Unless inusance companies approve MRIs for women with dense breast as part of breast cancer screeing, what can the average woman do with this information?
This report is incomplete. What’s missing from this report is that while a medical facility informs you of your breast density, and recommends further testing, MRIs are more expensive than a regular mammogram and your health insurance is not required to cover the MRI. So this policy is pointless if follow up examinations via an MRI are not covered by insurance companies (like mammograms).
This happened to a person here in the Netherlands too. They are also fighting to let people know that a breast density could hide your cancer. Both my Mil and Sil have or had breastcancer. My Mil sadky has passed on. So i get checked. Period.
I knew I had dense breast tissue but insurance would not pay for additional tests such as ultrasound or MRIs. I later developed breast cancer that couldn’t be seen on mammograms. Fortunately my cancer was small and not aggressive.
right on! This Dense information is being obligated by doctors to let us know since 2015 and till now the insurance companies and government does NOTHING , NOTHING TO HELP on the costs of an Ultrasound or MRI. CIGNA is closing their eyes to. for the past 10 years I have to pay out of pocket for . EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT. very sad. and for us, just one more bill to pay. pls see how China deal with thei more than 80% dense breast in their country. they use only Ultrasound, almost none Mammogram which can hurt and cause cancer later but nobody wants to talk about it.
I’ve been told every time I get a mammogram my tissue is dense but that’s it. Nothing further is ever done. Only last year did they mention the 3D imaging but insurance doesn’t cover it.
I've been told I have dense breast tissue since my 30's (I'm 51). My mom and maternal aunt both had breast cancer and issues with thyroid. I am always told to not worry and never given any other option! I will speak up next appointment-- now that I know WHAT to ask for. Thank you & sorry to hear this woman went through more struggles that ever needed.
They should've at least sent you to get both a mammogram and ultrasound. I have the same situation , dense breast and family history. My doc has given me referrals for both the mammogram and an ultrasound every year. Now I will ask about MRIs. Next appt. definitely ask them to give you your screenings. I wish you well always. 🙏
ME TOO! The doctors do nothing, since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BURCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
Please ask for genetic testing BRACA to see if you have a genetic risk for BC also insist on all of the things others mentioned there are also organizations that will help with costs for these tests if your insurance won’t cover them ask A LOT of questions and talk with the social worker at your mammography center about additional resources
They're wrong. Breast cancer is HIGHLY hereditary maternally. Both my aunt and cousin were diagnosed with it, and when Sis and I checked with our doctors, they assured us that since our dad, my aunt's brother, doesn't carry the genetics of said cancer, it's highly unlikely. Still, having a yearly exam never hurts. However, autoimmune disorders and ADHD/ASD is HIGHLY hereditary, and he was loaded with it :/
At what point do we start having serious conversations about universal healthcare. MRIs, to screen for cancer, dental cleanings, and heart disease screenings should be a right for all citizens of the so-called wealthiest country in the world.
Many Americans constantly talk about having universal healthcare but unfortunately some people don't want it for themselves and others to have it. Apparently the United States is the only developed country in the world without universal healthcare.
@@shamelessvanity1415 have you seen footage from other countries of universal healthcare or heard the stories? I have heard bad stories. I have seen footage of canadas healthcare, i would not want it! Do u like going to the d.m.v.? Or do u avoid it? Can u think of any governmental agency that is good? I can't. I would rather have private healthcare that has to compete with other companies to strive to be better than one another. Would love to hear your point of view. Thx for listening
@@2malsahm59 I hear you, but If any country could pull it off it would America. It’s interesting how imaginative we are when it comes to the destruction of people, but for some reason we are really clueless when it comes to saving people. For starters, we need to do a better job of identifying the talents of our children instead of just pushing them through school mindlessly without a clear projection of population growth and how many students we need to prepare for various industries. We also need to make medical school free or very affordable.
@@2malsahm59French person here 🤚🏻living in France a country with universal healthcare. I lived in the US for five years some time ago so I can really compare both systems. When I was living in the US I felt a lump in my breast, so I went to a hospital to get checked. I waited 6 hours, they felt my breast and told me they didn’t have what was necessary to check me properly and recommended me to a clinic. I had to pay $700 out of my pocket. Fast forward, I spent the same amount to go visit my family in France and got checked there for free. Living in a country with universal healthcare is miles better than living in a country where you have to worry about how much you have to pay for basic health checks. The horror stories you hear about universal healthcare are just that: propaganda to keep a system where private insurances make millions out of people’s health. I am not saying that universal healthcare is perfect, but I’ll take that any day over the system in the US. Worst case scenarios exist in every system but having at least prevention systems available for people should be normalized in the US.
I always wondered why they never take these things seriously. I also believe that screening should be for all women 18 and up not just over a certain age.
At this point, we should be doing annual MRI's for breast cancer screening. They are less painful and more thorough. But we're only women, so who cares right? 😡
I got MRIs for years. Then I went through a questionnaire with my doctor to see if I was high risk which would require an MRI. I was not. I was not liking all of the MRI's because I read that the dye stays in your body and maybe your brain.
I am glad that you are being a great advocate for yourself. Right now Breast MRI seems to have an edge in finding cancer. The dense tissue hides it and Ultrasound can help in combination with a Mammogram. However Dedicated Breast CT is superior to those scans. The problem is getting the new technology in enough places. We obviously need better, quicker and pain free screening for BC that is available to all Women everywhere.
I’m really sorry. If you had an Ultrasound Fibrocystic tissue doesn’t have blood flow and your FOUR INCH MASS would have LIT UP like a Christmas tree if the sonographer knew what she was doing.
This is so important after many years of going to get mammograms. This was the first year that my insurance paid for me to get a breast density test and it saved my life.
I knew a lady in her early fifties that all of sudden, she started feeling nauseous. Went to emergency. After few tests, she was diagnosed with advanced cancer breast. Unfortunately was too late for her to receive treatment. The cancer had spread all over her body. She was advised Hospice care at home. She was given Morphine. After only four days of the diagnosis, she went blind . Lived only few weeks. It happened fast. I believe she had a breast exam very rarely. She was busy with work and family that she neglected herself. The signs were there. Weight loss was number one.
I knew a woman diagnosed in her 40s, diagnosed after it spread to her lungs. She survived several years but ultimately succumbed. In this video the nursing dean was told her tumor was low grade (not very aggressive or rapidly growing). Tumors like that may never spread. Your acquaintance and mine likely had very aggressive cancers that grew rapidly and spread early on. Sadly, screening by any means just doesn't always detect those before metastasis.
Ultrasounds are not nearly as good as mammograms at finding cancer. Ultrasounds need to be given IN ADDITION to a mammogram. I’ve had a number of mammograms and not a single one was painful.
Have heard, but never had one? Don't listen to people! What is considered painful to another, is painless to you. For me, it was a discomfort, that was it.
Raise HELL. Dedicated Breast CT by Koning Health provides superior imaging compared to Mammograms. Google it. Everyone take notice. Demand accurate, safe, pain free, and no compression screening and diagnostic scans. If a biopsy is needed the scanner can do it right there too. Tell your Doctor and Radiologist. Tell the FDA, Tell your Congressman, Tell your friends. This is truly personal for my wife and I.
Take a plane to Panama or Costa Rica and have those tests done in one of their wonderful private clinics and pay a little fraction without insurance than what you will pay in the US.
Sounds like you need a MRI! It was the MRI that located her cancer…No one has mentioned that using it as a precautionary measure in addition to the other tests…
Absolutely and like me, I quit seeking help in 2018 knowing I have dense breast (like someone drop a can of white paint on my breast, family history and no insurance also meant sorry, no help, you do not have breast cancer because we can not see it, need more testing but lack of insurance the help ends here. Good luck!
