LESS PAINFUL BREAST CANCER SCREENING OPTIONS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

BEYOND MAMMOGRAMS

- SARENE KLOREN

MAMMOGRAMS aren't the only way to protect your health. With pain-free screening options like ultrasounds and MRIs, South African women have choices. | Unsplash

(Unsplash)

LIKE many South African women, I dread the idea of booking a mammogram and it brings a mix of anxiety, dread and discomfort.

Anyone who has had one knows what to expect: your breast is compressed between two plates with pressure that can reach up to 20kg.

While doctors argue this is necessary for a clearer X-ray image, the reality is that the process can be painful, traumatic, and for some women, enough reason to avoid screening altogether.

When breast cancer is already a leading threat to women’s health, fear of pain should never be the barrier that stops early detection.

While mammograms remain the most widely used method, they are far from perfect - and importantly, they are not the only option.

South African women do have alternatives, each with its own strengths and limitations. Understanding these alternative options can empower women to make informed decisions about their health.

A mammogram uses low-energy X-rays to create images of the breast. Compression spreads the tissue so abnormalities can be detected more easily. But there are concerns: