IMAGINIS.COM BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 16
MAY 3, 2001

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VISIT THE ALL NEW POST-MASTECTOMY PRODUCTS SECTION ON IMAGINIS!

*In-depth information on breast prostheses and mastectomy bras
*Tips about prescriptions, prices, and insurance coverage for these products
*Comprehensive directory of where to find manufacturers and shops

Click here to visit the post-mastectomy products section:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/post_mastectomy.asp

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WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION

1. MAMMOGRAPHY REDUCES MORE DEATHS FROM BREAST CANCER THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT
A new study finds that mammography reduces the number of deaths from breast cancer by far more than previously thought. According to the study, regular screening mammograms reduce breast cancer mortality by 63%. Robert Smith, PhD, Director of Cancer Screening for the American Cancer Society and co-author of the study, said that he hopes this new data will convince those women who are skeptical about mammography that the exam can save their lives.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news4.25.01.asp

2. STUDY FINDS BENEFITS FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS CARED FOR BY TEAMS OF DOCTORS
Breast cancer patients who are diagnosed and treated by teams of physicians may receive better care than patients who are treated by physicians who do not usually consult colleagues in related specialties, according to a new study. For example, at comprehensive cancer centers, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, and reconstructive/plastics surgeons often work together when caring for patients. Many community physicians who do not work in cancer centers still collaborate with other physicians about individual patients. This team approach, according to researchers, leads to more thorough evaluations and often more favorable treatment options for patients.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news4.24.01.asp

3. SILICONE BREAST IMPLANTS DO NOT INCREASE RISK OF MOST CANCERS
In two newly published reports by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), researchers found that silicone-gel filled breast implants do not put women at higher-than-average risk for most cancers.  In fact, previous findings have shown that women who get breast implants for cosmetic reasons tend to be in better health than the general population.   However, the NCI researchers did find that deaths from suicide, brain cancer, and respiratory cancers are higher among women with silicone breast implants when compared to women who have other types of plastic surgery. 
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news5.01.01.asp

4. SWEDISH PHYSICIAN USES LIPOSUCTION TO HELP TREAT LYMPHEDEMA 
Liposuction is usually performed for cosmetic reasons to remove unwanted fat from certain areas of the body, such as the stomach or thighs. However, Swedish physician Hakan Brorson, MD, PhD has been using liposuction on breast cancer patients who experience severe, chronic lymphedema of the arm. Lymphedema is persistent arm swelling that occurs in approximately 15% to 20% of breast cancer patients who have had axillary (underarm) lymph nodes removed as part of their treatment. Current lymphedema treatments include manual lymph drainage with massage and medical compression bandaging, although many patients must still cope with the effects of lymphedema on a daily basis. To date, Dr. Brorson has successfully used liposuction to treat 72 lymphedema patients in Sweden, although long term follow-up is still needed.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news4.20.01.asp

5. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON CERVICAL CANCER
In 2001, 12,900 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States and approximately 4,400 American women will die from the disease. Nearly 380,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide each year. The number of cases and number of deaths from cervical cancer are higher in less developed countries where routine screening is not widespread. When cervical abnormalities are detected and treated in pre-cancerous stages with Pap smear, cervical cancer is preventable. This comprehensive new section discusses all aspects of cervical cancer: statistics of incidence, risk factors and symptoms, Pap smear, HPV testing, diagnosis, staging, and treatment options.
Click here to visit the cervical cancer section:
http://www.imaginis.com/cervical-cancer/

6. MAY IS NATIONAL OSTEOPOROSIS PREVENTION MONTH
Osteoporosis is a degenerative bone disease that primarily affects post-menopausal women. It is estimated that one in two women over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture. Osteoporosis is characterized by a decrease in normal bone density. The key to avoiding severe effects from osteoporosis is prevention. Visit the Imaginis section on osteoporosis to learn how osteoporosis can be prevented and treated.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/osteoporosis/

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BREAST CANCER DISCUSSION BOARD

"Has anyone had a baby after having breast cancer that was determined to be estrogen dependent?"

Click here to visit this discussion:
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000429.html

Click here to post or reply to other messages on the Imaginis discussion boards:
http://www.imaginis.com/discussions/

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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER

Thousands of breast cancer patients, survivors and healthcare professionals receive the Imaginis.com Breast Health Newsletter, which is published by email every week. If you enjoy receiving this newsletter, feel free to share it with a friend, colleague or family member. Simply click "forward," type in a friend's email address, and then click "send." If you would like to add the email addresses of your friends and family to the newsletter mailing list, please visit http://www.imaginis.com/newsletter/

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Imaginis.com is an independent, award-winning, comprehensive resource for news and information on breast cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment and related women's health topics such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, and ovarian cancer. Imaginis.com breast health content is edited by an expert breast imager and a breast surgeon. To learn more about the Imaginis.com Breast Health Team and Editorial Board, please visit http://www.imaginis.com/about/breast_health_team.asp

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To learn more about Siemens involvement in women's health, please visit http://www.imaginis.com/siemens/

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