Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn

34: Why Some Women Say No to Mammograms: The Hidden Dangers in Traditional Breast Cancer Screening

February 20, 2024 Dr. Jenn Simmons Episode 34
34: Why Some Women Say No to Mammograms: The Hidden Dangers in Traditional Breast Cancer Screening
Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn
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Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn
34: Why Some Women Say No to Mammograms: The Hidden Dangers in Traditional Breast Cancer Screening
Feb 20, 2024 Episode 34
Dr. Jenn Simmons

In today's episode of Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, we delve into the complex and often misunderstood world of breast imaging and its role in breast cancer screening. As a trained physician deeply invested in women's health and breast cancer treatment, I aim to illuminate the intricacies behind mammography, promising alternatives, and the necessity to personalize our approach to breast health. The conversation today challenges conventional wisdom and standard practices while introducing emerging technologies that could change the way we screen for breast cancer.

In this episode you'll:

  • Discover how traditional breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, may contribute to other health risks like heart disease and osteoporosis.
  • Understand the controversy surrounding mammography screening, including its effectiveness, potential overdiagnosis, and the associated dangers of overtreatment.
  • Uncover why a routine mammogram may not be the best option for women with dense breasts and explore the limitations of MRI as an alternative.
  • Learn about the importance of self-examinations, how to perform them correctly, and why certain organizations may not recommend them.
  • Examine the impacts of radiation from mammograms on our health and discuss the potential benefits of premedication with antioxidants before undergoing radiographic studies.
  • Get introduced to QT imaging, a new, promising, and radiation-free screening technology that could transform the future of breast cancer detection.


00:05 Introduction to Breast Imaging Complexities
01:14 Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects
03:33 The Reality Behind Mammography and Its Challenges
06:45 The Dilemma with Mammograms for Women with Dense Breasts
11:00 Limitations and Concerns With MRI Screening
13:20 The Criticality of Self-Examinations for Breast Awareness
16:59 Debating the Impact of Mammographic Radiation
20:44 Spotlight on QT Imaging: A New Frontier in Breast Imaging
24:25 Closing Thoughts on Embracing Innovation in Medicine
25:47 Listener Engagement and Closing Remarks

Radiation Protocol: https://shop.realhealthmd.com/catalog/product/view/id/21163/s/radiation-protection-protocol/


To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/time-to-talk

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Person's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://realhealthmd.kartra.com/page/SmartPersonsGuidetoBreastCancer

Join the Facebook group: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepingabreastwdrjenn

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

Show Notes

In today's episode of Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn, we delve into the complex and often misunderstood world of breast imaging and its role in breast cancer screening. As a trained physician deeply invested in women's health and breast cancer treatment, I aim to illuminate the intricacies behind mammography, promising alternatives, and the necessity to personalize our approach to breast health. The conversation today challenges conventional wisdom and standard practices while introducing emerging technologies that could change the way we screen for breast cancer.

In this episode you'll:

  • Discover how traditional breast cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, may contribute to other health risks like heart disease and osteoporosis.
  • Understand the controversy surrounding mammography screening, including its effectiveness, potential overdiagnosis, and the associated dangers of overtreatment.
  • Uncover why a routine mammogram may not be the best option for women with dense breasts and explore the limitations of MRI as an alternative.
  • Learn about the importance of self-examinations, how to perform them correctly, and why certain organizations may not recommend them.
  • Examine the impacts of radiation from mammograms on our health and discuss the potential benefits of premedication with antioxidants before undergoing radiographic studies.
  • Get introduced to QT imaging, a new, promising, and radiation-free screening technology that could transform the future of breast cancer detection.


00:05 Introduction to Breast Imaging Complexities
01:14 Understanding Breast Cancer Treatment Side Effects
03:33 The Reality Behind Mammography and Its Challenges
06:45 The Dilemma with Mammograms for Women with Dense Breasts
11:00 Limitations and Concerns With MRI Screening
13:20 The Criticality of Self-Examinations for Breast Awareness
16:59 Debating the Impact of Mammographic Radiation
20:44 Spotlight on QT Imaging: A New Frontier in Breast Imaging
24:25 Closing Thoughts on Embracing Innovation in Medicine
25:47 Listener Engagement and Closing Remarks

Radiation Protocol: https://shop.realhealthmd.com/catalog/product/view/id/21163/s/radiation-protection-protocol/


To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:
https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/time-to-talk

To get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Person's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://realhealthmd.kartra.com/page/SmartPersonsGuidetoBreastCancer

Join the Facebook group: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/keepingabreastwdrjenn

Connect with Dr. Jenn:
Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons