re: #59 Gus 802

Certainly raises my eyebrows that Komen board member, John Raffaelli, is also a lobbyist for the leading manufacturer of mammography and other breast imaging instruments, Hologic. Information on their CEO:

Do you think that would have any influence on SGK’s position on the controversy over how many mammograms women should get?

Nah…

[…]

When you are referred for a mammogram or PSA test, the doctor is likely following the guidelines of the two leading national cancer research and information organizations primarily responsible for setting public health policy on cancer screening: The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Both, along with other well-funded, high-profile organizations, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure (SGK), recommend regular mammogram screening of symptom-free women beginning at age 40 – and they say they will maintain that position despite the new Task Force guidelines.

Both ACS and SGK have connections with numerous corporations in the chemical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, many of which derive substantial income from the screening and treatment of breast cancer. There is more money in the detection and treatment of breast cancer than in preventing it, and that leads to an enormous conflict of interest.

SGK for example owns stock in General Electric, one of the largest makers of mammogram machines in the world. Radiologists sit on the on the SGK board. Get the picture?

[…]