Is the Future of the Mammogram in Jeopardy? (Billings Gazette, via AlterNet)

Is the Future of the Mammogram in Jeopardy?

By Diane Cochran, The Billings Gazette. Posted June 6, 2007.



Mammograms are an important tool for detecting breast cancer, but they're far from foolproof. An increasing fear of lawsuits means fewer radiologists are willing to read the tests.

Reprinted with permission from The Billings (Montana) Gazette.

Searching for a snowman in a blizzard. Spotting a star on a cloudy night.

That's how radiologists describe looking for cancer on a mammogram.

It's white on white -- white tumors on white breast tissue -- and it can be very difficult to see, even for the most experienced eye.

Mammography is arguably the most difficult thing radiologists do, but it is also one of radiology's most common and most important practices.

"This saves more lives than anything else we do," said Dr. Joseph Dillard, a radiologist with Eastern Radiological Associates in Billings.

Even so, Dillard and hundreds of other radiologists across the country have begun refusing to read mammograms, a trend some say could eventually limit women's access to the cancer screening tests. ......(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/53228/

20% of breast cancers can not be found with a mammogram -- I've had 6 or 7 in the last 15 years and NO ONE has EVER mentioned that statistic. I've even done some research on breast cancers and when they mention mammograms, they never mention that statistic.

Yes, I've been told to go every year, but I refuse because my gut instinct tells me that the x-rays they use can trigger some cancers, and it freaks me out if I go more often. The last 2 visits (2005 and 2007), they actually wanted me to come back in 6 months for a re-check, because there MIGHT be something that needs further checking and looking into.

After reading this article, I feel way more confident in my position.

If they weren't using x-rays and causing such "discomfort" (I call it pain) that lasts for 3 days, I might consider following their recommendations. Until then, I'm going every 2-3 years.

such as mammograms and OB/GYNs?