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Imaginis.com Breast Health Newsletter


IMAGINIS.COM BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 7
FEBRUARY 15, 2001

BREAST HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION

1. TAMOXIFEN MAY HELP PROTECT AGAINST HEART DISEASE IN ADDITION TO LOWERING BREAST CANCER RISK
The drug tamoxifen (brand name, Nolvadex) is used to treat both early and advanced stages of breast cancer and prevent breast cancer in women at high risk of the disease.   Now, a small study shows that tamoxifen may also help protect the heart by lowering cholesterol and certain protein levels that are associated with heart disease. Though the researchers say that women should not begin taking tamoxifen to protect the heart, the study reveals a possible added benefit of tamoxifen.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news2.14.01.asp

2. STUDY FINDS EXERCISE HELPS BREAST CANCER PATIENTS COPE WITH SIDE EFFECTS OF TREATMENT
Exercising is an important part of recovery for early-stage breast cancer patients, according to a new study published in the "Journal of Clinical Oncology." In the study, women who exercised on their own after surgery and adjuvant therapy (such as chemotherapy or tamoxifen) had more energy and missed less days of work compared to women who engaged in little to no exercise during recovery. Cancer experts say that exercise helps women feel in control of their disease and can help them lose weight gained as a result of chemotherapy or other treatment.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news2.12.01.asp

3. HOW TO CHOOSE A HIGH QUALITY MAMMOGRAPHY FACILITY
As patients and medical consumers, women have the right to inquire about the facilities and qualifications of the physicians performing any medical service or imaging exam. Because mammography plays an important role in detecting breast cancer at an early stage, often before a lump can be felt, women should choose a mammography facility with care. This article provides key issues women should consider in order to choose a state-of-the-art mammography facility.  Facility certification, physician training and other topics are addressed.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/mammography_facility.asp

4. UNDERSTANDING THE BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSTIC PROCESS
The breast cancer diagnostic detection process typically begins when a breast abnormality is found, either by hand or with mammography. From there, physicians will typically order additional breast imaging and based on the results of these tests, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the presence of cancer. This article provides an overview of how physicians make clinical decisions and provides statistical information on abnormal mammograms, biopsy recommendations, and more.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/diagnosis.asp

5. PREVENTING BREAST CANCER WITH PROPHYLACTIC MASTECTOMY
Prophylactic mastectomy, the surgical removal of both breasts to help prevent breast cancer, is a controversial procedure among members of the medical community. Many physicians do not believe that surgically removing a woman’s breast is appropriate unless it is performed as a treatment for breast cancer. However, based on recent scientific findings that show prophylactic mastectomy to be effective at preventing breast cancer, other physicians believe that certain individuals at especially high risk of breast cancer who are very worried about developing the disease may benefit from having prophylactic mastectomy. This article provides detailed information on prophylactic mastectomy, including candidates for the procedure, the effectiveness of the surgery, and alternatives for preventing breast cancer.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/prophylactic_mastectomy.asp

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BREAST CANCER DISCUSSION BOARD

"My Mom had a mastectomy last June for early stage cancer. I have a long history of fibrocystic disease with multiple open and needle biopsies. The last two ultrasounds have been read as "cancer need further biopsy." Biopsies are always fibrocystic or scar tissue. I am considering bilateral mastectomy as the stress of this every three months is more than I can take. Has anyone been in this situation, any ideas on immediate reconstruction vs postponing reconstruction vs no reconstruction??"

Click here to visit this discussion:
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000386.html

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

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NEW IN THE IMAGINIS BOOKSTORE

"Our Mom Has Breast Cancer" by Adrienne Ackermann, 9, and Abigail Ackermann, 11, is written by two young girls and is meant to help other children understand the impact of cancer on a family. According to the American Cancer Society, who published the book, the tone is upbeat, but Abigail and Adrienne do not shrink from honestly sharing their feelings. They write about the fear that their mother would die and the effects of chemotherapy, especially fatigue and nausea. The book ends with Adrienne and Abigail reflecting on their experience and how it has brought their family closer together.

Click here to learn more about this book:
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/breasthealth/survival.asp#our_mom

Click here to browse nearly 150 books in the Imaginis Breast Health Bookstore:
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/

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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/

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 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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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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