What are potential risks associated with mammography?

The correct answer highlights two significant potential risks associated with mammography: false positives and radiation exposure.

False positives refer to instances when the mammogram indicates that a patient may have breast cancer when, in fact, it is not present. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety, additional imaging, and potentially invasive procedures, such as biopsies. The psychological impact of receiving a false positive can also be considerable, affecting the patient's mental well-being.

Radiation exposure is another relevant concern since mammograms utilize low doses of ionizing radiation to create images of breast tissue. While the risk associated with the radiation dose from a mammogram is quite small, especially when balanced against the benefits of early cancer detection, it is still an important consideration in the overall assessment of mammography as a screening tool.

These two risks underscore the importance of informed decision-making when it comes to the frequency of screening, age of initiation, and potential benefits versus risks associated with mammography. Understanding these risks helps health care providers and patients make better choices about breast health management.