Breast health is a vital aspect of overall wellness, particularly given that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers globally. Early detection through screening plays a crucial role in improving outcomes, yet many female-bodied individuals harbor mistrust toward Western medicine. This distrust, often rooted in valid historical and systemic issues, can complicate access to life-saving care. In this article, we explore mammograms, thermography, hormonal influences, gaps in research on female bodies, and the need for an inclusive, nuanced approach to healthcare.
The Importance of Breast Screening
Breast screening aims to detect breast abnormalities, including cancer, at an early stage before symptoms develop. Early detection can:
Increase treatment options.
Improve survival rates.
Reduce the need for invasive treatments.
The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 1 in 8 women and vulva-havers will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection can lead to a five-year survival rate exceeding 90% for localized cancers.
Mammograms: The Gold Standard
What is a Mammogram?
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that detects abnormalities such as calcifications, lumps, or distortions in breast tissue.
How It Works
Screening Mammogram: Performed on women vulva-havers without symptoms to detect changes in breast tissue.
Diagnostic Mammogram: Used for women vulva-havers with symptoms like a lump, nipple discharge or an inverted nipple, or following an abnormal screening result.
Advantages
Proven to reduce breast cancer mortality by 15-20% in women and vulva-havers aged 40-69, according to a study by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
Detects small tumors that may not be palpable during physical exams.
Limitations
False Positives: Around 10% of women and vulva-havers are recalled for additional testing, but only 0.5% are diagnosed with cancer.
False Negatives: Mammograms may miss up to 20% of cancers, especially in women and vulva-havers with dense breast tissue.
Radiation Exposure: While exposure is extremely minimal, the though of exposure still does cause concern for women and vulva-havers and breast havers.
Let's break down the science of radiation exposure: Radiation exposure from mammograms is a common concern for many individuals, but it's important to understand the context and scale of the risk. Here's a more detailed look:
Radiation Exposure from Mammograms
Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to create images of the breast tissue. The amount of radiation exposure during a single mammogram is minimal and generally considered safe.
Radiation Dose:
The dose for a single mammogram is approximately 0.4 millisieverts (mSv).
Comparison to Other Sources:
A chest X-ray exposes you to about 0.1 mSv.
Natural background radiation from the environment exposes you to about 3 mSv per year.
A transcontinental flight (e.g., Los Angeles to London) exposes you to approximately 0.03–0.05 mSv per flight.
Perspective on Risk
The radiation from a mammogram is roughly equivalent to 7 weeks of natural background radiation.
Repeated mammograms over time (e.g., annual screenings for decades) could slightly increase the lifetime risk of cancer. However, the benefits of early detection far outweigh this small risk, particularly for individuals at higher risk for breast cancer.
The Plane Analogy
Doctors often compare mammogram radiation to the radiation exposure experienced during air travel to provide context:
At higher altitudes, there is less atmospheric protection from cosmic rays, resulting in increased exposure to radiation.
A mammogram delivers slightly more radiation than a long-haul flight, but both are considered negligible in terms of cancer risk.
Why This is Important
This analogy helps individuals put the risk into perspective, reducing fear or hesitation about mammography. Knowing that the radiation dose is low and comparable to everyday exposures (like flying) can reassure patients that the risk is minimal compared to the potential life-saving benefits of early cancer detection.
Key Takeaways
Radiation exposure from mammograms is low and carefully regulated.
The benefits of mammograms in detecting cancer early typically far outweigh the minimal radiation risk.
For perspective: a mammogram exposes you to about the same radiation as 3–4 long-haul flights or a few weeks of natural background radiation.
Statistics
Women and vulva-havers aged 50-74 who undergo regular mammograms have a 20-40% reduction in mortality from breast cancer.
Look, if you are still concerned, I can't help but also feel ware and certainly have feelings of doubt and fear, but this is what the science is currently saying.
Thermography: An Adjunctive Tool
What is Thermography?
Thermography is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses infrared cameras to detect heat patterns and blood flow in breast tissue. It’s based on the premise that cancerous tissues exhibit increased heat due to elevated metabolic activity and angiogenesis.
