IMAGINIS BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER- 1
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 38
NOVEMBER 8, 2001
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION
Proudly Sponsored by www.siemensmedical.com
1. STUDY: FAMILY HISTORY NOT A SIGNIFICANT RISK FACTOR FOR BREAST CANCER
Many women fear that if their mothers and sisters had breast cancer they will
develop the disease too. However, a new study that examined data from
approximately 160,000 women found that a family history of breast cancer is not
a significant risk factor for the disease. According to the researchers, eight
out of nine women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the
disease. Furthermore, most women with a family history do not develop breast
cancer until after age 50. This research should help ease fears among young
women with a family history of breast cancer and should also alert physicians
not to concentrate too much on this one risk factor for the disease.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.30.01.asp
2. STUDY EXPLORES WHY PREGNANCY AT AN EARLY AGE REDUCES BREAST CANCER RISK
Researchers have known for some time that having children at a young age
decreases a woman's risk of breast cancer. Now, a new study provides data that
may help explain why this is the case. The research involved studying the levels
of a tumor suppressor protein called p53 in rats. According to the researchers,
early pregnancy increases the amount of p53 in the rat's bodies, which appears
to provide protection against breast cancer. Though the study results are
preliminary and need to be evaluated in humans, the researchers believe that the
study suggests that a drug therapy could be developed based on p53 levels that
could make young women resistant to breast cancer.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.31.01.asp
3. RESEARCHERS STUDY WHICH BREAST CANCER PATIENTS TRULY NEED CHEMOTHERAPY AFTER
SURGERY
Researchers are investigating whether performing a special genetic test on
breast cancer tumors removed during surgery can help determine which women
should receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment. Presently, approximately
90% of American women and 70% of European women undergo chemotherapy after
surgery to help prevent a recurrence of breast cancer even though the majority
of these women will not develop the disease again. Though their research on the
genetic components of breast cancer recurrence is preliminary and significant
study and clinical trials are still needed, the researchers believe that a test
to determine which breast cancer patients do and do not need chemotherapy could
possibly be available in five years.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news11.07.01.asp
4. SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF WOMEN WHO UNDERGO BREAST CANCER TREATMENT EXPERIENCE
PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS
In a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Public Health
Association, researchers said that breast cancer treatment can cause
psychological problems and distress for approximately one third of patients. The
study also found that younger women are more likely to experience depression
after breast cancer treatment than older women, possibly because they have
weaker social support networks. The study emphasizes the importance of
comprehensive cancer treatment services as well as emotional support from family
members and friends.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news11.06.01.asp
5. SOFT PAD MAY MAKE MAMMOGRAMS MORE COMFORTABLE
A new pad consisting of a soft-form cushion may help relieve discomfort
associated with mammograms. Yearly screening mammograms are recommended to all
women 40 years of age and older to help detect breast cancer in early stages
when it can more easily be treated. While only a small number of women report
that mammograms are painful, fear of discomfort or pain is one of the top
reasons why women do not receive yearly mammograms. Experts hope the new pad
will increase comfort during the exam and encourage more women to get their
annual mammograms.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news7.09.01.asp
6. NEW NORTH CAROLINA BREAST CANCER DIRECTORY
The first North Carolina statewide, comprehensive directory has been published
to help women with breast cancer. The 264-page directory includes over 25
sections of text and resources meant to help breast cancer patients locate
information and resources about the disease, its aftereffects, and related
issues. It is a project of the Breast Cancer Coalition of North Carolina and the
University of North Carolina's Lineberger's Carolina Breast Cancer Study. The
directory is free to anyone who requests a copy and is also available online.
Click here to learn more or view the directory online:
http://bcresources.med.unc.edu/
7. ALICETHENICS: EXERCISES TO INCREASE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AFTER BREAST SURGERY
Alicenthics is a 30-minute exercise video for women recovering from breast
cancer surgery. It focuses on increasing range of motion, flexibility, and
lymphatic flow, with a total body workout that pays particular attention to the
upper body. The instructor is Alice Saland, MA, a certified personal trainer,
former aerobics instructor, fitness columnist, and breast cancer survivor.
Click here to learn more:
http://www.alicethenics.com/
8. "UPLIFT: SECRETS FROM THE SISTERHOOD OF BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS" (BOOK)
"Uplift," by Barbara Delinsky, is a one-of-a-kind collection of anecdotes and
advice, told in the words of everyday women of all ages who are part of the
ever-growing sisterhood of breast cancer survivors. Readers won't find medical
advice or technical matters discussed. However, they will find information on
all of the little things that only someone who's been there can talk about.
Topics include: what kind of deodorant to use during radiation, certain food
that satisfy on treatment days, addressing the surgery with coworkers, feeling
feminine, romance after breast cancer, and more.
Click here to learn more about this book:
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/breasthealth/survival.asp#uplift
BREAST CANCER DISCUSSION BOARD, RECENT POSTING
"I had my annual mammogram on October 24th. There was something dark on the
right breast so two magnification mammograms were done. My right breast suffered
through 4 compressions. I have fiberous breasts. Two days after the mammograms
were performed, I noticed two lines of bruises. The doctor told me to apply heat
and take Tylenol for pain. It has been 10 days now and I am still hurting. Is
this normal?"
Click here to visit this discussion:
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000537.html
Click here to post or reply to messages on the Imaginis Forums:
http://www.imaginis.com/discussions/
Source :
http://www.imaginis.com/newsletter/2001/nov-08-01.asp