[Jean]

There are so many more factors to consider.
*did the patient take Hormone therapy.
*Age
*Did the patient take birth control pills
*To get an accurate reading you need a high quality image and an experienced tech who can read the image. Experience matters.
*Susan G. Komad sites states 78% of breast cancer are correctly identified
* Susan G. Koman sties that 83% of breast cancers are correctly identified for women over 50 years of age.
* Dense Breasts
*Family History
*Race
*Proliferation lesions without atypical increase risk 1½ to 2 times normal. Proliferation lesions with atypical (i.e., ADH, ALH) increase a woman's risk by 3½ to 5 times.
*Reproductive history
*Radiation therapy to the chest when young:
*Weight
*Alcohol
*Physical activity
*Diet
*Breastfeeding

There are many factors that have to addressed when making decisions. It is extremely complex, not jut one issue.

When the journal was published that Debbie posted I would like to know if they categorized all these factors.

I cannot discount the value of the mammogram exam.
I believe it is a choice of health care and to say not to have it is a strong statement. I think as women we should take into account all the health issues the individual person is facing.


We live in a radioactive world - humans always have. Radiation is part of our natural environment. (not satisfied with that but it is the truth) We are exposed to radiation from materials in the earth itself, from naturally occurring radon in the air, from outer space, and from inside our own bodies (as a result of the food and water we consume). This radiation is measured in units called millirems (mrems).
The average dose per person from all sources is about 620 mrems per year.

Mamorgrams is 42 Mrem. (that number is from the American Nuclear Society.)

Probably the best way to decide when you should begin having mammograms is to discuss your personal risk factors for breast cancer with your physician.