No one is telling you how the Gov and insurance companies see this for the past decade or more . since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BURCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
This is so scary. I was called back once about my density, but everything was fine…I think…I hope so.🫤 I will be making an appointment soon. Prayers for anyone who’s battling right now.
Mammograms are used to check subtle changes in the tissue patterns and calcifications. ultrasounds are used to check cysts and solids. MRI checked findings that have a blood flow.
@@mariejae And here is the elephant in the room, it’s not covered by insurance and when people don’t have an HSA, many can’t afford secondary screenings.
Maybe you need a Medicare Advantage plan. There are so many. Call each one to see if they cover an ultrasound. I'm switching to a plan that charges a $60 copay.
Wow! My OBG/YN’s have always told me that I have dense breast tissue and over the last 10 years, need a second, 3D, mammogram and I’m almost 60. It seems to me that the first, insurance required “regular,” mammogram is a huge waste of money since having dense breast tissue is in my records and I have a history of having to have a second. 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ Logic has left the building when it comes to the American healthcare system.
since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BURCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
@tommon02 exactly. You can fight, spend days and hours or cry on the telephone as i did, they have not a single drop of shame in saying oh you will be reimbursed if your doctor tell that its medically necessary. BS. BS. The insurance companies are NOT PAYING extra. For years now I have to pay out of my pockket, yes. Ive tried everything and even have e.mails from cigna big chief. Totally useless. Pls read online all the efforts that woman are doing to make this necessary as t he mammoggrfor all of us but no success. Yes we will continue to die. The funny part is that i ask my doctor, without all my findings : so if you are telling me that a mammogram is not enought but only a ultrasound why do I need to still do the mammogram? So after consulting on line and talking to several professioanls they really have more excuses as why DR. Falchy made us believe on the vaccines. Yes we are in trouble
Kind of an odd question but I heard a long time ago that breastfeeding helps lower the chance of BC. If you’re a mom, did you breastfeed for at least 6 mos?
I have heard too many stories of mammogram after mammogram was clear, only to have a simple ultrasound or an MRI detect problems. Why torture us if there are less painful alternatives?
I have heard that one mammogram contains the equivalent radiation of 100 xrays. That is a LOT of cumulative radiation over many years. Ultrasound seems much safer and more accurate! I wish more studies were done on this.
This year, late summer, I got my number and was called in to Women's Health Clinc. I knew I had dense breats, had them mapped years ago via ultrasound. Now I will get the MRI starting next year, then the mammogram the year after creating an alternate year exam schedule.
Let me clarify! She said it was there for many years. - No cancer was identified, did not bother her. Then... new test came out and Double mastectomy was done? There is sometning not right. Why such specialist is not saying what to take to prevent it? like she said, she had heaviness, here is many lymphatic drainages, and Iodine solution for women to use? What women to eat as a Iodine nowadays? Absolutely nothing! Women, prevent yourself! All insurances need from us - to be sick, but when we sick we have to buy more expensive insurance plan. Be well!!!
The only detail this news forgot to mention is how Insurance companies and our Gov treat this problem that was discoved decades ago. THAT THE ISSUE THEY HIRED HERE. HOW SAD for us since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BUROCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
I have breast implants and my insurance covers both. According to the radiology technicians that do my tests they seem to be more gentle on less painful when you have implants since they move the implants back to just get the breast tissue. Had my first 3D mammogram and only had the ultrasound the year before. I’m 42 and new to all this.
I accidentally came upon this video, I dealt with melanoma a few years back, still on remission and started getting mammograms and an ultrasound for what could be a cyst on one side, having dense tissue didn’t help much. Thank you for this segment of educating us on what should we be informed from now on. I will make sure I ask the right questions in my upcoming mammogram. ❤️🙏🏻
Please talk to the social worker at your mammography center hospital or clinic there probably is financial help available if your insurance won’t cover additional testing or if you are underinsured or not insured at all, but they usually don’t volunteer this information you have to ask & do not hesitate it’s your life(I learned the hard way that really put our family through financial peril)
I did this and absolutely no one could direct me to any type of resources in my state so I called the health dept. And they said the same everyone seemed confused I was even asking
The biggest issue they did not cover my dear is how much an Ultrasound or MRI cost and the insurance companies knowing we need more test DO NOT COVER IT. since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BUROCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
Here in central Europe we are told if we have dense breast tissue, so I’m told to get a high quality mammogram at an oncology connected clinic, PLUS a yearly ultrasound to make annual screenings even more reliable.
The information is virtually pointless b/c there's no further instructions on what to do after you have this information. Case in point: I've been told for a decade by my provider that I have dense breast tissue and the risks associated with it, but that's where it ends. I've never been provided with any follow up instructions on what to do with this info, so what's the point. Almost 10 times out of ten they will not recommend an MRI due to how expensive it is.
If you are denied medically indicated treatment, you have a right to appeal. A good provider will help you or even do it for you. Take off a shoe and pound it on the table until you get what you need.
That's odd. I was told 3 years ago about breast density and was ordered another mammogram six months later, a sonogram and a biopsy. I paid extra for AI analysis. I imagine that not all doctors inform their patients, but my doctor did and I thought she was exaggerating. I have cancer history in my family maybe that was a red flag for her.
fast and go low sugar ppl! if your intuition is saying something is wrong or you know you have cancer you must stop feeding it by decreasing your consumption of sugars/carbs and fasting! start with intermittent fasting then continue to extend it. walk daily and you can use castor oil directly on the breast.
So what’s the point of the mammogram if you need an mri anyway? We love to do tests that are less helpful, guess they make more money than the more useful tests
Because if you don’t have dense breast tissue, the mammogram will show you that as well as still be able to show tumors on them. Only people with more dense breast tissue need MRIs to catch their tumors. Also, yes MRIs are more expensive so it’s also related to trying to keep costs down if it’s not an absolutely necessary test.
I was told I have dense breast tissue after my mammogram in 2022, and I was 35 at the time. It was truly a gift. Now I know before and during my next mammogram what questions to ask, and I feel like I know my body more. Grateful for that
My story exactly. I was stage one, very close to my lymph nodes. I also chose a double mastectomy. That was 15 years ago I never regretted the choice, because I lost confidence in predictive testing.
I had a dense breast and had surgery to remove the area. The doctor said that it could possibly turn into cancer in the future if gone untreated. It was a long and tedious process but thank God they took it out.
I just had a mammogram in August and. The report I got after stated that My results were normal but also stated that I had dense breast tissue and it was common. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results. And can be associated with risk of breast cancer. It didn't say anything about density levels. When I talked to my doctor about the results she didn't mention anything about density levels or further testing.
Wait..I am 60 years old and I have been told all along that I have very dense breast tissue and have been continuously called back for a second mammogram in which I complained about because they hurt!
It is not verbally stated rather reported out in one’s mammo report in the Mychart portal for patients to look up and read progress notes. Its will be in the doc notes and actual image report if that is uploaded and shared with patient population.
*British Columbia 'alone' .... SIX YEARS * we have had this implemented!! But women here are very educated, fight for our rights, heavilly outspoken, and a very health driven province. Ontario has ONLY had this implemented for TWO years of which is insane, sadly they have a horrendous sitting governing body still. I am so sad for all of you still fighting for basic rights and health care in your country. We have an immense need for various specialists and GP's.... nothing is perfect here except our security level and splendor of our nature.
