A MESSAGE TO ALL WOMEN DUers! GET THE DAMNED MAMMOGRAM!

[helderheid]

I'll take Molly's advice any day. I have an appointment in March.

[ecstatic]

1. at what age? nt

[Sydnie]

2. They recommend a baseline at 35

Then again at 40, every two years after that. Just had my last one in October.

[jayctravis]

41. Men also have a couple of tests they should get done starting at 35

I'm going to be 36 and I haven't had it done...but many types of colon and prostate cancer require little more than some outpatient lasering if caught at an early stage.

[tigereye]

51. a lot of places recommend a yearly mammogram, plus your

regular self-ewam and Dr. exam, too. :)

[helderheid]

3. I hear 40 most often but I have a family history - I'm 32 - this will be my first.

[Critters2]

5. Good idea! If you have a family history, it's never too early.

My grandmother and two aunts had breast cancer. All survived it (Grandma ultimately died of heart disease), but it's a warning to me. I get a mammogram every year.

[helderheid]

6. I'm nervous but glad I'm doing it!

[Critters2]

8. Way more pleasant than a pelvic exam!! imo. nt

[helderheid]

9. THANKS! I know very little about it. I probably ought search the google :D

[bdamomma]

42. definitely.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

I completely agree with that one (coming from someone who has

to pop a Xanax before having the ol' Pap and pelvic exam, or as my friend and I so "eloquently" call it, "the ol' scoot and scrap." LOL!

[CTyankee]

81. I wish they'd use nitrous like the dentist. Man, that stuff makes you float!

As I get older, Pap tests hurt more (they always did pinch, despite what they say)and I read that after age 65 if you haven't had any positive Pap tests, you can stop having them. But my new doc said I should just as a precaution, so I said OK. She was very gentle {perhaps because she is a little older herself)so I was relieved.

My last mammogram was not bad either. I think it is because I have full breasts and for some reason I don't suffer as much (and I am an absolute baby about pain).

[mtnester]

48. Unless your breasts are considered...ahem..

cute and pert (ok SMALL dammit)...then it gets a bit more uncomforatable. The sideways film is probably the worst of the bunch.

That said, the discomfort of a mammogram is minimal compared to breast cancer.

I started mine at 35. Had one in October and all is well.

[zanne]

67. Only be nervous if you have breast implants.

I asked about that the last time I had a mammogram (no, I don't have implants). The technician said it was harder to take good pictures and the implants can "hide" some things.

[Critters2]

77. Mine are small, and I still prefer it to a pelvic--

but chacun a son gout.

[zanne]

65. What's to be nervous about?

It's just an X-ray. Don't worry; it's the easiest test you'll ever get.

[helderheid]

71. I think what makes me nervous is if they find something. My grandma had BC and they removed my

mother's breasts because of a combination of family history and because she had lumpy breasts. I do to. I try self testing but can't tell what's normal and what isn't. Of course, it's better to know!

[zanne]

75. You'll be fine, Helderheid. I'll be thinking of you. nt

[Critters2]

78. If they find it early, they can do a lumpectomy, maybe some radiation

and you'll be fine. If not, it can end up being a mastectomy, radiation AND chemo...and that's if it hasn't spread. It's best to get your mammogram, and find out of there's anything to worry about, and get it taken care of.

I have several parishioners who've survived breast cancer that was found with a mammogram or self-exam. I can't emphasize enough how important early detection is!

[Richard Steele]

59. 40 is far too late. We just lost a friend to this shit: she was 36.

It was detected when she was 34, and that (obvously) wasn't soon enough.

And a lot of people overlook the importance of SELF EXAMS; there's
no reason not to be doing those regularly. And it's best to start when
you're younger, so you're more familiar with what your healthy breast
is SUPPOSED to feel like.

[AlCzervik]

7. i had my first one at 34 because my doctor found something

now i go every other year and starting in July it will be every year.

[jwirr]

4. Just made my appointment today.

[Cobalt Violet]

10. Insurance would help.

I'm trying to get that.

