Writing to be understood by the layreader, Finkel shows how breast cancer develops and explains the controversy surrounding mammography. How valid are the screenings? Who should be screened? How frequently? At what age? Should women be screened at all? This book dissects the issues to help present answers. Above all, says Finkel. Women need to make informed decisions, and to do what they need to understand the potential benefits and potential harms accompanying mammography.

This book includes a timeline showing changing public advice on mammography across the years. Listings explain how to see federal reports on mammography facilites and how to find and contact support groups. Finkel details the development of breast cancer and its various types of tumors, the treatment options, and the psychological effects. Also provided are techniques for-and questions to ask when-communicating with your doctor in order to make informed decisions.