Posted on 11/08/2009 7:08:46 AM PST by Rusty0604
I have heard twice this week reports from "experts" saying that mammograms are overused and they aren't needed as often as hey are used now. Is it just me or is this timed perfectly to prepare people to think future rationing as just practical medicine?
I would love a link to that if you can find it.
The other thing is you don’t know until a biopsy, especially with the prostate, what type it is. Some are very aggressive.
I was trying to make the point that the current method of breast examination is what keeps some women from getting an annual mammogram. A condescending lecture on pain isn’t going to get them to make an appointment.
BTW, I do get one every year.
I’ve had the digital one too, but as a gal who isn’t gifted in the bazooms department, they still hurt a great deal for me. I bruise every time.
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Good grief! Have you changed facilities? There is also a certain time in your cycle that you should be going if you find it that bad, which should help. There are also mammopads available - some charge and some don’t - to help cushion.
Mammograms are mostly free to patients with insurance. The thing is preventing metastases by catching it early.
I am not small and they have always hurt. Maybe it was the type of machine at the last place I had one. You should ask around, see if there is a less painful place in your community.
I was trying to make the point that the current method of breast examination is what keeps some women from getting an annual mammogram. A condescending lecture on pain isn’t going to get them to make an appointment.
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Sorry, but you didn’t make your point well.
K-Lo on the corner, NRO. I think it is from in the NYT.
http://corner.nationalreview.com/
I’d take a mammogram over a pap anytime!
Insurance companies negotiate with hospitals and doctors for lower rates. A big provider like Blue Cross can get a much better rate for their patients than a smaller group provider. That’s why the price is different for everybody.
I think tests and procedures should be a decision of the DR. and patient on a personal basis, not by some bureaucratic “expert”.
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Reason #1 why national health care is such a volatile issue. I’m with you.
Paps can be a little daunting as you are completely “exposed,” but so far, I’ve never experienced any pain during a Pap.
You're not alone. And it's not just mammograms - prostrate exams, pap tests and preemptive care.
Apparently, in just the last 2 or so years we've reached the point where the proactive tests just aren't needed? Hmmmm. /sarc
As a radiologist I will say mammograms are shit, but its the best shit we have.
Also they serve the malpractice lawyers more than the patients. Too many false positives and false negatives look the same, but whore experts testify that a “finding”was there.
I’ve had three mammograms and they didn’t hurt. Yeah, it’s major squeezing and it feels weird but not painful.
In brief, current tests tend to have too many false positives and are too expensive and intrusive to use frequently enough to pick up the aggressive, fast growing cancers that commonly kill people. The result is both unnecessary biopsies and surgeries that remove benign masses and too many cases in which an aggressive cancer is detected too late.
The ongoing development of better blood tests for cancer will help, but a basic conundrum will remain for some time: many cancers are defeated by the immune system at an early stage and appear and then disappear from the body without notice. Attacking such cancers aggressively often means unnecessary treatments with costs, risks, and burdens that are better avoided.
Here's a simple anti-cancer measure: take at least 1,000 to 2,000 iu per day of Vitamin D3 with calcium. Numerous studies show that such a combination has potent anti-cancer effects. Sadly, the FDA is so focused on prescription drugs that it will be a long time before such a recommendation will be issued officially.
Of course it is! Who needs any life saving tests anymore?
Here's the good news. She was referred to the local Susan G. Koman foundation and they are going to pay for her surgery and follow ups starting next week. Praise the Lord.
So next time there is a local "race for the cure", ya'll can be assured at least some of the money is put to good use.
sw
Interesting! Thanks for the tip.
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