In addition to insurance companies covering MRI for breast cancer screenings, mammograms/MRIs should be started MUCH younger than 40 years old. As a nurse, I have seen many young people (20s and 30s) with late-stage and terminal breast cancer, as well as have a friend who thankfully survived it, but was diagnosed at 26. The whole mammograms-at-40 concept is outdated and misleading. Breast cancer screening should start at 25, in my opinion. At 32, I requested one and my doc at the time didn’t argue with me and I was glad. We discovered I have dense tissue. That doc unfortunately left and my new doc looked at me like I had two heads when I asked for a repeat annual mammogram. He reluctantly agreed to order it and then recommended I don’t get another one until I’m 40. Super helpful.
Same here with history and prior tumor and genetic testing to ensure MRI..insurance would not approved. I decided its $500 out of my pocket worth more than my life. It's frustrating and sad how they bargained with human's life.
First of all, I don't see what is new about this. I'm 68 and my report letter has been mentioning my dense breast tissue for years. I just asked the manager where mine is done, 'shouldn't I have further screening?' and she said unless I have a family history or reason to have an MRI, insurance won't cover it. This report really had no substance.
I guess maybe you have to lie to get that MRI paid for. Seriously you can have BC and there is NOT a close blood family member who has ever had Breast Cancer.
Yes I am one of those who had dense breast and mamograms obviously could not ‘see’ anything. Not even when the tumor grew to 2 cm!! It was my physical examination and the ultra sound that eventually found it…😢
In 2005 my gynecologist alerted me to issues with the Radiologist reading my mammograms and, after several needle biopsies, he advised a subcutaneous bi-lateral mastectomy. I followed through and never looked back. Thank you to Dr.Polito for being a forward thinking doctor with the care of his patients always in mind.
This is crazy. In Canada, the health department has been informing women here for years about the category of breast tissue density or not, along with the level. It’s written in the records as part of the examination, and this disclosure is required, and now put in writing. Who is making these ghastly decisions in the US regarding people’s health care. Why would they conceal this information, something all women need to know to stay informed and mindful. Or perhaps it’s deliberate. Cancer care is a money making industry, the more severe your cancer, the more money required to treat your disease.
@@kathleendudek2955 I think different states might have had different laws. I'm in California and I first got a dense breast tissue notification in 2013.
So if the mammogram did not find the cancer but the MRI did, she women seek to have an MRI vs a mammogram? I know it would not be recommended to have an MRI every year but maybe every few years or so. Just curious.
If you don't have dense breast tissue, an MRI isn't needed. So we start with the broadest end of the funnel and keep going as required. Mammogram, MRI, then biopsies for me. The more negative results I get, the safer it is to stretch out the screenings. Radiologists look for changes. I have many calcifications, but unless there are changes I don't need another MRI every year. I've had biopsies twice after a lumpectomy (benign) when I was 25 and found a lump while showering. I'm 69 today! I don't plan to go out with breast cancer. The risk has increased. It was 1 in 16 in 1992. Now it's 1 in 8.
I have always been informed I have extreme dense breast,last year the doctor had me go back do the mammogram again right after the regular annual one.insurance doesn’t cover it.
@@Whyaretaxespayingforcorr-cc8sr manyplastix contain hormonedisrupturs... in addition to food with soy, many don't care or have the time to read or understand labels. Also water... Not filtered well enough to remove qualities that can add to it.. farm-a-sooticals definitely.
I've been having problems with my left breast for 2 years since I stopped breastfeeding. I also feel a thickness, denseness, and dull pain. I have been trying to get screened this whole time. I have encountered barriers because I'm only in my 30s, my insurance isn't taken at many facilities, and my primary care physician left the practice after having her baby. I never knew it was this hard to get a mammogram, everyone tells women to get screened but when they need care it is difficult to find.
@void________ I have excellent insurance through my employer, doesn't change that it's out of network for the place my primary care doctor referred me to prior to them quitting their job, putting me back at square one.
Keep pushing, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Don’t forget its your life, only you can advocate for yourself. The usa healthcare business caters to those that can afford it. Call the American cancer society and ask for where you can get a free mammogram.
you could also look for someone in your area who does Thermography (not tomography.) It's not clear if this is better than a mammogram/ultrasound or not.. You will have to pay for it out of pocket, but it's not crazy expensive and it could save your life. Your child(ren) need you.
Every time I had a mammogram I was told by the technician that I have dense breast tissue. Often extra views were done. I worked for a radioligist who noted dense tissue in reports. Patients don't usually see their radiology reports but they are available for the asking.
The automated breast ultrasound is usually covered at 100% when the female has the correct amount of density. Sometimes they cover a percentage. I know because I work in a mammogram office where we offer the abus for density .
You should also know the doctor should touch your bare skin as a part of the examination. Some "specialists" don't want to touch the older patients for explainable reasons and let them go with a possibility of cancer. If they don't touch you as a part of the examination go to another doctor.
This is scary, I was in the ER and was told I needed further testing because they were sure I have breast cancer. I went and got a mammogram but because I hadn't had a previous one to compare too, I was told I have dense breast tissue and to come back in 6 months for testing again. But I know something isn't right. 2 Dr's have expressed severe concerns and a breast clinic specialist, but a radiologist said they aren't as concerned. What does one do in my situation?
And to add context I was seen June 26th at the er, and had an ultrasound done. The radiologist there along with the dr I saw that night, both were concerned and ordered further testing, follow up with PCP, and a referral to the breast clinic. I've done everything I've been asked and it seems like this one radiologist at the army base medical hospital doesn't share the same concern so basically it's just wait another 6 months and have a follow up mammogram and ultrasound. Yet my breast is still swollen and uncomfortable (not painful just uncomfortable when wearing a bra, or if I touch that one side).
@void________ The doctor at the breast clinic sent a referral for an ultrasound with a biopsy and I went to the appt, the "radiologist" checked the ultrasound and said he didn't think I needed the biopsy at this point and to come back in 6 months. Pretty damn frustrating. I'm going to contact the breast clinic again.
Breast density changes over time. Frequently, as fat increases, dense areas may apoear as " lesions". It is imperative to have diagnostic tests and biopsy to confirm, as many cases are false positives.
I have dense breast tissue and I have known this for years when I was told I had to do additional testing. What I didn't know is that I'm more likely to develop breast cancer. I'm going to ask my doctor if I should get a masectomy
Breast ultrasound is less expensive option. If something concerning is noted, then it's easier to get breast MRI. I've been offering breast ultrasound as additional testing for patients with mammograms showing dense breast
I have dense breast. I also get an ABUS scan along with a mammo every year. I read not a lot of places do ABUS scans . It’s suppose to help detect breast cancer in dense breast
I'm a doctor in Canada and i just started getting mammogram reports reporting on breast density in addition to any abnormalities. The problem with MRIs is that they're over-sensitive and carry the risk of not-uncommonly a significant number of false-positives. I have patients who are BRCA-2 positive and a radiologist colleague told me that reading the reports is super-stressful bc, "everything can look abnormal." We need to re-evaluate breast cancer research - after all this time and so much funding, the waste and lack-of-progress is unconscionable.
Izoview CT is from Canada. It's new and starting trials. Koning Health CT is in the United States in the state of Georgia. Also an Automated Ultrasound company called Delphinus is in Michigan and QT is in California. Let me know what you think of these options.
I know I have breast density tissues, even though I was never told. Because it’s painful, and have glandular stuff in it all my life. Doing a mammogram is beyond painful. I have skipped a few years but do have an appointment for January 25.
I found a lump four months after my annual mammogram. Found it by accident. That was 8 years ago, had a lumpectomy, been fine ever since, but I miss my HRT.
Most insurance companies only cover baseline mammograms. If you have dense breast tissue and need more than the standard screening it will not be covered unless something shows up on the baseline screening.
