From my inbox:
You’ve no doubt heard the news this week about the new recommendations concerning mammography screening.
While this shows that there is disagreement among experts about when mammograms should begin and on what schedule, all agree that mammograms save lives – in women over 50 and women in their 40s.
Sign our petition and help us ensure that all women have access to this life-saving screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force’s recommendations could significantly change breast cancer screening approaches. And while these recommendations are not binding, they are often consulted by health care providers and insurance companies. Most breast cancer experts agree far more than they disagree. One thing that the evidence clearly shows is that mammography reduces the risk of dying from breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® continues to recommend annual mammography beginning at age 40 for women of average risk and earlier for women with known risks for breast cancer. Mammography is not perfect, but until we can develop more precise screening methods and can more accurately predict which women are at risk for breast cancer it is still our best tool for early detection. Please sign our petition and help make sure there are no barriers for women to get the mammograms they need.
While controversies like this one make for good headlines, we must not lose sight of the fact that one third of all women who should get a mammogram don’t, because they lack access, education or awareness. This is an issue that needs our focus and attention. If we make progress with screening in vulnerable populations, we will continue to make progress in the fight against breast cancer.
The Komen Advocacy Alliance will continue to advocate for women in this country and will push to ensure that all women have access to mammography. Sign our petition today >> Thanks for your support on this urgent issue.Sincerely,
Lucy McGuire
President, Northern Nevada Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Posted by Tracey on November 21, 2009 at 11:03 pm
Signed.
Posted by bluelyon on November 22, 2009 at 5:19 am
Thanks.
Posted by Vickie Rock on November 22, 2009 at 8:23 am
Ah … there’s no “could” about it if the Senate’s health care reform bill is the prevailing bill post conference. Take a read through the bill on pages 1189-1190. The HHS Secretary would be prohibited from paying for services not approved by the US Preventive Task Force with a grade of A, B, C or I (whatever that means)! Here’s a link to my latest post on this subject: http://vickierock.blogspot.com/2009/11/and-it-gets-worse.html
Posted by Dene Nelson on November 22, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Want to sign the petition but can’t find it?
Posted by bluelyon on November 22, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Click on any of three links in the post, then look in the right side bar of the page you are taken to.