YOU ARE LUCKY IF YOU WERE DIAGNOSED IN THE U.S.
Last month in my blog entitled “Are The Advantages of Screenings Mammograms Exaggerated,” posted on 10/23/2009, I discussed the news from the Chief Medical Officer for the American Cancer Society stating that the benefits of screening mammograms were “overstated.” As I stated previously, after reading Mr. Brawley’s statement, I experienced a wide variety of thoughts and emotions. I definitely did not agree with the report, I felt that the wrong message is being sent to women regarding the benefits of screening mammography, and I am disturbed that this information even was reported to the public. Though my response in my previous blog mainly dealt with my feelings on an emotional level, there is hard data and facts to support those feelings.
The truth is, research and statistics support the vital importance of screening mammography. Statistics from the National Bureau of Economic Research show that a woman diagnosed with breast cancer in the US has a 90% chance of surviving it. In Europe, a woman’s chance of survival is below 80% on average. And these statistics represent women overall – insured and non-insured. Isn’t that great!
Now – ask yourself – why would a woman fare better when diagnosed with breast cancer in the US than in other countries? Well, the National Bureau statistics show that the two main reasons are that in the US breast cancer is diagnosed earlier and treated more aggressively. Being diagnosed earlier is therefore a significant benefit of screening mammography. Once the diagnosis is made, aggressive treatment options can begin. This results in fewer women dying from breast cancer. The National Bureau research findings also showed that from 1985 to 2005, death rates from breast cancer have declined faster in the U.S. than anywhere else.
Remember: Early Detection Saves Lives! And there is no overstatement in that!