Also can be hereditary genes and your risk increases if you have family members with prostate cancer that is why it is important to go for your mammogram and genetic screening if you can get it done.
I wish there would be just as much attention paid to testicular cancer in men. Jave marches, parades, information seminars to encourage ALL men starting at age 18, encourage them to have cancer screening. Have their testicles examined by a medical professional in office, regularly starting at age 18 or earlier if some of their male relatives have had prostate or testicular cancer.
Thank goodness My Dr does mammogram and sonogram at my yearly check-ups. I will have to remember to ask about breast density test next time. Stay aware and safe ladies.
I alternate a low dose MRI and ultrasound every year and a mammogram annually due to dense breast tissue. I did notice a density report on my last mammogram report.
What you didn't address was the importance of self exam. What did she feel? How did she find it? How do you get further testing? Don't just give us a feel good story about survival.
It is true. A mammogram won’t show the cancer. When I was 45 the radiologist did not see anything due to the density of the gland. I did not accept his diagnosis since I had a big lump that turned out to be a big bleeding. It was a cancer diagnosed with an echography. But that was many years ago. Nowadays, rmi is the exam.
I have a dense breast tissues. After first mammogram, the doctor didn’t say anything. After second mammogram, doctor said it’s my choice to do an ultrasound sound. I did and they found two masses that are thought to be common and benign. Doctor said it’s my choice to do biopsy. I asked a NP friend for recommendation and was told to do biopsy with MRI. I told requested them, but was only approved for biopsy. They said I could get MRI depending on the result of biopsy. Haven’t scheduled for biopsy yet. Will report back after the result. Now I am a little scared.
My mother, sister and maternal cousin have all had breast cancer twice. I am in my 50s and have dense tissue. You would think insurance would cover MRI for someone like me but NOPE. I used to do MRIs but can't afford roughly $500 per year any longer
I think Obama already did that. You shouldn't have any issues getting cancer treatment bc it was a huge part of how obamacare revamped whats covered. Get your insurance through your state's exchange.
I have been saying that for YEARS, as both a nurse of 30 years and an instructor of student nurses for 3, that TOUCH and a kind moment with understanding words goes MILES. As for the dense breast tissue, I have been told for years that I have dense tissue, so it is not across the board that women have not been informed.
Every year they tell me I have very dense breast tissue but nothing to be concerned about. Both my mother and sister have also been told the same. I go in February for my next mammogram and we’ll see.
Unless inusance companies approve MRIs for women with dense breast as part of breast cancer screeing, what can the average woman do with this information?
EXACTLY!!!!!! this effed up country is ran by insurance companies. why even both giving us this information... give us more anxiety?
Rich women can pay themselves for better examinations..... the rest: not a thing other than worrying more!
Get an ultrasound.
@@ChandraNYC Ultrasounds aren't that effective either.
Get the Ultrasound through your OBGYN, when you get back request the MRI.
This report is incomplete. What’s missing from this report is that while a medical facility informs you of your breast density, and recommends further testing, MRIs are more expensive than a regular mammogram and your health insurance is not required to cover the MRI. So this policy is pointless if follow up examinations via an MRI are not covered by insurance companies (like mammograms).
This happened to a person here in the Netherlands too. They are also fighting to let people know that a breast density could hide your cancer. Both my Mil and Sil have or had breastcancer. My Mil sadky has passed on. So i get checked. Period.
Thanks for pointing this important fact out!
I knew I had dense breast tissue but insurance would not pay for additional tests such as ultrasound or MRIs. I later developed breast cancer that couldn’t be seen on mammograms. Fortunately my cancer was small and not aggressive.
right on! This Dense information is being obligated by doctors to let us know since 2015 and till now the insurance companies and government does NOTHING , NOTHING TO HELP on the costs of an Ultrasound or MRI. CIGNA is closing their eyes to. for the past 10 years I have to pay out of pocket for . EVERYBODY KNOWS THAT. very sad. and for us, just one more bill to pay. pls see how China deal with thei more than 80% dense breast in their country. they use only Ultrasound, almost none Mammogram which can hurt and cause cancer later but nobody wants to talk about it.
I’ve been told every time I get a mammogram my tissue is dense but that’s it. Nothing further is ever done. Only last year did they mention the 3D imaging but insurance doesn’t cover it.
Med insurance should be made, by law, to pay for MRIs for women with dense breast tissue.
no, insurance s/n be a factor at all
@@loply4503 oh right, insurance shouldn't be a factor; we should just pay out of pocket. Idiot.
Not when they spend BILLIONS lobbying each states politicians to vote no! Seriously America is run by the uber wealthy for the uber wealthy, period.
40% of women have dense tissue.
It is the law. It was a part of Obamacare.
I've been told I have dense breast tissue since my 30's (I'm 51). My mom and maternal aunt both had breast cancer and issues with thyroid. I am always told to not worry and never given any other option! I will speak up next appointment-- now that I know WHAT to ask for. Thank you & sorry to hear this woman went through more struggles that ever needed.
They should've at least sent you to get both a mammogram and ultrasound. I have the same situation , dense breast and family history. My doc has given me referrals for both the mammogram and an ultrasound every year. Now I will ask about MRIs. Next appt. definitely ask them to give you your screenings. I wish you well always. 🙏
ME TOO! The doctors do nothing, since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BURCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
Please ask for genetic testing BRACA to see if you have a genetic risk for BC also insist on all of the things others mentioned there are also organizations that will help with costs for these tests if your insurance won’t cover them ask A LOT of questions and talk with the social worker at your mammography center about additional resources
Same here
They're wrong. Breast cancer is HIGHLY hereditary maternally. Both my aunt and cousin were diagnosed with it, and when Sis and I checked with our doctors, they assured us that since our dad, my aunt's brother, doesn't carry the genetics of said cancer, it's highly unlikely. Still, having a yearly exam never hurts.
However, autoimmune disorders and ADHD/ASD is HIGHLY hereditary, and he was loaded with it :/
At what point do we start having serious conversations about universal healthcare. MRIs, to screen for cancer, dental cleanings, and heart disease screenings should be a right for all citizens of the so-called wealthiest country in the world.
Many Americans constantly talk about having universal healthcare but unfortunately some people don't want it for themselves and others to have it.
Apparently the United States is the only developed country in the world without universal healthcare.
@@shamelessvanity1415 have you seen footage from other countries of universal healthcare or heard the stories? I have heard bad stories. I have seen footage of canadas healthcare, i would not want it! Do u like going to the d.m.v.? Or do u avoid it? Can u think of any governmental agency that is good? I can't. I would rather have private healthcare that has to compete with other companies to strive to be better than one another. Would love to hear your point of view. Thx for listening
@@2malsahm59 I hear you, but If any country could pull it off it would America. It’s interesting how imaginative we are when it comes to the destruction of people, but for some reason we are really clueless when it comes to saving people.
For starters, we need to do a better job of identifying the talents of our children instead of just pushing them through school mindlessly without a clear projection of population growth and how many students we need to prepare for various industries. We also need to make medical school free or very affordable.
@@2malsahm59French person here 🤚🏻living in France a country with universal healthcare. I lived in the US for five years some time ago so I can really compare both systems. When I was living in the US I felt a lump in my breast, so I went to a hospital to get checked. I waited 6 hours, they felt my breast and told me they didn’t have what was necessary to check me properly and recommended me to a clinic. I had to pay $700 out of my pocket. Fast forward, I spent the same amount to go visit my family in France and got checked there for free. Living in a country with universal healthcare is miles better than living in a country where you have to worry about how much you have to pay for basic health checks. The horror stories you hear about universal healthcare are just that: propaganda to keep a system where private insurances make millions out of people’s health. I am not saying that universal healthcare is perfect, but I’ll take that any day over the system in the US. Worst case scenarios exist in every system but having at least prevention systems available for people should be normalized in the US.