[helderheid]

11. I just found this:

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites

[Critters2]

18. I clicked and bookmarked the site. I'll try to click everyday. Thanks!! nt

[DKRC]

12. No insurance & no $$ = no mammogram for me (nt)

[flyarm]

17. find free screening in your area..call cancer society and check when

mobile units are going to be in your area..no insurance, is no excuse!!

..there are free screenings nationwide..you just need to do your homework and find out when the mobile units will be near a city near you!!..and make the time..

and self exams are free..just do it!!

fly

[antigop]

60. with all due respect, if you don't have insurance -- it doesn't matter

So you get a "free screening".

OK. They find something. You have no insurance. Whatever they find, you can't get it taken care of BECAUSE YOU HAVE NO INSURANCE.

[helderheid]

61. would a hospital refuse treatment?

[antigop]

74. it doesn't matter -- you still would be responsible for the bill n/t

[LeftyMom]

86. I seem to recall somebody around here couldn't get cancer surgery until the hospital got a really

big check.

Outside of the ER, hospitals can and do refuse care based on inability to pay.

[helderheid]

91. oh that's right.

:cry: :loveya: Andy :loveya: :cry:

[LeftyMom]

92. And the thing that kills me, most people in his situation would never have had that check

or the surgery, or a chance at survival. :(

But at least we don't have rationed health care in this country. :eyes: :cry:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

89. AFAIK, M.D. Anderson in Houston is a charity hospital

They are the largest cancer hospital in the world and will take anybody, regardless of ability to pay.

My mother was treated there for breast cancer, and survived 22 more years.

My sister worked there in a lab, had brain cancer, was treated there, and did not survive.

[KatyaR]

97. Yes, they can.

Many have charity funds available, but there's usually a limit as to how much one patient can receive.

And if you can't pay your bills, I hear many hospitals are now taking people to court for payment.

"Well checks" mean nothing if you can't get the follow-up care you need.

[mondo joe]

68. At least in Washinhton State, women enrolled in the BCHP (Breast & Cervical

Health Program) will get treatment.

http://www.doh.wa.gov/wbchp/faqs.htm

From the web site:

Question: I have been diagnosed with breast cancer through the WBCHP. Will my treatment be covered by WBCHP?

Answer: Washington women enrolled in WBCHP who have breast or cervical cancer will now be assured of the medical treatments they need. If you are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, the WBCHP Case Manager will work with you to get you enrolled in Medicaid, which will pay for your treatment.

[qanda]

70. What you say is very true

I received a free mammogram last year because I have no insurance and they found a suspicious lump. I had to pay out of pocket for the surgery. Thankfully, the biopsy came back negative for cancer. Honestly, I think it's still worth it to take care of your health. It's unfortunate that we don't have affordable health care for all in this country, but until we do there are some sacrifices that we have to make to take care of ourselves.

[LeftyMom]

82. And it's a known preexisting condition, so you're fucked even if you get insurance.

Yay for being poor. :cry:

[antigop]

83. Yep. You got it! You can't win. n/t

[helderheid]

25. Please check this out

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites.woa/294/wo/gu1000PQ300WV500x3/0.0.47.7.0.1.0.1.0.CustomContentActiveImageDisplayComponent.0.0.0

Please find a local place that will provide them for free!

[Horse with no Name]

26. Free mammograms in Washington

Since that is where your profile says you live.
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/women/mammogram.htm
http://www.komenoregon.org/Programs_Grants/Mammograms.shtml

[Critters2]

15. Good luck. Someone needs to realize a mammogram is cheaper than cancer treatment.

My insurance doesn't cover mammograms, if you can imagine. Our policy is REALLY bad on preventive care, although they've started this program where you sign up online and keep track of what you eat, exercise, etc, and get money!! Getting a mammogram is one of the ways you earn points, so I e-mailed 'em and asked why they don't pay for something they say is important. Still awaiting a reply.

Of course, single-payer universal health care would be even better. A girl can dream.

[SmokingJacket]

47. Look around your community -- there are organizations

that will pay for mammograms for women without health insurance. That's how I got my first one -- luckily I now have insurance.

