On Your Mind... Breast Cancer, Pickleball, and Back Pain
Across the pond, they're called "agony aunts"...
That's the British slang for what we call advice columnists. Featuring answers to readers' questions, advice columns have been around as far back as the late 1600s.
But during the Victorian era, this section of the newspaper got its dramatic nickname. The so-called "agony column" consisted of short messages submitted anonymously or under fake names. For instance, the mysterious writers might air out grievances, dish some hot gossip, make a confession, or ask for help.
Some of these messages were even encrypted... For example, two lovers used a code of page and line numbers to discuss their intention to elope. Readers made a game of trying to crack all the codes.
And get this: Even the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes would pore through agony columns for prospective cases.
We at Health & Wealth Bulletin have never gotten any encrypted love letters or detective-worthy cases from our readers. But we do get plenty of great questions and comments.
And longtime readers know that on Fridays, my team and I answer a couple of your questions. Today, we've saved space to tackle extra topics from our inbox.
Keep sending your comments, questions, and topic suggestions to feedback@healthandwealthbulletin.com. My team and I read every e-mail.
Ways to Check for Breast Cancer
Q: Why didn't you mention the less carcinogenic, often more accurate and more predictive, possibly cheaper, and definitely more pleasant thermal and ultrasonic breast imaging tests in your article today? – L.M.
A: Happy to address this, L.M.
Earlier this month, I recommended that women begin undergoing regular mammograms at age 45. This procedure involves squashing the breast to take an X-ray. This is uncomfortable and subjects the tissue to radiation. So I understand why you'd be interested in alternatives.
Thermal imaging uses the infrared heat from your body to look for abnormalities. And ultrasonic tests, or ultrasounds, use sound waves. They're a lot more pleasant than mammograms. Trouble is, they don't usually work as well.
Thermal imaging can't detect very early-stage cancer known as Stage 0 or ductal carcinoma in situ ("DCIS"). This is the kind of cancer that's localized to just the milk ducts. It's also unable to detect lymph nodes in the neck and underarm areas where cancer could be hiding, while mammograms can.
Plus, since there isn't enough evidence showing that thermal imaging can be a substitute for a mammogram (it's only approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a mammogram add-on), your insurance might not cover the procedure.
Ultrasound imaging is a little better than thermal imaging at detecting DCIS. What's more, ultrasounds excel at finding small tumors in dense breasts (those with more glandular tissue than fat). Ask your doctor if you think this is the better test for your body.
But for most women, mammograms are the "gold standard" test for cancer detection.
Q: What about possible breast cancer in men? – Anonymous
A: Thanks for bringing this up. It's important that men know they can get breast cancer, too. It's rarer in men than in women – just 1% of all breast-cancer cases occur in men. But it can still happen.
That's why everyone should be vigilant, looking for any new changes in the chest area, such as a breast or underarm lump or swelling that doesn't go away, skin changes (like an "orange peel" appearance, redness, or flaking), nipple changes (like discharge and inversion), and pain or tenderness.
If you spot a symptom like this, tell your doctor right away. Then you can decide what further testing might be appropriate for you.
The Perils of Pickleball
Last month, I recommended some pickleball safety tips. H.L. wanted to share one more...
Q: Doc, in today's discussion of pickleball, you didn't mention the number one rule: DON'T BACK UP TO GET A LOB! If you [need to] run back, run sideways. – H.L.
A: Thanks for the great advice, H.L. If your opponent hits the ball high in the air, it's best to turn around or to the side and run for the ball. That's because you could lose your balance as you look up while backpedaling.
Regular exercise like pickleball improves your strength and balance – two key requirements for reducing your risk of falling and potentially suffering a nasty injury. But to manage your fall risk during the game, keep good form in mind.
I also recommend leaving your running shoes at home. Instead, put on a pair of court shoes (like tennis shoes). They're made to support your feet so that you're stable as you make those quick lateral moves.
A Retirement Millionaire Success Story
Finally, we'll end with some happy news from a reader (and Retirement Millionaire subscriber) who conquered their back pain with my advice...
I've suffered back pain which has gradually gotten worse over the years. I've tried doctors, acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy (at 3 different places), etc. But your answer to a question recently has been more helpful than all of those things. You mentioned specific exercises, which I started doing and what a difference! I can now get to sleep without pain. Someday I hope to be able to walk long distances again. (I used to be a backpacker!) I just wanted you to know that you are such a great resource, and to thank you! – Retirement Millionaire subscriber J.H.
You're welcome, J.H. We're absolutely thrilled to hear that the exercises have helped, and feel free to keep us updated on your progress.
Curious about Retirement Millionaire? It's my flagship newsletter that we've been publishing for nearly two decades.
Think of it as a beefier, monthly Health & Wealth Bulletin, if you will... one where my team and I detail the important (and buried) stories in investing, health, and personal finance. These include monthly stock recommendations and a full model portfolio of stock picks, which are currently up an average of nearly 150%.
It's everything you'll need to live a millionaire lifestyle – on far less money than you'd imagine possible. Get complete access for a full month, risk free.
What We're Reading...
- Did you miss it? Check out my recent issues on breast cancer, pickleball, and back pain.
- Something different: The delicious democratic symbolism of... doughnuts?
Here's to our health, wealth, and a great retirement,
Dr. David Eifrig and the Health & Wealth Bulletin Research Team
October 17, 2025