Fewer Mammograms Being Done

This article discusses the costs and benefits of annual mammogram screenings of women in their 40s. Studies have shown that fewer women are getting annual mammograms after a report in 2009 said mammograms for these women are not absolutely necessary. This has led to a decrease in the number of women receiving mammograms. There are plenty of arguments from both sides about the necessity of these mammograms, but there is no doubt that the rate of younger women receiving them has decreased dramatically over the past couple of years.

I believe the media and other outlets played an important role in the effect this report had on the population. The report in 2009 said that women should discuss the benefits of screening with their doctor, but in the media, it was portrayed that it is totally unnecessary for women in their 40s to be screened annually. While it may be true that as a whole women do not need to be annually screened this young, it is important to note the effect of the media on our views and beliefs about certain topics. Too often, the media is our source of information that shapes our opinions instead of researching and looking into the topic for ourselves.

Another important issue to consider is the effectiveness of mammograms of younger women. The article says that out of all the biopsies done on women in their 40s at an Ohio hospital, 15% turned out to be cancerous. In public health, it is important for the correct information to be distributed and the article addresses this fact as well. It states that even though the number of mammograms being done has decreased, doctors are now discussing the benefits and risks instead of just recommending mammograms for all women. This is a positive step because universal testing does not always make sense, and giving women the correct information and allowing them to make their own, well informed decision is important.

Topics like this always make me interested in what is the best course of action in these situations. Annual screening of all younger women would undoubtedly save some lives that are lost if they are not tested and the cancer is not caught soon enough. How do medical professionals and public health officials make these decisions about at what point saving the few lives is worth the cost? Overall though, I think doctors discussing issues such as this with their patients and allowing them to make an informed decision is a positive step.