Beating the odds on breast cancer

(NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Breast cancer has been making headlines again with the recent release of controversial, and contradicting new recommendations for mammograms.

The former director of the National Institutes of Health has now joined the chorus of voices who are advising women to ignore the new guidelines that delay the start of routine mammogram testing for breast cancer.

Dr. Bernadine Heally says the directive would save money, but not lives. The independent, federally-appointed panel advised women to wait until 50 to get a mammogram. Long-standing guidelines have said that women should begin getting regular screenings at age 40.

The panel that released the study, the Preventative Services Task Force, says its recommendations are based on accurate and up to date information.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius says the recommendations will not change government policy in any way.

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Newschannel 3 spoke to one woman who beat the odds before being diagnosed.

Molly Pretzlaff was 28-years-old, with a long family history of breast cancer, so she was well prepared, and knew the odds.

“For me it was just a decision that I had made before I even had the results in and I was just prepared for it,” said Pretzlaff.

Pretzlaff's family has been plagued by the disease, beginning with her great-grandmother. Breast cancer has not only affected six women, but also two men in Pretzlaff's life, both her father and her uncle. Those eight people were the reasons why Pretzlaff had a double mastectomy, removing both breasts, before being diagnosed.

“For me, it was an 87 percent chance of developing breast cancer,” said Pretzlaff.

After her surgery, Pretzlaff met with Dr. Dennis Hammond, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, also a strong advocate of her decision.

“We can make that decision acceptable,” said Dr. Hammond.

Dr. Hammond reconstructed both of Pretzlaff's breasts using a new technique that reduces scarring by 50 percent. He also inserted what are known as shaped implants to create a more natural looking breast.

“Sometimes I can even make women look better after a double mastectomy than they did when they started,” said Dr. Hammond.

Pretzlaff says she has no regrets. She's now a mother of two, enjoying a happy, healthy life, and encouraging others.

“I just would really, first of all, encourage the mammogram,” said Pretzlaff.

Thanks to her brave decision, Pretzlaff is cancer-free, confident and no longer living in fear.