Concerns Over Avoiding Mammography Due to Overestimation of Radiation Exposure

In a study to determine the baseline perception of the radiation associated with mammography screening among patients presenting for initial or follow-up imaging, women were asked to rate the amount of radiation received in a single mammogram as being significantly less, slightly less, about the same, slightly more, or substantially more compared to a series of radiation benchmarks.

Confusion and misinformation about the risks associated with ionizing radiation create increased public concern and worry, and may result in avoidance of screening mammography that can identify early cancers. None of the study participants accurately ordered all six of the benchmarks; on average, they considerably overestimated the amount of radiation associated with a mammogram in comparison to other radiation benchmarks.

“Our findings indicate a need to educate patients about the amount of radiation they are exposed to during a single screening mammogram,” said Jacqueline Hollada, a member of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA; USA) research team. “Using everyday sources of radiation exposure as benchmarks can help add perspective and improve patients’ understanding of radiation levels associated with mammography, thereby reducing anxiety related to the examination.”

The authors concluded that medical staff should make concentrated effort to accurately inform women of the risks and benefits of mammography--specifically emphasizing the low dose of mammographic ionizing radiation--and provide objective facts to ensure that women make informed decisions about screening.

Ms. Hollada presented her study’s findings at the 2014 American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) annual meeting, held in San Diego (CA, USA), on May 4–9, 2014.

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