Hologic logo, dark blue
Hologic logo, dark blue

Get Clear on Your Breast Health

There are many myths surrounding breast cancer, and we're here to set the record straight. From risk factors to screening guidelines, get the facts you need to take charge of your breast health with confidence.

Mammography Facts

It’s high time we put an end to all those misconceptions about breast cancer and mammograms.

2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer globally in 20221

Breast cancer is the world's most common cancer. High-risk individuals should consider early mammograms and additional screenings for enhanced detection.2

 

Safe and Effective

While mammograms may cause minor discomfort for some, routine screenings reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer by 40%3 and your annual 3D™ Mammogram is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer early.

99% survival rate

Early detection is a game-changer in the fight against breast cancer. There's a 99% 5-year survival rate if caught early.4

Find A Facility Near Me
  Density
  Lifestyle
  Pain
  Underwires
  Age
  Implants
  Radiation

Truth or Myth?

Take the quiz to see how much you know.

Take Quiz

Density

I know if my breasts are dense by feeling them.

  • ✖
  • ✔
ANSWER: Breast density cannot be felt during a self-exam or a clinical breast exam. 5 Even with traditional 2D mammograms, it can be tough to tell the difference between areas of dense breast tissue and cancer, because when breasts get compressed, breast tissue overlaps and has the potential to hide small breast cancers.6 That’s why women, especially those with dense breasts, can benefit from getting a Hologic 3D™ Mammogram. It provides a high-resolution image of the entire breast and has proven to find 20-65% more invasive cancers.7
Next
  1. DenseBreast-info, Inc. (n.d) Complete List of Questions and Answers. DenseBreast info.org. https://densebreast-info.org/patient-questions-and-answers
  2. Breastcancer.org. (2022, February 24). 3D Mammograms Reduce Risk of Advanced Stage Disease in Women with Extremely Dense Breasts and High Risk of Breast Cancer. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/3d-mammograms-reduce-risk-of-advanced-stage-disease-in-women-with-extremely-dense-breasts-and-high-risk-of-breast-cancer
  3. Results from Friedewald, SM, et al. "Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography." JAMA 311.24 (2014): 2499-2507; a multi-site (13), non-randomized, historical control study of 454,000 screening mammograms investigating the initial impact the introduction of the Hologic Selenia Dimensions on screening outcomes. Individual results may vary. The study found an average 41% increase and that 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8-1.6) additional invasive breast cancers per 1000 screening exams were found in women receiving combined 2D FFDM and 3D(TM) mammograms acquired with the Hologic 3D Mammography(TM) System versus women receiving 2D FFDM mammograms only.

Lifestyle

If you keep up a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and eat right, you won’t have to worry about breast cancer.

  • ✖
  • ✔
ANSWER: Healthy behaviors can lower breast cancer risk, but they cannot eliminate it. Beyond diet and physical activity, the American Cancer Society says other lifestyle-related risk factors, like decisions about having children and taking medicines that contain hormones, can increase your chances of getting breast cancer.2
Next
  1. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Lifestyle-Related Breast Cancer Risk Factors. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer

Pain

Mammograms hurt way too much.

  • ✖
  • ✔
ANSWER: Women often endure beauty treatments like fillers and waxing— sometimes multiple times a year—yet delay getting a mammogram. Mammograms can be uncomfortable for some, but they don’t have to be.8 The Hologic 3Dimensions™ mammography system can feature a curved design of the compression device—which mirrors the shape of a woman’s breast to reduce pinching and applies uniform compression over the entire breast for added comfort.9 Each breast is compressed for under four seconds10—just a brief pinch for a whole lot of peace of mind. Plus, it's a once-a-year procedure for most women!11
Next
  1. Healthline. (2021, October 6). Does a Mammogram Hurt? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/mammogram-pain#will-it-hurt
  2. Smith, A. Improving Patient Comfort in Mammography. Hologic WP-00019 Rev 003(2017)
  3. Selenia Dimensions Competitive Comparison document MISC-04706 (2017)
  4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). 6 Mammogram Myths. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-cancer/6- mammogram-myths

Underwires

Wearing an underwire bra can cause breast cancer.

