Hi Mary,

I don't understand how you can be against something that can very well save your life. Not every medical test is 100% accurate, but the chance it could detect something is high enough to warrant a minor discomfort.

What do you mean by "the distortion that a woman experience(s) having one"? Physical distortions or emotional ones? By the time a woman reaches the age where a mammogram is necessary, I would assume she's been through the gamut of medical tests and would be used to being distorted for medicine's sake. Hell, one session in the stirrups getting a pap smear and the mystery is gone! *g*

There are other tests that can be done, just none as easily or cost-effectively. After lumps are detected by mammogram, follow-up care can include CT and PET scans as well. If the actual mammogram bothers you, perhaps your doctor would be willing to consider one of those alternatives?

If that fails, take a friend with you. It really helps to have someone along (my best-bud is convinced there should be such a thing as a "Singing Mammogram" --"Tra-la-la-BOOM-de-ay We squashed your BOOBS today..."---and makes me laugh every time. It's a godsend) If you are of an age, I hope you do get tested. If not the mammogram, then something else, and always do your self-checks (or have a qualified partener do them for you! *G*).

~JE