How It Works
Thermography maps thermal patterns on the surface of the breast. Changes in temperature may indicate abnormalities requiring further evaluation.
Advantages
Non-invasive, radiation-free, and painless.
Can be used by women and vulva-havers unable or unwilling to undergo mammography.
Detects physiological changes, potentially identifying issues before structural changes occur.
Limitations
High false-positive and false-negative rates make it unreliable as a standalone diagnostic tool.
Not sensitive enough to detect small or deep tumors.
Lacks sufficient standardization and regulation in its application.
The FDA does not recommend thermography as a substitute for mammograms.
Breast Density and Screening Challenges
Women and vulva-havers with dense breasts face unique challenges in breast screening:
Dense tissue appears white on mammograms, the same colour as tumors, making it harder to detect abnormalities.
What Are Dense Breasts?
Breast density refers to the proportion of glandular and fibrous tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast, as seen on a mammogram. Breasts are categorized into four density levels:
Almost entirely fatty
Scattered areas of fibroglandular density
Heterogeneously dense
Extremely dense
Women and vulva-havers with heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breasts are considered to have dense breasts and tend to have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Additional Screening Options for Dense Breasts:
3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis): Improves detection rates in dense breast tissue.
Ultrasound: Can identify abnormalities missed by mammograms.
MRI: Recommended for high-risk women and vulva-havers, such as those with BRCA mutations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Improves mammogram interpretation and reduces false positives/negatives.
Contrast-Enhanced Mammography: Highlights blood flow to tumours, enhancing detection.
Molecular Breast Imaging (MBI): Uses a radioactive tracer to detect cancer, especially in dense breasts.
The Importance of Individualized Screening
Not all screening methods suit every individual. Factors influencing screening decisions include:
Age.
Family and genetic history (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations).
Breast density.
Personal preferences regarding invasive procedures or radiation exposure.
Final Takeaways for Patients and Practitioners
Mammography remains the gold standard for reducing breast cancer mortality.
Thermography may provide supplementary information but is not a replacement for mammograms.
Regular screening, coupled with self-awareness and clinical breast exams, remains the cornerstone of early detection.
Encourage discussions between patients and healthcare providers to tailor screening plans to individual needs.
Breast screening saves lives, but no method is perfect. Combining technological advancements with personalized care can ensure the best outcomes for all women and vulva-havers.
Hormonal Influences on Breast Health
The role of hormones in breast health is both profound and complex. Estrogen and progesterone play a key role in breast development, function, and, in some cases, cancer risk. Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can all affect breast tissue.
Hormonal Birth Control & Impact on Breast Health
Hormonal contraceptives increase exposure to synthetic estrogen and/or progesterone, which has been associated with a slightly higher risk of breast cancer, particularly in long-term users.
Systemic Concerns: Many individuals report side effects such as mood changes, weight gain, and fatigue, raising broader concerns about the long-term impact of hormonal birth control on overall health.
Understanding the interplay between hormones and breast health requires more research, as existing studies often overlook nuanced variables such as age, genetics, and lifestyle.
Research Gaps on Female Bodies
A significant barrier to trust in Western medicine is the historical neglect of female-bodied individuals in medical research. For decades:
Clinical Trials Excluded Women and Vulva-Havers: Many early drug and treatment trials were conducted primarily on men, leading to treatments that fail to account for hormonal cycles or physiological differences.
Insufficient Hormonal Research: Despite the central role hormones play in health, research into their effects—especially related to synthetic hormones like those in birth control—is alarmingly limited.
Understudied Breast Cancer Variants: Certain forms of breast cancer, like triple-negative breast cancer, disproportionately affect individuals of certain racial backgrounds but remain poorly understood.
Lets unpack this a little more with some evidence based research
Hormonal Contraceptives and Breast Cancer Risk: What the Evidence Says
Hormonal contraceptives, including combined oral contraceptives (containing synthetic estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only options, have been studied extensively for their potential impact on breast cancer risk. Here’s what evidence-based research indicates:
1. Hormonal Contraceptives and Breast Cancer Risk
Increased Risk:
Research suggests that current and recent users of hormonal contraceptives have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to non-users.
