[graciegirl]

I suspect that these guidelines are being offered only to keep the costs down for any new public health program.

In my family I have had nine close relatives, aunts and cousins, diagnosed with breast cancer, four before age 50. Our daughter was diagnosed at the age of 29. I had breast cancer five years ago. My sister had it nine years ago. Out of all of these, we have lost one person.

I simply know that many women would not be diagnosed early enough to save their lives without yearly mammograms starting at 50. My cancer was diagnosed very early, there was no palpable lump at all.

If you are reading this please have yearly mammograms even if you have to pay for them yourself, and do self checks, and don't be afraid. The outlook is good to survive if diagnosis is early.

If you are a man encourage the women who matter to you to have yearly mammograms starting at 50.