For a happier, more intimate relationship.

Women refer to it as the yearly mammogram torture, and many cite ridiculous reasons for avoiding their yearly screening. The real reason for avoidance is that they are afraid of possible negative news they don't want to face. Living in the lull of benign neglect, however, is the surest way to put yourself at risk. Managing your health responsibly should be number one if you value yourself.

Being a survivor of breast cancer, I can state with deep conviction that the yearly procedure most probably saved my life. My cancer was detected early due to regular screening. I had a lumpectomy, radiation and then was given some chemo drugs. I have been cancer free for seven years. I think of mammograms as a life ensuring gift, not a dreaded procedure.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 178,480 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and over 44% will die. For many years the Cancer Society has recommended for all women over 40 to have a yearly mammogram. Early detection is the most critical factor in treating breast cancer successfully. Widespread acceptance by women to go for yearly mammography has resulted in a 24% drop in the breast cancer death rate from l989 to 2003.

There are two kinds of mammograms. The yearly general breast exam is called a screening mammogram. Each breast is x-rayed in twice; side-to-side and top to bottom. Potential abnormalities are found in about 6 to 8% of women, requiring further evaluation such as breast ultrasound or a needle biopsy. The other is a diagnostic mammogram. These focus specifically on an area of tissue that appeared abnormal in the screening mammogram. Yet, mammography is not perfect. Sometimes the clinician may misread the film. Other false conclusions may occur because mammography is not as accurate as a newer screening technology called MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

A recent report from the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine based on a large study states that MRI detected cancers had been missed by traditional screenings in 3.1% of patients. Moreover, MRI screening can find the disease in the opposite breast better than mammography or clinical examination, specifically in newly diagnosed women with cancer in one breast. Dr. Constance D. Lehman, Professor of Radiology at the University of Washington School of Medicine and lead study author states that MRI screening could help spare women unnecessary mastectomies or other repeated treatments because MRI is more accurate than other imaging methods. Greater accuracy allows for improved decision making as to the best treatment course.

Why then wouldn't every woman choose MRI screenings? MRI procedures cost between $1,000. - $2,000. ten times the average cost of mammography, and not all medical plans cover MRI. Additionally, MRI produces a relatively high number of false positive results that lead to unnecessary biopsies. Finally, MRI is not a replacement for mammography. It does not detect calcifications, one of the very earliest signs of breast cancer. But it is strongly recommended for high-risk women with at least a 20% to 30% risk of developing the disease.

Who is at risk? Women having received chest radiation between the ages 10 and 30. Women who have a genetic mutation or have a close relative who has a key mutated gene. Also women in whose family members, mother, sisters or aunts have had breast cancer. High-risk women account for about 1% of the 65 million women above the age of 40. But every woman, high or low-risk, has the ability to protect her life by being diligent about yearly health screenings.

Jacqui

Resources to Help with elderly parents

May 2007
"The Dreaded Mammogram Could Be Your Greatest Gift"

April 2007
"Go with the Heart!"

October 2004
"Chemistry or Friendship - what's more important to start a relationship?"

September 2004
"How can I tell him about his ODOR problem and not offend him?"

August 2004
"Four Secrets That Make For Happiness!"

July 2004
"He pressures me to have sex but I'm not ready. What do I do?"

June 2004
What is Intimacy?

May 2004
Chemistry?

April 2004
She just kept spending and i didn't put my foot down

March 2004
What men would like you to know but don't dare talk about

February 2004
Overcoming the fear of loving?

January 2004
Age difference - can it work?

December 2003
The fifteen minutes love investment plan

July 2003
The fifteen minutes love investment plan

June 2003
Falling in love - the unconscious did it

May 2003
Couples and Intimacy - the Basics!

April 2003
43% of American women are sexually dysfunctional? Hype or Reality?

March 2003
How to reconnect when suddenly single at age 50,because of divorce or widowhood?

February 2003
When "if' only's" stand in the way of love.

January 2003
The Knight to solve your relationship problems is in your heart.

December 2002
How Can I get him to act?

November 2002
Winning against yourself

October 2002
Recapture health & energy

September 2002
I'm terrified of getting hurt again

August 2002
Low self-esteem, is there a way I can change?

July 2002
Stop the hurting and start the loving

June 2002
The Cat or Me?

May 2002
A female co-worker is edging in on our marriage

April 2002
He lost his job and takes it out on me.

March 2002
Turf issues: Old friends vs. a new partner.

February 2002:
If I say yes, does it mean I settle for money?

January 2002
Sign here for a happier life.

December 2001
Give each other the gift of good communication.

November 2001
Turning negative fear into positive energy.

October 2001
What's essential to make a relationship work?

September 2001
My husband say's UV rays can cause considerable eye damage.

August 2001
His jealousy is causing a lot of tension and I'm very concerned about losing him.

July 2001
How to put romance into your vacation.