An anchor for Good Morning America, Robin Roberts was following a story about cancer screening, detection and care after colleauge Joe Siegel recently died of colon cancer. She followed her own advice about early cancer detection by going home later in the day to perform a self- examination of her breasts. Discovering a lump, Roberts saught medical advice and consultation through follow-up tests. Roberts is scheduled for surgery on Friday. So far, the prognosis seems to be good. The doctors seem to be saying that her early detection of the cancer has reduced her need for more invasive procedures for removal of the cancer. As always, the earlier someone detects any kind of cancer, the better.
As I, myself, signed up for my first mamogram, I had to sign a form acknowledging that mamograms don't detect all breast cancers. Ironically, Roberts' cancer wasn't discovered through mamograms but through a more advanced ultrasound test and further biopsy. This seems to send the clear message that mamograms alone aren't enough. It is still very important to perform self-examinations. Also, if a lump is found, a good doctor will most likely seek further information on the lump through ultrasounds and biopsies. I think it's important, here, to go with your gut instinct. Don't just think that a good mamogram means that there is no breast cancer. If you have any suspicions of a lump in a breast, it's important to not only get a mamogram. Make sure you have a doctor who is going to clear as much doubt away as possible before telling you not to worry.