As we enter a New Year, many people make resolutions concerning their health – perhaps to lose weight, exercise more regularly or get their annual prostate check or mammogram.
As your legislator, I have become aware of information we all should know about mammograms. According to recent information from the Mayo Clinic, 60 percent or more of cancer in women with dense breast tissue is missed when the medical staff relies solely on mammograms. And 30 to 40 percent of women have dense breast tissue.
My wife is a perfect illustration. In 2012 she was concerned about a breast lump, but her January 2013 mammogram was negative. When she was more concerned in June, an ultrasound and MRI showed she had stage 3 breast cancer.
By the grace of God, she is responding well to her treatment, and we expect a full recovery. But with an earlier diagnosis, it might have been better. And without her persistence, it could have been a lot worse.
Some states have new laws requiring doctors to tell women that some breast cancer may not show up in mammograms of their dense breast tissue. In principle, I do not think it is government’s job to tell doctors what they should tell their patients. But I do think it is important that women know this information so they know to have the appropriate conversations with their doctors.
In addition to this letter, which I hope gets the word out to many, I will be working with breast cancer awareness groups to make us all aware of this critical information. I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year.
– State Rep. Mark Hargrove (R-Covington, 47th District)
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