who have already been diagnosed.
While mammography can be a useful tool for detecting breast cancer, there are several potential harms associated with the use of this technique.
First, mammograms can fail to detect some forms of breast cancer. The accuracy of mammograms is estimated to be around 79-90%, meaning that up to 10-21% of breast cancers may be missed. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, which can be potentially fatal.
Second, mammograms can lead to false positives, which are diagnoses of breast cancer that do not exist. False positives can lead to unnecessary stress, as well as unnecessary medical treatment, including biopsies and surgery, which may have further physical and psychological consequences.
Third, mammograms are associated with a small but real risk of radiation-induced cancer. The radiation dose used in mammograms is low, but the risk of radiation-induced cancer increases with the cumulative dose of radiation and the younger the age of the patient.
Finally, mammograms can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. The compression of the breast during the examination can be painful, and the procedure can take up to an hour, which can be difficult to fit into a busy schedule.
In conclusion, mammograms can be a useful tool for diagnosing and monitoring breast cancer, but it is important to be aware of the potential harms associated with mammograms. People should speak to their doctor if they have any concerns about undergoing mammography.
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