Modern medicine has come a long way in providing us with early detection of diseases through screening tests: ultrasound, X-rays, MRI and CT scans are now an integral part of diagnostics. Due to them, doctors are able to detect even problems that have not yet shown symptoms. However, despite the obvious benefits of these methods, fears and myths around them continue to prevent people from getting timely checkups.
Sometimes misconceptions about technology seem illogical, but they still shape people's behavior. For example, many people doubt the accuracy of digital tools in different areas: some don't trust automated diagnostic algorithms, and some don't trust apps that scan objects. However, modern technologies are here to analyze details with incredible accuracy. For example, “screening technologies” are now available even to collectors. They can now easily determine the rarity and characteristics of coins like the 1956 wheat penny through digital scanning - something that used to take hours of studying catalogs.
So today we would like to focus on the popular myths about screening, explain why they are wrong, and how to properly treat the technology so you don't harm your health.
Common Misconceptions Unveiled: Things You Need to Know About Medical Screening
Medical screenings were long ago a cornerstone of preventive health care, assisting physicians in detecting diseases in their early stages and increasing the chances of successful treatment. However, misinformation continues to make many people wary of the necessary procedures. So below we will examine some of the most common myths associated with medical screenings and find out what's behind them.
Myth 1: "Ultrasound During Pregnancy Can Harm the Baby"
Many expectant mothers worry about the safety of ultrasound, fearing that the waves could negatively impact fetal development. Some even associate the procedure with radiation exposure, which leads to unnecessary anxiety, so, where is the truth?
In reality, ultrasound technology operates in an entirely different way. Unlike X-rays or CT scans (which use ionizing radiation) ultrasound relies on harmless sound waves.
Leading global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), confirm that prenatal ultrasounds are completely safe for both mother and baby. These scans are widely used to monitor fetal growth, assess overall development, and detect potential complications early.
Tip: If you are still concerned, consider 3D or 4D ultrasound, which provides a detailed, high-resolution image of the baby while maintaining the same safety standards as traditional ultrasound.
Myth 2: "Mammograms Are Dangerous and Can Cause Cancer"
A common fear among women is that the low-dose radiation used in mammography could trigger cancer growth. Others avoid the procedure due to concerns about discomfort. But actually, the risks of skipping mammograms far outweigh the minor inconveniences of the exam itself.
Mammography uses a very low radiation dose - 50 times less than a standard chest X-ray. This procedure plays a critical role in early detection of cancer, significantly reducing breast cancer mortality by 40%. And detecting tumors in their earliest stages greatly increases the success of treatment, often before the tumor can even be felt on self-examination.
As for discomfort, modern mammograms are designed to gently compress the breasts but still produce clear images. If you are concerned about breast sensitivity, schedule your exam a week after your period, as tissues tend to be less tender at this time. Also, if you tell the technician about any discomfort, they can adjust the position of the device to maximize your comfort.
Myth 3: "MRI Exposes the Body to Radiation Like an X-ray"
The frightening appearance of the MRI machine, the loud noises and the confined space often make people anxious. Some of them even believe that MRIs expose the body to radiation like X-rays or CT scans. But in fact, MRI does not use radiation at all.
Actually, MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves rather than ionizing radiation to produce highly detailed images of soft tissue, muscles, and organs. And this makes MRI one of the safest imaging techniques, often used for children, pregnant women (when medically necessary), and people who need frequent monitoring.
However, MRI is not suitable for everyone. People with certain metal implants, like pacemakers or old metal-based prostheses, should consult a doctor, as the strong magnetic field of the machine can affect the function of these devices.
Tip: If you have claustrophobia, ask about an open MRI machine, which provides more space and reduces anxiety. Additionally, wearing earplugs or listening to music during the scan can make the experience more comfortable.
Myth 4: "Screening is Only Used in Medicine"
When people hear the term "screening," they immediately think of medical diagnostics, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. However, screening is a widely used concept in many spheres beyond healthcare. In fact, technology that helps doctors identify diseases is similar to the AI-driven systems used in entirely different fields.
Take numismatics, for example. Due to advanced scanning technologies coin collectors may verify authenticity, assess condition, and determine the rarity of historical coins. Just as a radiologist analyzes an X-ray to detect health abnormalities, a collector can use tools like Coin ID Scanner app to examine engravings, whole design, composition, tiny imperfections on a coin and even its estimated value. While the two processes serve different purposes, the principle remains the same: advanced imaging helps reveal something that the naked eye may miss.
In both medicine and collectibles, early detection matters - be it catching a disease before it progresses or identifying a valuable coin before it is further spent. Today’s technology updates screening across industries, proving that its applications go far beyond the medical field.
Myth 5: "If My CT Scan Was Clear, I Must Be Completely Healthy"
One of the most dangerous misconceptions about medical imaging is the belief that if a CT scan or X-ray comes back clear, a person has nothing to worry about. Here you should remember that while these scans provide invaluable insights, they are not all-encompassing tests that detect every possible condition.
A CT scan is excellent for imaging bones and internal organs, but some diseases and conditions require different methods for accurate diagnosis. For example:
Inflammation, nerve damage, and soft tissue injuries are often better detected with MRI or ultrasound rather than CT.
Certain types of cancer, such as leukemia, do not appear on a CT scan and are diagnosed through blood tests and biopsies.
Heart disease can sometimes go unnoticed without further cardiovascular screenings,like an EKG or echocardiogram.
Doctors use different screening methods depending on symptoms and risk factors, so a “clean” CT scan should never be considered a final solution to all possible health problems. So, in case you continue to feel unwell, immediately consult your doctor and consider additional diagnostic options.
Don't Be Afraid to Know More
Our fears are often based on myths, and myths are often based on a lack of information. Today's screening technologies, whether medical diagnostics or digital object scans, work for one thing: to detect what is not visible to the naked eye. And the more we know, the less cause for alarm - and the better chance we have to stay healthy in time.