For many women, hearing the words "abnormal mammogram" sparks immediate concern and worry. Mammograms, which are used as a breast cancer screening tool, should be a normal part of every adult woman's life. And although most mammograms come back completely normal, some show abnormalities. Rather than attempting to link the abnormal results to your diet, to vigorous exercise or to medications, your physician can recommend additional tests to identify the correct cause.
Mammograms
Starting around age 40, a woman should begin receiving an annual mammogram. A mammogram is a simple test that involves taking thorough X-ray images of both breasts. Other than self-exams, mammograms are considered the first line of defense for detecting breast cancer. Generally, you will receive your mammogram results within a few days of your screening. If your mammogram is abnormal, your physician will likely require additional tests to determine the cause of the abnormality.
False-Positive Results
Although mammograms can be an effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer, they can also produce false positive results. The Lahey Clinic at Tufts University notes that roughly 80 percent of all breast abnormalities are noncancerous. Small mineral deposits in the breast tissue could cause abnormal mammograms. If they are noncancerous, these calcifications could be caused by dilated milk ducts, calcification of breast arteries or previous injury to breast tissue. A benign cyst or unusual scar tissue could also cause an abnormal mammogram.
Exercise Considerations
In most cases, vigorous exercise will not cause an abnormal mammogram because physical activity will not normally cause calcifications, cysts or scar tissue in the breasts. However, if your vigorous exercise results in injury to the breasts, that injury could result in an abnormal mammogram. Direct trauma to the breasts could easily cause a lump, cyst or accumulation of mineral deposits within the breast tissue. Additionally, wearing the wrong sports bra during vigorous exercise could result in breast tissue damage. Eventually, the bouncing and stretching allowed by an improper sports bra could cause breast tissue to tear or sag. In some cases, unusual scarring may develop.
Exercise and Prevention
As a general rule, it is quite safe to assume that regular vigorous exercise will not normally result in an abnormall mammogram. In fact, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle acknowledges that regular exercise could actually reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers at the facility found that postmenopausal women with a low body mass index and high activity levels had a significantly lower risk of developing breast cancer. And since regular physical activity is already encouraged for a healthy heart and long life, these cancer-preventing factors are just an added benefit. Aim for at least 150 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise and 60 to 90 minutes of strength training exercise per week.
References
- Lahey Clinic: Evaluation of Breast Lumps/Abnormal Mammograms
- Breast Cancer Insight: Abnormal Mammogram
- The Abnormal Mammogram Result: Abnormal Mammogram
- National Cancer Institute: Mammograms
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center; The Breast Benefits From Low Body Mass and Exercise; Kristen Woodward; October 2006
- Bottom Line Secrets; Dangers of Ill-Fitting Bras; Joanna Scurr; July 2009
