A "Missed Message" for mammograms. A new study finds too many women forgoing a life-saving test. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer. Despite doctors urging patients to get them, few women actually follow their doctor's orders. 7Healthcast Report Janet Wu has the details.
Every woman over 40 should be getting one every year.
Janet Wu
"When was your last mammogram?Debra Meyer, 47 years old
"Last year, I get one every year."
But she's unusual.
Mass General has conducted the largest study yet of mammogram rates. Over 72,000 women were included. The shocker? Only six percent of the women, who got mammograms in 1992, returned every year as recommended for the next ten.
Dr. James Michaelson, Mammogram study author
"We haven't done a very good job communicating the message out how important it is to come in promptly."
He thinks doctors need to be more persistent. A recent study shows that 60 percent of women get reminders for dental appointments, 70 percent for their pet's shots, but only nine percent were reminded about their mammograms.
Each test matters. Statitistcs show that women, who are properly screened every year, cut their risk of dying from breast cancer by a third, compared to women who skip a year.
Marsha Tyson, Gets yearly mammograms
"It could save your life and that's very important."Dr. James Michaelson, Mammogram study author
"We analyzed how women came back, which women came back on time, which didn't."
While poor women, without health insurance, had the worst rates, all women, regardless of age, race, income and town, missed their appointments.
Again, the American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms for women over 40. Exams every three years for younger women depending on their risk factors.
