Need A Mammogram? It Could Take A While

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One solution that hasn't received a lot of attention so far is to have part of the radiologist's job performed by technicians--or even computers. There are some data suggesting that technicians can be trained to read the mammograms as reliably as physicians, though at a slower rate. Radiologists already use sophisticated computer programs to improve their ability to detect tumors. No one is ready, however, to stake the lives of millions of women on mammographers who are not doctors.

In the meantime, don't be discouraged by the long waits from scheduling your own mammogram. Avoid calling in October, since that is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and many women, responding to the publicity, call for exams at that time. Remember, persistence often pays off. After a week of telephone entreaties, Paula Sperling spent the day camped out at N.Y.U.'s mammography center. Eventually an office manager took pity on her and squeezed her into a slot five weeks later. Says Sperling: "I'm already talking to them about an appointment for next year."