Alternatives to Mammograms for Women Under 50?

Anonymous

We have long known that Mammograms are not a particularly effective screening method for younger women who are likely to have denser breast tissue. 

If the government is changing the guidelines for when routine mammograms should start, what are they suggesting as an alternate screening method for younger women?  Are they encouraging ultrasounds or thermographs or some other screening method as a better, more effective alternative for younger women? 

If the plan is to just hope that any cancer doesn't spread before you turn 50 they need to come up with a better plan. 

AnnNYC

I agree, too. 

Also, Madalyn, I checked out some of those links you provided to other guidelines of this Task Force -- 90% of the ones I glanced at said, as you noted, "not evidence exists for the committee to make a recommendation."  The Task Force, to me, seems like a lot of bureaucratic dead weight... 

PS73

..I was a little dissapointed that they didn't mention ultra sounds during the mammos.

- thermography (do a search on it, loads of info on this forum). Gamma Imaging as well (not a lot of info though) and requires radioactive isotope injection but supposedly good.  Pricetag of avg. $1200.00 though.

-also that guy on the ABC interview mentioned that its per state, is that right? 

dogsaver

from what i gather, they are saying that women under 50 are not at risk and that insurance companies and medicare should not have to waste costs. this is a blow to all of us. if they arent going to approve mammograms they certainly will not approve ultrasounds or MRIs until something suspicious is found. i believe ultrasounds should be performed on women with dense tissue. but they will not know this without a mammo. this is similar to the bill government tried to pass that would not allow women who have mastectomies to have a hospital stay stating that a family member can be an adequate caregiver. This basically is discrediting all women and all breast cancer patients. most i know currently were diagnosed under 50, including me. and those who were diagnosed after 50 had a mammo from their 40s to use as a baseline. we all need to stand together on this. this is a dangerous proposal

elimar86861

",,,what are they suggesting as an alternate screening method for younger women?"

There's no alternative being suggested, and the SBE is even being discouraged.  The Task Force wants to take away a less-than-perfect something and leave young women with nothing. It's criminal.

flfish

We need to pay more attention to BSGI's.  (Breast specific gamma imaging).  This is new technology that works GREAT for younger women with dense breasts.  I just had one done.  They have less radiation that traditional mammograms, AND are 20% of the cost of an MRI.  THIS is what we need to focus on.  Not stopping screening, changing to more effective screening. 

Mantra

Flfish - I'll also be having my BSGI in Naples. I live in Florida in the winter and BSGI is not available in Canada.