As long as this country is run by big corps, never. How else would the billionaires pay for their yachts.
I always wondered why they never take these things seriously. I also believe that screening should be for all women 18 and up not just over a certain age.
No. Thats BS
At this point, we should be doing annual MRI's for breast cancer screening. They are less painful and more thorough. But we're only women, so who cares right? 😡
I got MRIs for years. Then I went through a questionnaire with my doctor to see if I was high risk which would require an MRI. I was not. I was not liking all of the MRI's because I read that the dye stays in your body and maybe your brain.
I'm always told to drink lots and lots of water after the MRI to flush that dye.
Have you had one? The position you get in to have it done is painful. There is a lot of pressure put on certain parts of your body.
@@A---ti3zzmight be less painful than mammogram
Mine misread a 4” x 2” mass as fibrocystic tissue. I had to demand further testing. Stage 3 triple positive Adenocarcinoma
Goodness. I hope you are ok and getting/ got the best treatment.
I am glad that you are being a great advocate for yourself. Right now Breast MRI seems to have an edge in finding cancer. The dense tissue hides it and Ultrasound can help in combination with a Mammogram. However Dedicated Breast CT is superior to those scans. The problem is getting the new technology in enough places. We obviously need better, quicker and pain free screening for BC that is available to all Women everywhere.
I’m really sorry. If you had an Ultrasound Fibrocystic tissue doesn’t have blood flow and your FOUR INCH MASS would have LIT UP like a Christmas tree if the sonographer knew what she was doing.
Are you sure it wasn’t 4 cm bc 4” is the size of a golf ball
Oh no, that goes against the “healthcare” system in the United States. How will they ever make money?!
You mean it it is worldwide against the medical system.
This is so important after many years of going to get mammograms. This was the first year that my insurance paid for me to get a breast density test and it saved my life.
What is the test called for checking breast density
Not necessary.
@@rabbitgirlz4380 the radiologist can tell you in their report just by looking at your mammogram
I knew a lady in her early fifties that all of sudden, she started feeling nauseous. Went to emergency. After few tests, she was diagnosed with advanced cancer breast. Unfortunately was too late for her to receive treatment. The cancer had spread all over her body.
She was advised Hospice care at home. She was given Morphine. After only four days of the diagnosis, she went blind . Lived only few weeks. It happened fast. I believe she had a breast exam very rarely. She was busy with work and family that she neglected herself. The signs were there. Weight loss was number one.
How horrible! Poor woman. I’m sorry for your loss.
😢
My mum was the opposite gain weight became swollen and puffy
I knew a woman diagnosed in her 40s, diagnosed after it spread to her lungs. She survived several years but ultimately succumbed. In this video the nursing dean was told her tumor was low grade (not very aggressive or rapidly growing). Tumors like that may never spread. Your acquaintance and mine likely had very aggressive cancers that grew rapidly and spread early on. Sadly, screening by any means just doesn't always detect those before metastasis.
Ive heard about how painful mammograms can be. Why dont we just rely on ultrasounds. Womens healthcare allows an unacceptable amount of pain.
A mammogram takes about 10 minutes. It’s worth being a little uncomfortable just to know you don’t have cancer or catch it early.
@@MyIntegrityIsNotForSaleglad you beat cancer.
Ultrasounds are not nearly as good as mammograms at finding cancer. Ultrasounds need to be given IN ADDITION to a mammogram. I’ve had a number of mammograms and not a single one was painful.
Have heard, but never had one? Don't listen to people! What is considered painful to another, is painless to you. For me, it was a discomfort, that was it.
My gyn automatically orders both a mammogram and ultrasound for all her patients because a lot of women have dense breast
This pisses me off so bad! Wtf are we supposed to do?!!
Be rich😬 healthcare sucks in America
Eat very healthy! Because Health care in USA doesn’t give a poop 💩 for us (only for illegal immigrants apparently)
Raise HELL. Dedicated Breast CT by Koning Health provides superior imaging compared to Mammograms. Google it. Everyone take notice. Demand accurate, safe, pain free, and no compression screening and diagnostic scans. If a biopsy is needed the scanner can do it right there too. Tell your Doctor and Radiologist. Tell the FDA, Tell your Congressman, Tell your friends. This is truly personal for my wife and I.
Take a plane to Panama or Costa Rica and have those tests done in one of their wonderful private clinics and pay a little fraction without insurance than what you will pay in the US.
Sounds like you need a MRI! It was the MRI that located her cancer…No one has mentioned that using it as a precautionary measure in addition to the other tests…
Absolutely and like me, I quit seeking help in 2018 knowing I have dense breast (like someone drop a can of white paint on my breast, family history and no insurance also meant sorry, no help, you do not have breast cancer because we can not see it, need more testing but lack of insurance the help ends here. Good luck!
No one is telling you how the Gov and insurance companies see this for the past decade or more .
since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BURCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
@@sonyaluhman4648 An ultrasound is a little over $100.
But insurance might not cover the cost.
@@WestCoLux they don’t. That’s the problem.
This is so scary. I was called back once about my density, but everything was fine…I think…I hope so.🫤 I will be making an appointment soon. Prayers for anyone who’s battling right now.
Mammograms are used to check subtle changes in the tissue patterns and calcifications. ultrasounds are used to check cysts and solids. MRI checked findings that have a blood flow.
Thanks for the explanation.
Well…then why don’t they automatically do ultrasound?…hmmmm….
Cost, and that we're women. Ultrasound is less painful, and is a more informative diagnostic tool.
I request my every year and pay a little exra for an AI evaluation.
I prefer ultrasounds. It wasn't that expensive and I used my HSA card/account.
@@mariejae And here is the elephant in the room, it’s not covered by insurance and when people don’t have an HSA, many can’t afford secondary screenings.
I pay $150 out of pocket, and they add it to my mammogram appt every year. That is what Rush Hospital charges here in Chicago for the abus
Yet, Medicare stop paying for an ultrasound last year. Only a mammogram.
Maybe you need a Medicare Advantage plan. There are so many. Call each one to see if they cover an ultrasound. I'm switching to a plan that charges a $60 copay.
Yes, they sure did. I paid $150 to get a abus
There are lots of facts about mammograms. Do your own research. Most will
Not read nor research. Most will
Get cancer and die too soon.
My friend is 26 and terminal with breast cancer. It’s heartbreaking. Mammograms didn’t catch it in time, but ultrasound did.
Listen to diacussions w Thomas Seyfried at Boston College...he s a cancer scientist/expert.
Wow I’m so sorry to hear that. 26?! 😢
Same story for a 41 yr old friend with 2 young children. Mammo was clear. She felt a lump one month later. Stage 4. Died after 18 months of hell.
Im sorry, my friend is 34 with terminal breast cancer. It’s devastating
Was she jabbed?
Wow! My OBG/YN’s have always told me that I have dense breast tissue and over the last 10 years, need a second, 3D, mammogram and I’m almost 60. It seems to me that the first, insurance required “regular,” mammogram is a huge waste of money since having dense breast tissue is in my records and I have a history of having to have a second. 🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ Logic has left the building when it comes to the American healthcare system.
since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BURCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
So have you been paying for the second out of pocket?
@@tommon02 Yep. Has been upwards of a grand a year.
