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A Message from Dr. Love
I have spent my entire career working in the breast cancer field. I want to find an end to this insidious disease. If I thought that these guidelines would harm women, I'd be the first person to speak out. These guidelines are just that—guidelines. The guidelines aren't saying that women between 40-50 should never have a mammogram. Women under 50 who are high risk should have a more intensive screening program that includes mammography. Women younger or older than 50 who see or feel a change in their breast should have a mammogram or ultrasound so that the problem can be diagnosed.
What they are saying is that a careful review of the scientific evidence shows that in younger women of average risk the risks outweigh the benefits of routine screening. Understandably, this is a shocking statement to hear, as it completely contradicts the “women should get an annual mammogram starting at age 40” recommendation that we've been hearing for the past decade.
What many people don't know is that this recommendation to extend screening to women under 50 was fraught with controversy. The decision was not based on evidence; it was based on political will. Virginia Ernster wrote an excellent article about this in the American Journal of Public Health in 1997.
Since then, we've become even more focused on the need for health care that is evidence-based. This is not just because of the cost factor. (The evidence may show that a more expensive drug or procedure is better, and that's what we will need to then follow.) It's because studies have shown us that treatments or tests we thought would be more effective were not. That's why research is so important.
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Cause for Love
To continue our work to go beyond a cure and end breast cancer, our Foundation needs your support now more than ever! We've got an amazing array of cause marketing initiatives you can take part in, all of which are listed below.
Don't see anything that interests you? Then how about making a donation to the Foundation? Your donation will help sustain and expand our groundbreaking research programs. You can make a donation to the Foundation by clicking here.
Okobos: Walk with a Purpose
Okobos, a unique footwear company founded by Michelle and Tom Juza, allows people to express individual style, create awareness, and give back easily. Think of it as high style for a higher purpose! Okobos is supporting our effort to eradicate breast cancer in our lifetime by donating $15 from each shoe purchase to the Foundation. You can see the Okobos men's and women's line of shoes and make your purchase using code DSLRF Today.
Click here to shop!
Fall's Must Haves: Prodigal Daughter Scarves
Prodigal Daughter, the Los Angeles-based fashion company founded by Joni Frazier, creates modern, sophisticated, versatile clothes. Prodigal Daughter is a company committed to making compassion fashionable, and they generously donate $30 from each purchase of a pink scarf to the Foundation. Buy yourself a gift! Or get one for a friend. You can see these great scarves here.
Last but not least, if you are one of the few people who haven't purchased your Army of Women pendant, here is your chance to show your support for this revolutionary movement! For just $5, you can support the Foundation and this groundbreaking initiative by purchasing your Beyond a Cure Army of Women Pendant. Click here to buy one today!
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Kris Levario