The news that 24-year-old Allyn Rose, Miss District of Columbia in this year's Miss America competition, is planning to have both of her breasts removed in the near future is the latest case of what we might call "extreme breast cancer prevention."

So here I am, waiting for the arthroscopy that will cut away the torn meniscus of my other knee and advance me toward premature arthritis. I should have seen that beyond the end of the long jump sand pit, but I didn't. I am using this week of waiting to reflect upon my changed condition.

After numerous interviews, I learned why thyroid shields were not necessary. In fact, they were considered a detriment to the mammogram process. I came out with a very different perspective than I had going in.

Mammography specifically, and cancer screening in general, is often something of a muddle. We should acknowledge the trade-offs, work toward better screening methods, and in the interim -- muddle through.

Talk with your doctor about the Gail Model and find out what your level of risk for breast cancer is. And get a mammogram.

Ms. Cappello's story is compelling. She is one of a long history of breast cancer activists who have challenged the status quo. But in my opinion, using individual cases to dictate health policy is a dangerous precedent.

You might have seen Dee Dee Ricks' documentary last year on HBO. Titled The Education of Dee Dee Ricks, it followed, with unwavering honesty, Dee Dee...

How many of you are confused by the seemingly endless rounds of recommendations about breast cancer screenings? I know that I am, and so this post is designed to help answer six essential questions that will help you decide what to do about breast cancer screening.