We invite you to join in the conversation by leaving a comment below.
Read More:
“Why Doctors Are Rethinking Breast-Cancer Treatment.” Time Magazine, October 1, 2015.
“Our Feel-Good War on Breast Cancer.” Peggy Orenstein. The New York Times, April 25, 2013.
As a physician, and a Radiologist (the very specialty performing and interpreting mammograms), I am extremely disappointed in your piece. Your use of sources is problematic, and I urge you to further research the issue using academic references (American College of Radiology) would be a good place to start. Information from physicians, specifically those involved in breast health, should be utilized, rather than nonphysician op-eds. I urge you to retract your piece.
In the meantime, as much as I like your clothes, I can no longer support your brand.
I urge all readers to discuss their health with their doctor, and follow the ACR guidelines regarding screening mammograms.
Sincerely,
Aubrey J. Slaughter, M.D.
Radiology (yes, the specialty reading mammograms)
I am an OB/GYN nurse practitioner. I have rarely encountered such an utterly misinformed and ignorant statement. You have committed an incredible disservice to women.
Please research your information anew and try not to pontificate from a mistaken premise.
I think every patient has the right to decide what screening tests are right for her, so the author of the letter has the right to choose whatever works for her. However, I’m not sure why anyone in a potential position to influence the public would find it necessary to argue for opting out of mammograms. Opt out yourself, but please don’t encourage others to make that choice.
All of your “breast cancer facts” in your letter fail to include the proven fact that early detection saves lives. Mammograms save lives. No doubt about it.
Just because I like your products does not mean I want your opinion about mammograms. Just irresponsible.
I was so disappointed to get your email today. I have loved Title 9 and all that it stands for, for many years. I love the use of real women in your catalogues and your sense of fun and adventure. I love the great customer service and the positivity of all staff I have worked with. However, I am so offended that you used your business email list for this message. While I don’t agree with your stance on mammograms, I understand that you are entitled to your opinion. However, with a position of influence, comes some responsibility. You don’t mention having any actual medical expertise, and your argument against having a mammogram is because too much breast cancer research goes to awareness. What does one have to do with the other? Are you saying you would have a mammogram if more money were allocated to research? Are you boycotting mammograms to take a stand against pink-washing? If you were trying to start a discussion about exploring options when it comes to breast cancer screening and diagnosis, this was not an effective argument. I found the whole thing to be in poor taste. I do not wish to receive these types of emails in the future.
Thank you for this, Missy! I don’t like all the mammograms being done either. There are many dangers with too much radiation. During a routine exam, age 50, I was told my breast felt lumpy and to get a mammogram and a biopsy. I attended my son’s wedding wondering if I was going to be around to see my grandchildren. My primary care doctor sent me for non-invasive, no-radiation thermal imaging. Apparently this can detect a tumor 7 years before a mammogram!! And there are fewer false negatives. Turns out I was fine and all that worry was for nothing. But of course insurance doesn’t cover thermal imaging so most women are never given this option. It’s important for women to understand they don’t have to accept the status quo. Doctors are not God. Sometimes it makes sense to look into alternatives to “the way it’s always done”. I m very glad I did!
Ms. Parker, Please use your excessive CEO salary to support whatever cancer research and education organizations you choose. However, It is irresponsible and offensive that you would use your status as CEO of a clothing company to offer medical advice that could potentially lead to a lack of a breast cancer diagnosis in women. In return, I promise to tell my medical doctors to keep their non-expert comments to themselves if they comment negatively on any of my purchases from Title 9. They might just be the last ones I make from your company unless you come to your senses and retract your statement.
I wholeheartedly agree. Over four years ago, I had a mastectomy to remove the “insidious stage 0 cancer” in my left breast. At the time, I was not able to find a doctor who did not recommend a mastecomy in my case. But it felt, and still feels, like a very drastic response. The hardest part for me is that I still question whether or not I really had to have my breast removed. And I’m angry that there is no room in the discussion for questioning “best practice.” So thank you for having the courage to write this letter and for opening up the conversation. I know it would have comforted me a great deal to know that others had the same questions I did. Perhaps we can stop overtreating ourselves.
Way to go!!!! My mom has had breast cancer twice n no mamogram has ever detected this! They sure as heck took her money n did tons of surgeries and now she has bone cancer and stage three kidney disease from all the radiation n chemo. No one can give her any indication as to why she keeps goin theu all this . She is 77 now n I say ENOUGH!
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Phone : 1-800-338-7499
http://herscan.com/ herscan1@gmail.com
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I completely agree with you. My husband (a MD) agrees with you, and so does my OB GYN. Mammograms lead to early detection, but they do not save lives. I’m sorry for the customers you have lost, but this post makes me more likely to buy from you.