
Alexine Clement Jackson, Chair of Susan G. Komen for the Cure Board of Directors
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This is such an important dialogue. We need to continue this discussion because too many women will hear these new recommendations and will become less in tune with how important mammography is for African American women. We fully understand that they are only recommendations but for those women who already put it off as long as possible, this new information could be fatal. It's true we are more likely to die of breast cancer. I was diagnosed at 25 years old. As black women we are the population that is diagnosed YOUNGER in comparison to most other races and ethnicities! The last thing that we need to hear is that we can wait until 50 and then only get tested every other year- which is exactly what the new recommendations are. I suggest that everyone log on to komen.org and view those screening guidelines which are the ones most likely to save our lives. Take it a step further and join the Circle of Promise (circleofpromise.org)which is dedicated to spreading the word in the African American community.
I am woman who is high risk for breast cancer. My oldest (decease) sister died of breast cancer at the age of 37. My baby sister is a survivor of breast cancer at the age of 31. African American women and men are already ignorant about their health care needs, why would anyone want to submit to such garbage.Please do not stop getting your regular check ups, they are needed every year. I have been getting my mammograms since I was 29 years old, I am now 37. Along with my sisters,we have two aunts who have breast cancer, one deceased for something else. This disease is genetic in our family on our father side. Please do not take heed to this recommendation you are to important.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36 and had it not been for mammography which resulted in an early diagnosis for me, my prognosis would have likely been much worse if not grave by age 40 let alone age 50. There was no lump for me to discover this on my own..j.ust a cluster of calcifications. My fear from this new recommendation will make it more difficult for women to gain access to mammograms when there are so many women being diagnosed before the age of 40 and we know tht early detection is the key to survival.
I say, let's use this debate to propel us towards better screening tools such as breast MRI's for younger women. However, until we can get the insurance comapnies on board with that, mammography is the way to go if you're 40 or over or if you feel anything unusual that requires further investigation.
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Comments (5) | Post a comment now »
I DO NOT WANT MAMMOGRAMS!!! ASK THE QUESTION: WHY ARE WE AT RISK? Why the increase in Heart Disease, Cancer, and Diabetes with ALL the research, and technology today? Connect the dots people!!! Don't be led like lambs to slaughter. Ill Health is a MONEY MAKER. I have gotten off the "train to nowhere:" Taking loads of medication, suffering from the disease plus side effects from the medication. I have come off all medication for the last 6 months, decreased insulin intake and lost 22.lbs in 1 year. No gimmicks,just eating vegetables fruit and walking 3-6 miles at least 4 times a week. Wake up America do not be led, take the initiative and take back control of your whole life. Make sure you tell your Dr what you intend to do, they will work with you.