IMAGINIS.COM BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 27
JULY 19, 2001

WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION

1. EFFECT OF CHEMOTHERAPY APPEARS TO TRIGGER BONE LOSS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS
Breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy are at risk for significant bone loss, according to a new study. The high rate of bone loss occurred after only six months of chemotherapy in women in the study who experienced ovarian failure, a common side effect of chemotherapy that leads to premature menopause. The researchers say their study underscores the need to administer bone density screening tests to women who undergo chemotherapy to better address the issue of bone loss and help prevent osteoporosis, a degenerative bone disease.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news7.18.01.asp

2. UNLABELED FAT INCREASES RISK OF HEART DISEASE
Trans fat, a type of fat found in fried foods and processed foods such as cookies, crackers, and donuts, may be worse for the heart than saturated fats, according to a new study.  Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently require information about trans fats on food labels, many Americans do not know how much trans fat they consume.  The study found that trans fat reduces blood vessel function and lowers HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels more than saturated fat.   According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), providing labeling information on trans fats could prevent between 2,100 and 5,600 heart disease-related deaths each year.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/heart-disease/news/news7.19.01.asp

3. BREAST CANCER GRADES, HORMONE STATUS AND DNA CYTOMETRY EXPLAINED
After a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, she can be bombarded with information about the cancer - its grade, hormone status, DNA cytometry (measuring tumor cells to help predict aggressiveness) and more. This information is important because it helps physicians and patients weigh treatment options that would likely be most effective. This article clearly explains the different grades of breast cancer, hormone receptor status (including terms such as estrogen and progesterone-receptor positive or negative), and DNA cytometry (flow cytometry or image cytometry).
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/histologic_grades.asp

4. NUTRITION DURING BREAST CANCER TREATMENT
Maintaining a well-balanced diet during breast cancer treatment can help patients better cope with side effects, regain strength, and rebuild tissues damaged by cancer.   However, some patients may find it difficult to eat well during treatment due to certain side effects (such as nausea or diarrhea) or the emotional burden a diagnosis of breast cancer can bring.  This section discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy diet during breast cancer treatment and offers suggestions on how to cope with side effects of treatment that may affect a patient’s eating habits.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/nutrition.asp

5. U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT: BEST HOSPITAL RANKINGS
Each year, U.S. News and World report publishes an exclusive ranking of America's Best Hospitals based on several factors including reputation, mortality, technology services, discharges, nurse-to-bed ratio, services provided, and much more. In addition to an overall ranking, the hospitals are also ranked by specialty, such as cancer or heart. The hospital rankings are published in the July 23, 2001 issue of U.S. News and World Report.
Click here to learn more:
http://www.usnews.com/

6. PURCHASE PINK KITCHEN MIXER TO HELP RAISE BREAST CANCER FUNDS
Starting this summer, those with a passion for cooking can support the fight against breast cancer while engaging in their favorite culinary pursuits, thanks to a new philanthropic partnership between KitchenAid and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Cook for the Cure KitchenAid Stand Mixer, inspired by the pink ribbon symbolizing breast cancer awareness, will be available via http://www.kitchenaid.com or by calling 1-800-541-6390. Each sale will generate a $50.00 donation to the Komen Foundation. The pink KitchenAid Stand Mixer is available for $289.99. 
Click here to learn more:
http://www.kitchenaid.com/

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BREAST CANCER DISCUSSION BOARD, RECENT POSTING

I had a lumpectomy 2 1/2 weeks ago. I had microcalcifications which were malignant. I am very lucky - they were tiny and have all been removed. I am not taking chemo or radiation - but the surgeon recommended that I take Tamoxifen. I am so not prepared to take a drug that will make my menopausal symptoms any worse than they already are (I am 56 and was on HRT before the cancer), not to mention the risks of Tamoxifen. My questions are: My breast is extremely painful and swollen - and I must wear a bra 24/7 - I was told that it would take 3-4 months before my breast is back to normal. Should I be concerned that the pain is still intense after a few weeks, or is this to be expected? And second, will sitting down with an Oncologist (which I have been recommended to do) to talk about taking Tamoxifen help me to figure out whether or not I should take this drug? Thank you for any info you can give me.

Click here to visit this discussion:
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000480.html

Click here to post or reply to messages on the Discussion Boards:
http://www.imaginis.com/discussions/

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THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION HAPPENINGS

*Find events to help support breast cancer research
*Learn how to register or purchase tickets
*Find other women's health events in your area

Click here to visit the Events section on Imaginis:
http://www.imaginis.com/events/

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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 breast health 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

Please visit the Imaginis.com website at http://www.imaginis.com/

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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER

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