90 percent of Plus readers believe that breast cancer screening should be different soon than with the painful mammogram. This is apparent from the 3200 responses to the statement about this. Minister Paul Blokhuis of Public Health, with breast cancer screening in his portfolio, acknowledges the problems, but he first wants to wait for a new study.
As important as it is, breast cancer screening is no fun. Nearly 80 percent of women aged 50 to 75 can have their say about the painful mammogram, which does not always give an accurate result. Radiologists want to quickly switch to something better and less painful, but Minister Paul Blokhuis thinks it is too early and wants to have research done first. Read more about the pros and cons in the explanation of the statement.
beastly
No fewer than 3252 readers have responded and 90 percent disagree with Blokhuis. They want a change NOW and not wait for more research. Many women respond that the mammogram is indeed very painful. Women with small breasts in particular have a lot of pain when having a mammogram, according to various reactions. Some women try to arrange an ultrasound, but are told ‘no’ because the hospital cannot reimburse it. “I haven’t been going for 12 years. I thought it was beastly how this is done. Felt like a cow that needs to be milked. Very painful’, writes Leny.
Prosthesis pressed
That the mammograms are not only painful, but sometimes also dangerous is apparent from Margriet’s reaction. ‘I had a breast prosthesis crushed during a mammogram. I won’t dwell on the health and financial implications of that. Making a “business” of it is only possible if you have a big wallet. No more breast exams for me.’
Marleen has also stopped these tests: ‘I myself had breast cancer. Then get a mammogram. After my breast was blue at one point after an exam, I declined further mammography. The doctor then ordered an ultrasound. But that was a lot of hassle in the hospital. So then I didn’t go anymore.’
paracetamol
And so more women are writing about pain, blisters and even bleeding after a mammogram. A small bright spot: Antonia has a tip. ‘I take two paracetamol about an hour before the examination. Saves a lot of pain. Got this tip from my mama-care nurse.’
Finally, a frequently mentioned reaction is the ‘testicle equation’. In other words, if the same method was used to detect testicular or penile cancer, the method would have been replaced in no time. A combative comment that adds fuel to the fire. But that oil is allowed on the fire, according to the radiologists. This article in Plus Magazine tells you more about the efforts of the radiologists to arrange better breast cancer screening.
