Hollywood Breast Cancer Survivors Speak Out Against New Mammogram Guidelines

Access Hollywood - November 19, 2009 12:19 AM PST
Story photo: Hollywood Breast Cancer Survivors Speak Out Against New Mammogram GuidelinesChristina Applegate/Jaclyn Smith/Olivia Newton-JohnGetty ImagesAccess Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- A new government task force has released new guidelines for mammograms, claiming that most women should start getting the test every two years starting at age 50 - instead of the previously recommended age of 40.

And while breast cancer survivors in Hollywood are being very vocal on the topic, so is Sarah Palin, who spoke with Access Hollywood's Maria Menounos in Grand Rapids, Michigan on Wednesday, where Palin was promoting her book "Going Rogue."

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Former 'Charlie's Angel' Jaclyn Smith

"I think that's a dangerous recommendation," Palin told Maria. "You can talk to any cancer survivor who was diagnosed early thanks to an early mammogram and I would think that they would tell you much differently than what you're hearing today that they shouldn't receive [the tests until age 50]."

It's a sentiment echoed by celebrities who have fought and survived the disease, as well.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: In Memoriam: The Stars We Lost During Summer 2009

"I'm shocked that they want to abandon proven therapies based on cost analysis. This is wrong," Jaclyn Smith told Access Hollywood.

Jaclyn, the former "Charlie's Angels" star, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 at the age of 56.

"We're going to be put back in the dark ages again. Women are just starting to not be afraid to self-examine and have regular check ups and now they're saying to push it another 10 years," she continued.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Christina Applegate

In addition to her concern over pushing back the recommended age to begin testing, Jaclyn also took exception to the government no longer suggesting annual check ups.

"The year before I was diagnosed, my mammogram was fine," she revealed. "If I hadn't done that next year's mammogram, I would've had a different outcome."

Olivia Newton-John was diagnosed younger than Jaclyn. Her cancer was discovered 17 years ago at the age of 43 - seven years younger than the age now being recommended for mammograms.

"We are not data, we are human beings," Olivia told Access. "You can't judge it by data. I was in that 40 - 50 range."

Since her diagnosis in 1992, Olivia has become a vocal advocate for breast cancer research and other health issues. The star, who will be performing on FOX's TV skating and musical special "Kaleidoscope" on November 26 to raise awareness for women's cancer, also believes strongly in self exams, which the new guidelines say are of no value.

"At least for me, breast self-examination is the key," she said. "That's how I found my lump and then I went to the doctor and he sent me for my mammogram."

Like Jaclyn and Olivia, other Hollywood stars have also battled breast cancer - Cynthia Nixon, Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge were just a few of the celebrities who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in their early 40s.

There's also Christina Applegate, who was 36.

"I think that most women in America think that because we always hear from doctors, that you don't have to get a mammogram until you're 40, but is that sill correct?" Christina told AccessHollywood.com's Laura Saltman during an interview in September. "That's a misconception."

Because she had a strong family history of the disease - her mother is a survivor of breast and ovarian cancer - Christina began getting mammograms at 30. At 36, her doctor recommended she take her testing a step further.

"They were finding that the MRIs were really great for discovering it at an early stage, so I had my first MRI and they found cancer," she revealed. "For me personally, it saved my life."

Related Content from AccessHollywood.com:
PLAY IT NOW: Hollywood Breast Cancer Survivors Respond To New Mammogram Guidelines
PLAY IT NOW: Christina Applegate Opens Up On Breast Cancer Awareness

MORE ACCESS ON THESE TOPICS: Jaclyn Smith - Olivia Newton-John - Christina Applegate - Health Scares - Sheryl Crow

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comments 1-10 of 24  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Bob L
    Dont listen to government listen to the medical people who are more qualified on the subject. wanna screw something up get the government involved. Obama and current government dont care about people they just want to control every aspect of your life. Even something as serious as breast cancer they sooner women would die than mess up their memos.
    report abuseposted December 11, 2009 9:24 PM PST
  • Bob L
    Dont listen to government listen to the medical people who are more qualified on the subject. wanna screw something up get the government involved. Obama and current government dont care about people they just want to control every aspect of your life. Even something as serious as breast cancer they sooner women would die than mess up their memos.
    report abuseposted December 11, 2009 9:24 PM PST
  • Bob L
    Dont listen to government listen to the medical people who are more qualified on the subject. wanna screw something up get the government involved. Obama and current government dont care about people they just want to control every aspect of your life. Even something as serious as breast cancer they sooner women would die than mess up their memos.
    report abuseposted December 11, 2009 9:24 PM PST
  • Bob L
    Dont listen to government listen to the medical people who are more qualified on the subject. wanna screw something up get the government involved. Obama and current government dont care about people they just want to control every aspect of your life. Even something as serious as breast cancer they sooner women would die than mess up their memos.
    report abuseposted December 11, 2009 9:24 PM PST
  • keepingitreal
    Please let me share something with you all. My best friend, Margie, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 36 years old. She was dead two weeks before her 41st birthday. She had been having annual mammograms because her DAD (yes her Dad) had it. She did everything right and it still took her life. Don't listen to these ignorant fools, get a baseline at 35 and annually at 40. Don
    report abuseposted November 19, 2009 4:11 PM PST
  • Gabrielle
    Screw what the government says, women need them! PERIOD! Age has nothing to do with what human nature will do to your body! Im only 24 and getting ready to schedule my 1st mamm. Im not going to be the one that says " i should have had this done years ago, what if?" women are being diagnosed younger and younger now a days!
    report abuseposted November 19, 2009 1:59 PM PST
  • Ghfg
    LOL... Search "ec4bag" on google to Get High quality luxury bags, 100% genuine leather, only $98-$198, Free shipping worldwide, WOW... Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Coach, Miu Miu, Dior, Hermes, Chloe, D&G and UGG boots
    report abuseposted November 19, 2009 2:00 AM PST
  • tracy
    that so called new medical task force was appointed by President Bush. Has nothing to do with the health care reform going on now. Whether you agree with reform that's going on now or not; this is further evidence that some kind of reform needs to take place. People are dying and suffering because rich insurance companies care more about money than our lives.
    report abuseposted November 19, 2009 1:20 AM PST
  • Tonya
    Had I waited till age 50 to have my first mammogram, I would not be typing this now. If you have a family history, start younger, if not, start at 40 years no matter what. It's your life they are messing with.
    report abuseposted November 19, 2009 12:54 AM PST
  • Helen
    Insurance compines will love this dont have to pay anyone for 10 xtra years save moneyLOSE WOEMEN BUT SAVE MONEY
    report abuseposted November 19, 2009 12:38 AM PST
comments 1-10 of 24  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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