IMAGINIS BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER-3
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 35
SEPTEMBER 27, 2001
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION
1. UK STUDY SEES MORE WOMEN OPTING FOR AGGRESSIVE SCREENING VERSUS BREAST CANCER
PREVENTION TRIALS
Researchers in the United Kingdom are concerned about the low level of
participation in breast cancer prevention clinical trials. Among women with a
high risk of developing breast cancer, the researchers report that only 10% have
accepted an offer to participate in clinical trials to determine whether the
disease can be prevented with drugs. Another 10% have enrolled in a trial that
involves undergoing surgical breast removal (mastectomy) to prevent breast
cancer. Meanwhile, a full 60% of the women opted for aggressive breast cancer
screening instead of preventive action. This worries the researchers who say
that it is difficult to achieve preventive strategies for breast cancer without
adequate participation in clinical trials.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news9.25.01.asp
2. NUCLEAR MEDICINE BREAST CANCER TEST MAY BE HELPFUL FOR SOME WOMEN,
PARTICULARLY FOR THOSE WITH DENSE BREASTS
Several recent studies show that nuclear medicine breast imaging (also called
scintimammography) may be useful as a supplement to mammography in helping to
detect breast cancer. While mammography is the most effective tool for screening
for breast cancer in women who do not show any signs of the disease (such as a
lump), its sensitivity can be reduced in women with dense breast tissue. Nuclear
medicine, when used in conjunction with mammography in evaluating breast
abnormalities, may confirm the existence of breast cancer, rule out the
possibility of cancer, confirm the presence of cancer in multiple areas of the
breast, or find breast cancer that has spread to the nearby lymph nodes.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news9.19.01.asp
3. WARMING THE SKIN OF PATIENTS BEFORE SURGERY MAY DECREASE WOUND INFECTION
Many patients who undergo surgery are given antibiotics prior to their
operations to help reduce the risk of infections. However, British researchers
have discovered that warming the skin before surgery may be a more effective
method of decreasing wound infections. Warming patients' skin prior to surgery
helps the body fight infections naturally and could be an important finding as
the resistance to antibiotics increases.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news9.20.01.asp
4. MANY PATIENTS WITH PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE, A RISK FACTOR FOR
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, GO UNDIAGNOSED
Though peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a known risk factor for heart disease
and stroke, a new study finds that many patients are not diagnosed with the
condition by their physicians. PAD occurs when arteries in the legs narrow due
to hardened plaque build-up on the walls of the blood vessels. Because many
patients do not exhibit the most common symptom of PAD (leg cramps while
exercising), physicians often do not check for PAD. However, researchers insist
that if PAD was more commonly diagnosed, more patients could take measures to
help prevent heart disease and stroke.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/heart-disease/news/news9.26.01.asp
5. IN DEPTH: PALLIATIVE, COMFORT CARE AND HOSPICE FOR CANCER PATIENTS
A patient’s quality of life is always important--before, during, and after
cancer treatment. Many patients do not realize that most cancer pain can be
treated effectively with medications. There may also come a point during the
course of an advanced cancer patient’s treatment where the focus shifts to
palliative, or comfort, care. At this time, pain management and emotional and
spiritual support become primary concerns. Hospice care is available for
patients during the last months of their lives to ensure that comfort is
provided. This article discusses palliative care for cancer patients,
specifically pain management and hospice care.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/cancer_pain.asp
6. ITHACA BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE WALKATHON WILL RAISE FUNDS FOR EDUCATION AND
ADVOCACY
On Saturday, October 13, 2001, the Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance will hold its
annual Walkathon fundraiser to support education and advocacy for people
affected by breast cancer. Adults and children are encouraged to collect pledges
and take part in the two mile walk in Ithaca, New York. For additional
information, including how to register and obtain pledge forms, please call
607.277.0960 or visit http://www.ibca.net/
7. DOCUMENTARY FOCUSES ON BREAST CANCER IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN
"A Celebration of Life: Rising Above Breast Cancer" is a one hour television
special that stresses the importance of early breast cancer detection and
treatment. Hosted by jazz artist Nancy Wilson, the documentary is a candid call
to action, particularly to African-American women who have the highest rate of
death from breast cancer due to late detection. The special will be shown on PBS
in several cities across the U.S. throughout October. The documentary was
produced by Dean Radcliffe-Lynes and funded by the Breast Cancer Resource
Committee through a grant from the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Please visit http://www.acelebrationoflife.org/ for more information and air
times.
8. BREAST CANCER MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND FACTS SPECIAL REPORT
This Imaginis Special Report dispels 54 common myths and misconceptions about
breast cancer in a comprehensive, easy-to understand publication. The report was
created and edited by breast health experts and is perfect for mammography
centers, women's healthcare providers, breast cancer meetings, support groups,
and individuals.
Click here to order the report:
http://www.imaginis.com/reports/
BREAST CANCER DISCUSSION BOARD, RECENT POSTING
"Metastatic disease: brain, bone, and bone marrow. Can anyone tell me if they
know or have experienced this diagnosis, what did you do? What treatment options
you experienced and is this as bad as I am being told. I know someone that has
brain cancer and they had their tumor radiated."
Click here to visit this discussion:
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000511.html
Source :
http://www.imaginis.com/newsletter/2001/sep-27-01.asp