Mammograms from 40 to 50 is the first sign of rationalized health care

By Douglas V. Gibbs

A federal medical panel recommended this week against routine mammograms for women younger than 50. Their line of thinking is that it is not worth subjecting some patients to unnecessary biopsies, radiation and stress.

The American Cancer Association disagrees. The highest risk group for breast cancer is women between 40 and 50.

The independent panel, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, also recommended against teaching women to do regular self-exams and concluded that there is insufficient evidence to recommend that doctors do exams.

So they would rather wait until the cancer is set in before looking?

Could this be preparation for health care rationing that is inevitable should Obama's health care bill pass?

I wonder if later they will determine that breast cancer discovered in women in their 50s will cost too much to operate on because the women have lived past their years of productivity in the eyes of the government?

Welcome to socialized medicine where the cost to the government is more important than whether you live or die.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Mammograms and politics: Task force stirs up a tempest - Washington Post