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FDA Approves Selenia 3-D Mammogram X-Ray Device that Uses Double-Dose of Radiation

The Food and Drug Administration announced it has approved 3-D Selenia Dimensions System medical imaging device for mammogram X-rays used in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. 3-D X-rays deliver double doses of radiation. Are there safer breast evaluation tools?

Here's the FDA rationale for approving Hologic's Selenia 3-D mammography devices: "A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray of the breast that is the besttool for early detection of breast cancer. However, with the limitationsof conventional two-dimensional (2-D) imaging, about 10 percent ofwomen undergo additional testing after the initial screening exam forabnormalities that are later determined to be noncancerous.

The FDA admits the combination of Selenia's 2-D and 3-D images gives double doses of radiation but justifies the additional cancer-causing X-ray device by pointing to improvements in accuracy of detecting cancer. Additionally, 3-D breast mammograms mean fewer women are recalled for a diagnostic workup. The FDA claims the additional exposure to radiation and increased cancer risk from having 2-D and 3-D exams should affect only "1.5 percentcompared to the natural cancer incidence, and less than 1 percentcompared to the risk from conventional 2-D mammography."

The National Cancer Institute states 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually. If cancer is detected early, it can be arrested in 98 percent of cases. The NCI recommends annual mammograms for all women over the age of 40.

I have never had a mammogram. Each year, I refuse my mammogram for several reasons. First, I have no history of breast cancer in my family. Second and more importantly, I practiced ecological breast-feeding, attachment parenting, infant rooming in and child-led weaning with all four of my children. All of my children nursed until the age of 2 or longer. Breast-feeding is themethod of preventing breast cancer, reducing incidence by 45 percent. Also,are as effective as CBE (Clinical Breast Exams) if they are conducted regularly and properly, beginning at age 20.

There are safer medical imaging technology alternatives to mammograms, also.uses heat rather than radiation to detect early cancers and is much safer than mammography.anduse soundwaves (sonography) and echolocation to detect breast cancer. If these procedures are safe enough to use during pregnancy, and have been proven reliable, they are a better alternative to mammograms. With these safer technologies available, why is there so much push for dangerous radiation technology? Funding and research should be directed toward exploration and development of safer breast cancer evaluation methods.

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes from 25-plus years teaching K-8, CI, EI, ASD, LD, adult education, ESL, Montessori and homeschool. She is passionate about family issues, emotional health, sustainable lifestyles and social justice. Marilisa writes for the Yahoo! Contributor Network about parenting concerns.