:hi:

[Ino]

62. But if it comes up positive...

then what can you do about it without insurance? Plus now that it's diagnosed, it's a pre-existing condition and will never be covered should you have the opportunity/means to get insurance.

I've wrestled with this, and it seems it's better to not know. Can someone tell me the benefit of having tests that might uncover something dire if you don't have insurance?? I can't think of any reason other than you have time to get your affairs in order.

[Bridget Burke]

66. People with NO money can get treatment.

Look into it.

[mondo joe]

In Washington State, women enrolled in the Breast & Cervical Health Program

DO get treatment:

http://www.doh.wa.gov/wbchp/faqs.htm

Question: I have been diagnosed with breast cancer through the WBCHP. Will my treatment be covered by WBCHP?

Answer: Washington women enrolled in WBCHP who have breast or cervical cancer will now be assured of the medical treatments they need. If you are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, the WBCHP Case Manager will work with you to get you enrolled in Medicaid, which will pay for your treatment.

[antigop]

85. What can you do? Not much, imo. n/t

[SmokingJacket]

114. If you have some assets but no insurance, like I did...

I would have gone into Big Debt to get treatment -- sold the house, borrowed from family, applied for credit cards. It would have sucked, but not as bad as death.

If you have *nothing* you should be eligible for public assistance.

[antigop]

115. Well, I beg to differ

>>
I would have gone into Big Debt to get treatment -- sold the house, borrowed from family, applied for credit cards. It would have sucked, but not as bad as death.

>>

Hmmm...what to do. what to do...

I can deplete my assets, live in a cardboard box, throw away my kid's college education fund so she has NO chance for a decent education, and my life will be a living hell with bill collectors hounding me for payment.

Hell on earth doesn't sound so good.

[Ino]

120. Exactly!

I recently broke my wrist & split my scalp in a fall. I have insurance (GHP) through my husband's company. The ambulance, outpatient facility charge, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and rehab all fell under a deductible ($2500). Since I broke it near the end of the year & rehab was in Dec & Jan, I had to fulfill TWO deductibles for the same incident!

I'm self-employed & finally getting divorced, no children, age 54. I've avoided all recommended tests for years (colonoscopy, bone density scans, etc.) for fear of being diagnosed with something that would be a pre-existing condition if I had to switch insurance companies.

The last time I had individual health insurance (United Healthcare), they raised my premiums the last year I had it $120/MONTH even though I rarely used it, then cancelled all individual policies! Shortly afterwards I got on my husband's policy. But I doubt I can afford an individual one now.

I figure I'll just do without insurance, and if something catastrophic happens, sell everything when I can no longer fend for myself, move into a hospice and die. Or off myself. I can't burden my siblings. I don't have NOTHING, but I'll end up with less than nothing very quickly if I get cancer. I see no point in it for the few extra years treatment would give me.

It's the smaller things that worry me -- a broken bone, bad flu turning into pneumonia -- not life-threatening, but can cost BIG BUCKS without insurance. Scary.

[antigop]

122. Ino, I'm sorry we live in a country where people have to live like this

It's barbaric. It's inhumane.

[SmokingJacket]

121. Having lived on the edge, I'd rather do that again than die, but...

it's a sorry country we live in when people have to make that kind of decision. No kidding.

[antigop]

123. Yes, it's a sorry country we live in

And I have found that people who have insurance oftentimes have absolutely NO idea of what it's like not to have it.

Full disclosure: I have had insurance and never been without. But the day is rapidly approaching when I will not have it. It's just a matter of time.

[flyarm]

13. i made appointment monday!! for next week!!

once a yr for me..and don't forget..

self exam!!!!!!!!!

you will feel something before anyone or any machine will find something!!

make an appointment with yourself!!..do it..make it part of your weekly chores..just do it!!

fly

[porphyrian]

14. Everybody needs to get regular check-ups.

Almost every form of cancer is curable if caught early. Don't wait until it's too late. This is another reason we need universal health care - it would actually be cheaper to thoroughly test patients and catch cancers early than it is to give surgeries and chemotherapy and extended care for those dying from it. Insurance and pharmaceutical companies prefer the latter because their profits are higher that way, despite the greater body count. Universal health care should involve not skimping on testing procedures, cutting out some of the profiteering on the dead and suffering.

