Actually, I have a friend in the mammography field, and they’re discovering that by irradiating women’s breasts so often, they might actually be *causing* some of the cancer that they’re trying to prevent. She’s been railing against the frequency of the tests for years. Apparently they’ve finally decided to slow down the number of tests in order to study it a bit more. Thank goodness, I say!
There is no explanation for telling women not to bother with self-exams. Could it be that part of rationing care means delaying treatment as well?
To think these study results were not influenced by the bottom line mentality defies belief, IMO.
Agreed, yearly mammograms increase breast cancer risk by 1-3%, meaning 10 years of them increases risk by 10%.
Women should consider alternatives, such as THERMOGRAMS.
Forget mammogram. Breast MRI is the best thing to do. I had MRI done yesterday to diagnose a lump found on mammogram that needle biopsied “highly suspicious for carcinoma.” It looked like a cyst on ultrasound. I am 39. MRI showed “lesions” on cyst lining impossible to detect on mammogram or ultrasound. Full biopsy later this afternoon and probably start chemo Friday. Prayers appreciated for me, husband, and 10-year-old daughter.