Being manipulated by the Administration

Message 104 of 3567

After decades of being told that we should have mammograms and psa tests every year, the American Cancer Society has now said we should only get them done every three years. The explanation is that we may be catching minor Cancers instead of big Cancers. How do we know whether a small Cancer in the breast or prostate or somewhere else isn't going to turn into a big Cancer quickly. I have a friend who gets a physical every year. His PSA test was 0.01 one year and 7.0 the next year.

I think a better explanation is that the ACS at the behest of the Administration is trying to cut back on the cost of these tests every year. Mammograms are $489; PSA tests are about $900.00. If they are going to cut back on Medicare benefits, this would go a long way to cut costs. Forget about Death Panels, this is the old HMO practice of not covering testing.

posted by pattiwatt

Replies 1 - 10 of 12

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So you're saying that the Cancer Society is a crony of the Federal Government? Did they by any chance mention what age group they were talking about? I would think the Cancer Society's main goal in life would be to prevent cancer or at least early detection! Sounds like a crock to me, but I will look into it!

posted by loko
about 1 month ago

ACS recommends that women in their 20s and 30s get tested every 3 years. Women 40 and older should be tested yearly.

posted by loko
about 1 month ago

Wow, thanks for clearing that up Loko. Misinformation can also be a detriment to our health.

posted by no1bookmark
about 1 month ago

I haven't had a mammogram in 14 years. And don't intend to. Subjecting to annual radiation I don't think is the brightest. Further, they are not the most accurate tests I have read. There are more accurate, less barbaric tests that detect smaller cancers that a mammogram won't and and I'll opt for those over a mammogram any day.

Besides, the cost of a mammogram is more than I think it should be, anyway. With a public option I bet they'll bring it down.

posted by GothamGal
about 1 month ago

Where are mammograms $489? The hospital I worked at charged less than $100 for one. Perhaps the issue should be those that are overcharging.

posted by mshadow22
about 1 month ago

GothamGal Replied:

I haven't had a mammogram in 14 years. And don't intend to. Subjecting to annual radiation I don't think is the brightest. Further, they are not the most accurate tests I have read. There are more accurate, less barbaric tests that detect smaller cancers that a mammogram won't and and I'll opt for those over a mammogram any day.

Besides, the cost of a mammogram is more than I think it should be, anyway. With a public option I bet they'll bring it down.

I AGREE WITH YOU 100% At this time of my life I am NOT going to bother with these procedures....I wouldn't even consider any kind of treatment..........I have had 2 "screw ups" with doctors not to mention what KIND of treatment I can have so says HMO. They can Stick their Health Care where the sun don't shine! Just thinking about the So called health care system makes me want to vomit!

posted by HOMETOWNGIRL
about 1 month ago

I am aware of the once a year suggestion on the ACS website. This new guideline came out two days ago. I am suggesting that arrangements happen among people who we wouldn't think would have them. For instance, remember AARP, Plan D Medicare plan and the donut hole. It was thought to be better to have something for seniors and meds rather than no insurance at all. If one payor health insurance is passed, there would be more coverage for people, at least until the s**t hits the fan and the cost starts to explode. One bill which failed this week was the attempt to shut up doctors by getting rid of the Medicare payment cut which is due to go into effect next year.

The $400 charge comes from an EOB which my daughter just received. As for the ages of the people on these tests, I believe the majority of such tests would be done on people 50 and older. Women are being recommended to have base line Mamms as early as 35 now, but the PSA tests start at 50 for men.

posted by pattiwatt
about 1 month ago

I'm Living Proof that "early detection" can Save Your Life! So PLEASE....if you have the Insurance, Go be Tested for Whatever You Can on an Annual Basis People.

Women...we are the Lucky Ones with Early Detection of both Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer.

posted by upsidedown5822
about 1 month ago

PSA tests are simple blood tests. I've never heard of anyone paying $900. I get it every year along with my other blood work. Anything under 4 is considered normal. Mine shot up to 13 and I had to get a biopsy. Over 10 is a 70% chance of cancer. I have an enlarged prostate and there was also inflammation that was responsible for the high PSA.

posted by TurboTed
about 1 month ago

I think for people who are not at risk for breast cancer; that is if it doesn't run in their family, if they have normal breasts and not dense breasts then waiting on mammograms and having them every 2 to 3 years is okay. The same with a PSA, if you are not having problems or if that cancer does not run in your family then it is okay to wait years for tests.

But if you are at risk, it is important to get checked and we are very lucky in this USA to have access to those tests. Even the poor can get mammograms and PSA's. The hospitals and clinics have reduced cost tests days for anyone who qualifies.