IMAGINIS.COM BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 33
AUGUST 30, 2001

WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION

1. WOMEN CONTINUE TO UNDERESTIMATE RISK OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE, MISTAKENLY BELIEVE THAT CANCER IS LARGER THREAT
A recent survey reported by the American Heart Association reveals that the majority of American women do not understand the true threat of cardiovascular disease. Despite the fact that heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, a nationwide survey revealed that only 8% of women perceive heart disease as the greatest threat to their health. More than six out of 10 women falsely believe that they are more likely to develop cancer than heart disease. This lack of public awareness is alarming physicians who insist that heart disease is becoming more preventable. Many women are also unaware that heart attack symptoms tend to be different in men and women.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/heart-disease/news/news8.27.01.asp

2. FURTHER DATA SHOW COMPUTER-AIDED DETECTION HELPS FIND MORE BREAST CANCERS ON MAMMOGRAMS
A study of nearly 13,000 women confirms previous research that shows computer software helps radiologists detect more breast cancers on mammogram films.  The technology, called computer-aided detection (CAD), essentially works like a second pair of eyes, reviewing a woman’s mammogram after the radiologist has made his or her initial interpretation.  The latest study shows that approximately 20% more breast cancers can be found with CAD than by radiologists alone.  Furthermore, CAD helps detect breast cancers in very early stages, when the chances for successful treatment and survival are the greatest.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news8.30.01.asp

3. NEW DRUG ZOMETA TREATS COMPLICATION OF BREAST CANCER, SEEKING FDA APPROVAL FOR BREAST CANCER THAT HAS SPREAD TO BONE
The drug Zometa (brand name, zoledronic acid) recently received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia of malignancy, HCM). HCM is a complication that can occur in cancer patients, including those with advanced breast cancer whose cancer has spread past the breast and lymph nodes to the bone. The FDA is also considering approving market authorization of Zometa to treat bone metastases (cancer that has spread to the bone) in patients with breast cancer and other cancers. Clinical trials of Zometa show that it may be more effective than the drug Aredia, the standard treatment for bone metastases.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news8.28.01.asp

4. MEDICAL TESTS FOR WOMEN UNDER AGE 40
Maintaining good physical health often depends on a well-balanced diet, exercise, and receiving regular medical tests to help detect conditions early, when the chances of successful treatment are the greatest. The type and frequency of medical tests a woman should have depend on her age and often other circumstances, such as a family history of diseases, etc. This article summarizes the recommended medical tests for women under age 40.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/womenshealth/under40.asp

5. U.S. STATE LAWS RELATING TO BREAST CANCER
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a digest of significant statutes affecting breast cancer from the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The summary covers all legislation enacted between January 1949 and July 2000. Topics include breast cancer screening and education programs, reimbursement for breast cancer screening, reimbursement for breast reconstruction or prosthesis, accreditation of facilities and technologies, alternative therapies, reimbursement for chemotherapy and/or bone marrow transplants, income tax checkoff for breast cancer funds, and reimbursement for length of stay/inpatient care following mastectomy. The report is available as a PDF download at http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/legislativereports.htm

6. NORTH CAROLINA DANCE EVENT AIMS TO RAISE BREAST CANCER FUNDS
Critically acclaimed dancers from across the U.S. will donate their time and talent during a one night only dance performance to fight breast cancer. "Pink Carolina" will feature several different dance forms ranging from tap to modern and jazz, followed by a champagne and dessert reception. Proceeds will help fund area breast cancer education, mammograms, and lymph node surgery. The event will be held on September 20, 2001 at the Carolina Theatre in Durham, North Carolina. For more information, please call 919.969.9512 or visit http://www.pinkribbons.org/

7. "BREAST CANCER MYTHS, MISCONCEPTIONS AND FACTS" SPECIAL REPORT
This Imaginis Special Report dispels 54 common myths and misconceptions about breast cancer in a comprehensive, easy-to-understand publication. The report was created and edited by breast health experts and is perfect for mammography centers, women's healthcare providers, breast cancer meetings, support groups, and individuals.
Click here to order the report:
http://www.imaginis.com/reports/

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BREAST CANCER DISCUSSION BOARD, RECENT POSTING

"I had a mastectomy in March for DCIS with microinvasion and negative sentinel nodes. I don't see any discussion on this site about diet. My oncologist insists there is no evidence linking a diet which includes lots of dairy, sugar and meat to recurrence. There is hefty evidence that other cancers are related to high animal fat intake but not (she says) breast. I happen to be very thin and love dairy products and sugar. Cutting these out means less pleasure and possible weight loss (bad for me!). In addition, everything you read, especially the amazing book Your Life in Your Hands, by Jane Plant, makes a convincing argument that these foods are like poison to us. I would love to hear some discussion about this. Also, was anyone else told that they had microinvasion? thanks."

Click here to visit this discussion:
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000501.html

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http://www.imaginis.com/cgi-bin/discuss/Ultimate.cgi

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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

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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER

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