'One Out of Nine'
(ink drawing with tempera and pastel, 24.5' x 37')
©May H. Lesser
The radiologist views a mammogram on the light box and holds her loupe at a cyst in the breast, as she dictates her findings into the tape recorder. "If we find some abnormality, particularly a mass or group of calcifications that might be malignant, we suggest that the surgeon biopsy. If it is less than 8 mm. in diameter, the outcome is very, very good. One out of every nine women, in a lifetime, will have cancer of the breast." The young intern in the doorway is fearful; she knows that there is no prevention, only early detection, and radiation and surgery, the only treatment.
Last Reviewed: May 11, 2012