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Women Refuse to Cut Back on Mammograms: Poll

But most are misinformed about the risks

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 24, 2009 8:30 AM CST

(Newser) – An overwhelming majority of American women intend to ignore the recommendation that they get fewer mammograms, with most wildly overestimating their risk of breast cancer. In a new poll, 84% of women aged 35 to 49 say they still intend to get routine mammograms before age 50, in keeping with American Cancer Society guidelines. But 40% also believe that a 40-year-old’s risk of developing breast cancer over the next decade is between 20% and 50%—in reality, it’s 1.4%.

Seventy-six percent of women say they disagree or strongly disagree with the US Preventative Services Task Force’s new guidelines; 76% also believe that the panel had made its recommendation based on cost, though the report included only scientific studies, reports USA Today. In all, “It's gratifying that most women have gotten the message,” said the society’s top medical officer. “Unfortunately, your poll also shows that we still need to do a lot in terms of health education.”

Women intend to keep getting mammograms, even though they're fuzzy on the risk.
Women intend to keep getting mammograms, even though they're fuzzy on the risk.   (Shutterstock)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 12 comments
Nelstorm
Nov 24, 2009 7:41 AM CST
Here's a hint - They haven't.
Nelstorm
Nov 24, 2009 7:40 AM CST
@Jelly - Love that you don't know he's actually quoting Congressman Alan Grayson. Please come back when you feel like paying more attention to politics than just Newser comments! Once you decide this maybe you can explain why 30 Republicans who voted against Franken's Anti-Rape bill have gotten out of bed with corporations(Haliburton, Private Insurers) and are now fighting for the good of the country on Health Care.
Face-Of-RNC
Nov 24, 2009 6:37 AM CST
rif - Oh, well that explains everything. Good job.

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Welcome to the Conspiracy to Ration Mammograms


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