Mammography Radiation Exposure and Breast Cancer Risk: Your Concerns Addressed

Mammography

Hello, Doctor.
I had an ultrasound examination that revealed a lump in my breast, and the physician recommended a mammogram.
I was too nervous during the procedure, and my chin obstructed the view when imaging my left breast, so it had to be redone.
Consequently, I had three images taken of my left breast and two of my right breast.
Is this radiation exposure too high? The radiation dose for a mammogram is 0.7 millisieverts; does this refer to the four images (two of the left breast and two of the right breast)? I ended up having a total of five images taken.
What is the total radiation dose I received? With three images taken of my left breast, does short-term exposure increase the risk of breast cancer? I am really worried.
Thank you, Doctor.

Afen, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/10/16

Dr. Wang Yifen reply Radiology

Hello, the radiation dose from a standard screening mammogram is 0.7 millisieverts, which includes four images (two of the left breast and two of the right breast).
The total radiation exposure from five images will not exceed 1 millisievert, and this will not increase the risk of breast cancer, so there is no need for concern.
Mammography is currently a medically validated tool for detecting early breast cancer.
The National Health Administration provides free mammography screenings every two years for women aged 45 to 70.
Eligible women should regularly undergo mammography screenings to facilitate early detection and treatment.
Wishing you health and safety.

Reply Date: 2018/10/16

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding mammography and radiation exposure. It's completely understandable to feel anxious about the implications of medical imaging, especially when it comes to breast health. Let’s break down your questions and clarify some important points regarding mammography, radiation exposure, and breast cancer risk.

First, let’s address the radiation exposure from mammography. A standard mammogram typically exposes the breast to about 0.7 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation per view. Since you mentioned that you had to undergo additional imaging due to a positioning issue, it’s important to calculate the total radiation exposure based on the number of images taken. If you had three images of the left breast and two of the right breast, the total would be five images. Therefore, the total radiation exposure can be calculated as follows:
- Left breast: 3 views x 0.7 mSv = 2.1 mSv
- Right breast: 2 views x 0.7 mSv = 1.4 mSv
- Total exposure = 2.1 mSv + 1.4 mSv = 3.5 mSv
This level of radiation exposure is relatively low. For context, the average person in the United States is exposed to about 3 mSv of natural background radiation each year from environmental sources, such as cosmic rays and radon. The radiation dose from a mammogram is considered to be quite safe, especially when weighed against the benefits of early detection of breast cancer.

Regarding your concern about whether short-term exposure to radiation from mammography could increase your breast cancer risk, it’s important to note that the risk associated with mammography is minimal. The American Cancer Society and other health organizations have stated that the benefits of regular mammograms in detecting breast cancer early far outweigh the risks associated with the radiation exposure. In fact, studies have shown that the risk of developing breast cancer from the radiation exposure of mammograms is extremely low compared to the risk of breast cancer itself, especially for women over the age of 40.

In terms of your specific situation, while it’s natural to feel worried, the amount of radiation you received from the mammograms is not considered significant enough to elevate your breast cancer risk. The cumulative risk from multiple mammograms over time is still very low, particularly when compared to the potential benefits of early detection.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, it’s essential to discuss these with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand your individual risk and the importance of regular screenings. Additionally, if you have any ongoing concerns or symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further evaluation.

In conclusion, while it’s understandable to be concerned about radiation exposure from mammography, the overall risk is very low, and the benefits of early detection of breast cancer are significant. Regular screenings are a vital part of maintaining breast health, and I encourage you to continue following your healthcare provider’s recommendations.

Wishing you peace of mind and good health.

Best regards.

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