Similar to other medical procedures, mammogram studies have their disadvantages. Certain risks are associated with getting a mammogram, including radiation exposure, false-negative results, and the potential for false-positive results that cause an increase in anxiety levels. Other disadvantages include costly out-of-pocket expenses for uninsured patients. Even though there are potential risks and disadvantages to getting a mammogram, the benefits greatly outweigh them. 

Risks of Mammograms

False-positive Results

Even though mammogram procedures are an effective tool in screening for breast cancer, there can be times when mammogram results are inaccurate and turn into false-positive results (Grimm et al., 2022).  It can be hard to trust a procedure that may have false-positive results; however, on average, out of 1000 mammograms, only 6.5% or 65 U.S women's results are false-positive (Grimm et al., 2022). When a result is false-positive, additional testing is required to rule out breast cancer. The thought of having breast cancer can cause unnecessary suffering to patients. As a result of further testing, patients report increased anxiety levels while waiting for their finalized reports (Grimm et al., 2022). The increase in anxiety can be considered a potential risk of mamograms; however, the number of patients affected by this is minimal. 

False-negative Results

Like false-positive results, mammogram results can also be false-negative. False-negative results are results that appear normal to the radiologist and are reported as normal; however, they may show early signs of breast cancer. As much as 1 in 8 abnormal results are marked as negative when they are actually abnormal (ACS, 2022). Additionally, younger women or women with denser breasts have a higher chance of false-negative mammogram results (ACS, 2022). Suppose a patient feels like their mammogram results do not reflect their symptoms. In that case, scheduling a short-term follow-up or getting a second opinion from another provider is recommended. 

Disadvantages of Mammograms

Costly Out-of-pocket Expenses

It is a known fact that all medical procedures incur a cost for the services provided, and patients or insurance companies are responsible for paying the fees for services. The same can be said for mammogram screenings. Since mammograms are considered a covered yearly preventative service, most health insurance carriers cover the costs of the procedure (Komen G. Susan, 2023). However, when patients are uninsured, the prices of mammograms alone can be enough to deter patients from screenings. On average, the cost of mammograms in the U.S. can vary by region and range from $107 to $471 for 2-D screening mammograms and $113 to $714 for screening mammograms with digital breast tomosynthesis (Kunst et al., 2021). It can be argued that the pricing for mammogram screenings is similar to the costs of other medical procedures; however, when you consider the potential for unsatisfactory or inconclusive imaging results, the rescreening costs can add up. Furthermore, when mammogram results return abnormal, your healthcare provider will often order additional testing in the form of a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound of the abnormal breast or breasts. The average price for a diagnostic mammogram is $191, and for an ultrasound, $240 (Kunst et al., 2021). A patient is looking at around $500 for images that may or may not show a potential for breast cancer. Prices continue to increase if it is confirmed that the patient may have a malignancy, such as when a biopsy and MRI are ordered, which range in the thousands of dollars (Kunst et al., 2021). This can seem like a lot to a patient who is uninsured or is living at or below the median income; however, there are programs aimed at helping patients with limited incomes. You can visit the link www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Cancer/ewc to learn more about the program Every Woman Counts, which helps uninsured and underinsured patients with mammogram screenings and diagnostic testing.