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Imaginis.com Breast Health Newsletter


IMAGINIS.COM BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 2, ISSUE 29
DECEMBER 7, 2000

Thousands of breast cancer patients, survivors and healthcare professionals
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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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BREAST HEALTH NEWS

1. RESEARCHERS EXPLORE LINK BETWEEN POLLUTANTS AND BREAST CANCER RISK
While researchers have identified several biological factors that may
increase the risk of breast cancer (including age, family history, early
onset of menstruation, late menopause, etc.), environmental causes for
breast cancer have been more difficult to pinpoint. After a 1993 study
suggested that four banned pollutants contributed to higher rates of breast
cancer in certain New York counties, the Long Island Breast Cancer Study
Project was developed to help identify environmental factors that contribute
to breast cancer risk. A small study by the American Health Foundation is
the first of more than 10 studies on this topic to be completed for the Long
Island Breast Cancer Study Project.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news12.05.00.asp

2. TYPE OF BREAST CANCER SURGERY A WOMAN RECEIVES DEPENDS ON SURGEON'S
CHOICE
The type of surgery a breast cancer patient receives depends largely on the
choice of her surgeon, according to a new study.  Previous studies have
suggested that geographical location may influence the type of treatment
patients receive.  However, this latest research finds that surgeon-patient
interaction is most important in determining whether a woman will undergo
breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy (removal of the entire
breast).
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news12.06.00.asp

3. THE LATEST ADVANCES IN BREAST IMAGING TECHNOLOGY
The field of breast imaging is rapidly advancing at the beginning of the
21st century. While mammography remains the only exam approved by the U.S.
FDA to help screen for breast cancer in women with no signs or symptoms of
the disease, there are several exciting developments in diagnostic breast
imaging. Many of these technologies were showcased at the annual meeting of
the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) held last week in Chicago.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news12.01.00.asp

4. PHYSICIAN PANEL DISCUSSES DIFFICULTIES FOR MAMMOGRAPHY FACILITIES
In recent years, many mammography facilities have been forced to provide
fewer mammograms to patients, or in some cases, close their centers
completely. At the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North
America (RSNA), a panel of physicians pointed to low reimbursement rates and
threats of malpractice as the primary problems for mammography facilities.
As more and more women begin to get annual mammograms at age 40, the amount
of time women must wait to get a mammogram from the time they schedule an
appointment is turning into weeks or even months. Many physicians fear that
scheduling frustrations will cause many women to not have their annual
mammograms.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news12.04.00.asp

5. COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION TECHNOLOGY MAY HELP IMPROVE ACCURACY OF
MAMMOGRAMS
While mammography helps detect approximately 85% of all breast cancers and
is considered the 'gold standard' of breast imaging exams, mammography can
miss up to 15% of breast cancers. However, a new study finds that the use of
computer-aided detection (CAD) technology can significantly increase the
number of cancers detected with mammography. CAD technology can help detect
cancers in very early stages, when breast cancer treatment is most likely to
be successful.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news11.30.00.asp

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IMAGINIS PATIENT AND PROFESSIONAL DISCUSSIONS

The Imaginis Discussions have been designed to help promote the discussion
of a variety of women's health topics, including breast cancer, medical
imaging and related health topics. The Patient Discussions are designed to
bring women together who have shared similar experiences. Breast cancer
patients, survivors, and all women interested in breast health issues are
encouraged to participate in the Patient Discussions. In addition, Imaginis
has recently added a Professional Discussion section to bring physicians and
other healthcare providers together to discuss the latest women's health
issues.
Click here to visit the Imaginis Discussions:
http://www.imaginis.com/discussions/

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VISIT THE NEW IMAGINIS BOOKSTORE FOR PATIENTS AND PROFESSIONALS

The newly redesigned Imaginis Bookstore contains over 130 titles on breast
health, breast cancer, medical imaging, and other women's health topics. The
bookstore is divided into two sections, one for patients and the other for
healthcare professionals. The books in the patient bookstore have been
written for the general public and cover all aspects of breast cancer and
related health topics. The healthcare professionals section contains books
written specifically for physicians, nurses, medical imaging technologists,
and other healthcare professionals.
Click here to visit the bookstore:
http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/

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