Feb 22, 2023

Dispelling Breast Cancer and Mammogram Myths

By Becca Pitan

As a mammographer and breast ultrasound technologist, I hear a lot of misconceptions about imaging and breast cancer. I’d like to dispel a few common myths I hear most often.

Myth: I don’t have any family history of breast cancer, so I don’t have to be worried about it.

That’s great that you don’t have a history, but unfortunately, you’re not off the hook. The average risk for breast cancer is 1 in 8 women, and about 85% of those diagnosed with breast cancer do NOT have family history. So just keep getting those annual mammograms.

Myth: My grandma had breast cancer when she was 65, so I’m high risk and doomed.

Okay, that’s a little dramatic, but I’ll be honest, that was my thought before I went into the breast imaging field. My grandma DID die from breast cancer in her 60’s, so I always wondered what that meant for me. There are a lot of factors that go into determining whether someone is considered high risk, so it’s best to ask your doctor if you’re not sure. But, generally speaking, family history can increase your risk if you have two or more close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, a mother or sister with premenopausal breast cancer, or male relatives with breast cancer.

Myth: Mammograms give people cancer and have tons of radiation, so they should be avoided.

Mammograms have been proven to be the best way to catch early breast cancers. The radiation levels are incredibly small, and well below limits set by the government. There have actually been no documented cases of anyone receiving cancer from getting a mammogram. Considering how many women do get breast cancer, you’re more likely (by a long shot) to be harmed by the cancer than the mammogram itself.

A note on resources: all information provided is from either the stores of my brain or from educational resources provided by my employer. 


Feb 5, 2023

Member Social: Cards Against Humanity

It's time for another members social, this time a card game that let's you say terrible in attempts of humor. There will

be snacks, drinks -adult and otherwise and paper bags with eye holes in case you are shy.

Where: Casa del Carr - Members please RSVP to Diane W C

Date/Time: February 16th, 6:30pm

Reason: We are going out of our minds here in the cold and snow.


Feb 1, 2023

Message from the President, February

 The reasons that I enjoy being a member of Minnesota Women of Today include:

   • The great friends that I have made and the new people I meet.

   • The great volunteer projects and helping the community.

   • The opportunity to learn new things from each other.

   • The opportunities to work as a team and see individuals and the group succeed.

   • The opportunities for personal and professional growth.

 MN Women of Today Creed

“We, the Minnesota Women of Today, are service, growth

and fellowship. We believe that through us great lessons

can be learned, worthy deeds performed and a hand of

fellowship extended to millions of women everywhere.

May we leave the world a better place because we lived

and served within it.”


- Mary