Recent research suggests that mammograms may contribute to breast cancer in high risk, individuals under the age of 30. High risk involves factors such as family history or genetic predisposition. According to the research, the risk decreases as women get older.

What is not getting taken into account, when it comes to diagnostic tests involving radiation, is unavoidable, environmental sources of radiation that accumulates with age.

Radiation exposure can also contribute to DNA damage. This, in turn, can lead to some cancers, like breast and lymphoma. If this is truly the case, than it seems that exposing the breast tissue to radiation year after year, and sometimes more than that depending on what is found in the mammogram, is counter to keeping breast tissue healthy. So, which came first, the increase of breast cancer incidence or the increase of the use of mammograms?

I am at high risk for breast cancer because I had high dose radiation when I was a teenager. My doctor politely reminds me that I haven't had a mammogram in a while (try about 7 years, which was the first and last time) and asks if I'm planning to get one soon. I, then, politely remind him that I am not getting a mammogram any time too soon. The cumulative radiation effect is real and why on earth would I subject my girls to more of that. Mammograms may emit low dose radiation, but it's all relative. He knows I do my research, so he does his job, I do mine and then we move on.

Getting an X-ray for that nagging, persistent cough or a bone that may be broken is how, in my opinion, X-rays should be used. It all goes back to over use of expensive diagnostic equipment. After all, hospitals spend a small fortune on equipment. They have to make it pay somehow. Ultrasound or thermogram may prove to safer, yet effective, tools for monitoring breast health.