The Breast Diaries

Cathy Tatusko, Heroine of Breast Density Legislation in Virginia, Speaks Out

May 31st, 2012

Cathy Tatusko, a breast cancer patient whose tumor was found at an advanced stage after years of “normal” mammograms, testified before the FDA last month in support of approval of a whole-breast automated ultrasound system.  In her testimony, she tells her compelling and heart-wrenching story, and explains why she has been motivated to become a successful advocate for the cause of informing women about their breast density.  She has graciously allowed me to post her testimony as a guest blog article.

By Cathryn M. Tatusko

FDA Testimony (April 11,…

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First, Do No Harm: The Spectacular Failure of a Government Panel

February 28th, 2012

As a veteran of World War II, my grandfather was a GI Bill success story, the first man to go to college from his impoverished neighborhood in Jersey City thanks to government at its finest.   A card-carrying member of the state teachers’ union, and a politically active Democrat for most of his life, it came as something of a shock to me when, after a few decades of observing big government debacles, my grandfather became one of Ronald Reagan’s most ardent fans.  I still remember his delight over the classic Reaganism, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language…

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