When Lalita Green, a 55-year-old resident of St. Petersburg, Florida, went for her routine mammogram, she believed her small breast size meant a low risk for cancer. “I just thought that because my breasts were small, I couldn’t get breast cancer,” Green said. “I used to tease myself before mammograms, wondering if they even had enough to squish. I never imagined anything would show up.” However, in 2022 her screening detected early-stage breast cancer. She received treatment at BayCare’s St. Anthony’s Hospital and continues regular screenings at the Susan Sheppard McGillicuddy Breast Center.
Dr. Negar Golesorkhi, a breast surgical oncologist with BayCare Medical Group, emphasized the importance of regular screenings for all women regardless of breast size or shape. “Breast size has no bearing on cancer risk,” Dr. Golesorkhi stated. “Mrs. Green’s story is a powerful reminder that regular screenings are crucial for everyone, regardless of size or shape.”
Dr. Golesorkhi addressed several common misconceptions about mammograms:
On pain associated with the procedure: “It’s common to hear that mammograms are very painful,” she said. “Most patients experience only brief pressure or pinching as the breast is gently compressed. The sensation usually lasts only a few seconds, and our modern equipment plus trained technologists make the experience as comfortable and quick as possible.”
Regarding whether feeling healthy means skipping screenings: “Mammograms can detect breast cancers at an early stage before they’re large enough to be felt, making treatment more effective, with more options and less invasive with improved survivor rate. Waiting for symptoms could mean missing the best window for successful intervention.”
On concerns about radiation exposure: “Modern mammograms use extremely low doses—much lower than what you get from natural background radiation or daily life,” Dr. Golesorkhi explained. “The benefit of early detection far outweighs any minimal risk.”
For younger women questioning their need for screening: “While routine screenings usually start at [age] 40 for average risk women, some younger women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, or other risk factors may benefit from earlier screening,” noted Dr. Golesorkhi. “A personalized approach with your health care provider ensures you’re screened at the right time for your situation.”
She also clarified that no test is perfect: “Some cancers, especially in dense breast tissue, may be harder to detect,” said Dr. Golesorkhi. “That’s why it’s important to combine regular screenings with breast self-awareness and promptly report any changes.”
BayCare provides access to comprehensive health services close to where people live and work and offers resources supporting patients through their wellness journey.
For those nervous about upcoming mammograms, suggestions include scheduling outside the week before menstruation when breasts may be more tender; avoiding deodorant or lotions which can interfere with imaging; communicating any anxiety to technologists; and using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing during compression.
BayCare encourages individuals to take charge of their breast health by staying informed and maintaining regular screenings.
