The news quoted today 1900 breast screening tests need to be done in order for one life to be saved. What if that one life was you, or your sister, perhaps your mother or your best friend? This country can well afford tests that could save a life. Early breast cancer detection has been studied comprehensively for years and it does matter.
The American Cancer Society does not agree with this new government recommendation. They have compiled years of experience , studies, and evidence from physicians, surgeons, radiologists, and scientists which give merit to their findings.
"Breast cancer incidence and deaths generally increase with age. During 2000-2004 95% of new cases and 97% of breast cancer deaths occurred in women age 40 and older." American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Facts and Figures 2007-2008, retrieved November 17, 2009 from http://www.cancer.org/ads/STT/BCFF-Final.pdf.
According to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 192,370 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2009. That number equates to about 126 women for every 100,000 women who receive screening mammography will be given the news of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Retrieved November 17, 2009 from http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/BreastFactsReferences.html.
The good news is that the experts and specialists in the field have women doing annual mammography exams starting at age 40 therefore chances of survival are high. However, prescribing to the new government recommendations of not receiving your first mammogram until age 40, increases your chances that you will be knocking at deaths door by the time you receive the news of breast cancer detection. Your tumor mass will be too advanced for survival.
Our government is marginalizing the quality of our lives to save money. Think about it. What if you were the woman diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 and told your cancer had advanced. Had you been screened ten years earlier your chances of survival would have been much greater.
Comments
I am thankful I had a mammogram at age 39 and saved my life through early detection. I will be spending another Thanksgiving with my children this year.
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