@tommon02 exactly. You can fight, spend days and hours or cry on the telephone as i did, they have not a single drop of shame in saying oh you will be reimbursed if your doctor tell that its medically necessary. BS. BS. The insurance companies are NOT PAYING extra. For years now I have to pay out of my pockket, yes. Ive tried everything and even have e.mails from cigna big chief. Totally useless. Pls read online all the efforts that woman are doing to make this necessary as t he mammoggrfor all of us but no success. Yes we will continue to die. The funny part is that i ask my doctor, without all my findings : so if you are telling me that a mammogram is not enought but only a ultrasound why do I need to still do the mammogram? So after consulting on line and talking to several professioanls they really have more excuses as why DR. Falchy made us believe on the vaccines. Yes we are in trouble
Kind of an odd question but I heard a long time ago that breastfeeding helps lower the chance of BC.
If you’re a mom, did you breastfeed for at least 6 mos?
I appreciate you covering this issue.
My mom worked in radiology for 20 years. She did not believe in mammograms.
I don't like them at all because mine are never clear enough. Then why bother with them?
I have heard too many stories of mammogram after mammogram was clear, only to have a simple ultrasound or an MRI detect problems. Why torture us if there are less painful alternatives?
I have heard that one mammogram contains the equivalent radiation of 100 xrays. That is a LOT of cumulative radiation over many years. Ultrasound seems much safer and more accurate! I wish more studies were done on this.
@@luvsunshine4825kinda makes you wonder if they could be a cause of breast cancer in some women...
Yeh this woman had "slow growing" early stage breast cancer. Meaning she would have been fine
This year, late summer, I got my number and was called in to Women's Health Clinc. I knew I had dense breats, had them mapped years ago via ultrasound. Now I will get the MRI starting next year, then the mammogram the year after creating an alternate year exam schedule.
Let me clarify! She said it was there for many years. - No cancer was identified, did not bother her. Then... new test came out and Double mastectomy was done? There is sometning not right. Why such specialist is not saying what to take to prevent it? like she said, she had heaviness, here is many lymphatic drainages, and Iodine solution for women to use? What women to eat as a Iodine nowadays? Absolutely nothing! Women, prevent yourself! All insurances need from us - to be sick, but when we sick we have to buy more expensive insurance plan. Be well!!!
Exactly!!! All proves that this is a racket BS propaganda fear campaign for $$$$$ .
Who do people keep depending on mammograms? Ultrasounds are more thorough. I prefer ultrasounds.
The only detail this news forgot to mention is how Insurance companies and our Gov treat this problem that was discoved decades ago. THAT THE ISSUE THEY HIRED HERE. HOW SAD for us
since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BUROCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
I prefer ultra sounds no pain or radiation. But mammograms & MRIs are more accurate
@@crystalvera9560I was told by my oncologist that ultrasounds are more effective in diagnostics.
I get both.
I have breast implants and my insurance covers both. According to the radiology technicians that do my tests they seem to be more gentle on less painful when you have implants since they move the implants back to just get the breast tissue. Had my first 3D mammogram and only had the ultrasound the year before. I’m 42 and new to all this.
I accidentally came upon this video, I dealt with melanoma a few years back, still on remission and started getting mammograms and an ultrasound for what could be a cyst on one side, having dense tissue didn’t help much. Thank you for this segment of educating us on what should we be informed from now on. I will make sure I ask the right questions in my upcoming mammogram. ❤️🙏🏻
Please talk to the social worker at your mammography center hospital or clinic there probably is financial help available if your insurance won’t cover additional testing or if you are underinsured or not insured at all, but they usually don’t volunteer this information you have to ask & do not hesitate it’s your life(I learned the hard way that really put our family through financial peril)
I did this and absolutely no one could direct me to any type of resources in my state so I called the health dept. And they said the same everyone seemed confused I was even asking
Thank you for covering Women’s Health issues.
The biggest issue they did not cover my dear is how much an Ultrasound or MRI cost and the insurance companies knowing we need more test DO NOT COVER IT.
since 2015 the doctors were obligated by law to inform this patients THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM . PLEASE PAY ATTENTION HERE> THE INSURANCE COMPANIES KNOW THAT FOR ALMOST ! DECADE AND DO NOTHING WITH OUR GOVERNMENT OF COURSE TO HELP OUT. THE MAMMOGRAM MEANS NOTHING TO WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST SO TKS WE DONT NEED SO WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT FOR FREE TOO. I"VE CALLED MY INSURANCE CIGNA SPOKE WITH ONE OF THE "BIG BOSSES" SHE GUARANTEED ME THAT IF THE PAPERWORK WAS DONE CORRECT AND THAT I HAVE THIS CONDITION THEY WOULD COVER IT. W R O N G !!!!! AGAIN. I SPENT HOURS ON THE PHONE< READ EVERYTHING TO EDUCATE MYSELF AND NADA. THEY COME UP WITH SOME STUPID THING THAT I NEED TO MEET MY DEDUCTIBLE. SO FOR ALL OF YOU HERE THEY KNOW ABOUT THIS WHERE THEY HAVE 50% OF WOMAN THAT WILL PAY MORE EVERY YEAR FOR THIS TEST . THEY TOOK 20 YEARS TO APPROVE MAMMOGRAMS FOR FREE AND NOW THEY WILL TAKE PROBABLY MORE 30 TO APROVE ULTRASOUND TO US. THIS IS OUR DEMOCRACY. PLEASE READY HOW CHINA WHO HAS 70 or more WOMAN WITH DENSE BREAST HOW THEY TREAT THEIR PATIENTS! NO MAMMOGRAM....only FREE ULTRASOUND FOR ALL . THIS NEWS NEEDS TO GO DO A BETTER JOB. SORRY BUT THIS IS NOT RIGHT TO ALL OF US. IT SHOULD SHOW THE BUROCRACY BEHIND THIS TESTS AND INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR TREAT US LIKE DIRTY
Here in central Europe we are told if we have dense breast tissue, so I’m told to get a high quality mammogram at an oncology connected clinic, PLUS a yearly ultrasound to make annual screenings even more reliable.
Insurance doesn't cover MRI, so how will this help if insurance policies dont change?
Mine did. First check with your doctor to see if you are high risk and need an MRI. Then call you insurance.
That hasn't been the case since I obamacare. Get your insurance through your state's exchange. Maybe it's your work insurance that doesn't cover it.
The information is virtually pointless b/c there's no further instructions on what to do after you have this information. Case in point: I've been told for a decade by my provider that I have dense breast tissue and the risks associated with it, but that's where it ends. I've never been provided with any follow up instructions on what to do with this info, so what's the point. Almost 10 times out of ten they will not recommend an MRI due to how expensive it is.
Also, your doctor should be going through a questionnaire with you to see if you are high risk and need an MRI as well.
If you are denied medically indicated treatment, you have a right to appeal. A good provider will help you or even do it for you.
Take off a shoe and pound it on the table until you get what you need.
That's odd. I was told 3 years ago about breast density and was ordered another mammogram six months later, a sonogram and a biopsy. I paid extra for AI analysis. I imagine that not all doctors inform their patients, but my doctor did and I thought she was exaggerating. I have cancer history in my family maybe that was a red flag for her.
@mariee.5912 when you say "AI analysis " do you mean Artificial Intelligence analysis " I'm attempting to find more options/questions. Thanks
Was the AI the only extra that you paid?
@@Rdz2012 Yes that's what that is. I'm not trusting of it and it was out of pocket, so I declined.
I have dense breast as well, (I'm 55) , & my mom had breast cancer surgery 20 yrs ago. They always give me an ultrasound as well.
fast and go low sugar ppl! if your intuition is saying something is wrong or you know you have cancer you must stop feeding it by decreasing your consumption of sugars/carbs and fasting! start with intermittent fasting then continue to extend it. walk daily and you can use castor oil directly on the breast.
