Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Outrage Over Mammogram Mix-Up

For over 50 years the idea of early cancer detection has been a cornerstone of American medical advice. The American Cancer Society promoted this concept with its slogan, “Fight cancer with a checkup and a check.” The idea was that if every tumor were found early enough, there could be an effective treatment, and possibly a cure.
After hearing the message for so many years, it is hardly any wonder that millions of women were mystified and outraged by the announcement of the new mammogram guidelines. When the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force declared that routine mammograms should begin, not at 40, but at 50 years of age, many women felt they were being cheated out of something that could save their lives. And the additional recommendation to have a mammogram every other year instead of annually also stirred up strong emotions.
Susan Love, MD, one of the world’s foremost breast cancer specialists, welcomed the new guidelines. But she was one of the few public figures who seemed to understand the limitations of mammograms. Most people have come to believe that they are the Holy Grail of early detection. What has not been appreciated in the discussion is the inadequacy of this test and the amount of radiation a woman receives every time she gets a mammogram.
Even more confusing is the idea that not all cancer requires aggressive treatment. We have seen this in the realm of prostate cancer. Many men are uncomfortable with the concept of “watch and wait.” We have been so convinced that a diagnosis of cancer requires instant and often aggressive treatment that delay seems tantamount to malpractice.
Experts are beginning to realize that breast cancer may be somewhat comparable to prostate cancer in that some tumors will never become life threatening. Treatment of such cancer may be counterproductive. The difficulty lies in determining which tumors are dangerous and which are not. Unfortunately, mammograms do not always help with this determination. Just as the PSA test is inadequate for many prostate cancers, so too the mammogram leaves a lot to be desired.
If you want to hear more about this controversial topic we encourage you to take a few minutes to listen to Nortin Hadler, MD. This brilliant physician describes the appropriate uses and shortcomings of screening tests.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
0- 0 ratings
About the Author
Terry Graedon, PhD, is a medical anthropologist and co-host of The People’s Pharmacy radio show, co-author of The People’s Pharmacy syndicated newspaper columns and numerous books, and co-founder of The People’s Pharmacy website. Terry taught in the Duke University School of Nursing and was an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is a Fellow of the Society of Applied Anthropology. Terry is one of the country's leading authorities on the science behind folk remedies..
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.