Re: early Christmas present--10 yr overall & bc specific survival results just publis
 

Thanks for the helpful explanation about resistance, to keep all things in perspective.

Re: early Christmas present--10 yr overall & bc specific survival results just publis
 

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.

Re: early Christmas present--10 yr overall & bc specific survival results just publis
 

Re: early Christmas present--10 yr overall & bc specific survival results just publis
 

Hi Debbie,
I read the study again.

one over-diagnosed breast cancer for every 424 women who received mammography screening in the trial. Debbie is that considered a high number? I don't know, as I consider that a fair amount for error.

Cancers detected in the mammography arm were significantly smaller than cancers detected in the control arm (1.9 cm v 2.1), and the 25 year survival of women with breast cancer diagnosed in the mammography arm was superior to that of the women with a diagnosis in the control arm (70.6% v 62.8%).

The difference in mortality associated with tumours less than 2 cm compared with larger tumours is substantial.

Women with non-palpable breast cancer detected by mammography experience long term survival that is superior to that of women with palpable breast cancer.

The above was taken from the study.
Early detection does change the stats.
Do you think that a recent study of data will show a marked difference (her2) since early stage are being treated verses prior to the FDA approval? Also better treatments with early detection since 1980/1985?

Pertaining to exposure of radiation: recommendations to have an annual mammogram every year beginning at age 40. While there's no question that radiation exposure increases the risk of breast cancer, the risk is highest when exposure occurs at a relatively young age. For example, young girls treated with radiation for Hodgkin's disease have a very high risk of breast cancer; up to 50 percent develop it later in life. The older you are when you begin to have mammograms, the smaller the chance that the radiation exposure will contribute to breast cancer. If you begin screening when you're over 50, radiation exposure from mammograms is highly unlikely to increase your risk of breast cancer later in life.
At the end of the day each women has to be educated and informed so they can make the very best health choices that they are comfortable with.

Re: early Christmas present--10 yr overall & bc specific survival results just publis
 

Coming up on 11 years after my HER2 journey in 2004 !! Goodness, do count me in being thankful for Herceptin. Had to FIGHT to get approval in those early years and the first to insist that HER2 levels be done with all that blood work. We have come a long way !! Blessed for sure with power of faith, strong family support, doc who listens, medical research, and for sure.....this HER2 board. Every opinion, every discussion, every thought, every hug. Every single one of you.....THANKS !!