Nina - I was glad to see your article on mammograms, an absolute must for women once they reach 40. Sometimes, however, the age recommendation is interpreted as meaning breast cancer can't occur until after age 40, which of course isn't true. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my 30's I was told over and over that I was "too young" or got reactions like "I can't believe it, at your age?" I was fortunate to have exceptional medical treatment and a full recovery. Today an annual mammogram is a must for me - I usually have a diagnostic mammogram because of my history. I'm not posting this information to scare women under 40, I just wanted to say that as women, of any age, we need to take responsibility for meeting our own healthcare needs, no matter what "they" may say about the situation we're in and go forward. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or other reasons to believe you need a mammogram even through you're under 40, then by all means do what you think is in your best interest. I did, and am proof positive that standing up for your own healthcare needs is the best route to take.
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Nina - I was glad to see your article on mammograms, an absolute must for women once they reach 40. Sometimes, however, the age recommendation is interpreted as meaning breast cancer can't occur until after age 40, which of course isn't true. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my 30's I was told over and over that I was "too young" or got reactions like "I can't believe it, at your age?" I was fortunate to have exceptional medical treatment and a full recovery. Today an annual mammogram is a must for me - I usually have a diagnostic mammogram because of my history. I'm not posting this information to scare women under 40, I just wanted to say that as women, of any age, we need to take responsibility for meeting our own healthcare needs, no matter what "they" may say about the situation we're in and go forward. If you have a family history of breast cancer, or other reasons to believe you need a mammogram even through you're under 40, then by all means do what you think is in your best interest. I did, and am proof positive that standing up for your own healthcare needs is the best route to take.
September 30, 2009 - 5:36pmThis Comment
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