HOLSTEIN, Iowa -- The guidelines of the task force previously had no upper age limit and called for mammogram exams every year or two. Now they are recommending women 50 to 74 should get a mammogram every other year until they turn 75. I had regular mammograms until I was 75. Then feeling well, I didn't have another one until two years ago when I was 80. The reason I resumed having one is because two nieces, one in her 30s and another one in her 40s, discovered they had breast cancer with their mammograms. Breast cancer returned for one niece and she passed away at 59 this past September. My mammogram two years ago was not because I could feel a lump, but because of the return of my niece's breast cancer. The doctor compared my other mammogram five years before and then this was followed by an ultrasound, biopsy, and finally a double mastectomy -- all done in less than a month.

Without the mammogram the cancer wouldn't have been discovered as the cancer was so deep. Many lives are saved with mammograms and without the tests that I was able to have I might not be here. I do so hope and pray that we will not have rationing. -- Georgie Myrtue