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A recent article in the prestigious British Medical Journal, concludes that mammography is ineffective in reducing breast cancer mortality rates.
“We were unable to find an effect of the Danish screening programme on breast cancer mortality. The reductions in breast cancer mortality we observed in screened regions were similar or larger in non-screened regions and in age groups younger than that screened. The mortality reduction is therefore more likely to be explained by changes in risk factors and by improved treatment than by screening mammography. Our results are similar to what has been observed in other countries with nationally organised programmes. We believe it is time to question whether screening has delivered the promised effect on breast cancer mortality.”
A lot of medical issues, (especially certain screening tests), are highly politicized. This is not the only screening test that has recently been called into question. The PSA test, (used for screening prostate cancer in men), has been called into question, by none other than the doctor who originally developed the test. He now says that the testing program should be discontinued.
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Galahad------I heard the same thing about mammos---it was on the morning TV show--- *the doctors*--- which I watch every day---very informative--great show~~~~~
It went on to say that *mostly* *heavy chested women* do not benefit from a regular Mammo----and I am wracking my brain to try to remember what other TEST they should have besides the regular mammo!!!!
they had 2 Xrays --regular mammo showing *clear* but the other test showing a dark spot which turned out to be cancer--
The woman was on the show and she said if it wasnt for the Xtra screening she wouldnt be alive today!!!
For the life of me I cannot remember the name of the other screening--
Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
It was probably an MRI (most sensitive) or an ultrasound (good at differentiating cysts vs. tumors). As someone diagnosed from a baseline mammogram, I have to say I disagree (strongly, in fact!) especially because mammography is the best tool to detect the type of cancer I had. IMO, *everyone* should have access to the best screening available. No one says you *have to* do it! Frankly, I prefer the choice to "opt out" rather than having to fight for screening that may save one's life.
With the bill that passed this week, I am somewhat concerned people may be "mandated" to have certain screenings, or denied others, based on "government guidelines". Personally, I prefer when the decision is solely up to the patient and their care provider...
I suspect that in the end we will have a "two tier" health care system similar to some other countries. This is where there will be a certain standard level of care based on cost effectiveness analysis. Then there will be the opportunity to either pay out-of-pocket for more than that, or purchase a supplementary health insurance that covers more.
As Tex mentioned, the problem with our current system is that indeed it is highly politicized, and often by companies with vested interest in the outcome. For example, with mammographies, the companies that make the machines and all the imaging centers who make their living off of mammographies will do their best to convince women that they are being cheated out of something that could save their lives. There isn't unlimited money to pay for everything, and choices will have to be made that of course will adversely affect a small number of people. But then think about all the currently uninsured people who are having severe health problems because they can't afford to see a doctor.
I'm a Medicare counsellor who helps people sort through the Medicare Health options. I see so many people new to Medicare who are waiting for their health coverage to kick in to see the doctor about serious issues. For example, I worked with sveral people recently had severe cataracts and could hardly see. These were people who earned enough so that they couldn't qualify for Medicaid, didn't get work-related insurance, and couldn't afford the premiums for private health care, even if they could get a policy. Try paying off a $7000 bill for each eye for cataract surgery when your income is $1500/month.
It's a complicated issue and I foresee some serious fights about priorities in the future......
Rosie
Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time………Thomas Edison
I have been offered Breast Specific Gamma Imaging because of my breast cancer history. I have had insitu cancer as well as infiltrating. I really don't think I want to be radioactive for four days or any days. My DB said they sold him to stay away from airports for 4 days when he had technetium for a procedure.
I thought I had written about this but my search didn't find it.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a doctor and don't play one on TV.
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