My Mammogram Comments

I've been waiting to weigh in on the new mammogram guidelines because I wanted to see where the conversation would go.

I'm disappointed, though not surprised, it hasn't yet made it past a clamoring for the status quo. "Give us back our mammograms and all will be well!"

Actually, the findings show that's not the case, especially for young women. Even more so for those younger than 40, a population that no one's looking to screen. And the group where breast cancer rates are growing the fastest.

Forget awareness, let's get specific in our goals and demands: Develop a viable breast screening modality that will work with young women's dense breasts, and give it to all women starting at 30.

The fact is, if I can get breast cancer at 37.5--someone who's healthier-living than most and who has no genetic risk factors (I had the test, so I know for sure)--anyone can.

There will be a lot of advice to women on how to proceed in light of the new guidelines, but here's my 2 cents. Ask the doctor who orders your mammogram to tell you if you have dense breasts (if the report doesn't indicate, have her/him go find out from the radiologist). If the answer is yes, ask for a breast MRI. This, not a mammogram, is the "gold standard" for young women with dense breasts. It's the best we have for now, but I'd love something easier, something better.

And as for breast self-exams--feel your breasts, know your body and tell your doctor when you think something is different or not right.

I could go on, but I think the Young Survival Coalition says it well in their press release:

"This current debate regarding the effectiveness of mammograms highlights the issues facing young women. While over 11,000 women under 40 in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer annually, there is still no screening method for early detection of breast cancer in young women. Survival rates for young women diagnosed with breast cancer are significantly worse than their older counterparts and the disease is often detected at later stages and is found to be more aggressive. Without access to proper and timely care, a woman’s odds for survival decrease.

Mammography has been found to be an ineffective screening mechanism for this population because of their breast density. Accordingly YSC urges all young women to be familiar with their bodies, know their own personal risk factors for breast cancer, be aware of the signs of breast malignancies and to promptly consult with their health provider if they have any health concerns."