Thoughts from Readers
I thought that readers might be interested in what other readers thought about the mammogram recommendations that came out this week. Remember, you can always feel free to comment (either by name, or anonymously) at the end of each of my posts. It's often great to hear -or more accurately, read - what others are thinking!
Below I have pasted many of the comments that I have received so far this week. For your protection, they remain anonymous :).
"nice article. thanks!"
"I appreciated your mamogram post on facebook. I turn 40 this year and we have been talking about this some. It's nice to hear from someone we know/trust."
"Excellent recap. I listened to the report on this on NPR this morning as well. I still remain unconvinced by the arguments to delay the initiation and reduce the frequency. In the report it sounded like there are a number of people in the medical community who have concerns about this recommendation as well. If you take this philosophy to the limit you would say people would have less mental stress if they never did a mammogram - the ignorance is bliss argument."
"Thanks for the info. All of this makes me angry. We must emphasize that one size does NOT fit all. My first cancer [ at age 41] was found by self-examination and it did NOT show on the mammogram. My second cancer [at age 59] did show on the mammogram but could not be felt on self-examination. So I will continue to advocate for self-exams and mammograms for all women starting at age 30."
"In the interest of objective blogging, you may want to seriously consider presenting the other side of this issue - those in the cancer treatment community who disagree with the recommendations of this panel and the reasons for it. I think it is a volatile issue and these recommendations do not represent the collective view of breast cancer experts."
"Julie, This is great! I really like the way you presented the information."
"Julie, can we trust the government to make good decisions? Are they after reducing medical expenses or saving lives? It is never easy. I just hope my doctors will give me good advice."
"Thank you for such a good summary and perspective - I sent on to all my sisters."
"Awesome review, Julie! I love how you convey a professional message, with a personal touch!"
More Expert Opinions
Here are some other links to more opinions on the topic. I had a breast cancer support group this week and it was interesting to hear from the women who made it. Almost all of them had been diagnosed as a result of mammogram, and many had concerns that the recommendations were made primarily for saving money.
Feel free to share your thoughts!
- Julie
Annual Screening Mammography Continues to be Recommended in Updated NCCN Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (See her blog for comments).
American Cancer Society Responds to Changes to USPSTF Mammography Guidelines
American College of Surgeons Voices Strong Support for American Cancer Society Screening Mammography Guidelines
I thought that readers might be interested in what other readers thought about the mammogram recommendations that came out this week. Remember, you can always feel free to comment (either by name, or anonymously) at the end of each of my posts. It's often great to hear -or more accurately, read - what others are thinking!
Below I have pasted many of the comments that I have received so far this week. For your protection, they remain anonymous :).
"nice article. thanks!"
"I appreciated your mamogram post on facebook. I turn 40 this year and we have been talking about this some. It's nice to hear from someone we know/trust."
"Excellent recap. I listened to the report on this on NPR this morning as well. I still remain unconvinced by the arguments to delay the initiation and reduce the frequency. In the report it sounded like there are a number of people in the medical community who have concerns about this recommendation as well. If you take this philosophy to the limit you would say people would have less mental stress if they never did a mammogram - the ignorance is bliss argument."
"Thanks for the info. All of this makes me angry. We must emphasize that one size does NOT fit all. My first cancer [ at age 41] was found by self-examination and it did NOT show on the mammogram. My second cancer [at age 59] did show on the mammogram but could not be felt on self-examination. So I will continue to advocate for self-exams and mammograms for all women starting at age 30."
"In the interest of objective blogging, you may want to seriously consider presenting the other side of this issue - those in the cancer treatment community who disagree with the recommendations of this panel and the reasons for it. I think it is a volatile issue and these recommendations do not represent the collective view of breast cancer experts."
"Julie, This is great! I really like the way you presented the information."
"Julie, can we trust the government to make good decisions? Are they after reducing medical expenses or saving lives? It is never easy. I just hope my doctors will give me good advice."
"Thank you for such a good summary and perspective - I sent on to all my sisters."
"Awesome review, Julie! I love how you convey a professional message, with a personal touch!"
More Expert Opinions
Here are some other links to more opinions on the topic. I had a breast cancer support group this week and it was interesting to hear from the women who made it. Almost all of them had been diagnosed as a result of mammogram, and many had concerns that the recommendations were made primarily for saving money.
Feel free to share your thoughts!
- Julie
Annual Screening Mammography Continues to be Recommended in Updated NCCN Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation (See her blog for comments).
American Cancer Society Responds to Changes to USPSTF Mammography Guidelines
American College of Surgeons Voices Strong Support for American Cancer Society Screening Mammography Guidelines
Hi Julie,
I just posted a blog with links to what some other experts in the field have said and those calling for the guidelines to be rescinded (Dr. Daniel Kopans from Harvard talking on CNN and ACR statements). http://www.pamschmid.com/blog/blog.index.html
It's so sad that these guidelines and their message has already resulted in women canceling life saving surgeries as well as mammograms... It will take all of us working to reverse the damage done.
Pam
My 86 yo friend with recently diagnosed breast cancer will not be happy to hear that the government is slow to recommend the elderly get screening. She is healthy otherwise and after treatment she is doing very well. It would be a travesty to have her wonderful fruitful life shortened due to lack of screening for the very disease she had. I am fifty and hope to live such a healthy life as she has so far.
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