DEAR ABBY: Recently you printed a letter from a survivor of breast cancer whose tumor was not detected by mammography. She urged all women to do a breast self-examination (BSE) once a month and not to rely too heavily on mammography. I'm concerned that her comments may discourage some women from having mammograms.
Health professionals agree that BSE is a prudent practice, but women should not rely on it alone. Scientific studies have not shown that BSE is an effective method of reducing a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer.
While it is not foolproof, mammography is the only breast cancer early detection tool scientifically proven to save lives. The secretary of health and human services, the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society ALL recommend routine mammograms for women age 40 and older.
The truth is, getting a mammogram regularly can save a woman's life. For a woman 40 or older, routine mammography can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 20 to 30 percent. However, mammography may be less effective for younger women, perhaps because their breast tissue is more dense.
Free or low-cost mammograms are available year-round through all 50 state health departments for women who meet age and income requirements. Readers should contact their state health departments to find out whether they meet those requirements.
Abby, thanks for your help in spreading the word about the importance of mammography. Your encouragement may help save lives. -- STEPHEN W. WYATT, DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF CANCER PREVENTION AND CONTROL, CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, ATLANTA
DEAR DR. WYATT: Thank you for taking the time to reinforce this important message. Readers, when I endorsed breast self-examination, it was with the intention that it be used in addition to (not instead of) an annual mammogram.