Myth vs. Fact: Does Mammogram Compression Cause Cancer?
- dgrant237
- Aug 22, 2025
- 2 min read
Myth vs. Fact: Does Mammogram Compression Cause Cancer?
Recently, this topic came up for me in a very personal way.
I started noticing some subtle boob pain over the past year. At first, I thought it might be from working out, or maybe connected to my cycle. It was confusing — sometimes I’d get flare-ups, sometimes not. Eventually, it got to the point where it was uncomfortable to sleep on that side.
Looking back, I realized part of the problem was bras. I had ordered a few that were a bit too small, and foolishly wore them for months. At first, I’d try to shake it off (literally!) or adjust, but eventually the discomfort got bad enough that I had to stop wearing them completely. Once I did, I slowly started noticing improvement.
When discussing the subject with someone, they tried to warn me:“ Don’t do that — mammograms squish your boobs and can actually cause cancer by spreading it.”
That comment really stuck with me. I figured if one person was saying it out loud, then others might be silently worried about the same thing. So I wanted to share the truth — and back it up with reputable sources.
✅ What Compression Actually Does
Compression spreads out breast tissue so the X-ray can get a clear picture.
This makes it easier to spot tiny lumps or calcifications.
It also reduces the amount of radiation needed for the image.
Yes, it can feel uncomfortable, but the pressure only lasts a few seconds.
❌ Myth: Compression Causes Cancer or Spreads It
Fact: Compression does not damage healthy tissue or cause cancer to form.
Fact: Compression does not make existing cancer spread.
Fact: Large studies following women for decades show mammography reduces breast cancer deaths, not the other way around.
Where the myth comes from:
Some people worry that squeezing could “burst” a tumor, but cancer doesn’t work like that. Others confuse compression with radiation risks. But mammogram radiation is extremely low — about the same as a flight from New York to L.A.
⚖️ What the Research Actually Shows
National Breast Cancer Foundation: “A mammogram cannot cause breast cancer or spread it.”
Charlotte Radiology: “Compression during a mammogram does not form or spread cancer.”
Detroit Medical Center: Explains that radiation doses are very small and that mammography remains the best screening tool we have.
Peer-reviewed study (Breast Cancer Research): Looked at over 132,000 mammograms and found that excessive compression pressure may lower image sensitivity (harder to detect cancer) — but not cause cancer.
🌸 Bottom Line
Mammogram compression may be uncomfortable, but it does not cause cancer. What it does do is save lives by detecting breast cancer earlier, when treatment is more effective.
So if you’re due for a mammogram, know that the few seconds of discomfort are far outweighed by the benefit of peace of mind and early detection.
I want other women to know: don’t let fear, myths, or misinformation stop you from taking care of your health. 💗
Phone: 780-298-1897
Email: dgrant237@outlook.com
Website: dezarae.grant.com
Facebook: Dezarae Grant
Instagram: @dezi_q
