What Are the Limitations of Mammograms?
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5 Mammography Limits You Should Know
A mammogram is an X-ray imaging test used to detect changes and abnormalities in the breast tissue. During a mammogram, the breast is placed on a special X-ray machine and compressed between two plates to spread the tissue evenly and produce a clear image.
The generated images can reveal signs of breast cancer, including small lumps that may not be felt during a physical examination.
While mammograms are a safe and effective tool for early breast cancer detection, when it’s most treatable, these medical tests also have limitations.
The Limits of Mammography
Like all medical procedures, mammography has its limits. However, these limitations don’t diminish the value that this tool provides in the fight against breast cancer. Understanding these limitations can help optimize the use of mammography and improve outcomes for patients. Here are those limitations as compiled by Breast Cancer Car Donations:
1. False-Negative Results
False negatives occur in a mammogram when the cancer is too small for detection, hidden behind the dense breast tissue, or when it hasn’t produced noticeable symptoms yet. Since false-negative results can lead to delayed diagnosis, they can reduce the chances of successful treatment.
2. False-Positive Results
A false-positive result occurs when a mammogram indicates the presence of breast cancer, but further tests would reveal otherwise. Besides leading to unnecessary anxiety, false positives require further testing, such as invasive and uncomfortable biopsies. Additionally, it can also lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
3. Overdiagnosis
A mammogram may detect small cancers that may never cause harm or spread to other body parts, leading to overdiagnosis. Overly diagnosed patients may receive unnecessary treatments that can produce serious side effects. These treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
4. Radiation Exposure
Mammograms expose patients to a type of energy called ionizing radiation that can damage their DNA and increase the risk of developing cancer. Although the risk of getting cancer from mammography’s low radiation levels is small, it’s still a consideration for patients who need to take multiple mammograms during their lifetime.
5. Inaccurate Results for Patients with Implants
Getting accurate mammogram results may be challenging for women with breast implants when these implants interfere with the interpretation of the images. Besides leading to false negatives or false positives, inaccurate results can make it more difficult for radiologists to see all breast tissue areas. Consequently, women with breast implants may need additional imaging tests, including ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to obtain a complete picture of their breast health.
You Can Extend Life-Saving Assistance to Breast Cancer Patients Without Pulling Out Your Wallet
Despite its limitations, mammography is a crucial tool in the early detection of breast cancer. Sadly, however, many women forego treatment even when they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The most common reason they cite is their lack of financial capability to pay for the high cost of cancer treatment.
The good news is that you can extend life-saving assistance to women like them in your community even without going out of your home to hand out some cash to help with their treatment. All you need to do is contact us at Breast Cancer Car Donations and offer to donate to us any vehicle you no longer need.
We’ll quickly pick up and tow that vehicle at no cost to you wherever you may be in the country. Plus, you can count on our dedicated donation specialists to manage all your donation paperwork.
Our team will have your vehicle auctioned off, with the proceeds used to support the comprehensive breast health programs of our charity partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits are dedicated to helping uninsured and financially struggling breast cancer patients, providing them with financial assistance to help cover the costs of their full treatment, doctor consultations, hospital fees, medications, follow-up care, and other essential healthcare services they need.
Our charity partners also provide deserving individuals with easy access to medical facilities where they can get free breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Furthermore, they are also active in promoting breast cancer awareness and providing prevention, education, and counseling services to the public.
Your vehicle donation will also benefit you immensely. Within days following the sale of your vehicle, we’ll mail you its 100% tax-deductible sales receipt. With this receipt, you can claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
Aside from the material perks that you’ll get from your car donation, you’ll also get to experience the priceless feeling of satisfaction for making a charitable act that can help save lives.
We take almost all types of vehicles whatever their ages or conditions. Visit this page to learn what else you can contribute aside from standard cars.
If you have any questions or concerns about our donation program, feel free to contact us anytime at 866-540-5069. You may also write to us here and we’ll respond to you as soon as we can.
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Turn Your Old Car into a Lifesaver Today!
Who would’ve thought that your unwanted car could be used to save lives? Donate that auto by calling Breast Cancer Car Donations at 866-540-5069 or filling out our secure online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 7th, 2023