Sugar feeds cancer, totally agree with you on this.
alcohol plays a huge factor many women consume it, contraceptives, also they recommend breastfeeding for certain amount of time
So what’s the point of the mammogram if you need an mri anyway? We love to do tests that are less helpful, guess they make more money than the more useful tests
I guess a mammogram can tell you if you need further testing or not?
Because if you don’t have dense breast tissue, the mammogram will show you that as well as still be able to show tumors on them. Only people with more dense breast tissue need MRIs to catch their tumors. Also, yes MRIs are more expensive so it’s also related to trying to keep costs down if it’s not an absolutely necessary test.
Why not just have all women do MRIs?
I was told I have dense breast tissue after my mammogram in 2022, and I was 35 at the time. It was truly a gift. Now I know before and during my next mammogram what questions to ask, and I feel like I know my body more. Grateful for that
My story exactly. I was stage one, very close to my lymph nodes. I also chose a double mastectomy. That was 15 years ago I never regretted the choice, because I lost confidence in predictive testing.
I had a dense breast and had surgery to remove the area. The doctor said that it could possibly turn into cancer in the future if gone untreated. It was a long and tedious process but thank God they took it out.
Thank god she made it ❤ blessings 🙏🏾
I wish they would not dramatize these stories. Focus on giving us the information not pulling at our heartstrings. Please…
I got off dairy and all that density was gone.
I just had a mammogram in August and.
The report I got after stated that My results were normal but also stated that I had dense breast tissue and it was common. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results. And can be associated with risk of breast cancer. It didn't say anything about density levels. When I talked to my doctor about the results she didn't mention anything about density levels or further testing.
Using xrays to evaluate breast tissue is not sensitive and therefore inefficient! Protocols using Ultrasound or MRI should be studied more!!!
Wait..I am 60 years old and I have been told all along that I have very dense breast tissue and have been continuously called back for a second mammogram in which I complained about because they hurt!
It is not verbally stated rather reported out in one’s mammo report in the Mychart portal for patients to look up and read progress notes. Its will be in the doc notes and actual image report if that is uploaded and shared with patient population.
*British Columbia 'alone' .... SIX YEARS * we have had this implemented!! But women here are very educated, fight for our rights, heavilly outspoken, and a very health driven province. Ontario has ONLY had this implemented for TWO years of which is insane, sadly they have a horrendous sitting governing body still. I am so sad for all of you still fighting for basic rights and health care in your country. We have an immense need for various specialists and GP's.... nothing is perfect here except our security level and splendor of our nature.
Women health care needs to improve!! We need better technology to detect Breast cancer and have less intrusive Pap smears.
Learned this recently from a shared personal story. Glad for the reporting.
In addition to insurance companies covering MRI for breast cancer screenings, mammograms/MRIs should be started MUCH younger than 40 years old. As a nurse, I have seen many young people (20s and 30s) with late-stage and terminal breast cancer, as well as have a friend who thankfully survived it, but was diagnosed at 26. The whole mammograms-at-40 concept is outdated and misleading. Breast cancer screening should start at 25, in my opinion.
At 32, I requested one and my doc at the time didn’t argue with me and I was glad. We discovered I have dense tissue. That doc unfortunately left and my new doc looked at me like I had two heads when I asked for a repeat annual mammogram. He reluctantly agreed to order it and then recommended I don’t get another one until I’m 40. Super helpful.
Same here with history and prior tumor and genetic testing to ensure MRI..insurance would not approved. I decided its $500 out of my pocket worth more than my life. It's frustrating and sad how they bargained with human's life.
First of all, I don't see what is new about this. I'm 68 and my report letter has been mentioning my dense breast tissue for years. I just asked the manager where mine is done, 'shouldn't I have further screening?' and she said unless I have a family history or reason to have an MRI, insurance won't cover it. This report really had no substance.
I guess maybe you have to lie to get that MRI paid for. Seriously you can have BC and there is NOT a close blood family member who has ever had Breast Cancer.
Yes I am one of those who had dense breast and mamograms obviously could not ‘see’ anything. Not even when the tumor grew to 2 cm!! It was my physical examination and the ultra sound that eventually found it…😢
In 2005 my gynecologist alerted me to issues with the Radiologist reading my mammograms and, after several needle biopsies, he advised a subcutaneous bi-lateral mastectomy. I followed through and never looked back. Thank you to Dr.Polito for being a forward thinking doctor with the care of his patients always in mind.
This is crazy. In Canada, the health department has been informing women here for years about the category of breast tissue density or not, along with the level. It’s written in the records as part of the examination, and this disclosure is required, and now put in writing. Who is making these ghastly decisions in the US regarding people’s health care. Why would they conceal this information, something all women need to know to stay informed and mindful. Or perhaps it’s deliberate. Cancer care is a money making industry, the more severe your cancer, the more money required to treat your disease.
I'm in the US and I was informed decades ago. I think that they may be talking about women who have put off getting screened.
@@kathleendudek2955 I think different states might have had different laws. I'm in California and I first got a dense breast tissue notification in 2013.
@@puggirl415 Glad you got notified.
USA system is all about money. Disgusting.
Usa doesn’t have a healthcare system, it has a healthcare business.
So if the mammogram did not find the cancer but the MRI did, she women seek to have an MRI vs a mammogram? I know it would not be recommended to have an MRI every year but maybe every few years or so. Just curious.
Agree.
If you don't have dense breast tissue, an MRI isn't needed. So we start with the broadest end of the funnel and keep going as required. Mammogram, MRI, then biopsies for me. The more negative results I get, the safer it is to stretch out the screenings.
Radiologists look for changes. I have many calcifications, but unless there are changes I don't need another MRI every year. I've had biopsies twice after a lumpectomy (benign) when I was 25 and found a lump while showering.
I'm 69 today! I don't plan to go out with breast cancer.
The risk has increased. It was 1 in 16 in 1992. Now it's 1 in 8.
@@RockandRollWoman What about Ultrasound?
I have always been informed I have extreme dense breast,last year the doctor had me go back do the mammogram again right after the regular annual one.insurance doesn’t cover it.
Thank you for reporting on this.
Thermography is a great option for breast health checks, radiation free.
I have a mri next week because my mammogram came back clear, but I have dense tissue and the doctor immediately requested me to still do an MRI 🙏
abnormally large percentage of American Men in the USA get breast cancer as well.
I wonder why?
@@sct4040 Psychiatric prescriptions (possibly others) cause breast growth could be a reason?
@@Whyaretaxespayingforcorr-cc8sr manyplastix contain hormonedisrupturs... in addition to food with soy, many don't care or have the time to read or understand labels. Also water... Not filtered well enough to remove qualities that can add to it.. farm-a-sooticals definitely.
They drink milk from cows full of hormones and chemicals.
They have to tell you, but they don't have to do anything about it.
I've been having problems with my left breast for 2 years since I stopped breastfeeding. I also feel a thickness, denseness, and dull pain. I have been trying to get screened this whole time. I have encountered barriers because I'm only in my 30s, my insurance isn't taken at many facilities, and my primary care physician left the practice after having her baby. I never knew it was this hard to get a mammogram, everyone tells women to get screened but when they need care it is difficult to find.
Get your insurance through your state's exchange. You should not have any issues getting one since obamacare.
@void________ I have excellent insurance through my employer, doesn't change that it's out of network for the place my primary care doctor referred me to prior to them quitting their job, putting me back at square one.
Keep pushing, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Don’t forget its your life, only you can advocate for yourself. The usa healthcare business caters to those that can afford it. Call the American cancer society and ask for where you can get a free mammogram.
you could also look for someone in your area who does Thermography (not tomography.) It's not clear if this is better than a mammogram/ultrasound or not.. You will have to pay for it out of pocket, but it's not crazy expensive and it could save your life. Your child(ren) need you.
