A new study suggests that some women may increase their risk of developing breast cancer by getting x-ray mammograms. The results of the study were published in the most recent issue of the 'Journal of Clinical Oncology.'
Researchers examined 1,600 European women who have a genetic predisposition towards developing breast cancer. The women who had x-ray mammograms were 54 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than those who never had a chest x-ray.
Scientists do not say this means women with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes should avoid being checked for breast cancer. Alternatives should be used instead said suggested David Goldgar, lead author of the study. 'If confirmed in prospective studies, young women who are members of families known to have BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may wish to consider alternatives to X-ray, such as MRI,' Goldgar explained.
Unfortunately, MRIs are not as clear as x-rays and result in more false positives and biopsies.
The connection between x-rays and breast cancer is particularly high for women under 20 who have already received mammograms using x-rays. They were 2.5 times more likely to develop breast cancer than women who were never given x-rays according to the study.
Additional research in this area is expected in the near future. Women at risk for breast cancer need to find a way to maximize safety to maintain their health.
