What is the point of mammograms and not full body scans?
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KNOWITALL (
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December 11th, 2020
The area covered in a mammogram is a small percentage of our body. Since they don’t scan the rest of the body for cancer, what is the point of checking that one small area of the body?
Why aren’t full body MRI’s or x-rays part of the yearly exam by now?
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22 Answers
Because as far as I know women tend to develop breast cancer and mammograms are good at spotting it.
As for the last part of your question simply cost and they don’t think the general population is worth the cost.
It doesn’t seem logical to clear that small area and possibly have a tumor in your pancreas or somewhere else though. It would seem to make more sense to scan the entire body at your annual. For men and women alike, too.
The amount of radiation you’d be exposed to. I think.
@si3tech I did see that as one reason, that’s the only legit reason I can find though.
My doc only wants me to do the mammogram every other year, not every year, for the same reason and my breast care folks hate him for it.
I also read the cost differential is not that much. $500—$1k for the full scan.
There is also some statements about mammograms finding other cancers but not much on Google to explain that further. It just seems to provide a false sense of security, when it’s such a small area of your body.
@Caravan True. Sorry I didnt see your post for some reason. a lot of false-positives and benign tumors, is what I read.
I think it should at least be optional, maybe every 3–5 years.
Why doesn’t all cancer show in blood tests?
@KNOWITALL The issue is that you never want to get a test that has no data to support it or could lead to harm. Let’s say you get a test and it finds an adrenal mass. The chance that that adrenal mass is benign is very high and the chance that it’s cancer is very low. But what do you do? Let’s say you decide to have the adrenal mass operated on. You do, and you get a complication of a kidney bleed, leading to hypovolemic shock and a prolonged ICU stay. Was it worth it for your peace of mind? A test should never be done without asking two questions. 1) Is there any data to show that getting this test will improve my life in some way. and 2) What will you do with a result that is bad?
In the case of mammograms, the answer is clear. You do it because a positive test will lead to a possible cancer diagnosis and save your life. But did you ever wonder why we don’t just start mammograms at, say, age 35? It’s because at that age, a positive test is most likely a false positive and leads to an unnecessary surgery.
This goes into Bayesian analysis which is best described as asking the question “What is the prior probability of a positive result?” and then attaching that prior probability to the test.
Here is an xkcd that makes fun of the issue (it may or may not help)
Okay, cancer in blood tests. What, precisely are you testing for? If you test, say, for a blood count, you’re counting blood cells. A potassium level, you’re measuring potassium level. There is no good “cancer” blood test, at least from a screening exam point of view. That’s why you can’t just get a blood test.
hth.
Not to mention the contrast dye used in MRIs can be pretty detrimental to your kidneys.
I wouldn’t want the radiation. I only did a mammogram once every 3 years in my 40’s, not that I am recommending that. I only did dental xrays every 2–3 years as an adult until I turned 50, not that I am recommending that. Now, newer xray machines deliver less radiation, so I am glad I skipped a lot of it 20 years ago.
I do wonder why cancers that are often found too late, why those are not tested for. Like what about pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer? They are brutal!
A friend just did the test to see the build up in his arteries around his heart, the CT scan. He said his doctor recommended since his cholesterol numbers aren’t good. His total is much lower than mine, but his ratio is bad. I don’t know many people who are recommended to get it, I haven’t been. Seems like a test that might be good for me. My mom had it or something similar years ago, calcium all through her arteries.
They just want to see our boobs ;)
@JLoon Feels like it sometimes. At least each time my husband comes home and says they didn’t check one thing on him, other than blood work. Ugh!
I dealt with the same thing.
@Caravanfan Ironically, my breast care worker and I discussed this and agreed there would be some pervs out there who would love to see xrays. haha!
But yes, I get your point. I was speaking more of the yearly exams where your doctor still checks you for lumps.
As far as the full body, I get your point. It’s just frustrating that they can clear your boobs but the rest of you, you’re just taking your chances.
One last question, if you don’t mind. Do you think my doctor is out of line for only wanting me to get mammograms every two years until age 50? The breast care workers sure do.
Yes, my mom has breast cancer mets, but she did not get her mammograms and was taking a specific cancer-causing medication for psoriasis. No one else in my immediate family has breast cancer.
@Caravanfan Okay.
Not getting into my doctor vs breast care team issue? haha! Don’t blame you but it confuses me.
I have a confession to make. I have avoided mammograms because I think it’s just asking for trouble. If they look hard enough they’ll find something.
Having said that , I actually made an appointment to finally haven one done.
The appointment was in March so…..
And now I have no insurance.
@Dutchess_III There are organizations that help pay for mammograms and sometimes the state has a program. If you have a Planned Parenthood bear you they might know how to get a free one or check the Komen website.
I’ll look into it. Thanks
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