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April 24, 2006
Many Cancer Survivors Stop Mammographies
More than a third of breast cancer survivors gradually stop getting annual mammographies, according to a new study. The results may indicate women grow complacent about medical screening once they get past the medical scare, said the study's lead author, Dr. Chyke Doubeni of the University of Massachusetts. Others said it's more likely survivors avoid screenings because they dread a recurrence of the cancer and additional treatment.
"They're fearful something's going to be found," said Dr. Kathryn Edmiston, a Worcester, Mass., oncologist who specializes in breast cancer patients. The reality is that 2.3 million U.S. women that have been treated for breast cancer, and they are considered to be at three times the risk for tumors in the other, unaffected breast than women with no such medical history.
The facts are what they are, but these findings are disconcerting. If a recurrence is detected, survival rates will often depend on how soon the patient seeks medical attention. As we are trying to help the world realize -- survival can depend not on if you see a doctor but rather when. How do you minimize "the fear" that is preventing patients from being proactive about their health? It is not easy, but recognizing that you are not alone and that 10 million other Americans are dealing with this, and surviving, will help. Survivors must be proactive -- make your scheduled follow-up appointments, be self-aware of your symptoms and your condition. Be courageous. If you are fearful, fight hard to be stong... you can be the change we want to see in others...
Educate yourself:
For more information on breast cancer please visit:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/breast
To connect with millions of other cancer survivors please visit:
The Lance Armstrong Foundation
To share your story with others please visit:
http://shareyourstory.livestrong.org - "Share your story, unity is strength"
Posted by chooseto at 04:28 PM | Comments (0)