Exams Can Spot, Not Prevent, Cancer

The article, “Breast Cancer Rate Will Increase in O.C., Report Says” (Sept. 7), was incorrect and misleading.

It implies that the increasing rate of breast cancer might somehow be prevented if more women had access to mammography. Mammography doesn’t prevent cancer. Hopefully, it detects it early if it is already there.

The article adds that the rates of cervical cancer and malignant melanoma of the skin are also increasing in our population.

Early detection of breast cancer by mammography, early detection of cervical cancer by timely Pap smears and the early examination of all suspicious moles or blemishes of the skin are all highly effective in preventing complications and death from these cancers.

The statement that “those three forms of cancer--breast, cervical and skin--all can be prevented by regular health exams” is, unfortunately, just wishful thinking. It makes no more sense than to suggest that having a yearly chest X-ray will prevent lung cancer in a smoker.

ARTHUR D. SILK, MD

Garden Grove