Mammograms

[nanaylola]

 The recommendations that the U.S. Preventative Task Force put out on Monday, 11/16/09 about mammograms & self breast exams, to me is quite upsetting & very scary. Had I been having my mammograms every 2 yrs. instead of 1x a yr. like they have recommended for women over 50. My fight against this disease would have been much harder, longer & possibly with a more dire outcome. I was fortunate that my tumor was found early and the only way it could have been found was with a mammogram. They have also recommended that women 40 to 49 yrs of age need not have a yearly mammogram. Also the USPSTF has said that women should not do self breast exams. The American Cancer Society does not agree with these guidelines. ACS continues to recommend annual screening using mammography & clinical breast examination for all women beginning at age 40. You can read an article about these recommendations at http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/70238522.html  I am not an expert, just a woman & a breast cancer survivor and in my opinion these recommendations are wrong. I will continue to advocate mammograms for women starting at age 40 & self breast exams for all women. To read about the USPSTF who the members are go to http://www.ahrq/clinic/USpstfab.htm