[ewstanley]

Hi, I don't post often but I was wondering what the women of TOTV feel about the new proposed mammogram guidelines. As a women with a strong family history of breast cancer (as well as ovarian cancer) I am shocked. Does anyone else feel the same? I didn't see any other posts about this subject. I might be wrong.

[Avista]

My daughter's mother-in-law died of breast cancer when she was 50. I had an early breast cancer a number of years ago-caught on a mammogram. That being said, women must take responsibility for themselves. I do my own research and do what I think is in my best interests. I have always been faithful in getting a mammo once a year. Really don't care what others recommend.

[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.

[KathieI]

I totally agree GG and Avista. With my family history, I'll have a mammo yearly, even if I have to pay for it. I try to do what is right for me, even if insurance doesn't cover it. Early detection for almost all cancers, is very beneficial.

[Mikitv]

I get my mammo once a year since my sister had breast cancer at age 37 and I also had a great aunt that had it. My mother died at age 44 of cervical cancer. Ergo I am adamant about taking care of my self and that is with my own research and having the necessary testing.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

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

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.

Excellent advice GG! We all must be diligent in protecting our health, regardless of what "professionals" recommend.

[katezbox]

And I think the "public Option" is only a small part of this. Insurance companies have been denying screenings for years - in my case it was for a pregnancy untrasound when irregularities were suspect. The ins co said thay woul;d have paid if the scan found something wrong!

[Avista]

When I was in my 40's our insurance NEVER cover my annual mammogram. I had to pay out of pocket.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Avista

When I was in my 40's our insurance NEVER cover my annual mammogram. I had to pay out of pocket.

Our other daughter (in her 40's) pays for hers each year because of this family history.

I thought that these were new FEDERAL guidelines? I think I read that the AMA doesn't agree with them.