[hedgehog]

16. What a wonderful way to memorialize her!

Someone's life will be saved because of this!

[helderheid]

31. I certainly hope so!

[Clark2008]

19. Can't right now.

I'm with child.

:hi:

[helderheid]

28. Congratulations!

[Clark2008]

50. Thank you!

I'll get one after I'm done breast feeding (so about another year or so).

[tandot]

20. 42 and had my first one just a few month ago and have to go back in April

they found some calcified lymph nodes and they just want to recheck.

It wasn't all that bad.

For anyone who doesn't know: Bring some deodorant with you. For some reason, they'll make you wipe it completely off with some wipes. They actually recommend not to put any on before the mammogram.

[qanda]

73. Right

You're not supposed to wear any deodorant or perfume to the mammogram, I believe it interferes with the results.

[Contrary1]

21. Please do not rely solely on mammograms.

More women find lumps, both cancerous and benign, through self breast exam. I found
mine six months after getting the "all clear". If you do not know the proper way to
perform one, ask your doctor to show you.

Many woman have fibrocystic breast tissue, making it difficult to find new lumps
versus older ones. Get to know your lumps and bumps. :)

It helped me to circle the areas on my breasts that I wanted to watch closely with a
magic marker. Sounds silly, but worked for me.

Any rash that does not go away, a change in the nipple of either shape or color are
red flags.

If at all possible, schedule your exams with a breast specialist. A potential problem
is much more likely to be detected earlier than if you go to a GP, or an OB-GYN.

When you do get a mammo, ask to see the films. Ask questions. Also, tell them
you want a copy of the report, not just a postcard with the word "normal" on it.

If you find a lump, or if there is anything at all questionable about the results
of the mammogram, insist on an ultrasound. Do not let them talk you out of it.

I would suggest a first mammogram at 40, unless there is history of breast cancer in the
family.

If anyone has specific questions, ask away. Educate yourself. It is our most powerful weapon.

[helderheid]

29. Thank you so much for this advice!

[hashibabba]

37. A mammogram finds more tumors when they're smaller and not

so advanced as with a breast self exam. I just heard it on the news last week. Both are very important.

[uppityperson]

38. Very good advice. Mammos are good but only 1 part of it.

I get mine later this month.

[raccoon]

117. Thanks for posting that. A woman who married into my family

had regular mammograms, they didn't find anything. She detected a lump herself.

[wicket]

22. I had my 6 month follow up exam 2 weeks ago

The lump I had found turned out to be benign. I'm very sorry that Molly wasn't as lucky :cry:

On edit - I'm 28. I had a first cousin who had breast cancer at 30.

[helderheid]

54. I'm glad to hear it was benign!

[wicket]

112. Thank-you very much

:hug:

It certainly was a huge relief!

[Horse with no Name]

23. Significant and timely article

http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1582484,00.html

>>>>snip
(ATLANTA) — The percentage of American women getting mammograms has dropped slightly over the past few years, in what health officials said Thursday is a troubling sign that the battle against breast cancer may be flagging.

The share of women 40 and older who said they had a mammogram in the previous two years slipped from 76.4 percent to 74.6 percent between 2000 and 2005, according to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate had risen dramatically over the past two decades, from 29 percent in 1987, according to American Cancer Society statistics.

The CDC and other researchers said possible explanations for the drop include a shortage of mammography screening centers and specialists, and a lack of health insurance among patients.

And to help combat this:
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites
Your click on the "Fund Free Mammograms" button helps fund free mammograms, paid for by site sponsors whose ads appear after you click and provided to women in need through the efforts of the National Breast Cancer Foundation to low-income, inner-city and minority women, whose awareness of breast cancer and opportunity for help is often limited.

[helderheid]

44. I made my appointment after reading that article in my paper!

[moc]

24. I've had two so far. (I'm 44yo).

:toast:

[rateyes]

27. Yes, please do...

While I am male, I still urge all women to do this. My mother has had two radical mastectomies (sp?) that may have been avoided had this technology been available when she was diagnosed. During one of the operations, she was trasfused with blood having the wrong Rh factor. It caused chronic Hepatitis, with which she has been living for the past 27 years. She is now on interfuron to try and stop the progression of the disease.

