Comprehensive Information of Breast Cancer and Breast Health Issues http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/newsletter/

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Note: To view the full articles, click on the hyper-links following each summary. AOL users may need to copy and paste the hyper-links in this newsletter into a web browser to view them. In addition, the hyper-links following the summaries may not successfully retrieve the webpages if the address extends to more than one line. If this occurs, please copy the full text of the address and paste it into the address box in a web browser.

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Breast Health Bookstore - Books of the Month

Visit our Breast Health Bookstore at
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore-breast-health/imaginis-bookstore-43#postmastectomy for one of the Imaginis.com
featured books of the month. "Living in the Postmastectomy Body: Learning to Live in and Love Your Body Again" by Rebecca Zuckweiler covers the practical, physical, psychological, and social aspects of life after losing a breast to cancer.

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March 16, 2000

1. In the News:
- New Study: Radiation Therapy During Breast Cancer Surgery…
A clinical study is set to determine whether breast cancer patients would benefit from receiving radiation therapy during the same surgery in which a breast lump is removed. Currently, most lumpectomy patients undergo six to seven weeks of radiation therapy following recovery from their surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. If the new treatment proves successful, a "boost" of radiation during surgery may eliminate the need for weeks of post-operative radiation treatment.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news3.09.00b.asp

- Doctor Does Tummy Tuck on One Sister, Uses Tissue to Reconstruct Her Twin’s Breast…
As part of her breast cancer treatment, Jane Culbreath underwent a mastectomy and lost her breast in 1998. After two failed attempts with breast implants, Jane’s doctor considered a TRAM muscle flap procedure which involves using the patient’s own abdominal fat and muscle to rebuild the breast. At 101 pounds, Jane did not have enough fat for doctors to safely perform the procedure, though. However, Jane’s identical twin sister, Joan Liddell was 20 pounds heavier than Jane. In an unusual, new reconstructive technique, a plastic surgeon performed a "tummy tuck" on Joan, removing portions of her waistline fat (but no muscle), and used the tissue to rebuild her sister’s breast.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news3.09.00a.asp

- New Findings: Chemotherapy For Breast Cancer Depends on Patient’s Situation…
In a recent study, researchers found that while chemotherapy is useful in helping reduce the size of a breast tumor so that breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) may be performed, it is usually not an effective treatment on its own. Another study reported that physicians should calculate a patient’s risk of breast cancer recurrence (return) in deciding whether to prescribe chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news3.13.00b.asp

- Recent Studies Show Benefits and Limitations to Breast-Feeding…
Physicians have known for years that breast-feeding protects infants against health problems. Though medical professionals do not doubt the sizable benefit breast-feeding can provide infants, new research is emerging that shows that the benefit of protecting infants against allergies by breast-feeding may be limited if the mother herself is highly allergic. In fact, one study suggests the possibility that a key benefit of breast-feeding—the ability to protect infants against infections—may indirectly increase allergic tendencies in children.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news3.13.00a.asp

2. Interpreting the Breast Pathology Report
The pathologist’s report characterizes specimens taken during breast biopsy or other surgical procedures and helps determine treatment. Usually, the report is written in highly technical medical language that may be difficult for the patient to understand. This article deciphers the complex terminology that may appear on a pathology report of the breast and serves as a good reference for women who have had or are planning to have a biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node surgery.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/pathology.asp

3. Key Steps to Ensure an Optimal Mammogram
Breast size, shape and tissue densities are different for every woman. Achieving an optimal mammogram image requires skill and careful attention to several factors by mammography technologists, radiologists, and patients. This article discusses what needs to be done by all parties involved to ensure a high quality mammogram. Topics include patient positioning, breast compression, radiation doses, and eight important tips for patients.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/quality.asp

4. Breast Ultrasound - Examining Breast Concerns
Breast ultrasound is frequently used to evaluate breast abnormalities that are found with mammography or during a physician performed clinical breast exam. Ultrasound allows significant freedom in obtaining images of the breast from almost any orientation. This article discusses how breast ultrasound is performed, when it is be used, and advantages and limitations to the exam.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/ultrasound.asp

5. Increasing Breast Size with Augmentation Surgery
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to increase the size and shape of the breasts. Breast augmentation involves the placement of a saline implant either behind the breast tissue or under the chest wall muscle. It is estimated that nearly 150,000 American women had their breasts enlarged in 1999. This article addresses all aspects of breast augmentation surgery. Topics include the initial surgical consultation, the procedure itself, recovery, possible side effects and complications, breast-feeding after the operation, and more.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/augmentation.asp

6. We Want Your Feedback!
If you have questions, comments or suggestions regarding any topics we have
discussed or future topics you would like to see, email us at mailto:breasthealth@imaginis.com. In addition, help us spread the word about breast health and breast cancer. Visit http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/sendusnews.asp to send us information or comments on new books, news, press releases, television specials, or major events associated with breast cancer awareness or research.

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