The Breast Cancer Firestorm

"Women in their 40s should not get routine mammograms

for early detection of breast cancer, according to updated
guidelines set forth by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force."
(CNN)

Did you hear about THIS yet? I've been reading everything I can get my hands on, and also watching every available discussion on t.v. Why? Because my Mom was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer at 43. If she had waited until she was 50 to have a mammogram she would be dead (and then who would I drink margaritas with?)

"The task force is composed of 16 health care experts, none of whom are oncologists."
(CNN)

I'm sorry, you say that none of the experts are oncologists? So, none of them have had to sit in a sterile room while they explain to a woman,her new husband, and daughter that she may die. That chemotherapy, radiation, wigs, throwing up, pain, shots in the leg, hospital beds, would all become daily routine soon. These so called experts spent months looking at charts and graphs and numbers. They studied statistics and cost. They found that 1 in 1900 lives was saved with preventative mammograms. And that one life wasn't enough.

My Mom is that one life.

"...some doctors say the language isn't clear and the
confusion may turn women away from being screened at all."
(CNN)

And how many lives will be lost because women fear their insurance companies won't pay for their routine screening (even though, the current word is that routine mammograms will still be covered for those women who elect to have them). The wording of the finding is obtuse. It is confusing for women. It makes something that is already scary, that much more intimidating. Because as we sit there in that ill fitting paper gown on that table waiting for the doorknob to turn we will question everything. We don't want to bother. Or be complainers. We don't want to be labeled difficult or worried. We just want to be ok. Because after all....

"Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women
in the United States. This year, nearly 200,000 women will
be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, according to the
American Cancer Society."
(CNN)

So what is the answer? I say to fight. To fight for the right to party. No, wait, wrong topic.
The answer is to demand healthcare. Screw this idiot panel. Screw the new guidelines.

Margaritas Mom?