Mammograms: Docs, Natl Cancer Institute Disagree with Task Force Findings

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is saying that routine mammography does not detect enough cancers to make it worthwhile in women 40 to 49.

I agree with them that screening should also require counselling and that the decision should be individualized.

What I worry about is that isurance companies will take this as a chance to not pay for testing in groups that they feel have a lower cost-benefit ratio.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/11/16/mammography.recommendat ion.changes/index.html

It is also a concern to an old broad like me that the report recommends a mammogram every two years instead of annually in women in my age group.  I have had two aunts and several cousins who have had breast cancer.  So I have a huge concern, yet, aunts and cousins do not meet the "first degree" relative criteria. 

Red

The current health bill cuts 100's of billions from Medicare and expands the criteria for qualification so more people can get covered.  Screening programs are going to take a big hit if this happens, all in the name of cost-cutting.

I guess it's no surprise that these cost cutting initiatives come at the expense of women's health.  Why can't these measures discriminate equally between the sexes?  I see no task force suggesting that we cut back on dispensing Viagra - I'm sure that's costing the taxpayers millions.  No man ever died from ED but plenty of women will probably die because of this. I hope there's a huge backlash. 

The stupid thing about this is it's just some independent group of research scientists.  Why is it getting so much attention?  It was not sanctioned by the government.  The National Cancer Institute should be the gold standard!    The Task Force should be ignored. It's just going to cause a lot of confusion and, I am certain many deaths.  No one should tell any woman they shouldn't do their own self breast exams.  That's the most insane thing I ever heard!