IMAGINIS.COM BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 5
FEBRUARY 1, 2001
Thousands of breast cancer patients, survivors and healthcare professionals receive the
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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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WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION
1. RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY NEW GENE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCERS
In a new study published in the journal, "Cell," researchers describe a newly
discovered gene that may be linked to inherited forms of breast and ovarian cancers. The
gene, BRAF35, has been found to interact with another gene, BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2),
which researchers have already tied to breast and ovarian cancers. When the genes are not
functioning properly, they may cause cells to divide at an abnormal rate. It is estimated
that between 5% and 10% of breast cancers are associated with genetic factors.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news1.30.01.asp
2. CLINICAL STUDIES WILL TEST "SMART PROBE" MINIMALLY INVASIVE BREAST BIOPSY
ALTERNATIVE
The first human studies of a new device that may provide many women with a minimally
invasive alternative to the traditional forms of breast biopsy are scheduled to begin in
Spring 2001. The "Smart Probe" technology was originally developed by NASA
and involves inserting a tiny needle into a suspicious area of the breast, as determined
by mammogram or physical exam. The needle sends out light which bounces off the breast
tissue, providing electrical, optical, and chemical measurements that help physicians
determine whether a breast biopsy should be ordered, based on the likelihood of cancer.
If human studies are successful, the procedure could help reduce the number of
unnecessary breast biopsies.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news1.31.01.asp
3. STUDIES FIND RADIATION DOSES FROM CT SCANS OFTEN TOO HIGH FOR CHILDREN
Radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) scans in children are often higher than
needed and may contribute to cancer later in life, according to two new studies. CT scans
(also called CAT scans) use digital computers and rotating x-ray devices to create
detailed cross sectional images of organs and body parts. While CT scans can be very
beneficial in detecting disease, researchers have found that many centers use the same CT
settings on children as they do on adults, possibly exposing children to radiation levels
approximately five times higher than necessary to obtain a quality image.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/ct-scan/news/news1.26.01.asp
4. UNITED STATES DRUG APPROVAL PROCESS
Today, all new prescription drugs developed or sold in the U.S. must be approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
(CDER) prior to entering the marketplace to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The
process includes pre-clinical research, clinical studies, and a new drug application (NDA)
review. This article outlines the drug development and review process in the United
States.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/drug_approval.asp
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"I had a left breast mastectomy in April, 1997 and had chemo from May - August, 1997.
I began taking Tamoxifen in September, 1997. I was diagnosed with a new breast cancer (not
recurrence from left side) in September, 2000 and had a right breast mastectomy in
October, 2000. My oncologist took me off Tamoxifen prior to my second mastectomy and now
I'm taking Aromasin which is supposed to get rid of Estrogen. Is anyone else on this drug?
Has anyone else had a second mastectomy after using Tamoxifen? What were you told about
the second cancer and what are you taking (if not Aromasin)? I was hormone receptive with
both breast cancers. Anyone else out there had a similar situation as me?"
- recent post on the patient breast health discussion,
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000378.html
Click here post or reply to other messages on the Imaginis discussions:
http://www.imaginis.com/discussions/
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NEW IN THE IMAGINIS BOOKSTORE
"Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole" by Dr.
Jerri Nielsen (2001) chronicles Dr. Nielsens amazing struggle with breast cancer at
the South Pole. Dr. Nielsen first discovered the breast lump in June 1999 while working at
the United States Amundsen-Scott South Pole Research Station in Antarctica. In July,
an Air Force plane air-dropped an ultrasound machine, digital microscope, medicines, and
video-conferencing equipment that Dr. Nielsen used to consult with doctors in the United
States. After performing a breast biopsy on herself, Dr. Nielsen was able to
diagnose a malignant tumor in her breast with the assistance from doctors in the U.S.
After self-administering chemotherapy with air-dropped medicines, she was finally
rescued in a daring mission by the Air National Guard. Publishers Weekly calls Dr.
Nielsens book, "on par with the best of the popular survival genre. This
excellent book is about life, work, and the depth of human resiliency and
love."
Visit the Imaginis bookstore for more information on this book and nearly 150 other books
on breast cancer, breast health and related women's health topics:
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/
Imaginis news coverage of Dr. Nielsen's ordeal:
- Rescued From The South Pole, Dr. Nielsen Confirms She Has Breast Cancer (Oct. 26, 1999)
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.26.99b.asp
- Doctor With Breast Cancer Rescued From South Pole (Oct. 18, 1999)
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.18.99.asp
- Attempt To Rescue Doctor With Breast Cancer At South Pole Is Delayed (Oct. 13, 1999)
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.13.99b.asp
- Doctor With Breast Cancer Will Be Air-Lifted From South Pole (Oct. 6, 1999)
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.6.99.asp
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