  • ✖
  • ✔
ANSWER: No evidence links bras to breast cancer—period.12 Studies found no connection between cancer risk and bra-wearing habits, cup size, underwire use, or age when regular bra use began.
Next
  1. Breastcancer.org. (2014, September 5). No Link Between Bras and Breast Cancer Risk. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/no-link-between-bras-and-risk

Age

I'm way too young to worry about breast cancer.

  • ✖
  • ✔
ANSWER: Young women can and do get breast cancer. It's often hereditary and more common in African Americans.13 It’s never too early for women to start discussing their breast health with their healthcare provider.
Next
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Breast Cancer in Young Women. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/bring-your-brave/breast-cancer-in-young-women/index.html

Implants

A mammogram could pop my implants.

  • ✖
  • ✔
ANSWER: Breast implants rarely rupture during mammograms.14 Make sure to tell your provider if you have implants—you’ll need 4 extra images. Regular screenings are still vital unless you’ve had both breasts removed.
Next
  1. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Mammograms for Women with Breast Implants. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/mammograms-for-women-with-breast-implants.html

What Makes a Better Mammogram?

Not all breast exams are equal, especially if you have dense breasts. Nearly half of women over 40 in the US do, and higher density means a higher risk of breast cancer.15 Make sure to ask for the exam that’s FDA-approved as superior for women with dense breasts: the Hologic 3D™ Mammography system.16,17

diverse happy women of different ages
background pink line background pink line

More Comfortable

Our innovative SmartCurve® system is designed to respond to the shape of your breasts for a more comfortable experience.9 Plus, our scans last just 3.7 seconds.10 That’s quicker than any other exam.

A Clearer Image

The Hologic 3D™ Mammography system produces images that allow your radiologist to better spot areas of concern in dense breast tissue compared to 2D alone.16 That means detecting 20%–65% more invasive breast cancers than 2D alone17 and an earlier diagnosis for many women.

What is Breast Density

Every woman’s breast density is unique, based on the mix of fat, glands, and fibrous tissue.15 More glands and fibrous tissue mean denser breasts. Nearly half of women over 40 have dense breasts, which increases their risk of breast cancer.15

Truth: My breast density is always evolving.

Breast density changes over time, so regular mammograms are essential for monitoring.15

What to Expect at Your Well Woman Exam.

There are many myths surrounding breast cancer, and we're here to set the record straight. From risk factors to screening guidelines, get the facts you need to take charge of your breast health with confidence.

    20s - 30s

    In your 20s - 30s

    If you have a genetic mutation or a family history of early breast cancer, your doctor might recommend earlier screening. Health insurers typically cover mammograms for high-risk women under 40 and may also cover breast ultrasounds or MRIs, as per expert guidelines. Your Well Woman Exam may include the following screenings and tests: 

    • Pap Test 
    • Pelvic Exam 
    • Clinical/Self-Breast Exam 
    • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing 
    • High Blood Pressure Check-Up 
    • Menstrual Health
    Learn More
    woman of color in a bra
    40s - 50s

    In your 40s - 50s

    The latest guidelines allow people at age 40 to begin routine mammograms for breast cancer. We strongly recommend scheduling your mammogram right away if you fall within these updated screening guidelines—and make sure to share this vital information with your friends, family, coworkers, and anyone you know who could benefit from early detection measures. Your Well Woman Exam may include the following screenings and tests:

    • Pap Test 
    • Pap + HPV together 
    • Pelvic Exam 
    • Clinical/Self-Breast Exam 
    • Breast Cancer Screening/Mammogram 
    • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing 
    • Colorectal Cancer Screening 
    • High Blood Pressure Check-Up 
    • Menstrual Health
    Learn More
    woman of color in a bra
    60s+

    In your 60+ years

    As long as you have breast tissue, you’re at risk for breast cancer. Many major health organizations, including the American Cancer Society, recommend women ages 60 and older continue to get mammograms on a regular basis as long as they are in good health. For women ages 75 and older, there’s not enough scientific evidence to recommend for or against routine mammography. Your Well Woman Exam may include the following screenings and tests:

    • Pap Test 
    • Pap + HPV together 
    • Pelvic Exam 
    • Clinical/Self-Breast Exam 
    • Breast Cancer Screening/Mammogram 
    • Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing 
    • Colorectal Cancer Screening 
    • Bone Density Test/Osteoporosis 
    • High Blood Pressure Check-Up 
    • Menstrual Health
    Learn More
    60 plus woman in a bra
    background pink and white stars background pink and white stars

    Join the conversation and help spread the word!

