Topic: Quandry Witn Mammograms continued

There is a terrible irony in this article appearing just 3 days after "Breast Cancer Awareness Month."  I am mid-project and late for lunch at the moment and haven't had time to read the NYT article in detail. So, based on a quick read, I'll concede that it contains some good information, plus some information I need to read more about.

I did see a remark that made me pause:  It was part of a quote from "Dr. Silvia C. Formenti, the chairwoman of radiation oncology at New York University Langone Medical Center."  She was criticizing the use of mammography in women who are at lower risk of having BC in the first place, or whose tumors would end up being "indolent".  (That's the new buzzword for the type of cancer that you can have but it won't kill you, because something else will kill you first.  Wouldn't we all love to find out that's the type we had... before we're treated for it?  Good luck finding out!).  Anyway, here's her comment:

" 'We take away the innocence of being healthy and not having to worry about cancer,' she said." 

Does she have a clue that it's only 3 days since the end of "the BIG PINK":  Breast Cancer Awareness Month?  What planet does she live on, that she thinks women can get through their adult lives and still "maintain the innocence of being healthy" and "not worry about cancer"???  Has she been to her own doctor lately? Does she realize that every time an adult woman goes to a doctor for a check-up, nearly every thing the doctor does has to do with detecting cancer:  mammograms, breast exams, PAP smears, pelvic exams, colonoscopies, mole exams...?

"The innocence of being healthy"???  When was that? 

<sigh>

otter

I personally find these recent articles disturbing and contrary to early detection saves lives.  It sounds like the system is over whelmed and doesn't want to take the time or spend the money to screen women.  This should be an individual choice if you want to get regular mammos done or not - - - your body - - - your choice.  However, do not mislead women into thinking there is nothing to be concerned with considering the current breast cancer epidemic IMO.

MORE Younger women are being diagnosed in recent years - - - just scan the posts for basic demographics.  Also, consider that the MAJORITY of breast cancers are NOT hereditary.  So many women diagnosed have NO FAMILY Hx of BC.  1 out of 8 women get BC, and 8 out of those 10 with BC have NO Family Hx.  SO who do they define as the patients at risk?  With all the environmental toxins, pesticides and hormones in our foods and drinking water, oral contraceptive pills and HRT used  - - - even if you have NO Family Hx YOU ARE AT RISK.

I have No Family Hx, used OC for several years, small breasts and clear visit to OB/GYN was told I was fine. The Mammogram detected my IDC deep against my chest wall which could NOT be felt by my OB/GYN, GP, Oncologist, Breast Surgeon - - - Only the mammogram detected my breast cancer and I also had a positive node.  What would be my stage if I hadn't gone for that mammogram??????

These articles send the wrong message to women.  Be smart and knowledgable to make smart choices  - -  what ever is works for you.