A recent study of women ages 50-69 diagnosed with breast cancer shows that although the risk of being diagnosed with cancer is lower in younger women, if diagnosed the tumor growth rate is faster. On the average tumors double in size every 1.7 years, increasing with the woman’s age. If the trend uncovered by this study extrapolates to women younger than 50, it provides a strong argument that yearly mammograms should be the guideline for them as well. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women 40 and up, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to start getting annual mammograms at 35, particularly if you have risk factors for breast cancer. There is no question that early detection is the key to successful treatment of breast cancer. However, if you are under a certain age and have a mammogram you may find yourself holding the bill, even if you have insurance.
I may have found a way around this dilemma. Recently I went to see my doctor because I was having pain in my breast. I know that pain can be a symptom of breast cancer, but usually it isn’t. Given the nature of my work and my proclivity for hypochondria, you can just imagine what I convinced myself of. I just wanted to be sure I was OK. According to my doc everything appears normal, but she suggested I get a mammogram to give myself peace of mind. She wrote me an order and I am scheduling it this week. Because I visited her with a symptom, my mammogram will be considered a “screening” procedure, and I may not have to foot the bill. I’ll post again after the procedure and let you know what happens.
hey! I saw you yesterday walking into (what I assume was work at KTRU) but didn’t realize it until you were too far away. I didn’t want to look like a crazy yelling you down, so here’s a belated hi!
on another note, apparently I just missed you yesterday as well at the netSquared thing. I showed up and immediately spilled beer all over some girl next to Margaret while Jason was speaking. Priceless.
By: David on May 14, 2008
at 9:45 am
Hi Dr. Miggy – I noticed that you are blogging about mammograms. I am trying to raise awareness of a site that provides funding for free mammograms. Do you think you and your readers would be interested in a link on your blog?
http://www.servenation.com/cards/3139
If so, please email me at ljacobs@psfc.com
Thanks, Lindsey
By: Lindsey on May 15, 2008
at 3:32 pm
if a girl of 22 years old
and her mother was affected by beast cancer,as well mother’s sister
(and both were affected due to psychological matters!!)
in this case; whats the percentage of this girl to be affected??
and what shall she do to be safe from this disease??
please told me what to do especially (22years not 42
)
In conclusion, How Could i predict, detect early, and get rid of this cancer if there is probability to be affected)
thanks in advance…………….AFK
By: AFK on April 6, 2009
at 3:32 am