Saying No to Mammograms by Gaea Powell

Are Mammograms worth the risk for repeated Radiation that causes cancer and compression that can spread cancer if present? Also, millions of women have been over diagnosed and treated for cancer they didn't have or that would not have interfered with their living of life.

There are many studies quoted in A Breast Expose and here is a new one from JAMA:

Some women are told the "have to" have a mammogram. That is simply not true and is a fear mongering tactic. You have the legal and civil "right" to refuse any medical treatment or screening as well as utilize other options, like a Thermogram (physiological test) or an ultrasound, particularly if you feel a lump. Neither of these tests cause or spread cancer.

Mammograms, Thermograms, Ultrasounds, MRI, PET...screenings do not "diagnose" any disease - you would need a biopsy (which will spread cancer) or a blood test to confirm if a cancer is present.

[leeann]

After severe bruising of my chest and having a mamo with dense breasts, I stopped mammograms on my own. I refuse them when my doc suggests one. My last was age 44. I am now 61. I treat my body as my friend, ecause it is in fact my closest and best friend. It holds my soul and both need my care...not an outsider who gets $ incentives in order to buy their next boat.

[deRose]

I had it done yesterday and it was TORTURE. During the procedure I cried and prayed and counted each second till it would be over. The pain was excruciating like they put my breasts into a meat grinder. I have small dense breasts and maybe that is the reason of so much pain. After this was over, I was shaking from stress and walked out of the room in tears. The technician was very irritated and rough which wasn't helpful at all. She kept yelling out loud: "stop breathing" in an angry manner. She didn't care that I was in pain and only said: "you are super sensitive". The breasts were very sore for the rest of the day and are still somewhat sore today. This was a very traumatizing experience and I pray that the compression didn't cause any tissue damage.

[ShelleySorenson]

That is what I have done. My mom found a lump. She had a mammogram done. They said everything was fine. My mom said, "What about the lump?" The mammogram didn't catch the lump because it was too high. Doctors said it was cancerous. They did a lumpectomy and radiation, but it came back. Then they did a masectomy and radiation. 15 years later she died from cancer from the radiation therapy. What about women who have radiation therapy for cancers that would never have grown? No one tells them that radiation therapy can cause cancer and death in 15 years. Worse, in some women, it goes from their breast up to their face. Eats away their face. Who wants that? For a cancer that may never have spread in the first place.

[conservativeamerican]

A neighbor felt a small lump, went to NJ Cancer Institute - their opinion she needs a biopsy that will remove 1/2 her breast. Got opinion # 2 at a different group, Dr said she needs to do a biopsy by removing 1/4 of her breast in affected area. She got opinion from Dr #3 who stated she will do a biopsy via aspiration - a needle goes to the lump and she aspirates cells - in office NON-SURGICAL and can go to work same day. THE RESULT: BENIGN. MORAL OF THE STORY - THE TRUTH THE FACTS: GET SEOND OPINIONS ON DIAGNOSIS AND PROCEDURES TO DIAGNOS--GET THE TRUE FACTS OF BEST PROCEDURE TO DIAGNOS AND TREAT - KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ON THE BEST TESTING METHODS.

[MsBiggles]

I am constantly being hounded by Breast Screen SA because I've decided (at 71) not to have any more mammograms. They email, phone and text constantly, which tells me this is about money, and not my health. I've studied the risks and benefits and won't have any more.

[TeriLaFaye]

"Be your own health care advocate and Be Well." words to live by indeed. Thank you for posting this. I agree 100 %

[mademsoisellerhapsody]

Thank you for speaking out, Gaea. I agree with you and also decline. You are not alone. ❤

[marie]

Thank-you for sharing this very personal, and critical information. I know breast cancer is a very sensitive topic. I personally have not been directly affected by this disease, however I know people who have, and I know it is very disheartening. Thank-you for making me aware of the medical industry and it's deceptions, after all, people have a right to know what's really going on. This message has been a light for me, and I will do an intensive research on Mammography, and the information I find out, I will also make known. Once again Thank-you.

[lottiecaldwell]

I'm 58 and never had a mammogram. I remember my mother coming home crying in pain and bleeding through her nipple for days. It just feels counterintuitive to me. Maybe I'll regret it, who knows, but that's my choice. Here in the UK my doctor doesn't seem to care and never mentions it.

[lauram]

This is the most painful thing I’ve had experience in my life!! I ended up crying and my boobs hurt so much, even the days after! 😭😭😭😭

[marcysikes]

Thank you for this information! I have thought that putting my breasts under such pressure could do harm even without the radiation. During a routine mammogram a tiny spot was found. It may just be scar tissue. I am having a biopsy tomorrow. Update: it was cancer. After a MRI cancer was found in the other breast. Now I am 3 weeks post bilateral mastectomy. I still wonder if mammograms cause damage to the breast tissue. However I must say I am thankful for routine mammogram’s that led to the discovery of early stage cancer. Maybe someday there will be a better way to detect cancer at an early stage without the pain! For now I have to be thankful. Waiting for results from OconatypeDX test to determine if I should have Chemo. Your life can change so quickly! Thankful for prayers and the many kindnesses shown to me since this journey began.

[Barbara-jqse]

I have an older sister who is pushing it on me too! She’s had hers & said that something was found in her breast tissue in her early 20s & left it til just recently when she was told there’s something looking suspicious & took out a biopsy of her breast tissue to see if there’s any breast cancer. But she won’t listen to me saying I’m not getting my tender breast tissue squashed like a pancake! She gave me a “weird look” as though I’m choosing to possibly get cancer vs. making sure there’s no cancer lumps even starting to grow. Plus she’s telling me I need to get a colonoscopy to check for any polyps inside my lower intestine & anywhere they might be growing, & have anything removed before it starts growing! Ugh 😣! I used to until I was told how unhealthy it really is to do this to your precious breast tissue(s). Based on this I’m told I’m listening to those who are “conspiracy theorist.” I’m tired of this…I told her it’s something when she wants me to do this or that…But puts down my thoughts about a throughout cleaning via a Master Cleanse, she knocked that…🤷‍♀️Just because she’s been a nurse for decades & has seen numerous people who have found themselves in real trouble with cancer eventually & then died from it! What’s a younger sister to do/say?!?!

[anndempsey]

I am one of the women who have been overtreated by mastectomy I only found this out when I got my hospital notes

[rachelr]

I want to say no my biopsy as well. I think these can also open up another can of worms.😢 Any advice?

[sisunit]

I pray for a time when we cannot even imagine that this barbaric and sadistic torture was inflicted upon women. I have refused them for twenty years now.

[CaricatureQueen]

Thank you for your insights and considered opinion.

[MJ]

"Be your OWN Healthcare advocate and be WELL" ❤❤❤❤

[ginakeveryn]

I have been deprived my prempro because I refused a mammogram. I'm 66 and now they are forcing me to come in every year for an annual to get my medication.

[tankhajj]

I just turned 40 and my doctor has ordered mammogrm for me. I am skeptical and scared. Definitely not getting it done asap.

[GaeaPowell]

Hi Brandi, If I wanted to utilize an anatomical screening, yes an ultrasound would be an option to determine if a lump is fluid filled cyst or dense object. I prefer to follow Dr. V (Veronique Desauliners) advice and utilize a liquid biopsy (blood test). She recommends IvyGene.com (there are a few options). Obviously, I am not a doctor and all should do their own research and partner with a practitioner who respects your personal values and decisions. I feel taking electronic notes (recording your appointments - doctors should welcome that as you are the paying client) at all medical appointments is a good practice. Watching the preview of my film, A Breast Expose' The Breast Kept Secret may be helpful. All the best.