    #BustTheMyth

      References

      1. World Health Organization. (2024, July 30). Breast Cancer. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer 2. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Lifestyle-Related Breast Cancer Risk Factors. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer 3. Monticciolo, D. L., Malak, S. F., Friedewald, S. M., Eby, P. R., Newell, M. S., Moy, L., Destounis, S., Leung, J. W. T., Hendrick, R. E., & Smetherman, D. (2021). Breast Cancer Screening Recommendations Inclusive of All Women at Average Risk: Update from the ACR and Society of breast imaging. Journal of the American College of Radiology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacr.2021.04.021 4. Survival rates for breast cancer. American Cancer Society. (n.d.) https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/understanding-a-breast-cancer-diagnosis/breast-cancer-survival-rates.html. 5. DenseBreast-info, Inc. (n.d) Complete List of Questions and Answers. DenseBreast info.org. https://densebreast-info.org/patient-questions-and-answers 6. Breastcancer.org. (2022, February 24). 3D Mammograms Reduce Risk of Advanced Stage Disease in Women with Extremely Dense Breasts and High Risk of Breast Cancer. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/3d-mammograms-reduce-risk-of-advanced-stage-disease-in-women-with-extremely-dense-breasts-and-high-risk-of-breast-cancer 7. Results from Friedewald, SM, et al. "Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography." JAMA 311.24 (2014): 2499-2507; a multi-site (13), non-randomized, historical control study of 454,000 screening mammograms investigating the initial impact the introduction of the Hologic Selenia Dimensions on screening outcomes. Individual results may vary. The study found an average 41% increase and that 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8-1.6) additional invasive breast cancers per 1000 screening exams were found in women receiving combined 2D FFDM and 3D(TM) mammograms acquired with the Hologic 3D Mammography(TM) System versus women receiving 2D FFDM mammograms only. 8. Healthline. (2021, October 6). Does a Mammogram Hurt? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/mammogram-pain#will-it-hurt 9. Smith, A. Improving Patient Comfort in Mammography. Hologic WP-00019 Rev 003(2017) 10. Selenia Dimensions Competitive Comparison document MISC-04706 (2017) 11. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). 6 Mammogram Myths. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-cancer/6- mammogram-myths 12. Breastcancer.org. (2014, September 5). No Link Between Bras and Breast Cancer Risk. Breastcancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/no-link-between- bras-and-risk 13. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Breast Cancer in Young Women. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/bring-your-brave/breast-cancer-in-young- women/index.html 14. American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Mammograms for Women with Breast Implants. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/mammograms/mammograms-for-women-with-breast-implants.html 15. DenseBreast-info, Inc. (n.d) Complete List of Questions and Answers. DenseBreast info.org. https://densebreast-info.org/patient-questions-and-answers 16. FDA submissions P080003, P080003/S001, P080003/S004, P080003/S005 17. FDA Approval P080003/S006 18. Mammograms under the Afforable Care Act (ACA). (n.d.). Mammograms Under the Afforable Care Act (ACA). https://www.facingourrisk.org/privacy-policy-legal/laws-protections/ACA/screening-preventive-services/mammograms 19. Mammography and Other Screening Tests for Breast Problems. Frequently Asked Questions. How is a clinical breast exam done? https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/mammography-and-other-screening-tests-for-breast-problems 20. Qaseem A, Lin JS, Mustafa RA, et al. for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Screening for breast cancer in average-risk women: a guidance statement from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 170(8):547-560, 2019. 21. Nicholson WK, Silverstein M, Wong JB, et al. for the US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 329(23):2057-2067, 2024.