Don't let this happen to you. We need all of you.

[Contrary1]

30. Males get breast cancer too.

So, make sure you check yourself. :hi:

[rateyes]

39. Thanks...

will do. :hi:

[Bridget Burke]

69. They don't do as many radical mastectomies as they used to.

Often, a smaller portion of the breast is excised. But chemo is given more--before or after surgery.

PS: Good luck to your Mom.

[rateyes]

96. Thanks...

the interfuron really makes her sick as a dog, but the viral load on her liver (supposed to be zero, had climbed to 2.5 MILLION) has after 6 months returned to zero...but she has 6 more months of interfuron treatments...six more months of being very sick in order to abate the damage from the hepatitis.

[Manifestor_of_Light]

107. My mom had a Halsted radical back in '79

But they had to do it because she had a small mixed tumor on the bottom of her breast, near the chest wall. They had to pry her ribs apart to get it all. No lumpectomy for that.

And all her mammograms were negative. This is when they were blue on white paper.
She had a dimple, not a lump.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

32. My friend had one for her 39th b-day and found out she had breast cancer

She's currently a 3 year survivor. If she'd waited until she turned 40 she may not be here today.

[kittykitty]

33. How do you get a mammogram with implants? My daughter-in-law has implants

(saline). I can't imagine the mammo machine squishing a breast without the implants bursting! She is also pregnant w/ #3 and has aways breast fed the other two. How does breast feeding work with implants?

[helderheid]

34. I wish I had answers for you - when I called to make my appointment they asked if I had implants so

I imagine there must be a way to test with them. I'll do some research. She probably should ask her doctor.

[Sgent]

They do a different type of mammogram

or an ultrasound if you have implants.

[Contrary1]

35. Here's some info...

http://www.breastcancer.org/breast_implant_mammogram.html

[kittykitty]

43. Thanks you guys, she's only about 31 so this won't be a problem for

a few years. The info was very useful. She had the implants because she breast-fed her 2 kids for about a total of 5 yrs combined, and my son said her breasts looked like "scrotums", which really cracked me up.

[Nia Zuri]

52. Implants not a problem for breast feeding or mammogram

You need to make sure that you mention that you have them when you get the mammogram. They may ask her to come back for a follow up or even do an ultra sound as it is tricker with implants. Not that big a deal. The milk producing glants sit about the implant, so there is not issue with that either.

[ellenfl]

36. . . . and men. i get them annually even tho' i am not high risk. eom

[bdamomma]

40. I've have never missed a mammogram, every woman should have one.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

45. I have one in March, too.

I'm 36, and had one last year. The radiologist also did an ultrasound (dense breasts).

[devilgrrl]

46. February is my month for the breast check and PAP smear....

get your pap smear too!!!!!

[Beausoir]

49. Got mine. Every year on my birthday. And it does not hurt me. Not at all.

It's not even uncomfortable for me. YRMV.

[tigereye]

53. a lot of people are saying 40

but I've been getting them since my mid- 30s. It isn't always women over 40 who are most susceptible.

[Arugula Latte]

55. Thanks for the reminder!

I got my first one last year (age 40). It wasn't too bad...I'll do it again this Spring.

[helderheid]

56. I'm listening to Randi's interview with Molly so I'm kicking for her.

[Orangepeel]

57. If possible, get a DIGITAL mammogram.

A friend of mine was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of the size and density of her breasts and how deep the tumor is, the mammograms she got every year couldn't detect it. This year, she went to a place with a digital machine and the difference in clarity is startling.

However, not many places have digital technology yet. So, if you can't get a digital one and/or insurance won't pay for it, then getting a mammogram with traditional film is still very, very important.

[helderheid]

58. Thanks for this!

[Ron Green]

63. I don't have a machine, or expertise or anything,

but I'll certainly give you my best opinion if you come over.

[helderheid]

72. ...

