Cost vs. Price...A message from CEO Dorothy Gibbons

By now most folks have heard about the recent controversy surrounding the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) proposed recommendations. It was listed as one of the top five news stories in the nation for 2009. These new recommendations advocate women putting off screening until age 50, instead of age 40, as current guidelines state. Needless to say, this announcement sent shockwaves throughout the breast health community for many reasons.

The suggestion that women should not begin routine screening until age 50 creates yet another barrier for women and raises so many questions around the value of mammography. The mixed messages being broadcast almost daily are taking a toll and negating years of public education about the importance of early detection in long-term survival. Access to quality breast health care should be a matter of concern for every woman, regardless of age, family medical history, or socioeconomic background.

Last year, 335 women were diagnosed with breast cancer by The Rose. Of those women, almost one-third, 105 were in their 40s and 37 were under 40 years old! Almost as many women who were diagnosed were under the “proposed recommended age of 50” as were over. Our statistics are clear and leave no doubt that mammography must continue to be affordable, accessible and available to women in their forties.

The debate is actually a question of “cost verses price.” Statistically justifying “cost” savings by eliminating screening is one thing, but there is no way—morally, ethically or statistically – to put a price on a woman’s life. That “price factor” has been ignored in the equations.

Mammography is still the most effective screening tool in finding cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. We also believe that breast self-examination should be part of every woman’s regular health routine. Breast self-examination is by no means meant to be substitute for a physician’s medical examination or mammogram, but if you are familiar with your body, you will be the first to notice when something isn’t quite “right.”

The bottom line is your health belongs to you! Empower yourself by learning more about your personal medical history, consider the facts and talk with your personal physician. Participate in the success of your own health by committing to a mammogram as required by your personal health, family history, or age. The recommendation you settle on will be just that – personal.