Mammograms: A Necessary Evil or an Unjust Burden?
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Chapter 1: A Personal Journey with Mammograms
In 1983, during my high school junior year, we were tasked with giving a "how-to" speech. I decided to showcase making cookies using pre-made dough from a tube, which I thought was rather humorous. My demonstration took a comedic twist as I impersonated Julia Child, jokingly lamenting the decline of genuine cooking while adding a ridiculous injury for flair. This was a nod to my long-standing fascination with Child.
Recently, I stumbled upon the 2021 documentary "Julia," which beautifully chronicles Child's life. It’s a captivating watch for anyone who has faced challenges in their creative endeavors. Interestingly, Child endured nine years of setbacks before finally publishing her first cookbook—a fact I was unaware of until now. The film also delves deeper into her marriage and the battle with cancer that took her left breast, perhaps resonating with me more now that I’ve recently discovered something concerning in my own left breast.
The Complexity of Breast Identity
When I think about my own body, I don’t typically refer to them as breasts; to me, they’re more like "tits." They’re perky and firm, akin to a military haircut. A former partner once inquired if I’d thought about breast augmentation, leaving me momentarily puzzled until I understood what he meant.
I laughed, not out of disdain for surgery, but because I had so many other priorities for that money. Thus, I simply replied, “No.” My personal decisions regarding my body have shaped my life, but my "tits" have generally not hindered me in significant ways until I reached the age where mammograms became a norm.
The Age of Mammography
From age 40 onward, women are advised to have annual mammograms—though this recommendation has evolved over time. Like many women, I possess dense breast tissue, which complicates the process. Since I turned 40, I've found myself having to endure uncomfortable procedures, only to receive vague results like "inconclusive" or "abnormal," all while being told to return for further screenings—often at an additional cost.
In the U.S., around 40 million mammograms are performed each year, which translates to roughly 160,000 daily. If you're unfamiliar with the mammography machine, it's a rather daunting device:
Each breast is compressed between two plates, and while you're asked to hold your breath, radiation is directed through them. The University of Chicago has developed a supposedly more comfortable machine, but I remain skeptical. The goal appears to be flattening the breast for improved imaging, which doesn't seem to cater to those with smaller sizes.
About ten percent of women are called back for secondary screening. In my experience, I’ve rarely escaped without additional tests.
The Confusing Landscape of Breast Health
After my initial mammogram, I pondered why ultrasounds weren't the first step, especially since they can often provide clearer images. While mammograms are better at spotting precancerous changes, ultrasounds can detect tumors in dense tissue that may be missed by mammography.
It’s baffling that while we can send rockets to space, finding a reliable way to screen breasts remains a challenge. Imagine if men were subjected to similar discomfort yearly; it’s frustrating that insurance covers certain male-related treatments but not the complications of breast screenings.
Despite my grumbling, I still receive reminders from my insurance to schedule annual exams, although the guidelines for mammograms keep shifting—from annual screenings starting at 40, to biennial screenings after 50, and now a mix of both.
When I received a call for additional testing, I felt a familiar anxiety. Despite no lumps or discomfort, it led to a costly follow-up procedure and another recommendation for a biopsy, further adding to my medical bills. Fortunately, the results were benign, but I am left questioning the sustainability of such practices.
The video titled "Good-bye Mammograms: Why I stopped torturing my breasts, body, and mind | Felice Gersh, MD" delves into the complexities and alternatives to traditional mammography, providing insights into this pressing issue.