Question for the ladies - mammograms
#47
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,477
Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
My darling friend Michele died at age 38 of breast cancer. I still miss her 10 years later. I have had mammogram done every year since she died when I was 40..Each to their own..
#48
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Joined: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco
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Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
On the flip slide, doctors and medical facilities make a ton of money on tests in general, so I am always a little sceptical when doctors' groups recommend a certain level of testing. This is especially true given you get the situation where doctors are the owners of the testing facility.
#49
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
I've been through the mill, am now fine, but I would say its best to go and have one. I think the problem with the British age for mammograms is you end up thinking "I'm not old enough for a mammogram therefore I'm unlikely to have breast cancer". I did, unfortunately. I think the US has it right on early testing.
#50
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Joined: Jun 2005
Location: Oz -> UK -> San Diego
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Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
I do however stand by my first comment.
#51
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Joined: Jan 2008
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Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
Some discussion here. It's worth noting that mammograms aren't risk-free in that you're exposing yourself to radiation:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-0...ost-women.html
http://www.preventcancer.com/patient...ammography.htm
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_1...tic-mutations/
As to your question in general, I would say it depends what actions are taken in the case of a (false) positive. This is why PSA screening is a lot more controversial than mammograms:- studies seem to indicate that the former often leads to prostate surgery that may be unnecessary and have serious side effects.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-0...ost-women.html
http://www.preventcancer.com/patient...ammography.htm
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_1...tic-mutations/
As to your question in general, I would say it depends what actions are taken in the case of a (false) positive. This is why PSA screening is a lot more controversial than mammograms:- studies seem to indicate that the former often leads to prostate surgery that may be unnecessary and have serious side effects.
They should be called breast X-rays for a start.
#52
Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
On the flip slide, doctors and medical facilities make a ton of money on tests in general, so I am always a little sceptical when doctors' groups recommend a certain level of testing. This is especially true given you get the situation where doctors are the owners of the testing facility.
#53
Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
I get one every year. My cousin just died from breast cancer last Thursday. I would never wait until I was 50. I have had several friends and relatives that were diagnosed in their 30's and 40's
#54
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Joined: Feb 2011
Location: North Yorkshire
Posts: 983
Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
Sorry, don't want to panic anybody, but my eyes were opened to find that there isn't just one type of breast cancer. It can take several forms and they're not all identified by finding a lump.
With any type of cancer, though, the survival chances are increased by early detection.
Also, I had no family history of it. Now I do!
With any type of cancer, though, the survival chances are increased by early detection.
Also, I had no family history of it. Now I do!
Last edited by jemima55; Apr 25th 2013 at 9:22 pm.
#55
Re: Question for the ladies - mammograms
Sorry, don't want to panic anybody, but my eyes were opened to find that there isn't just one type of breast cancer. It can take several forms and they're not all identified by finding a lump.
With any type of cancer, though, the survival chances are increased by early detection.
Also, I had no family history of it. Now I do!
With any type of cancer, though, the survival chances are increased by early detection.
Also, I had no family history of it. Now I do!