Inbox

Re the Spotlight on the new mammogram guidelines [Nov. 30]: Let me see if I have this straight. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force felt that the cost of women experiencing "risks" like anxiety outweighed the benefits of mammogram screening for women under age 50? Despite the fact that yearly screening for this age group "unquestionably" reduced the risk of dying 15%? I am 41, and let me be the first to tell Dr. Diana Petitti--who found the public backlash "surprising"--that I find it more anxiety-provoking to know that my risk of dying from breast cancer may go up 15% if my insurance carrier decides to agree with her panel's recommendation.

Beth Tobey Cholette, PENFIELD, N.Y.

Veterans and PTSD

Thanks for the article on posttraumatic stress disorder "The Hell of PTSD" [Nov. 30]. I fear that these young vets, whose challenges include a lack of veteran centers in rural states and the special needs of female vets who have been abused during military service, will be demonized because of tales of crime and may face discrimination, especially in a tight job market. This could be a good follow-up article. Mark Waddell, the vet you profiled, is still a leader. As a 'Nam vet with PTSD and a veterans' services representative, I think Waddell and his wife are doing more good than they'll ever know.

Doug Nelson, SAN JOSE, CALIF.

Obama 2.0

Following Obama attorney Greg Craig's exit, we need an analysis of who "won" in this reversal of campaign promises [Nov. 30]. Why did Craig and his team, who were carrying out Obama's original promises, lose? What does this portend for the shape of the Obama Administration long-term?

William Gloege, SANTA MARIA, CALIF.

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