A Tall Glass of Thanks
Dear Jaclyn Gallucci:
I just read your article about the drinking water [“Troubled Water,” Nov. 5]. I am always meaning to write to you guys because you truly put out the best newspaper money can buy! It is just refreshing to read such well researched, thoughtful, and important articles. Your work, and that of your colleagues, is thoroughly appreciated!
Best regards,
David M. Mannion
Astoria
Govt’s Deadly Guideline Game
Dear Editor:
The Federal Government’s newly released guidelines for breast cancer screening are not only irresponsible but deadly [“New Mammogram Advice Raises Questions, Concerns,” Nov. 17]. Or perhaps the government’s Preventive Services Task Force is simply involved in a sick deal made to appease insurance companies. I leave that up to the reader to decide.
The federal government’s criminal attempt to unravel the hard work advocacy groups, researchers and physicians have done to raise breast cancer awareness is an injustice.
To say that a woman does not have to have a mammogram until the age of 50 and then only every other year is misleading. Also, to deter them from doing a monthly self breast exam is remiss.
The Federal Government’s proclamation that biopsies performed on benign tumors are needless is also negligent.
At the age of 39 I have had a fine needle aspiration and core biopsy and trust me, they weren’t fun. However, the relief I felt when I was told my biopsies were benign, especially being the daughter of a breast cancer survivor and the niece of someone who succumbed to the disease, was anything but needless. What is the old adage? “It is better to be safe then sorry.”
Yes, the task force agrees that women with a history should consider screening, but remember cancer history has to start somewhere.
I urge all women to disregard these ridiculous guidelines and to practice diligence when it comes to your health.
Tara E. Butler
Locust Valley
