RE: Yearly exams and mammograms (Full Version)

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jojoluvr -> RE: Yearly exams and mammograms (8/16/2006 11:14:59 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: marsman

I want to mention that thermography is probably a better test than mammography. Besides using no radiation, it is a more accurate test.

http://www.breastthermography.com/mammography_thermography.htm

http://www.healthmedicineinstitute.com/body.cfm?id=24



thank you for mentioning this option -- although i'm not sure how many insurance companies pay for it.  according to the breast cancer action fund info, the only KNOWN cause of breast cancer is the radiation from mammograms....even if the dose isn't supposed to be high enough to cause it.  still, i'll opt for the non-radiation choice every time....testing is important -- the right kind of test is even more important.  i keep thinking in 5 years the research will indicate that the annual mammograms we've been told to get are directly connected to the rise in breast cancer rates....i hope i'm wrong....but i can't help but wonder...





Emperor1956 -> RE: Yearly exams and mammograms (8/17/2006 8:59:59 AM)

quote:

jojoluvr said:  according to the breast cancer action fund info, the only KNOWN cause of breast cancer is the radiation from mammograms


and

quote:

 FelinePersuasion said:  I asked about mamograms and my dr said I don't need them till I am in my 30's cause at 23 what their looking for won't show up yet, O was told  the cancer cells don't show up untill middle age.


jojo:  while NO radiology technique that puts additional radiation in the body is entirely safe, mammography is pretty good.  The dosage in a typical mammogram is equal to about the amount of radiation you get walking around the planet for 3 months.  That means that if you do NOTHING else to counterbalance the rad. dose of a mammogram, every 4 mammograms is equal to the background radiation of another year older.  A pretty minor risk.

And your statement "radiation from mammograms is the only known cause of breast cancer" is simply wrong (I don't know what the "breast cancer action fund" is, but either they are misinformed or you accidentally misstated them).  There are several "known" causes of breast cancer.  The carrying of variations of the BRAC-1 and -2 gene are the best documented.  I know of no study that says that mammography causes breast cancer.

FP:  your doctor is essentially correct.  Baseline mammography in women under 40 is suspect, and is not recommended unless there are compelling contrary reasons.  That means insurance won't pay for it.  But if you are really concerned, why don't you wait until "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" when there will be free screenings, or very reduced price screenings? 

And finally, thermography is NOT an effective substitute for mammography...at least not yet.  A Google search of Thermography / Mammography will reveal several studies that the technology isn't really there yet.  The websites marsman points to are suspect:  they are commercial ventures trying to sell you on a procedure.  Thermography may be useful for following a known tumor, but it simple does not do a very good job of initial screening.

I am no fan of mammography -- it hurts, it is invasive and it is expensive -- but its the best tool we've got right now for breast imaging.  Future promising technologies are MRI and other noninvasive imaging techniques.  If you are interested in this topic, probably the best summary of research appeared in JAMA about 3 years ago:  Researchers Seek Mammography Alternatives, Mitka
JAMA.2003; 290: 450-451.
 
E




Bearlee -> RE: Yearly exams and mammograms (8/17/2006 9:05:02 AM)

 
FYI...I had a colonoscopy some years ago which was not only embarrasing as hell, it was uncomfortable, too.  The one I had this year was a piece of cake!  What a difference; they've improved!!! 
 
Go get one and remember to drink ALL the stuff SLOWLY, earlier in the day; things 'go' a lot easier...

[;)]



MistressLorelei -> RE: Yearly exams and mammograms (8/17/2006 9:59:19 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Owned1

If I may ask of those who reside in the US, do you have to pay for preventative tests like those being discussed here.  I think if you have a insurance co they would pay?  but even that I am not sure of. 

I am fortunate and spoiled living in Canada with they system we have here.

Thanks

Owned


I requested a mammogram last year, and my insurance company refused to pay for it, being that I was 33.  I have a top health insurance company (so they say), yet I was told unless I already had problems or symptoms which warranted the mammogram, I'd have to wait.  How's that for preventative testing?

Physicals, paps smears, mammograms (at the appropriate age), etc. are usually covered by most insurances, though my Grandma, on Medicare had to pay for the majority of her mammogram.

So many people in the US can't afford insurance, and many people are missing out on necessary preventative testing.  It's unfortunate.



MisPandora -> RE: Yearly exams and mammograms (8/19/2006 2:19:44 AM)

Some of us have insurance plans that include the "preventative maintenance" sort of stuff.

In my personal experience, my coverage has enabled me to get paps and gyn exams since I was 18, and covered my emergent breast exams and diagnostics at age 33 when I discovered a lump.  My plan does not cover BCP but will cover the far more expensive injected birth control hormones when prescribed for something other than family planning (for pain or irregular bleeding.)

We do have Planned Parenthood clinics or community-based health initiatives in other areas that do support uninsured or underinsured women who need testing, including GYN exams, STD testing and birth control.



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