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Hot Topics: Breast Health
November 17, 2009 | Posted at 12:26 PM
The ladies talk about all of the new guidelines with breast health and mammographies.
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Comments
mamtech1 Says:
November 17th, 2009, 2:08 pmAs a MAMMOGRAPHY TECH for over 20 years, I've seen it all ! My recommendations are:
1.WOMEN AND MEN OF ALL AGES SHOULD GET TO KNOW THEIR BREASTS
All breasts are unique. Some have dense tissue, some are fatty, most are some combination.
2. EDUCATE YOURSELF
There are many kinds of breast cancer, and each presents itself in a different way. Some show on mammograms, some better on ultrasound or MRI. Some can be felt as a lump, others with inflamation or itching. Some have nipple discharges. Others may cause a small dimple in the skin. Certain types grow and spread rapidly, but most grow more slowly, and can't be seen as early, but have better survival rates.
3. ANY CHANGES YOU NOTICE THAT LAST FOR MORE THAN A FEW MENSTRUAL CYCLES OR GET WORSE SHOULD BE CHECKED OUT BY A PHYSICIAN.
You must learn how your breasts change and feel through all your monthly cycles. Many get swollen and tender glands premenstrually and also if taking female hormones. Hormones and other medications can produce swelling and tenderness and also fluid retention whch can effect how the breast feels.
4. ULTRASOUND / SONOGRAMS AND MRI'S should be used more on younger women and those with dense breasts. If these confirm you only have a cyst you may not need a mammogram at that time and can avoid unnecessary x-ray exposure.
5. KEEP COPIES OF YOUR MAMMOGRAPHY, ULTRASOUND, AND MRI RECORDS
Time and again I've seen these lost. Comparison is VERY IMPORTANT in diagnosing breast cancer. A slight change can indicate something is developing. If you can't follow those changes over a series of years, you may miss this development. Mammograms are some of the hardest x-rays to read.
Concerning regulation of these tests I feel:
You and your physician should be able to decide which tests you need according to your breast type, and family history, and other medical conditions regardless of your age. And Insurance companies should cover these tests as needed.
misty9705 Says:
November 17th, 2009, 2:43 pmI watched the episode this morning and was concerned with the actual information given on the hot topic issue of Breast Health. I have researched this after seeing a special on my local news. Elisabeth was correct about the governments role in this matter. GOVERNMENTAL medical agencies ARE the ones throwing out this nonsense of mammograms and the age appropriateness of having one. As the Health Specialist on my local news agency reported, the American Cancer Society Medical Professionals, as well as Medical Professions with the National Radiology Boards, DO NOT support changing the current course of having mammograms starting at 40. The Health Professional on my local news station contacted Medical Professions at two very respectible hospitals here in NC, Duke Universtiy Medical Center and UNC Hospitals, and they too believe that the current course of action should be followed (mammogams starting at 40). Whoopi opened the topic by stating that the US Preventative Services Task Force is saying this. Well, she said the "US", not a respectiable Medical group. Elisabeth, thanks for stating it appropriately! This is a way that our government, both Democrats and Republicans alike, can try to mandate what we as healthcare consumers can do. To Sherri, so what if your procedures did cost a lot of money. For that one young lady that finds the same kind of lump you did and it IS cancer, well the money is worth it. I have a friend that at 31 years of age found the same kind of lump. She had the same exact procedure you did and the surgeon assured her it was nothing to worry about. At 39 years of age, today, she is a CANCER survivor because it was something to worry about. The cost of the test is insignificant!! Women, in Elisabeths words, let our voices be heard!
marhaba1 Says:
November 17th, 2009, 5:10 pmYeah, what Whoopi said. Get a grip ladies,(no pun intended). Know your body. Do the monthly self exams, do the mammogram or not every year. Know your family history and use common sense. Medicine is not an exact science, no matter how much we wish it was which is why it's called "practicing medicine".
curtis523 Says:
November 17th, 2009, 5:25 pmI have NEVER agreed with Elizabeth, but for once, I agree that this new 'revelation' on when to get screened for a mammogram, is both political and anti-women. This 'guideline' will translate (count the days!)to insurance plans following these new guidelines and NOT paying for the mammograms any more frequently than these 'guidelines'! Tell me...does this benefit women or the already over-endowed pockets of the insurance companies and the politicians that "support" them. (Or is the 'support' the other way around!?!)
survivormichelle Says:
November 17th, 2009, 5:26 pmYou go, Elizabeth! I was diagnosed at age 47 after a routine mammogram. I have no family history. I would be dead today if I would have waited until 50. Please be my voice and shout as loud as hell that we are NOT gonna take it anymore. Do not let young woman die unneccessarily and I would have if I didn't follow current quidelines. Please shout it out!!!! MAMMOGRAMS STARTING AT AGE 40!!!!!