Mammograms do use a small amount of radiation, but the benefits of early breast cancer detection far outweigh the minimal radiation risk.

The radiation dose: Each mammogram exposes you to about the same amount of radiation you'd naturally receive from the environment.

Regular screening safety: Even with annual mammograms over many years, the cumulative radiation exposure remains very low and is considered safe.

Why it's worth it: Mammograms can detect breast cancer 1-2 years before you or your doctor can feel a lump, when treatment is most effective.

Modern equipment: Today's digital mammography machines use the lowest possible radiation dose whilst maintaining image quality