A large Danish study (2017) involving 1.8 million women found that the risk increased by about 20% for women currently using hormonal contraception.
The increased risk diminishes after stopping the contraceptive, disappearing entirely within 5–10 years after discontinuation.
Magnitude of Risk:
The absolute risk remains small. For example:
Among women aged 15–49, hormonal contraceptives may cause 1 additional case of breast cancer per 7,690 women per year of use.
2. Long-Term Use and Risk
Prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives (e.g., over 5–10 years) may slightly increase the risk further, especially if contraceptive use extends into later reproductive years when baseline breast cancer risk is higher.
However, younger users (e.g., teens and women in their 20s) have a much lower baseline risk of breast cancer, so the impact of contraceptive use on absolute risk is minimal.
3. Mechanisms Behind the Risk
Hormonal Influence on Breast Tissue:
Estrogen and progestin can promote cell division in breast tissue, which might increase the chance of mutations leading to cancer.
Synthetic hormones may also affect the hormonal signaling pathways in breast cells.
4. Balancing Risks and Benefits
Other Protective Effects:
Current research suggests that hormonal contraceptives are associated with reduced risks of other cancers, such as ovarian, endometrial, and colorectal cancers.
This protective effect lasts for decades after stopping the contraceptive.
Weighing the Risks:
For some individuals, the overall health benefits of hormonal contraceptives (e.g., pregnancy prevention, menstrual regulation, reduced ovarian cancer risk) outweigh the small, temporary increase in breast cancer risk.
That being said, I am by no means an advocate for hormonal birth control. I encourage everyone reading this to do you own research, speak with your medical team and have the relevant testing done, and only then come to the method of contraception that is right for you, (including the option of male contraception).
If you are like me and have a distrust on the science and research on female health, your concerns are valid, as these gaps in research perpetuate a cycle of mistrust and suboptimal care.
The Complex Relationship with Western Medicine with Historical and Cultural Mistrust
Many individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, have valid reasons for mistrusting Western medicine:
Historical Abuses: From unethical medical experiments on women of color to dismissive attitudes toward female pain, medicine has a history of failing female-bodied and marginalized individuals.
Cultural Disconnection: For some, the medical model feels detached from holistic and cultural approaches to health, focusing narrowly on symptoms rather than the whole person.
Why Mistrust Can Be Dangerous
While skepticism is understandable, it can lead to delayed screenings or reliance on unproven methods, potentially increasing the risk of advanced cancer diagnoses. Balancing critical thinking with informed decision-making is crucial for effective healthcare.
Moving Toward Inclusive and Holistic Care
To bridge the gap between medical systems and female-bodied individuals, we must:
Improve Research: Conduct more inclusive studies that account for hormonal cycles, diverse demographics, and systemic biases.
Educate Providers: Train healthcare professionals to understand and respect the unique needs and experiences of female-bodied individuals.
Empower Patients: Equip individuals with the knowledge to make informed choices, balancing conventional and holistic approaches.
Offer Alternatives: Ensure access to less invasive or complementary screening tools, such as 3D mammography, ultrasound, or MRI for those with dense breasts or specific risk factors.
Practical Takeaways for Breast Screening
Mammograms Remain Vital: Despite their limitations, mammograms have the strongest evidence for reducing breast cancer mortality.
Be Proactive: Regular self-exams, clinical exams, and a tailored screening plan are essential.
Consider Hormonal Health: Discuss the risks and benefits of hormonal birth control and other medications with a trusted provider.
Advocate for Change: Support research and policy initiatives that prioritize female-bodied individuals’ health and equity in medicine.
Supplementary Support for Breast Health
In addition to regular breast screenings and medical care, there are holistic approaches that can support breast health. Practices like lymphatic massage, evening primrose oil supplementation, and other lifestyle interventions may enhance overall well-being, reduce discomfort, and promote balance in the body. Here’s a look at some supplementary options:
Lymphatic Massage & Dry Brushing
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the body’s immune response, helping to remove toxins and waste products. Since breast tissue contains a network of lymph nodes, maintaining lymphatic flow through massage and body brushing can support breast health.
