My recent health scare… and the Safer Alternative I chose
I want to share something personal with you—something that reminded me why I’m so passionate about taking control of my health and helping others.
Recently, I found a lump in my breast. My doctor immediately told me I needed a mammogram, she literally told me “You have no other choice”. I knew that the radiation exposure from mammograms carries tremendous risks, and I wanted to explore a safer, non-invasive option before making a decision.
Something really important here ….is that when I asked her about the safety of mammograms she told me that the amount of radiation is the same we receive when we fly a plane. I called a family member were works in oncology and she told me the same thing. This struck me and I wondered how common this, both of these healthcare workers are simply repeating something that they were taught in medical school. That’s why we must do our own research especially when our health is at stake.
Let’s take a look at the facts:
Here's a quick comparison of radiation exposure from a 3-hour flight vs. a mammogram:
3-hour flight (avg. commercial altitude) = 0.01 - 0.03 mSv
Mammogram (single scan) = 0.4 - 0.7 mSv
Key Takeaways:
A mammogram delivers about 15-70 times more radiation than a 3-hour flight.
The radiation from one mammogram is roughly equal to the exposure from about 15-30 cross-country flights (USA coast-to-coast).
While the risk is considered low, repeated mammograms over many years increase cumulative radiation exposure, which some experts believe could contribute to cancer risk over time.
While both involve ionizing radiation, mammograms focus radiation ALL on the breast tissue, while cosmic radiation from flights is distributed throughout the body. If avoiding radiation is a priority, alternative screening methods may be worth exploring. (Also, I would encourage you never to go through the full body scans- opt out and go the pat down instead. Your health is worth a few minutes of inconvenience!)
I wasn’t settled, I woke up the next morning and started researching….
That’s when I discovered QT Scans (Quantum Thermography)—a radiation-free, pain free, highly accurate way to assess breast health. Instead of exposing my body to unnecessary radiation, I chose a gentler, holistic approach that aligned with my values.
✨ Why QT Scans?
✔️ No radiation or compression
✔️ Detects imbalances at an earlier stage
✔️ A non-invasive, proactive approach to breast health
This experience was a wake-up call—a reminder that we always have choices when it comes to our health. If you’ve ever faced a similar situation or want to be proactive, I encourage you to explore your options. If you’re interested in learning more about QT scans, holistic health strategies, or advocating for your well-being, let’s chat. Your health is your power.
Top Risks of Mammograms
Radiation Exposure
Mammograms use ionizing radiation, which can increase the risk of radiation-induced cancer over time, especially with repeated screenings.
This is particularly concerning for women who start annual screenings early (e.g., in their 40s) or those at high risk of breast cancer.
False Positives & Unnecessary Biopsies
Mammograms often detect abnormalities that turn out to be benign, leading to unnecessary anxiety, additional imaging, and sometimes invasive procedures like biopsies.
The false positive rate is higher in younger women due to denser breast tissue.
False Negatives (Missed Cancers)
Mammograms miss about 1 in 5 breast cancers, especially in women with dense breast tissue, where tumors can be masked by normal tissue.
This can lead to a false sense of security and delayed diagnosis.
Compression Discomfort & Risk of Tissue Damage
Mammograms require strong compression of the breast, which can be painful and may cause small tissue injuries.
Some concerns exist that repeated compression could contribute to the spread of cancer cells, though this is not definitively proven.
Limited Accuracy for Dense Breasts
Women with dense breast tissue (40-50% of women over 40) often have less reliable results with mammograms.
Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, just like cancer, making it harder to distinguish abnormalities.
Why QT Scan is Better
No Radiation Exposure
QT imaging is based on quantum thermodynamic scanning or electrical impedance tomography (EIT), which does not use ionizing radiation.
This makes it a safer choice, especially for women needing frequent screenings.
Higher Sensitivity for Dense Breasts
QT scans don’t rely on X-rays, making them more effective at detecting tumors in dense breast tissue, where mammograms often fail.
No Compression Required
Unlike mammograms, QT imaging does not require painful compression, making the experience much more comfortable.
Fewer False Positives & Unnecessary Procedures
QT scans can better differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies and follow-up tests.
Better Early Detection
Some forms of QT imaging (such as electrical impedance scanning) detect tissue changes before structural tumors form, potentially identifying cancer earlier than mammograms.
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a safer, more accurate, and comfortable breast cancer screening option—especially if you have dense breasts or want to avoid radiation—QT scan could be a better alternative.