Posted by
Billy on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11:05:54 AM
For many women, getting a mammogram is already one of life's more stressful
experiences.
Now, women in their 40s have the added anxiety of trying to figure out if
they should even be getting one at all.
A government task force said Monday
that most women don't need mammograms in their 40s and should get one every two
years starting at 50 — a stunning reversal and a break with the American Cancer Society's
long-standing position. What's more, the panel said breast self-exams do no
good, and women shouldn't be taught to do them.
The news seemed destined to leave many deeply confused about whose advice to
follow.
"I've never had a scare, but isn't it better to be safe than sorry?" asked
Beth Rosenthal, 41, sitting in a San Francisco cafe on Monday afternoon with her
friend and their small children. "I've heard of a lot of women in their 40s, and
even 30s, who've gotten breast cancer. It just doesn't seem
right to wait until 50."
( I am sorry I just wonder if we get forced government health care this a way government wants to save money. Read more on this issue