Limiting the MRI as a Breast Cancer Treatment
The March 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine published a study that looked at the ability of magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) to detect breast cancer. But as a form of breast cancer treatment, this kind of medical technology is hampered by an absence of
low cost health insurance.
Recent studies have found that MRI scans on high-risk women diagnosed with breast cancer revealed more cancer in the opposite breast, which had been missed by ordinary mammograms in 3% of cancer survivors.
According to
MSN.com, those who should get an annual MRI are women who have been recently diagnosed, a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes (the "breast cancer gene"); those who were treated for Hodgkin's disease; or those with a strong family history of the disease, such as women with two or more close relatives who had breast or ovarian cancer or who have a close relative who developed breast cancer before age 50.
But at $2,000 or more, who can afford this kind of breast cancer treatment?
Sadly, recent studies have also found that the most aggressive forms of breast cancer are most often found in populations without medical insurance, namely young black women and Hispanic women. It's for this reason that these populations of women are less likely to get breast cancer, but more likely to die from it.
Here again is why the absence of low cost health insurance is leading to medical debt, unjust medical practice, and entire populations of people suffering from illnesses that could have been discovered and treated with proper care.
Facts on:
Health Insurance Cost
Did you know...
the most aggressive forms of breast cancer are most often found in populations without medical insurance?
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Make no mistake, mammograms, regular doctor appointments, and self-exams are still an important key to fighting breast cancer.
But in terms of more expensive treatments consumers need to shop around for low cost health insurance, and opt for coverage that pays special attention to women's needs. Even minimal medical coverage can help women get the yearly checkups that could save their lives.
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