Comprehensive Information of Breast Cancer and Breast Health Issues http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/newsletter/

As a subscriber to the Imaginis.com Breast Health Newsletter or a past user of the "Ask Imaginis.com!" service, you are receiving this copy of our special email newsletter full of carefully selected, informative and breaking news on breast health, breast cancer and related health topics.

Your referral is our highest compliment. Please visit http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/newsletter/ if you would like to add the email addresses of your friends and family to the newsletter mailing list. They will begin receiving the newsletter with our next edition.

Note: To view the full articles, click on the hyper-links following each summary. AOL users may need to copy and paste the hyper-links in this newsletter into a web browser to view them. In some cases, the hyper-links following the summaries may not successfully retrieve the webpages if the address extends to more than one line. If this occurs, please copy the full text of the address and paste it into the address box in a web browser.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Imaginis.com Breast Health Forum

The Imaginis.com Breast Health Forum has been designed to help promote the discussion of breast health topics and bring women together who have shared similar experiences. Breast cancer patients, survivors, and women of all ages who are concerned about breast health issues, both cancerous and benign, are encouraged to post and reply to messages at
http://forums.imaginis.com

Recent Forum Post:

"For the past year I've had a small red lump near my nipple. My doctor said it was just an irritation and to put hot copresses on it. That was six months ago and I still have the lump. Now it is starting to feel "tingly" and gets irritated often. Should I be worried? I am 27 years old."

- megan
To see or post a reply, click here:
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000232.asp

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
March 30, 2000

1. In the News:
Researchers Hopeful About Breast Cancer Vaccine...
A new study shows that certain proteins found on the surface of breast cancer cells could possibly be used to develop a vaccine against the disease. According to the researchers, a significant number of breast cancer patients express these proteins (called antigens) and could benefit from a vaccine. Eventually, researchers may be able to use antigen identification to help screen for and detect breast cancer.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news3.28.00.asp

Many Breast Cancer Patients May Be Candidates for Outpatient Mastectomy...
The vast majority of women who have a mastectomy (breast removal) on an outpatient basis experience fewer side effects and are more satisfied than women who are admitted to a hospital for the procedure, according to a recent study. Researchers cite the psychological effects of an outpatient mastectomy as one of the greatest benefits for patients. One year after breast cancer treatment, 98% of the patients in the study described their condition as "very good" or "excellent."
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news3.27.00.asp

Mammastatin Protein Studied As Breast Cancer Predictor and Treatment
Option...
Researchers are investigating whether injections of a protein called mammastatin, a naturally occurring protein thought to be produced by breast cancer cells, may help treat women with advanced breast cancer. The protein was first identified in 1986 and has been determined in preliminary research to be lacking in the majority of breast cancer patients and healthy women
who have a family history of breast cancer. Researchers are also investigating whether testing mammastatin levels in the blood could predict breast cancer risk.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news3.23.00.asp

Lack of Vitamin A Protein May Increase Breast Cancer Risk...
A preliminary study has found that cancerous breast tumors often lack a protein involved in vitamin A metabolism. According to the researchers, women who lack the protein CRBP (cellular retinal binding protein) may be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer because they are unable to use vitamin A from their diets to protect against cancer.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news3.20.00.asp

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Breast Health Bookstore - Current Feature

Visit our Breast Health Bookstore at http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/breasthealth/ for one of the Imaginis.com current features. "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book" by Susan M. Love, MD and
Karen Lindsey covers all aspects of breast cancer and breast health from breast development to advanced breast cancer. Dr. Love's writing style is straight-forward, informative, and sensitive.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2. Understanding Fibrocystic Breasts
The term fibrocystic breasts describes a variety of changes in the breast tissues. These non-cancerous changes may result in cysts (accumulated packets of fluid), fibrosis (formation of scar-like connective tissue), lumpiness, areas of thickening, tenderness, or breast pain. At least 50% of women experience symptoms of fibrocystic breasts at some point in their lives. This article describes the causes, symptoms, and range of treatments for this common breast condition.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/fibrocystic_breasts.asp

3. Tamoxifen - Questions and Answers
Tamoxifen is currently the most common drug used to treat breast cancer. In 1998, tamoxifen was approved by the FDA to help prevent breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease. This article addresses common questions about tamoxifen, including who is a candidate for tamoxifen and the common side effects of the medication.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/tamoxifen.asp

4. Frequently Asked Questions About Mammography
Why is a mammogram sometimes uncomfortable? Can x-rays cause cancer? What is a baseline mammogram? When should I receive a mammogram? Where can I find a mammography facility? How much does a mammogram cost? These and other frequently asked questions about mammography are answered in this article.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/faq-mammo.asp

5. Breast Reduction Surgery: Exploring Options
Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to reduce the size of the breasts. The surgery is usually performed on women with overly large breasts who suffer from back or neck pain, shoulder grooving from bra straps, infections or rashes under the breasts, or even a feeling of numbness in their fingers due to the weight of the breasts. This article addresses all aspects of breast reduction surgery. Topics include the initial surgical consultation, the procedure itself, recovery, possible side effects and complications, breast-feeding after the operation, and more.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/breast_reduction.asp

6. We Want Your Feedback!
If you have questions, comments or suggestions regarding any topics we have discussed or future topics you would like to see, email us at mailto:breasthealth@imaginis.com. In addition, help us spread the word about breast health and breast cancer. Visit http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/sendusnews.asp to send us information or comments on new books, news, press releases, television specials, or major events associated with breast cancer awareness or research.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Imaginis.com does not send "spam" email and will unsubscribe anyone upon request. For questions or comments, please email us at mailto:comments@imaginis.com

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: INFORMATION IN THIS NEWSLETTER, WITHIN THE IMAGINIS.COM WEBSITE OR IN OTHER SITES LINKED TO FROM THE IMAGINIS.COM WEBSITE SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR SELF-TREATMENT. THE INFORMATION FOUND IN THIS NEWSLETTER, IN THE IMAGINIS.COM WEBSITE AND IN WEB SITES LINKED TO FROM THE IMAGINIS.COM WEBSITE SHOULD BE USED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT BY A MEDICAL DOCTOR. USE OF THIS NEWSLETTER IS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE FOUND ON IMAGINIS.COM AT http://www.imaginis.com/guestbook/agreement.asp. PLEASE SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOUR CONDITION IS URGENT.