My Opinion
After conducting thorough research, I strongly believe that annual mammography is unnecessary. Looking at the risks and benefits that may be encountered with the regular use of this screening method, it seems evident that mammography could do more harm than help. This method may contradict its original purpose with the use of radiation, meaning that it could cause cancer to begin with. Do women want to take a chance that can impact their life forever?
Furthermore, women need to consider that not only their physical health is at stake, but also their mental health. The excessive use of mammography could make women feel uncomfortable both physically and mentally. To be specific, women might find this screening method painful and if they must continue this process annually they have to go through the same hardship over and over. Looking at it through a patient's perspective I was able to decipher that this testing may state a life or death situation depending on the extent the cancer has spread. If it was diagnosed at a late stage, there is a possibility that the woman may be living her last moments. This could cause unnecessary stress and anxiety making women rethink their every action.
Overall, I think that the risks may outweigh the benefits in this case. When one's health is at stake it not only puts their life in danger, but also the quality of their life. This doesn't only hurt the patient, but their family as well. Thus, if a minor screening procedure can cause great harm, I strongly believe that mammography will become pointless. When examining statistics regarding this topic, mammography may be saving lives in a short-term perspective, but does not do enough to help women in the long run. In conclusion, looking at the bigger picture, this method may not be enough to save the population and our future generations.