:spray: :rofl:

[tandot]

76. "I'm not a gynecologist but I'll take a look"

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/Gynecologist/-/pv_design_details/pg_1/id_14887754/opt_/fpt_/c_360/

My brother in law was wearing that t-shirt.

[Catherine Vincent]

80. LOL!

[mvd]

64. Recommended

Thanks for the reminder. I'm not a woman, but I realize how important early detection is.

[Catherine Vincent]

79. I have an off topic question....

Do gynecologists halt pap smears when you reach a certain age? Like 70?

[cally]

84. I'm a bc survivor

They found my bc at a very, very early stage with a mamogram. I'm very fortunate. Get your mamograms.

[devilgrrl]

87. DON'T FORGET PAP SMEARS!!!!

Cervical exams are paramount as well.

[mzmolly]

88. I have mixed feelings on regular mammograms.

I'm 41 and I'm debating this internally. Here's a small article touching on the debate.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20020306/ai_n12596063

[Vinca]

90. Sorry, I won't have one until I can afford health insurance again.

I can afford the mammogram, but I couldn't foot the bill for surgery, chemo, etc. if anything happened to be on it (and I don't qualify for Medicaid). I've decided I'd rather die a premature death than have my family living on the street in a Maytag box. And that's the way it is for tens of millions of us . . .

[ipaint]

93. You are definitely not alone

At 50 I have no health insurance to do anything about any disease I may come down with. No mammogram for me, I'd rather not know.
The idea of anyone who is diagnosed with cancer being forced to spend what may be the end of their life searching and begging for care is criminal. Unfortunately it seems many more of those with health insurance will have to lose it and face these kinds of decisions, almost 50 million uninsured citizens just doesn't seem to be enough to change things.

[Berry Cool]

94. A lot of myths about breast cancer need exploding.

While mammograms are good, they're not perfect. They also subject your breasts to radiation every time you get one, and that alone increases your cancer risk. We need a better detection system.

It is now believed that some of the very tiny cancers being detected with mammograms might never do any serious harm at all, yet they are being caught and treated (sometimes excessively) because they were detected in mammograms.

Mammograms won't catch inflammatory cancer, which is what killed Molly Ivins. Inflammatory breast cancer isn't a lump, it looks more like a rash. You see a rash on your breast, get it checked out.

Early detection doesn't always mean treatment success. Nor does small size of tumor. It depends more on the pathology of the tumor. Not that it's a bad thing to find something early, but it doesn't always make a difference, nor are those who find something late necessarily doomed.

We still have no cure for breast cancer. Once you've had it, it can recur at any time. Depending on the pathology, the chances of recurrence can be high, low or in between. But it's not one of those cancers where "five years cancer free and you're cured." If only.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone here, just being realistic.

Oh, and I agree--if you feel as if you can't even afford to know whether or not you have a disease because you have no health insurance with which to treat it, that's a crime. What a country we live in.

[kitty1]

100. I hear conflicting info on mammograms. There's a DR;s column...

in our local newspaper, and the last article written was questioning the benefits of getting a mammogram, or at least getting one too often.
He was stating statistics about the fact that 30% are missed and that there's a 50% chance of a woman requiring a biopsy at some time in her life, which for the most part turns out to be nothing.
Also, the major consideration being that a diagnosis by mammogram doesn't really impact the long term prognosis of the disease.
Again, this is info from a reputable DR who writes a health column every week. He also states that women spend sleepless nites worrying about tests that aren't necessary and also the fact that the accumulated radiation can actually up your risk significantly for the disease. What is a woman supposed to do? I think it's all about balance, and depends on each individual's history and health myself.

[antigop]

99. welcome to DU, ipaint and I think you are correct

There are too many people with health insurance that have no clue as to what it's like not to have it.

[antigop]

98. I hear ya, Vinca n/t

[Kurovski]

95. 'Nuff said.

Because in most all cases, the sooner you catch it, the better off you are.

[dflprincess]

101. I believe Molly had the less common inflammatory form of breast cancer

something mammograms don't detect.

