Did anyone else do the BCNA survey?
Have other ladies received the email seeking women who have had MRI? I thought I would post my letter back Nicca at BCNA on this subject.
Dear Nicca,
Unfortunately I do not fall into any of the categories to be able to have my say in this survey. However, I still wish to have input into this important issue.
In October 2012 I had a routine ultrasound & mammogram, and was given the all clear, the lady doing the ultrasound said I had extremely dense breast tissue, which was good because I had the breasts of a person a lot younger than myself, I was very pleased with this information and though no more of it.
My GP sent me back 6 months after this test to have a fibrodenoma looked at by ultrasound; it was then by chance that my breast cancer tumour was picked up.
I have since requested copies of my previous mammogram reports, one saying that my density had progressed since last mammogram and assessment is limited by dense fibroglandular tissue.
I now know that due to my breast density an MRI should have been suggested, was it not suggested due to high cost?
In USA they have addressed the whole problem of dense breasts; I feel that someone also needs to address it in Australia.
Fact one on their site:
Breast density is one of the strongest predictors of the failure of mammography screening to detect cancer.
Even though the ultra sound did pick up my tumour, the mammogram missed it; had I had this done through Breast Screen, an ultrasound would not have been offered. The radiographer had to change all the equipment on the Mammogram several times to actually pick up a 10mm tumour which turned out to be over 20mm after Lumpectomy.
I was not eligible to have a Medicare rebate for an MRI even though I was 49 and had extremely dense breast tissue. I have a first cousin with breast cancer at 45 years of age, and an Aunty with ovarian and another with Uterine cancer, but apparently this was not enough to qualify for the rebate from Medicare for an MRI. I have a mother, sister and uncle with bowel cancer, also many other relatives with various cancers. Surely when the big picture is looked at a Medicare rebatable MRI should be offered to all ladies who appear to be at high risk, this should also include if the density of their breast limits satisfactory mammogram results
It appears to be common on the BCNA site of ladies being diagnosed within months of having an all clear mammogram.
I am coming up to my 12 month check, and would love to have an MRI for peace of mind, but unfortunately I have since turned 50 and now have been treated for Breast Cancer I am not eligible for Medicare rebate MRI. Due to the financial implications of having Cancer, I cannot afford the high cost to have this test done.
Regards
Viv Williams
