What are the risks of attending regular mammograms?
Mammography does involve the use of Ionizing Radiation (X-rays) but it is important to remember that the radiologist and radiographers are professionally trained to minimise the X-ray dosage. The level of radiation is very low. The benefit of being screened for breast cancer far outweighs any risk of harm from an X-ray. It is estimated that the lifetime fatal cancer risk arising from mammography radiation exposure equates to a return flight from the UK to Australia. Under 50 it is recommended to x-ray more frequently because the breast can be denser and changes may occur more quickly. Therefore, the radiation risk is increased. Since these breasts are denser and more difficult to interpret, there is also an increased risk of further investigation.