Benefits
Reduces Swelling: Helps drain excess fluid, alleviating tenderness or swelling in the breasts.
Improves Circulation: Promotes better blood and lymph flow, which may help detoxify breast tissue.
Eases Discomfort: Can reduce premenstrual breast tenderness or discomfort associated with hormonal changes.
You can see how to perform a lympnatic massage in my other blog article B is for Breast Brushing & Massage..
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose plant and is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. It has long been used to support hormonal and breast health.
Benefits
Relieves Breast Tenderness: Research suggests EPO may reduce mastalgia (breast pain), particularly during PMS, by reducing inflammation and improving hormonal balance.
Supports Hormonal Regulation: GLA helps modulate prostaglandin production, which can impact breast tissue sensitivity and pain.
Dosage
Typical doses range from 1,000 to 3,000 mg daily, often taken in divided doses with meals.
Consistency is key; effects may take several weeks to appear.
Precautions
Avoid if you have a bleeding disorder or are on blood-thinning medications, as EPO can affect clotting.
Be sure to discuss with a healthcare provider, particularly if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Dietary and Herbal Support
Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fatty fish to reduce inflammation.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, and cauliflower contain indole-3-carbinol, which supports estrogen metabolism and may reduce the risk of breast abnormalities.
Healthy Fats: Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish or flaxseed) balance omega-6 levels and support hormonal health.
Herbal Options
Vitex (Chasteberry): Helps regulate menstrual cycles and reduce breast pain linked to hormonal imbalances. This suppliment will interfere with hormonal birth control.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound that may support breast tissue health.
Dandelion Root: Supports liver detoxification, aiding in the breakdown of excess estrogen.
Lifestyle Interventions
Stress Management
Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially affecting breast health. Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help regulate stress and support overall well-being.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise improves circulation, supports lymphatic flow, and helps maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Avoiding Toxins
Minimize exposure to environmental toxins like BPA and phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors.
Use natural deodorants, as some aluminum-based products may interfere with lymphatic drainage.
Castor Oil Packs
Applying warm castor oil packs to the breasts may promote lymphatic drainage and reduce inflammation.
How to Use:
Soak a cloth in castor oil and apply it to the breast area.
Cover with plastic wrap and a warm compress for 20-30 minutes.
Perform this practice a few times a week.
Benefits
Soothes tender or swollen breasts.
Supports detoxification of breast tissue.
Hydration and Sleep
Staying hydrated supports lymphatic flow and tissue health. Additionally, getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night is essential for hormonal regulation and immune function.
Regular Self-Exams
Monthly self-breast exams allow you to become familiar with your breast tissue and notice any changes early. Combine this with professional screenings for a comprehensive approach to breast health.
Final Thoughts
While practices like lymphatic massage, evening primrose oil, and holistic interventions can support breast health, they are not substitutes for medical screenings like mammograms, thermograms or consultations with healthcare providers.
This post was written by Kiki Maree with the help of breast screening nurse Ella Daloia.
References:
Radiation Exposure from Mammograms:
The Environmental Literacy Council explains that a typical mammogram exposes a patient to approximately 0.4 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation, which is comparable to about seven weeks of natural background radiation.
Hormonal Contraceptives and Breast Cancer Risk:
A study by the University of Oxford indicates that both combined and progestagen-only hormonal contraceptives are associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk.
Thermography in Breast Cancer Detection:
The MD Anderson Cancer Center states that thermography is not a substitute for mammography in breast cancer screening, as it does not detect cancer in its early stages and lacks standardization in quality and effectiveness.
Breast Density and Cancer Detection Challenges:
The British Medical Journal (BMJ) discusses how increased mammographic density is a well-established risk factor for developing breast cancer, and that changes in breast density over time can affect breast cancer risk.
Historical Exclusion of Women in Medical Research:
The BMJ highlights the under-representation of women and ethnic minorities in clinical studies, noting that despite mandates for inclusion, progress has been unacceptably slow, leading to gaps in understanding and treating female-specific health issues.
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