31: Empowering Women through Breast Health with Dr. Sasmita Misra
Ep. 31
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide, with one in eight women in the U.S. developing the disease in their lifetime. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve survival rates and reduce the need for aggressive treatment.
In this episode of Reset Recharge, Dr. Komal Patil-Sisodia speaks with Dr. Sasmita Misra, a fellowship-trained breast radiologist at the University of Chicago, to help women understand breast screening, risk factors, and new technologies that are changing the future of breast health.
This blog breaks down the science, clears up common misconceptions, and gives you a step-by-step guide to proactive breast cancer prevention.
Listen to the full episode:
By Dr. Komal Patil-Sisodia | Reset Recharge Podcast | October 2025
The Role of a Breast Radiologist in Women’s Health
Breast radiologists play a crucial role in both screening and diagnosis. They are often the first specialists to identify potential abnormalities during mammograms or ultrasounds. Their work not only involves reading imaging but also guiding women through emotionally charged decisions and next steps when something looks suspicious.
Breast imaging is unique because it blends technical expertise with patient-centered compassion—helping women navigate one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
How Mammograms Save Lives
Modern mammography is the gold standard for early breast cancer detection. Current 3D digital mammography (tomosynthesis) allows doctors to visualize the breast from multiple angles, increasing accuracy and reducing false positives.
Screening mammograms can detect 85–90% of breast cancers—often two to three years before a woman can feel a lump. Early detection means smaller, more treatable cancers and significantly improved survival rates.
Key Benefits of Mammograms
Detect cancer before symptoms develop
Reduce mortality by up to 40%
Enable less invasive treatment options
Covered annually by most insurance plans beginning at age 40
Who Needs Screening — and When to Start
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and American Cancer Society (ACS) recommend:
Annual mammograms starting at age 40
Continuing every year as long as you’re in good health
If you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter, or father) diagnosed with breast cancer, your first screening should occur 10 years earlier than their age at diagnosis.
There is no official upper age limit—screening continues to save lives into a woman’s 70s and 80s when health status allows.
Common Misconception: Family History Isn’t Everything
A widespread myth is that only women with a family history of breast cancer are at risk. In reality, 85% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history at all.
Genetics play a role, but environmental, hormonal, and lifestyle factors often have a greater impact. That means every woman—regardless of family history—benefits from consistent screening.
Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Lifestyle Risks
Certain habits can raise breast cancer risk, but small, consistent changes can significantly reduce it.
Alcohol consumption increases estrogen levels, which can fuel hormone-driven cancers.
Postmenopausal obesity elevates estrogen produced by fat cells.
Regular physical activity—as simple as walking 2–3 times a week—can reduce breast cancer risk by 20–30%.
Hormonal Risks
The longer your lifetime exposure to estrogen, the higher your risk. Early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) both extend hormonal exposure.
Environmental Risks
Prolonged radiation exposure increases risk, and studies suggest that disrupted circadian rhythms (for example, from night shift work) may also contribute due to changes in hormone regulation and metabolic repair cycles.
Breast Density: What It Means and Why It Matters
Breast density refers to the proportion of glandular and fibrous tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast—not how firm breasts feel to the touch.
Dense breast tissue appears white on mammograms, the same color as tumors, making it harder to detect cancer. It also independently increases cancer risk.
Many states, including Illinois, require that women be notified if they have dense breasts. For these women, additional imaging—like ultrasound, MRI, or contrast-enhanced mammography—is recommended to improve accuracy.
Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Calculator: Personalized Screening
The Tyrer-Cuzick (IBIS) model estimates a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer by factoring in:
Age at first period and menopause
Family history
Previous abnormal biopsies
Hormone therapy use
Women with a 20% or greater lifetime risk are considered high-risk and should alternate annual mammograms and breast MRIs every six months for continuous surveillance.
This individualized approach helps identify hidden risk and guides personalized screening strategies.
The Truth About Thermography
Thermography, often marketed as a radiation-free alternative, measures heat patterns on the skin surface. However, research shows that it cannot detect cancer as accurately as mammography.
Thermography can miss small or deep tumors and produce false positives due to benign causes of inflammation. The FDA does not recommend thermography as a substitute for mammograms.
Understanding Mammogram Radiation Exposure
Radiation from a single mammogram is extremely low—equivalent to about seven weeks of natural background radiation or one round-trip cross-country flight.
When weighed against the proven benefit of early cancer detection, the radiation exposure is negligible and does not increase cancer risk.
What Happens After an Abnormal Mammogram
About 6–10% of women are called back after a screening mammogram for additional imaging. This does not automatically mean cancer.
In fact:
Only 1 in 10 callbacks leads to a biopsy.
Of those biopsies, only 30% confirm cancer.
These statistics highlight that most findings are benign, and callbacks are part of ensuring diagnostic accuracy—not cause for panic.
Advances in Breast Imaging Technology
Breast imaging has evolved significantly.
3D tomosynthesis improves cancer detection while reducing false positives.
Contrast-enhanced mammography highlights areas with higher blood flow, a common feature in cancerous tissue.
AI-assisted interpretation is emerging as a support tool to flag subtle findings, although human expertise remains essential.
Together, these tools are making early detection faster, more accurate, and more personalized than ever before.
Emotional Support and Patient Care
A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but patients are never alone. Most imaging centers now include nurse navigators, support groups, and educational resources to guide patients through diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Empathy and communication are central to effective breast cancer care. Patients who understand their diagnosis and feel supported are more likely to engage in follow-up and achieve better outcomes.
The Takeaway: Empowerment Through Screening
Your health is worth your time. A 20-minute annual mammogram is one of the most effective, evidence-based ways to protect yourself.
Breast cancer screening is not just about detecting disease—it’s about empowerment, prevention, and peace of mind.
How to Take Action Today
Schedule your annual mammogram if you’re age 40 or older.
Ask about your breast density after your next mammogram.
Discuss your family history and risk score with your doctor.
Adopt lifestyle habits that lower risk—exercise, moderate alcohol, maintain a healthy weight.
Share this information with the women in your life to help normalize screening conversations.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions regarding screening, testing, or treatment.