Why is this? I wanted to know too, as we all know, a mammogram can be a life saver since it can detect breast cancer much earlier than any other method, such as self exams, where it is usually already too late once a lump has been discovered.

Well, apparently, the simple act of performing an Xray actually disrupts the DNA structure in these specific women, which starts a chain reaction leading to the formation of breast cancer cells. This new research is of course causing a lot of debate, because breast mammograms can be such an early indicator of the disease, and actually saves a lot of lives, so doctors don’t want women to be afraid to get their yearly mammograms.

What may be good though is the new gene test currently in development for breast cancer. This may work hand in hand with determining whether a woman should get a mammogram or not some day.