Potential Mammogram Side Effects

Posted by Sheryl (Bendigo Victoria Australia) on 08/24/2025

​I read somewhere that mammograms can cause cancer not just because of the radiation but also because of the pressure on the breast tissue. Do you have any information on this that I could use. Also apparently there are other ways to diagnose without mammograms or biopsies.

Replied by maryfrances
new zealand
08/24/2025

check out having a thermogram........i stopped any conventional testing years ago......happy to take responsibility for my own well being...

Replied by Tessa
Vic
08/24/2025

I'd like to hear a bit more about Thermagrams please. Im due for another mammogram, but im hesitant as the stress my breasts have been through over the years could possibly be a cause of a mass of small cysts in my breast. Ive had an MRI a year ago abd now due for ANOTHER MRI to compare things with last year's results. I believe our bodies are holistic, so mind/body/spiritvare as one. The stress ive been through with all these tests could increase my risk of cancer anyway... So has anybody got some proven scientific information in this please? I really dont want to keep having mammograms every 2 years for the rest of my life..Im 70 and otherwise in reasonably good health

Art
California
08/24/2025

Hi Tessa,

This should offer you some basics on Thermography based on the idea that cancer creates hot spots in the breasts that thermography can locate without discomfort:

https://www.breastcancer.org/screening-testing/thermography

Art

Ruralady
Illinois
08/24/2025

Were you genetically tested for the breast cancer gene? That's the only reason I can see why they're doing routine breast MRIs or you have a history of breast cancer. The amount of radiation and dye is minimal and since you've been through it once with no side effects/health issues is a good indicator that everything is okay. It's certainly better than going through breast cancer treatment which can be horrendous, esp chemo. Ask about getting genetically tested for breast cancer.

Replied by Mama to Many
TN
08/25/2025

Dear Sheryl,

I know ladies who have had long term issues after "routine mammograms." I have managed to avoid them thus far. (I'm 58.) However, my doctor really wanted me to get one. I said, "And if they find a problem, what's next?" She said, "An ultrasound." I said, "Fine. Can I just get an ultrasound?" Well, that isn't typical protocol but she told me about "Herscan", which is an independent company that has mobile units that do breast ultrasounds as an alternative to mammograms. It costs about $300 and insurance doesn't cover it. But I found a place and did that and was happy to have such an alternative.

~Mama to Many~

GertJr
Madison
08/26/2025

Years ago, I had a mamo and they saw something. That started a several year long series of quarterly mamo's, ultrasounds, etc - none of which ever found the original shadow. When I finally protested and asked why continue, the dr got angry with me, said they 'had saved me from cancer'. I said BS, you're fired, and never had another mamo. Now 67, I don't plan on having another, period. Why bother? Felt like a scam then and still feels like a scam.

Replied by Mama to Many
TN
08/25/2025

Dear Sheryl,

I know ladies who have had long term issues after "routine mammograms." I have managed to avoid them thus far. (I'm 58.) However, my doctor really wanted me to get one. I said, "And if they find a problem, what's next?" She said, "An ultrasound." I said, "Fine. Can I just get an ultrasound?" Well, that isn't typical protocol but she told me about "Herscan", which is an independent company that has mobile units that do breast ultrasounds as an alternative to mammograms. It costs about $300 and insurance doesn't cover it. But I found a place and did that and was happy to have such an alternative.

~Mama to Many~

Ruralady
Illinois
08/26/2025

Thanks for that info, I'll be looking into it. I was supposed to have a follow up manual exam at the 6 month mark and the nurse gave me such a hard time I canceled it, I'll just have one of these done. I'll have to drive an hour but it's worth it. Again, thank you!!!!