Mammograms play a vital role in early breast cancer detection, yet many women delay or avoid screening due to fear, misinformation, or common misconceptions. From concerns about physical discomfort to confusion about whether other diagnostic radiology can replace a mammogram, these myths can create unnecessary anxiety and barriers to care. Understanding the truth behind mammograms can help you take proactive steps toward early detection and long-term wellness. As the Chief of Breast Imaging at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health, Dr. Janel Pastore addresses these concerns by separating mammogram myths and facts through clinical innovation and evidence-based education.

What Are Mammograms and Why Do They Matter?

Mammograms are specialized X-ray exams designed to detect changes in breast tissue before symptoms, such as lumps or pain, become noticeable. This early detection is critical, as it allows for more treatment options, less invasive care, and improved outcomes. For most women, routine screening begins around age 40, though those with higher risk factors may need to start earlier. By identifying potential concerns at their earliest stages, mammograms play a key role in proactive and preventive breast health care.

Separating Mammogram Myths and Medical Facts

Misinformation about mammograms is common, but clear, reliable information can make all the difference. Here’s what you should know.

Myth: Mammograms are too painful.
Fact: While compression is necessary to flatten the breast tissue and reduce the radiation dose, the discomfort is usually brief and tolerable. At Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health, we offer The Gentle Mammogram™, designed by Dr. Janel Pastore, Chief of Breast Imaging, for a more comfortable, patient-focused experience. Always let your technologist know if you feel pain so adjustments can be made.

Myth: The radiation is dangerous and can cause cancer.
Fact: Mammograms use a very low dose of radiation, similar to what you’re exposed to during everyday background levels or a short flight. The benefit of early detection greatly outweighs any associated risk.

Myth: I only need a mammogram if I feel a lump or have symptoms.
Fact: Mammography is designed to find non-palpable lesions. By the time a lump can be felt during a physical exam, it may have been growing for years. Early detection allows for more treatment options and higher survival rates, which is why routine screening is recommended even if you feel healthy.

Myth: I’m too young (or too old) for a mammogram.
Fact: Routine screening generally begins around age 40 for women at average risk, but those with a higher risk may need to start earlier. There is no strict age for screening, but as long as a woman is in good health and would benefit from early detection, mammograms may continue to play an important role in care.

Myth: I don’t need a mammogram because I have no family history.
Fact: Statistically, 85% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. While BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations increase risk, the vast majority of cases are sporadic and related to aging and other lifestyle factors, making screening essential for every woman.

Myth: Breast implants make mammograms impossible or unsafe.
Fact: Women with breast implants can still safely receive mammograms, and implants do not break under the pressure of a mammogram. Technologists use specialized imaging techniques, such as implant displacement views, where the implant is gently pushed back toward the chest wall so the natural breast tissue can be pulled forward and imaged clearly.

Myth: Mammograms can’t find all cancers.
Fact: Mammograms remain one of the most effective tools for early breast cancer detection. They can identify abnormalities years before symptoms appear and often catch cancers that would not be felt during a physical exam. While mammograms are the gold standard, they have limitations in dense breast tissue, where cancer can sometimes be “masked” by white fibrous tissue. In these cases, supplemental screening like 3D mammography or ultrasound to ensure nothing is missed may be recommended.

Myth: I just had an ultrasound, so I don’t need a mammogram.
Fact: Ultrasound and mammography serve different purposes and are not interchangeable. Mammograms excel at finding microcalcifications (tiny salt-like deposits), which ultrasound often cannot see. Ultrasound is superior at distinguishing between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid mass. 

Myth: If my last mammogram was normal, I don’t need another for a few years.
Fact: Cancer does not follow a calendar. Interval cancers can develop between screenings. Regular mammograms allow radiologists to compare year-over-year images, making it much easier to spot subtle, “new” changes that would otherwise be ignored. Most guidelines recommend annual or biennial mammograms depending on age and risk factors, ensuring any changes are detected as early as possible.

Preparing for Your Mammogram

To ensure the most accurate results and a smooth experience, consider these tips:

• Timing Matters: Schedule your mammogram when your breasts are least tender, typically a week after your period, to reduce discomfort and improve image clarity.
• Skip Products on Exam Day: Avoid deodorants, powders, lotions, or creams on your chest and underarms. These can show up on the X-ray and potentially interfere with the results.
• Dress for Convenience: Wear a top that is easy to remove or separate, such as a two-piece outfit, so you can change quickly and comfortably for the exam.
• Share Your History: Let your technologist know if you have breast implants, a history of surgeries, or any current breast changes. This helps them tailor the exam for the best images.
• Relax and Communicate: If you feel discomfort during the mammogram, speak up. Technologists are trained to help you stay as comfortable as possible, and at Florida Medical Clinic, you can also benefit from The Gentle Mammogram™ for a more pleasant experience.

Understanding The Gentle Mammogram™

The Gentle Mammogram™ is a specialized approach created by Dr. Pastore to transform the screening experience. A fear of pain is a leading reason patients may avoid getting a mammogram, this protocol is designed to make breast imaging more comfortable and less intimidating. From the moment you walk in, the environment is warm and welcoming — soft robes, cushioned equipment, calming scents, and most importantly, you are in control. In this space, you’re encouraged to speak up, set the pace, and know that your voice matters every step of the way.

At Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health, our team is dedicated to safety, precision, and your comfort. We take the time to educate patients, answer questions, and provide personalized care to make each mammogram as reassuring as possible. If it’s time for your screening or you have questions about breast health, contact the Radiology Department at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health at (813) 315-1516.  The Gentle Mammogram™ is offered at our Zephyrhills, Wiregrass (Wesley Chapel) and Brandon Radiology locations.

Meet Jahnavi “Janel” Pastore, MD, MBA

Dr. Janel Pastore is Chief of Breast Imaging at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health. She earned her medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine and completed her residency in Diagnostic Radiology, followed by a fellowship in Body Imaging and MRI at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. Board-certified in Diagnostic Radiology, Dr. Pastore brings nearly 20 years of experience and a special focus on breast imaging, providing compassionate, expert care for all screening and diagnostic needs.