Physicians’ community speaks up, against new recommendations

We, as physicians and experts in breast cancer, agree with the long-standing recommendations of the American Cancer Society for screening mammography, beginning with annual exams at age 40 [“Cutting through cancer confusion,” page one, Nov. 22]. We disagree with the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recent change in guidelines.

We fear that this will discourage women from having mammograms and result in unnecessary deaths from breast cancer.

We believe their flawed analysis of old data underestimates the number of lives saved by mammography. Furthermore, modern digital technology has improved cancer detection in this age group. Even if one accepts a mortality reduction of 15 percent put forth by the USPSTF (rather than 30-40 percent as has been shown in multiple randomized controlled trials), we feel those lives are worth saving.

They estimate 1,904 women in their 40s must be screened to save one life, which they find unacceptable. For women in their 50s, 1,339 women must be screened, and they deem this acceptable.

We agree with the American Cancer Society that the lifesaving benefits of screening outweigh any potential harms.

At least 40 percent of years of life saved by mammogram screenings are of women between the ages of 40 and 49.

We feel that all lives saved are important, at any age.

— Katherine E. Dee, MD, on behalf of many members of the local physicians community

I know my life was worth it

Thank you for Lynne K. Varner’s excellent column on mammograms [“Mammograms: a second opinion,” Opinion, Nov. 18]. I loved the question, “Of the lives saved by mammograms, which ones weren’t worth the effort?”

I was 60 when my tumor was found in January of 2003. It was very deep, and would have had to grow significantly (and potentially spread) before I would have found it via self exam. If I had waited a second year for a mammogram, it could have also been much more advanced.

As it was, the size was borderline and chemo was an option to add to the surgery and radiation. My oncologist and surgeon encouraged me to go for it, since I was “young” and otherwise healthy. I agreed, and knew I could handle the treatments.

By July 23 I had completed all three phases of treatment, and on July 30 I was on the boat at Chelan headed for Holden Village, my favorite mountain retreat, to heal my spirit.

I have now been cancer-free for more than six years, and no longer have to take medication. I live a very active life with friends and family, volunteer work and some travel. I still walk three miles a day, six days a week rain or shine.

Of course, I think I was worth it. Thanks for sounding the message loud and clear.

— Linda K. Jensen, Lynnwood