1.    Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. 

Fact: See a physician immediately if you discover a lump or change in your breasts. However, eight out of 10 breast lumps are not cancerous. 

2. Mammograms cost too much.

Fact: Early detection tests for breast cancer save thousands of lives each year and could save even more if more women took advantage of these preventive tests. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the chance for minimally-invasive treatment and survival. Therefore, most insurance companies cover screening (asymptomatic) mammograms at little or no "out of pocket" cost.

FHHS coverage:

Plan "A" - one screening mammogram at 100% per year

Plan "B" - 20% co-insurance (subject to deductible)

Diagnostic mammograms which are often performed if an abnormality is detected on a screening mammogram or if symptoms (lump, mass or discharge of the breast) are present are more involved and time consuming than screening mammograms. Therefore, they may be more expensive than screening mammograms.

3. Mammograms are painful.

Fact: Mammograms may be uncomfortable but should not be painful. With the transition to digital mammography, the level of discomfort you experience should be less due to the new design of the compression paddles. The paddles flex with your body applying pressure only where needed.  

Reasons compression is important:

• It flattens and spreads the breast tissue more evenly for better visualization of anatomy and potential abnormalities.
• It lowers radiation dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is imaged.
• It immobilizes the breast to prevent blurring of the images caused by motion

Tips for a less painful mammogram:

• Schedule your mammogram 10-14 days after you start your menstrual cycle. The breasts are usually less tender.
• Avoid caffeine a week before your mammogram. Caffeine can make the breasts tender.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever prior to your mammogram, but be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any medications.
• If you experience pain, inform the technologist - some simple repositioning may help. Our friendly staff members are sensitive to your needs and want to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

4. The radiation from a mammogram can cause cancer.

 Fact: Mammograms are very safe and utilize only minimal amounts of radiation. Special care is taken during the procedure to ensure that the lowest radiation dose is used while producing the highest quality images. The use of adequate compression and digital technology (fewer repeat images) assists us in achieving this. To put dose into perspective, if a woman with breast cancer is treated with radiation, she will receive around 5,000 rads (units of radiation). If she had yearly mammograms beginning at age 40 and continued until she was 90, she will have received only 20 to 40 rads. The benefits definitely outweigh the risks.

5. Having a family history of breast cancer means you'll get it.

Fact: Women with a family history of breast cancer do run a higher risk of developing the disease; however, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If your mother, daughter, sister or grandmother have had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age at which they were diagnosed or starting at age 35.

6. A mammogram takes too long; I'm too busy.

Fact: Florida Hospital and FRi centers offer early morning & late evening appointments to ensure the availability of services at times convenient to nearly everyone.  We care about our patients and are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure your health. Bring your mother, sister, friend or neighbor with you!

7. Mammograms are for older women.  

Fact: Current guidelines from the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend that women without symptoms begin yearly screening mammograms starting at age 40. Patients who complain of a lump, worrisome changes in their breast or bloody discharge should come for an evaluation at any age.

8. If there's a problem, I'll feel it.

Fact: As the chart below illustrates, the average lump found by accident is more than three times the average size of lumps detected with routine mammograms. In all instances, mammograms, on average, find lumps earlier than those that can be felt.

9. Men don't get breast cancer.

Fact: Although the numbers are very few, men do get breast cancer and some men die from it. Men should also be aware and inform their physicians of any changes in their chest area.  

10. Antiperspirants and deodorants can cause breast cancer.

Fact: There is no evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants and deodorants to the development of breast cancer.