November 19, 2009 7:24 AM
Mammograms - first signs of rationing?
November 18, 2009 4:06 PMGOP Rep. on Mammograms: "This Is How Rationing Begins"
Recently released breast cancer screening recommendations represent a "step backward" for women's health care and the "slippery slope" health care could take under Democrats' proposed policies, a group of Republican congresswomen said today.
Meanwhile, in response to the concern surrounding the new recommendations, the Obama administration and Democrats in Congress insisted the recommendations will not be used to set policy and criticized Republicans for their "political gamesmanship" on the issue.
"This is how rationing begins. This is the little toe in the edge of the water," said Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) at a press conference on Capitol Hill. "This is when you start getting a bureaucrat between you and your physician. This is what we have warned about."
(The above photograph shows, from left to right, Reps. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), Sue Myrick (R-N.C.) and Blackburn.)
Read more at CBS News
Posted in Health, Obama Nation | Permalink
Comments
This isn't how rationing begins, this is how spending less on healthcare begins. If having the screening doesn't lead to better outcomes for women, then why do it?
[What about women whose lives have been saved by early screening? I can think of half a dozen I know]
There is no point in paying for a test that doesn't do any good, and this is one of those - at least for certain groups of women. Your readers should also think about the PSA (prostate) test. Make informed decisions about your healthcare, not just whatever your doctor says. There are plenty of instances where more care is not better. Anyone who has looked into all the unnecessary procedures surrounding childbirth will understand this.
[These other examples are a big distraction, Sara, from the fact that you are wrong. Many readers here would also be against unnecessary procedures surrounding childbirth, but know mammograms have saved too many lives to suddenly be unimportant. ]
Posted by: Sara | November 19, 2009 10:12 AM
Different Sara here.
I had a dear friend who had her first breast cancer at 30. She found hers by self-examination, another thing this government group is saying we don't need to do any more.
Just because some don't want it doesn't mean it can't be available to others who do want it. Don't ration some heath care and mandate other. Provide all kinds of options and let us make our own decision!!! (Shouting to the government! They just don't seem to get it! But I do. My vote will show how well I get it!)
Posted by: Sara | November 19, 2009 1:32 PM
ACK!!! I was just told ( very specifically) by a doc who specializes in breast cancer, to begin my mammograms at the age of 35, rather than 40. This is based on my family history... ACK! I do not like hearing this news...it makes no sense at all.
Posted by: Lisa | November 19, 2009 1:33 PM
This does sound like the beginning of rationing. "For the first time in my life, I'm ashamed of this country." (sound familiar?)
Posted by: Sue from Buffalo | November 19, 2009 3:48 PM
guidelines, researches, facts change according to the people that put those out and the new information found, so for that matter they are always incomplete and imperfect. I think we should investigate things for ourselves and make our own decisions. If you believe you should have a mammogram at 35, 40 or 50 it's your decision to make. I don't think the government, health insurance companies or doctors should tell us what to do.
I make my health decisions after I have heard the doctor, done my research and prayed to my God. Then I do what He tells me to do. :)
Posted by: tereza crump AKA MyTreasuredCreations | November 19, 2009 3:54 PM
The government is taking away our freedom bit by bit and it is truly frightening. I pray every day and night that GOD intervene. This country is in real trouble and now they want to ram the health care bill down our throats. I have written letters and signed petitions but I still feel lost and helpless.
We need to tell them that "we want our country back" and to "abide by our constitution".
Posted by: Diana Brown | November 19, 2009 6:27 PM
My grandmothers and all 3 of her sisters had/have breast cancer. One died from it. My mother has a cystic condition that every year or so she has to have a cyst removed and checked to make sure it's not cancerous. So far, she hasn't had it.
I know I am at risk for breast cancer and I do everything possible to reduce my risk. I nurse my children (obviously not just because of the breast cancer reduction) and I don't take artificial hormones. I also do self exams and will be getting mamagrams starting in my mid 30's. It is devestating that the government is abandoning a protocol that saves lives.
I agree that this is the beginning of rationing.
Posted by: Lauren | November 19, 2009 8:08 PM
