(Community Matters) – This NYT article about the mammogram recommendation controversy is illuminating. I’m immediately struck by wanting to know, what cancers are best left unfound and why? They call it overdiagnosis and say women “are treated with measures like chemo, radiation & surgery for tumors that do not need treating.” I get this (ie., understand it) just a wee bit as I help a friend in his decision making about his slow-growth lymphoma. After aggressive treatment for the combination fast & slow growth lymphoma last year, we’ve decided on a wait & see approach to the resurfacing of slow-growth lymphoma this year – an opinion supported by the best lymphoma specialists at MD Anderson
Women and all involved in breast cancer services should read and understand the science behind the earlier recommendations. It is irresponsible to dismiss the recommendations without understanding the science behind them. And, the recommendations specifically excluded high risk groups. I am not endorsing the recommendations, simply suggesting those engaged understand the explanations.
Community Matters 