Contrary to rampant social media claims, Switzerland has not implemented a ban on mammograms or breast cancer screenings. These assertions have spread confusion online, suggesting not only that the procedure is outlawed but also that it may increase the risk of developing breast cancer due to radiation exposure.
For months, various posts on social media have claimed that Switzerland had decided to prohibit mammograms over safety concerns, with frequent statements alleging that exposure during screenings causes cancer. Furthermore, many of these posts maintained that 50% to 60% of mammogram results yield false positives, resulting in unnecessary anxiety and subsequent treatments.
However, these assertions have been thoroughly discredited. EuroVerify contacted the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, which clarified that there is no prohibition on mammograms. A spokesperson stated, “Screening programs are established by the cantons,” emphasizing that mammograms are recommended for women aged 50 and above.
Fact-checkers from multiple news organisations have previously debunked these misleading claims.
Concerning safety, one of the most prevalent misconceptions is that radiation from mammograms significantly heightens cancer risk. Dr Evandro de Azambuja, head of the Medical Support Team at the Jules Bordet Institute in Anderlecht, reassured that mammograms use low doses of radiation, which, when conducted according to established protocols, do not pose a cancer risk. “There is no risk of developing cancer due to mammography irradiation,” he stated.
Further perspective from Julia Schwarz, a specialist in early detection with the Swiss Cancer League, highlighted that flight attendants may be exposed to more radiation in a year than what is received through a mammogram.
On the topic of false positives, the claim that 60% of mammograms result in these misleading outcomes is grossly exaggerated. Dr Partha Basu, head of the Early Detection, Prevention and Infections Branch at the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, pointed out that while false positives can occur, they do not equate to a final diagnosis. “A screening test aims to identify who may be at risk of having a disease,” he explained, advocating for prompt follow-up investigations for those receiving positive mammogram results.
While women should be informed of the potential for false positives prior to screening, it is essential to remember that the benefits of early detection far outweigh the risks. “Mammograms are one of the most effective tools for the early detection of breast cancer,” Dr Basu stated, noting that they reduce breast cancer mortality by 40%.
Experts have also recommended that mammography and self-examination serve as complementary methods for early cancer detection. “Combining mammography with breast self-examination ensures a better chance of early diagnosis,” Dr Basu concluded.
In light of these clarifications, the continued promotion of accurate information about mammograms and breast cancer screenings remains crucial in combatting misinformation.
Source : euronews
