Patients' Perceptions of Radiation Exposure Associated With Mammography

Radiation associated with breast imaging is a sensitive issue, particularly for women who undergo mammography as a screening measure to detect breast cancer. Misinformation and misunderstanding regarding the risks associated with ionizing radiation have created heightened public concern and fear, which may result in avoidance of diagnostic procedures. The objectives of this study were to ascertain patients' knowledge and opinion of ionizing radiation as a whole and specifically in mammography, as well as to determine common misunderstandings and points of view that may affect women's decisions about whether to have a mammogram.

Over a 9-month period, a total of 1725 patients presenting for a mammogram completed a 25-point questionnaire focused on the following: general knowledge of radiation dose in common imaging modalities, the amount of radiation associated with a mammogram relative to five radiation benchmarks, and patients' opinions of the involvement of radiation in their health care.

Although 65% of the women receiving a mammogram responded that they had been informed of the risks and benefits of the examination, 60% overestimated the radiation in a mammogram.

Efforts should be made to accurately inform women of the risks and benefits of mammography, specifically highlighting the low dose of mammographic ionizing radiation and providing objective facts to ensure that they are making an informed decision regarding screening.