Cervical Exams and Breast Exams — Is Being Female A Pre-existing Condition?
photo credit: Ramona.Forcella
A few years ago, it was recommended by so-called experts that women could dispense with their monthly breast self-exams, as few cancers were found that way anyway. What?? Not long before that, statistics showed that most breast lumps were discovered by women themselves, often in the shower! And every single breast cancer survivor I know, and yes, those who did not survive, did indeed discover the original lump themselves.
Two days ago, more so-called experts recommended dumping the idea of yearly mammograms for all women, and recommended that women under 40 need not get them at all. The reasons for the recommendation? To spare women the “minimal” pain of the mammogram itself, to prevent false positives and resultant needless biopsies. And the lamest excuse of all? To prevent the women “worry” as they waited for test results. Have these same experts checked the statistics lately of how many women under 40 do indeed contract breast cancer? The most recent news making case was the breast cancer discovered in a girl 10 years old.
They should probably also check statistics say, over a 10 year period, of how many women’s lives were saved, including those under 40, by early detection of cancerous tumors…by mammogram.
Today, another announcement by “experts” regarding women and cancer: no one under 21 needs to be checked for cervical cancer. After 21 years of age, once yearly will do. After age 30, only once every two years.
I would love to tell them of how many teens I personally know, or know of, who’ve successfully survived treatment of survical cancers caught early…when said women were in their teens.
Another alarming fact: most tests and studies done on heart disease are done on men, even though heart disease is also the number one killer of women.
How convenient that as we come closer to adopting huge changes regarding drug and insurance companies and over hauling the current and long-standing health care system, that these recommendations are coming day to day.
What is really at the heart of the matter? Surely not the flimsy reasons given, but rather, as almost any American, male or female could tell you…money. Money is at the heart of too many matters, including those which can save or cost lives. Who can put a price on even one life?
Is being a female a “pre-existing condition?” I read that not long ago in a news article. I’m leaning toward answering: yes!
What is your take?
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