An interesting new study reveals the frightening fact that many women believe that they have had preventive health screening which they probably didn't actually have done. The study discovered that a significant number of black women believe that they have had screening in the past for breast cancer, cervical cancer and colon cancer. Their medical records indicate that they did not have this kind of screening.
There are several issues of concern resulting from this study. They include:
- The possibility that these women did not understand the medical procedures that were taking place at the time that they believed they were getting health screening.
- The possibility that a significant number of medical records are inaccurate for this population.
- The possibility that these women are failing to prevent disease as a result of the fact that they believe they are getting screening that isn't taking place or isn't being properly recorded.
It is important for all patients to make sure that they know what is going on during their annual doctor exams. It is also important to make sure to keep your own accurate medical records of all procedures that have taken place.
Learn more here.
Question of the Day: What do you think is causing the discrepancy between memory and reality in these preventive screening cases?
