Hi,
Conflicting information can lead to confusion. Despite negative press, most competent physicians order a diagnostic test such as a mammogram to offer their patients the best possible care. Early detection offers the best prognosis. Granted, mammograms are not without potential harm. According to the National Cancer Institute potential harms include:
Finding cancer does not always mean saving lives―Even though mammograms can detect malignant tumors that cannot be felt, treating a small tumor does not always mean that a woman’s life will be saved. A fast-growing or aggressive cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body before it is detected. In addition, screening mammograms may not help a woman who is suffering from other, more life-threatening health conditions.
Radiation exposure―Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is low, but repeated x-rays have the potential to cause cancer. The benefits, however, nearly always outweigh the risk.
False-negative, false-positive, over diagnosis and over treatment are also negative aspects of mammograms.
It is important for you and every woman to talk with her healthcare provider about the need for a mammogram.
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Hi,
July 19, 2011 - 4:42pmConflicting information can lead to confusion. Despite negative press, most competent physicians order a diagnostic test such as a mammogram to offer their patients the best possible care. Early detection offers the best prognosis. Granted, mammograms are not without potential harm. According to the National Cancer Institute potential harms include:
Finding cancer does not always mean saving lives―Even though mammograms can detect malignant tumors that cannot be felt, treating a small tumor does not always mean that a woman’s life will be saved. A fast-growing or aggressive cancer may have already spread to other parts of the body before it is detected. In addition, screening mammograms may not help a woman who is suffering from other, more life-threatening health conditions.
Radiation exposure―Mammograms require very small doses of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation exposure is low, but repeated x-rays have the potential to cause cancer. The benefits, however, nearly always outweigh the risk.
False-negative, false-positive, over diagnosis and over treatment are also negative aspects of mammograms.
It is important for you and every woman to talk with her healthcare provider about the need for a mammogram.
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