The Big Squeeze: A Social and Political History of the Controversial Mammogram (The Culture and Politics of Health Care Work)
"Does mammography reduce mortality from breast cancer,and if so, to what degree? . . . Do benefits of mammography exceed the potential harms? Why and how did the debate shift from a scientific to a political one?The Big Squeezeprovides answers to these questions by taking readers on a fascinating and enlightening 50-year journey. . . . Providing a balanced, objective, in-depth discussion of all aspects of screening mammography,The Big Squeezewill not only be an educational asset for physicians but a book they can feel comfortable in recommending to their patients as well."—Leonard Berlin, MD,Journal of the American Medical Association(19 December 2012)"The Big Squeezegives a short and interesting view of the social and political history of mammography. . . . Reynolds . . . retells the so-called truth of mammography screening, and he gives a balanced view. He devotes a whole chapter to overdiagnosis, the major harm of mammography screening. . . . I enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to everybody."—Mette Kalager,The Lancet Oncology(February 2013)"Dr. Handel Reynolds has done a terrific job in telling the story of mammographic screening and putting it into context! Everyone who wants to understand why this has become a third rail needs to read this book."—Susan M. Love, MD, President of the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation and author ofDr. Susan Love's Breast Book"The Big Squeezeis a fascinating and thought-provoking review of the history, science, and politics of breast cancer screening. Despite my many years in this field, I learned a great deal, particularly about some of the earlier years of the development of screening mammography. The book is beautifully written and highly readable—it will be a great resource for health care professionals and the public."—Valerie P. Jackson, MD, FACR, Eugene C. Klatte Professor and Chair, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine"This book is a quiet call for a more frank discussion of what an 'indispensable tool' mammography is in the fight against breast cancer . . . Reynolds takes a critical look at the 'breast cancer epidemic'; the ever-shifting guidelines regarding the age at which women should be screened; confusing interpretations of results; the role of breast cancer activists in promoting mammograms; and the profitable industry that has grown up around mammography. . . . 'Women need complete and accurate information regarding the risks and benefits,' Reynolds asserts—and this brief, clear volume can be the first step in achieving that goal."—Publishers Weekly(11 June 2012)"The Big Squeezeis first class. Dr. Handel Reynolds describes the controversy over mammography in a careful, objective fashion. He avoids polemical descriptions and shares with readers the information currently available about the benefits and risks of mammography."—Jerome Kassirer, MD, Distinguished Professor, Tufts University School of Medicine, author ofOn the Take: How Medicine's Complicity with Big Business Can Endanger Your Health"The Big Squeezeis a terrific book: a history of screening mammography that is interesting, important, timely and controversial. The book is short, fast moving, and balanced (although, in this day of polarized opinions, balance is often perceived only through the eyes of the beholder). It will be of particular interest to women, physicians, and perhaps politicians. Dr. Handel Reynolds interweaves scientific, social, political, emotional and economic issues, many of which are peculiar to breast cancer. Much of the confusion and controversy regarding screening mammography resolves around age and timing: when to begin and how often. Physicians, statisticians, politicians, and patients from around the world, each using the same data, have come up with different recommendations for breast screening. Dr. Reynolds takes us on this roller-coaster ride and his conclusions are that annual screening mammography, starting at age 40, does save lives, but . . ."—Ferris M. Hall, MD, FACR, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School