Every time I had a mammogram I was told by the technician that I have dense breast tissue. Often extra views were done. I worked for a radioligist who noted dense tissue in reports. Patients don't usually see their radiology reports but they are available for the asking.
The automated breast ultrasound is usually covered at 100% when the female has the correct amount of density. Sometimes they cover a percentage. I know because I work in a mammogram office where we offer the abus for density .
I have to pay for my ABUS scan every year
How do we know density amoubt.
This exact same thing happened to me. But by the grace of God I got through it with the support of my amazing medical team, family and friends.
You should also know the doctor should touch your bare skin as a part of the examination. Some "specialists" don't want to touch the older patients for explainable reasons and let them go with a possibility of cancer. If they don't touch you as a part of the examination go to another doctor.
They are also screening using ABUS if you are found to have dense breast tissue.
Because I have dense tissue, they always have me get an ultrasound as well
Agree and Ultrasound is safer...
This is scary, I was in the ER and was told I needed further testing because they were sure I have breast cancer. I went and got a mammogram but because I hadn't had a previous one to compare too, I was told I have dense breast tissue and to come back in 6 months for testing again. But I know something isn't right. 2 Dr's have expressed severe concerns and a breast clinic specialist, but a radiologist said they aren't as concerned. What does one do in my situation?
And to add context I was seen June 26th at the er, and had an ultrasound done. The radiologist there along with the dr I saw that night, both were concerned and ordered further testing, follow up with PCP, and a referral to the breast clinic. I've done everything I've been asked and it seems like this one radiologist at the army base medical hospital doesn't share the same concern so basically it's just wait another 6 months and have a follow up mammogram and ultrasound. Yet my breast is still swollen and uncomfortable (not painful just uncomfortable when wearing a bra, or if I touch that one side).
Ask your PCP for a referral to have an MRI @@funsize5. Be adamant about wanting to have it done.
Ask for a biopsy. Ask a doctor that leans more towards "something may be going on here".
Insist on an ultasound and mri. ADVOCATE for yourself. No one else will.
@void________ The doctor at the breast clinic sent a referral for an ultrasound with a biopsy and I went to the appt, the "radiologist" checked the ultrasound and said he didn't think I needed the biopsy at this point and to come back in 6 months. Pretty damn frustrating. I'm going to contact the breast clinic again.
Breast density changes over time. Frequently, as fat increases, dense areas may apoear as " lesions". It is imperative to have diagnostic tests and biopsy to confirm, as many cases are false positives.
I have dense breast tissue and I have known this for years when I was told I had to do additional testing. What I didn't know is that I'm more likely to develop breast cancer. I'm going to ask my doctor if I should get a masectomy
The background music is really bad. Just play the spot without the emotional music.
Breast ultrasound is less expensive option. If something concerning is noted, then it's easier to get breast MRI. I've been offering breast ultrasound as additional testing for patients with mammograms showing dense breast
I have dense breast. I also get an ABUS scan along with a mammo every year. I read not a lot of places do ABUS scans . It’s suppose to help detect breast cancer in dense breast
I'm a doctor in Canada and i just started getting mammogram reports reporting on breast density in addition to any abnormalities. The problem with MRIs is that they're over-sensitive and carry the risk of not-uncommonly a significant number of false-positives. I have patients who are BRCA-2 positive and a radiologist colleague told me that reading the reports is super-stressful bc, "everything can look abnormal." We need to re-evaluate breast cancer research - after all this time and so much funding, the waste and lack-of-progress is unconscionable.
Izoview CT is from Canada. It's new and starting trials. Koning Health CT is in the United States in the state of Georgia. Also an Automated Ultrasound company called Delphinus is in Michigan and QT is in California. Let me know what you think of these options.
The couple of checks up during my annual mammo I would get an ultrasound after a mammo because I have dense tissue.
I know I have breast density tissues, even though I was never told. Because it’s painful, and have glandular stuff in it all my life. Doing a mammogram is beyond painful. I have skipped a few years but do have an appointment for January 25.
Me too with the pain since I was 21 and now 68 years old.
@ Awwww. Sorry. Yep, it’s tough. I’m 66 years old.
I found a lump four months after my annual mammogram. Found it by accident. That was 8 years ago, had a lumpectomy, been fine ever since, but I miss my HRT.
Most insurance companies only cover baseline mammograms. If you have dense breast tissue and need more than the standard screening it will not be covered unless something shows up on the baseline screening.
Also can be hereditary genes and your risk increases if you have family members with prostate cancer that is why it is important to go for your mammogram and genetic screening if you can get it done.
I wish there would be just as much attention paid to testicular cancer in men. Jave marches, parades, information seminars to encourage ALL men starting at age 18, encourage them to have cancer screening. Have their testicles examined by a medical professional in office, regularly starting at age 18 or earlier if some of their male relatives have had prostate or testicular cancer.
Thank goodness My Dr does mammogram and sonogram at my yearly check-ups. I will have to remember to ask about breast density test next time. Stay aware and safe ladies.
I alternate a low dose MRI and ultrasound every year and a mammogram annually due to dense breast tissue. I did notice a density report on my last mammogram report.
Thank you for this story. Please delve into this further and gelp to get the word out.
Thanks for reporting on this!
This story makes me realize how few nursing experts are interviewed for their expertise and this should really be changed
What you didn't address was the importance of self exam. What did she feel? How did she find it? How do you get further testing? Don't just give us a feel good story about survival.
It is true. A mammogram won’t show the cancer. When I was 45 the radiologist did not see anything due to the density of the gland. I did not accept his diagnosis since I had a big lump that turned out to be a big bleeding. It was a cancer diagnosed with an echography. But that was many years ago. Nowadays, rmi is the exam.
My mammo this month didn’t show the invasive tumor, but the MRI did. I am flat chested but very dense breast tissue.
I have a dense breast tissues. After first mammogram, the doctor didn’t say anything. After second mammogram, doctor said it’s my choice to do an ultrasound sound. I did and they found two masses that are thought to be common and benign. Doctor said it’s my choice to do biopsy. I asked a NP friend for recommendation and was told to do biopsy with MRI. I told requested them, but was only approved for biopsy. They said I could get MRI depending on the result of biopsy. Haven’t scheduled for biopsy yet. Will report back after the result. Now I am a little scared.
I’ve always been told I have dense breast. The last few years I’ve had Ultrasound immediately after my mammogram.. It just how they’ve been doing it.
Insurance companies and doctors don't want to spend the money and time on MRIs!
My mother, sister and maternal cousin have all had breast cancer twice. I am in my 50s and have dense tissue. You would think insurance would cover MRI for someone like me but NOPE. I used to do MRIs but can't afford roughly $500 per year any longer
At what time are our representatives going to compel our insurance companies (which we pay) to cover what our doctors order?
I think Obama already did that. You shouldn't have any issues getting cancer treatment bc it was a huge part of how obamacare revamped whats covered. Get your insurance through your state's exchange.
I have been saying that for YEARS, as both a nurse of 30 years and an instructor of student nurses for 3, that TOUCH and a kind moment with understanding words goes MILES.
As for the dense breast tissue, I have been told for years that I have dense tissue, so it is not across the board that women have not been informed.
When did this go into affect?
Every year they tell me I have very dense breast tissue but nothing to be concerned about. Both my mother and sister have also been told the same. I go in February for my next mammogram and we’ll see.
Online bullying ,outside bullying ,subway station bullying ,clinic bullying ,hospital bullying ? What is democracy country in USA ?
Thermography is another option! It is not spoken of enough and can help detect problems in dense tissue.