A team of experts have now found that women under 50 who are not 'at risk' do not need mammograms and those over 50 only once every two years. At risk is typically a person (I say person because men can and do get breast cancer) who has a direct relative-parent or sibling- that has had breast cancer or who has the breast cancer gene). WTF......I was 48 when I was diagnosed and I am not an 'at risk' person. Had I not had my mammogram that found my breast cancer I would not be here today. My cancer is one of the most aggressive and fast growing ones there is...I would not be here. They say that mammography causes too many false positives. I had a false positive many years ago, a benign lump in the very same breast of my cancer years later. I have no problem 'putting up with' an extra test to prove it is a false positive as opposed to not being able to have a test that will prove a positive and save my life.
The real concern here is of course that because of this new study and recommendations mammograms will no longer be covered under insurance for those under 50.
So apparently Dr Susan Love is one of the experts that came up with the new recommendations. She is a very well known and respected breast cancer expert. When I was diagnosed I was given her book by friends Mikey and Jan and found it very informative. I guess that I am really surprised by her thoughts now. However she is saying that we need to find a new test that is more reliable. I agree with that but man oh man do not downplay the only test that we have available to us UNTIL we find another method of detection....ahhhhhh. I wonder if how many of these twits making this decision have had breast cancer......crabby, makes me crabby.
I am going out on a limb here....go ahead no more mammograms for those under 50.....and what the hell, don't have your flu shots or immunize your children (another controversial thing in the news.) and we might as well have all of the old time diseases come back and take us all.....I know I know there are friends of mine that do not believe in immunizing themselves but I care about you and I say get your shots.
My next post will be more upbeat I promise and I may even add a few pictures :)
2 comments:
Bobbi
I was shocked to see that yesterday too. What the hell? I don't think the researchers have really thought this through. And another thing, now they have pissed off all the breast cancer survivors (who in my book are the strongest women I know). I will continue to get my mammograms yearly, I don't give a crap what anyone says!
Bugsy~
Thanks Bugs and thank you especially for the survivor comment...it brings tears to my eyes.
As women we need to holler to whoever will listen about this one.
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