IMAGINIS.COM BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2
JANUARY 11, 2001
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SIEMENS PROUDLY SPONSORS IMAGINIS.COM
Through its proud sponsorship of Imaginis.com, Siemens is dedicated to providing
comprehensive information and service to improve and advance women's health. To learn more
about Siemens involvement in women's health, please visit http://www.imaginis.com/siemens/
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BREAST HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION
1. RESEARCH CONTINUES TO SHOW SENTINEL NODE BIOPSY EFFECTIVE FOR DETERMINING IF BREAST
CANCER HAS SPREAD TO LYMPH NODES
Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a new procedure that involves removing only a few lymph
nodes to determine whether breast cancer has begun to spread past the breast. Two recent
studies from Ohio State University add to previous research that shows sentinel node
biopsy to be an effective method to check the status of the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes
in many breast cancer patients. The studies reveal that sentinel node biopsy accurately
determines whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and can reduce the side
effects associated with standard lymph node removal (axillary node dissection).
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news1.10.01.asp
2. HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY MAY REDUCE DEATHS FROM CANCER AND PROTECT AGAINST HEART
DISEASE IN SOME WOMEN
There has been much debate in recent years about the benefits and risks of taking hormone
replacement therapy (HRT). Now, researchers from the American Cancer Society have
published the results of a large study of post-menopausal women that may help clarify some
of the effects of HRT on heart disease and cancer. According to lead researcher Carmen
Rodriguez, MD and her colleagues, estrogen therapy may help reduce the number of deaths
from cancer and offers protection against heart disease for thin women.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news1.11.01.asp
3. STUDIES FIND POORER OUTCOMES FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS WITH BRCA GENE MUTATIONS
Women who test positive for genetic mutations of the BRCA1 (breast cancer gene 1) or BRCA2
(breast cancer gene 2) genes are at a higher than average risk of developing breast
cancer. Recently, two studies have found that women with BRCA gene mutations who develop
breast cancer may have poorer outcomes than other women with breast cancer. Thus, women
who know they carry mutated forms of BRCA genes may wish to consider more aggressive
breast cancer preventive measures and treatments.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news1.09.01.asp
4. KEY STEPS FOR AN OPTIMAL MAMMOGRAM
To help detect breast cancer early, the American Cancer Society and several other cancer
organizations recommend that women begin receiving annual screening mammograms once they
reach 40 years of age, in addition to regular clinical breast exams and monthly breast
self-exams. Because breast size, shape and breast tissue density are different for every
woman, achieving an optimal mammogram x-ray image requires skill and careful attention by
the mammography technologist and radiologist. This article addresses specific factors that
influence the quality of mammography and includes eight tips for women to follow to ensure
an optimal mammogram.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/quality.asp
5. BREAST PAIN IS THE MOST COMMON BREAST COMPLAINT AMONG WOMEN
Nearly 70% of women experience breast pain at some point in their lives. Breast pain may
occur in one or both breasts or in the armpit (axilla) region of the body. The severity of
breast pain varies from woman to woman; approximately 15% of women require treatment. This
article addresses the causes of breast pain, and how it is evaluated and treated.
Information on breast pain during nursing is also included.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/breast_pain.asp
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IMAGINIS DISCUSSIONS FOR PATIENTS AND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
"I had surgery almost one year ago, including the removal of 13 lymph nodes. My
surgeon has told me that my arm is normal in every way, I do not have to protect it at
all. He said that the lymph nodes he removed do not affect the drainage of lymph fluid
from the arm, only the breast. Now, after flying to and from Chicago, on a trip that was
very physically demanding, my arm is sore and slightly swollen. He saw me yesterday and
said, 'Everything looks normal. Be patient, it will go away. I will see you again in 6
months.' He will not entertain even the smallest suggestion that I have lymphedema. He
says my arm is normal in every way, and to use it normally. So, why does it not LOOK or
FEEL normal? I just wondered if anyone had any experience like this. I would appreciate
any input. Could he be right? He is a very well respected surgeon, and I have never, in
over 15 years, heard one negative thing about him. Thanks."
- recent post from patient breast health forum
Click here to visit the Imaginis discussions:
http://www.imaginis.com/discussions/
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THE IMAGINIS BREAST HEALTH BOOKSTORE HAS NEARLY 150 BOOKS FOR PATIENTS AND PROFESSIONALS
Patient picks:
- "Just Get Me Through This" by Debbie Cohen and Robert M. Gelfand, MD
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/breasthealth/survival.asp#just_get_me
- "Living Beyond Breast Cancer" by Marissa Weiss, MD and Ellen Weiss
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/breasthealth/survival.asp#living
- "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book" by Susan M. Love, MD and Karen Lindsey
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/breasthealth/breasthealth.asp#love
Professional picks:
- "Breast Imaging" by Daniel B. Kopans, MD
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/professional/book12.asp
- "The Handbook of Mammography" by Shirley M. Long et al
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/professional/book32.asp
- "Management of Patients at High Risk for Breast Cancer" by Victor G. Vogel MD
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/professional/book37.asp
Click here to visit the bookstore:
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/
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