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whole living M ost of us know at least one woman who's had breast cancer. This year the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates 295,140 women will be diagnosed and 40,000 will die of the disease, yet I chose, after much research, to opt out of my yearly mammogram. When the U.S. Preventative Task Force revised the breast screening guidelines (fi rst mammogram at age 50 instead of 40; every two years; stop at age 74) many health care practitioners continued to follow the guidelines endorsed by the ACS (annual mammogram starting age 40). With such contradictory advice, it's diffi cult to know how to proceed. The Mammogram Conundrum The paradox of standard mammography is it misses 20 percent of all breast cancers, but in many cases, including my own, it picks up too much—including certain cancers that grow so slowly they wouldn't be problematic over a lifetime— thus triggering more anxiety, testing and invasive biopsies, which some research suggests may increase the risk of spreading cancer cells. The Cancer Prevention Coalition, an online affi liation of cancer prevention experts that states the American Cancer Society is "more interested in accumulating wealth than saving lives," cites a 1992 study published in The Lancet warning that breast compression may spread malignant cells by rupturing small blood vessels in or around small, as-yet-undetected breast cancers. Early studies indicate that a new type of mammography, called "tomosnythesis," may increase detection rates of invasive cancers while lowering nerve-wracking false alarms. Tomosynthesis takes multiple breast x-rays at different angles to create a 3-D image. However, this relatively new technology is expensive and not covered by all insurers, so while some experts see promise, they say it's too soon to recommend for all women. It's also controversial. Popular health advocate Joseph Mercola, DO, believes mammography increases cancer risk and claims the 3D form is notably worse. "Two of the greatest mammogram risks are high radiation exposure and compression of breast tissue, which potentially causes cancer cells to spread," Mercola cautions. "3D tomosynthesis does not reduce or eliminate either of these risks. In fact, your radiation exposure is even greater than from standard mammograms—and by a signifi cant margin." A 2012 study published in the British Journal of Medicine found mammography may increase breast cancer my own, it picks up too much—including certain cancers that grow so slowly they wouldn't be problematic over a lifetime— thus triggering more anxiety, testing and invasive biopsies, which some research suggests may increase the risk of spreading cancer cells. The Cancer Prevention Coalition, an online affi liation of cancer prevention experts that states the online affi liation of cancer prevention experts that states the American Cancer Society is "more interested in accumulating wealth than saving lives," cites a 1992 study published in warning that breast compression may spread malignant cells by rupturing small blood vessels in or around online affi liation of cancer prevention experts that states the thus triggering more anxiety, testing and invasive biopsies, which some research suggests may increase the risk of spreading cancer cells. The Cancer Prevention Coalition, an online affi liation of cancer prevention experts that states the American Cancer Society is "more interested in accumulating wealth than saving lives," cites a 1992 study published in warning that breast compression may spread malignant cells by rupturing small blood vessels in or around America's #1 Certified Coach Training Double Your Hourly Rate! Work from Home on Your Own Time Create a Second Revenue Stream What Kind of Coach Do You Want to Be? August 23rd & 24th LAX Marriot, 8:30-5:30 Life Executive Health & Wellness Spirituality Fitness Financial Relationship www.CertifiedCoachesFederation.com America's #1 Certified In ONLY 2-Days change your life & become a Certified Coach with Celia Ward-Wallace (Master Trainer, Life Coach & CCF Vice President) FREE Intro to Coaching Webinar every other week! 866.455.2155 Reserve now! Just $979 for the entire course and start earning more THIS YEAR! Cinda Phelps is a holistic skin care therapist, aromatherapist and licensed cosmetologist specializing in handcrafting Organic Skin Care Products. She is European trained and certified. Customizing skin care for each individual client Let Cinda's extensive knowledge in organics show you how! Thinking about a new Handcraft Skin Care Products & Retail Your Organic Skin Care Creations career ? www.cindasblends.com 618.997.4099 By Laura G. Owens Why breast health is an individual decision MAMMOGRAMS: TOO MUCH & NOT ENOUGH 12 wholelifetimesmagazine.com