Not that I'm saying don't have a mammogram. I had my base line at 37 and one every year since I turned 40 (except the 8 months I was unemployed and without insurance) as well as having a pap smear every year since I was 18.

They're not perfect, but it's the best we have right now. My friend heard Dr. Susan Love speak last year and Dr. Love is hopeful that there will be a test for breast cancer that's more like a pap smear - something that will be able to detect precancerous problems.

[msedano]

102. click for free mammograms...

My daily practice, from home then the office, click all the tabs at this company's website.
http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites

And regularly remind folks to bookmark and click.

mvs

Men get breast cancer, too, so all of us could easily care to click.

http://readraza.com
http://labloga.blogspot.com

*recommended.

[kineneb]

103. free mammograms- California

http://www.dhs.ca.gov/cancerdetection/quickfacts/quickfactsaboutbc.htm

"Cancer Detection Programs: Every Woman Counts offers free breast exams and mammograms to women age 40 and older. To see if you qualify for these free tests call 1-800-511-2300 Monday - Friday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. We speak English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese."

I qualified for this program. If you or someone you know in California needs a mammogram, and is low income, check into the program.

[Th1onein]

104. I WILL NEVER HAVE A MAMMOGRAM!

I'm sorry, but there's a lot of controversy about the worth of mammograms. I, personally, have to question the intelligence of putting your breasts in a machine that flattens them and then shoots them full of radiation. And, I've read that breast cancer is the slowest growing type of cancer, and that by the time you can feel a lump, the cancer has been growing for at least ten years.

THEN, women have a biopsy, which "seeds" the cancer throughout her remaining breast tissue. Maybe that's the reason, also, that the death rate for breast cancer has not declined with the use of mammograms.

Nah, no mammograms for me.

[Lorien]

106. Me either

I've had an ultrasound scan, but there's no way I'll ever do the mammogram for the reasons you've already listed. Must have been invented by a man!

[undergroundpanther]

109. Never had one

Because being transgender anything that draws attention to these udders drives me up a wall, emotionally intolerable . online It's easier to talk about it than in person. Besides the udders are getting removed soon.What you said however about the flattening,shooting radiation and biopsy seeding the tissues makes sense to me as a possible logical reason to not get them done every year. I hope people think about what you wrote for themselves and do what they think is best for themselves. Look at different points of veiw on this..
I'll be boob free. Male chest reconstuction which begins with a dual mastectomy..So I will have no boobs left to get cancer in.

[latebloomer]

113. I go for thermograms

which checks the health of your breasts by detecting areas of heat. It can see problem areas years before the tumor is evident. Totally non-invasive. It's hard to find in some areas of the country, though.

In the past I've asked for sonograms instead of mammograms. I just don't like the idea of repeatedly irradiating my breasts, despite all reassurances from the medical community.

[helderheid]

105. .

[undergroundpanther]

108. Well

I kinda think it would be pointless for me to get one. April 2nd these suckers are gonna be GONE. And yes I want them gone.Male chest reconstruction.Removing the breast and surrounding tissue..My mom is insisting I get one tho. I don't want a picture of these things unless I can burn it during the bra burning party.. I don't think I'm gonna get boob problems in two months.Nothing that won't be cut out and tossed out in the incinerator anyway that is.

[orleans]

110. (no!) n/t

[cassiepriam]

111. Inflammatory Breast Cancer is a rare but lethal cancer, no lump

just mastitis like symptoms. It is a very aggressive cancer,
so please see your doc if you have an inflamed breast.
A friend of mine was just diagnosed with it, and she has
perhaps only a few months to live.

[antigop]

116. This is what it's like when you have cancer and don't have insurance

http://www.topix.net/content/kri/0267843491105874475319956474400791412097

So while everyone is urging women to get mammograms, you should also be pushing for universal health coverage.

Getting a mammogram does NO GOOD if you can't afford the treatment afterward.

[eugeneliberal]

118. Some of us

don't have insurance.

[antigop]

119. Welcome to DU, eugeneliberal

And thank you for calling attention to the plight of the uninsured.

I am sorry we live in a country that treats people this way. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO LIVE THIS WAY. NO ONE.