A Mammogram Didn’t Catch Her Cancer—This Did

Jennifer Crafton is a breast cancer survivor and one of Ogden Clinic’s family medicine providers. Like many women, she’s has always been diligent about getting routine mammograms and nothing suspicious ever caused concern.

That is, until something did. In 2019, Jennifer noticed a lump in her breast. “I had a gut feeling this was serious and I just needed to go in.” Jennifer asked her PCP to order two detailed screenings: a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound, for a better chance of catching what it could be. To her surprise, Jennifer was living with two tumors, one measuring over 6 centimeters, that were not captured on past mammograms.

Jennifer navigated through cancer treatment for years until she was declared remised. Through the shock, struggles, big fears and small wins, Jennifer emerged as a voice for self advocacy.

Jennifer's full story:

“You are and will always your best advocate. You know your body better than anyone: Your opinion matters and your voice matters,” she says. Here is what Jennifer wants women to know about catching breast cancer and trusting your intuition.

How Common are False Negatives?

Mammograms are the best breast cancer screening tests we currently have. But they have their limits. For example, they aren’t 100% accurate in detecting breast cancer. They can miss some cancers, and sometimes they find things that turn out not to be cancer (but that still need further testing to be sure).

A false-negative mammogram looks normal even though breast cancer is present. Overall, screening mammograms miss about 1 in 8 breast cancers.

• Women with dense breasts are more likely to get false-negative results.
• False-negative mammograms can give women a false sense of security, thinking that they don’t have breast cancer when in fact they do.
• It’s important to see your doctor if you have new breast symptoms, even if you’ve had a normal screening mammogram recently. Additional tests such as a diagnostic mammogram and/or a breast ultrasound may be needed to look more closely at the area where you're having symptoms.

Does Your Doctor Know Your Family History?

Whether you’re 16 or 65, tell your primary care provider or OB/GYN about any known cancer in your family. Ask that it’s noted in your health chart. It’s not just an important conversation, doing this can be a path toward earlier screenings and quicker detection.

People who have strong familial cancer links are usually asked to take a gene screening (blood test). If it’s found that you carry a gene mutation such as BRCA-1, BRCA-2, PALB-2, or CHEK2, you will be triaged differently than the general public. You may receive extra diagnostic testing or cancer screenings at an earlier age due to the high risk you carry.

Learn More About Genetic Tests

“Will You Note That in My Chart?”

You are and will always your best advocate. You’re also a key part of your healthcare team, and your provider should seek to work collaboratively with you to find the best outcomes.

Speak up and thoroughly share your health concerns with your doctor. Importantly, ask that each discussion and treatment plan is noted in your health chart. In compliance with HIPAA, you have the right to view all your medical records and visit notes. If you don’t know how to access your health records, ask your provider or their front desk staff. At Ogden Clinic, health records are housed in your Patient Portal.

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As a healthcare provider and a cancer survivor, Jennifer Crafton leaves us with a crucial message: “Gut feelings are important. Self-intuition is important. And self advocacy is important. You know your body better than anyone and nothing is more important than your health.”