IMAGINIS BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 39
NOVEMBER 20, 2001
*Please, note, this newsletter is being distributed early due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Imaginis team and Siemens Medical wish you a happy holiday.*
WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION
Proudly Sponsored by www.siemensmedical.com
1. TAMOXIFEN FOUND EFFECTIVE AT PREVENTING BREAST CANCER IN WOMEN WITH BRCA2 GENE
MUTATIONS, NOT IN WOMEN WITH BRCA1 MUTATIONS
Researchers know that some women carry abnormal forms of certain genes, called BRCA1
(breast cancer gene 1) and BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2), that put them at higher than
average risk for breast cancer. However, it has been unclear whether tamoxifen, a
drug shown to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in some high risk women, is
effective in women with BRCA gene mutations. Now, a newly published study provides
some answers. The study found that women who carry mutations of the BRCA2 gene can
significantly reduce their risk of breast cancer by taking tamoxifen; however, tamoxifen
does not appear to be particularly effective at preventing breast cancer in women with
BRCA1 gene mutations. The researchers believe that the study can help physicians
determine which high risk women are candidates for tamoxifen.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news11.20.01.asp
2. CONE BIOPSY TREATMENT MAY HELP EARLY-STAGE CERVICAL CANCER PATIENTS PRESERVE FERTILITY
Most women who are diagnosed with early stage cervical cancer must undergo a hysterectomy,
a treatment that results in permanent infertility. However, a new study has found
that some cervical cancer patients may be candidates for a different procedure called a
cone biopsy which can preserve fertility. In the study, three out of four women with
early invasive cervical cancer who underwent cone biopsies instead of hysterectomies were
able to become pregnant and deliver babies after the treatment. Though the
researchers caution that cone biopsy should not be a standard treatment for early-stage
cervical cancer, it may be an appropriate option for some well-informed women who are
aware of the potential benefits and risks of the treatment.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/cervical-cancer/news/news11.19.01.asp
3. TWO STUDIES IDENTIFY ADDITIONAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HEART DISEASE
Two new studies may help explain why many people who suffer heart attacks do not exhibit
any common symptoms of cardiovascular disease. In the first study, researchers found that
patients who have high levels of an enzyme associated with blood vessel inflammation
(called myeloperoxidase, MPO) have a higher risk of heart disease than those patients
without high MPO levels. Similarly, the second study found that patients with high
blood levels of a protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6) have a higher risk of death from
advanced coronary artery disease than patients without high IL-6 levels.
Though the research is still in early stages, the studies may eventually help
physicians identify which patients should be treated aggressively for heart disease.
Researchers may also be able to develop new drug therapies for patients to help
lower their risk of heart disease.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/heart-disease/news/news11.18.01.asp
4. UNDERSTANDING BREAST PAIN
Breast pain (mastalgia) is the most common breast related 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 underarm (axilla) region of the body. This article discusses
the main types of breast pain and explains how breast pain may be caused, evaluated, and
treated. Breast pain during breast-feeding is also addressed.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/breast_pain.asp
5. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is synthetic estrogen and progesterone designed to
"replace" a woman's depleting hormone levels. HRT is a common treatment for
menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. HRT can
also help prevent osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease affecting many post-menopausal
women. However, much attention has been devoted to the true benefits and potential risks
of HRT. This article explains the latest information about HRT.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/hrt.asp
6. RADIATION THERAPY FOR BREAST CANCER
Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to stop cancer cells from
growing and dividing. The treatment is often used to destroy any remaining breast cancer
cells in the breast, chest wall, or axilla (underarm) area after breast cancer surgery.
Occasionally, radiation therapy is used before surgery to shrink the size of a tumor. This
article explains how radiation therapy works, possible side effects, and new developments.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/radio_bctreatment.asp
7. MEDICAL IMAGING: CAT SCAN
Computed Tomography (CT) imaging, also known as "CAT scanning" (Computed Axial
Tomography), was developed in the early to mid 1970s and is now available at over 30,000
locations throughout the world. A CAT scan combines the use of a digital computer together
with a rotating x-ray device to create detailed cross sectional images or
"slices" of the different organs and body parts such as the lungs, liver,
kidneys, pancreas, pelvis, extremities, brain, spine, and blood vessels. This series of
articles addresses all aspects of a CAT scan. Topics include how a CAT scan is performed,
issues concerning the oral contrast used during CAT scan, and the latest advances with the
procedure.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/ct-scan/
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IMAGINIS BOOKSTORE: FEATURED SELECTION
"A Cancer Battle Plan: Six Strategies for Beating Cancer, from a Recovered 'Hopeless
Case'" by Anne E. Frahm and David J. Frahm
This book outlines Anne Frahm's strategy for fighting breast cancer with nutrition. Frahm
was a metastatic breast cancer patient who was able to overcome her disease after surgery,
radiation, and chemotherapy, and a special self-formulated "battle plan" diet.
Though readers should be aware that Frahm's results are not typical, "A Cancer Battle
Plan" offers practical, alternative approaches to help treat advanced breast cancer.
Click here to learn more about this book:
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/breasthealth/diagnosis.asp#battle
Click here to browse 150 other breast health book titles:
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/
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ABOUT IMAGINIS.COM
Imaginis.com is a comprehensive, award-winning, independent 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 content is created and edited by a team of
people including 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
Please visit the Imaginis.com website at http://www.imaginis.com/
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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
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