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My Turn, Your Turn: Your turn on mammogram guidelines

By Gary McNair - bio|email

We got several emails on one topic this week, and I hadn’t even done commentary on the issue.

Clearly the new guidelines suggesting that women should put off getting their first mammogram until the age of 50 has gotten a lot of attention.

Herb wrote:

This is not in the best interest of the American people. I am not a physician, but I am the father of four daughters in their forties and we have to come to grips with this situation.  If even one young life can be saved, then at least a baseline mammogram at age forty is well worth it.

And Don wrote: 

I have two different cases of breast cancer in my family; the ages were 44 and 47 when the cancer was detected.  One of those cases was my wife. Her cancer was discovered at the age of 47 through a mammogram.  It was caught so early, and even though she had a mastectomy, she did not have to undergo chemo or radiation. As of this date she is cancer free.  I just thought that part of preventive medicine… was to prevent???

That’s your turn on the new guidelines.  I’m sure the reactions will continue for quite some time.  To comment on this segment, or anything else, email me at yourturn@wect.com.   

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