Understanding the Mammography Controversy - Science, Politics, and Breast Cancer Screening (Hardcover)

Investigates the current controversy surrounding the use of mammography to screen for breast cancer Writing to be understood by the lay reader, Madelon Finkel shows us how breast cancer develops and takes us through the controversy surrounding mammography. How valid are the screenings? Who should be screened? How frequently? At what age? And should women be screened at all? This book dissects the issues to help present answers. Above all, says Dr. Finkel, women need to make informed decisions, and to do that they need to understand the potential benefits and potential harm accompanying mammography. This book includes a time line showing changing public advice on mammography across the years. Listings explain how to access reports on mammography facilities, and how to find and contact support groups. Dr. Finkel details the development of breast cancer and its various types of tumours, the treatment options and the psychological effects. Also provided are methods to use - and questions to ask - to best communicate with your doctor and make reasoned decisions. * Discusses the controversy in language accessible to the general reader * Includes practical advice for women