I have had mammograms since my late 20's due to dense and lumpy breasts. After my annual in 2000 I was found to have calcium deposits in my left breast and they were removed with a stereotactic biopsy. When I questioned why a "marker" was inserted I was told it would show up on future mammos so they could keep an eye on that spot for possible cancer. In May of 2007, at age 46, calcium deposits showed in my right breast. Again, a biopsy was done but this time cancer cells were found. DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) is the earliest form of cancer and many countries don't even keep track of cases. I had surgery and 3 milk ducts were removed until the tissue samples showed no cancer cells and 3 lymph nodes removed that were cancer free. I also had 35 radiation treatments and, after healing, I started tamoxifen because the cancer cells were estrogen positive. Even though my cancer was slow growing and may have not shown as a tumor for 6 to 10 years it really proved to several of my family and friends that mammograms are more important than they thought. With taking tamoxifen there is a risk of uterine cancer but an annual biopsy is a small price to pay to stay cancer free. Due to taking tamoxifen, I also started menopause early but over the last 2 years I view it as a wonderful bonus to being proactive with my health and staying cancer free.

B. E. Newman
Athens, OH