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IMAGINIS.COM BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 5 FEBRUARY 1, 2001 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/ Please take a moment to send us your feedback! Your comments help us tailor our website and newsletter to meet the needs of our readers. Click here to fill out our online feedback form: http://www.imaginis.com/about/form.asp. Or if you prefer, send us feedback by email at mailto:breasthealth@imaginis.com +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION 1. RESEARCHERS IDENTIFY NEW GENE THAT MAY BE RELATED TO BREAST AND OVARIAN CANCERS In a new study published in the journal, "Cell," researchers describe a newly discovered gene that may be linked to inherited forms of breast and ovarian cancers. The gene, BRAF35, has been found to interact with another gene, BRCA2 (breast cancer gene 2), which researchers have already tied to breast and ovarian cancers. When the genes are not functioning properly, they may cause cells to divide at an abnormal rate. It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of breast cancers are associated with genetic factors. Click here to read more: http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news1.30.01.asp 2. CLINICAL STUDIES WILL TEST "SMART PROBE" MINIMALLY INVASIVE BREAST BIOPSY ALTERNATIVE The first human studies of a new device that may provide many women with a minimally invasive alternative to the traditional forms of breast biopsy are scheduled to begin in Spring 2001.  The "Smart Probe" technology was originally developed by NASA and involves inserting a tiny needle into a suspicious area of the breast, as determined by mammogram or physical exam. The needle sends out light which bounces off the breast tissue, providing electrical, optical, and chemical measurements that help physicians determine whether a breast biopsy should be ordered, based on the likelihood of cancer.   If human studies are successful, the procedure could help reduce the number of unnecessary breast biopsies. Click here to read more: http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news1.31.01.asp 3. STUDIES FIND RADIATION DOSES FROM CT SCANS OFTEN TOO HIGH FOR CHILDREN Radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) scans in children are often higher than needed and may contribute to cancer later in life, according to two new studies. CT scans (also called CAT scans) use digital computers and rotating x-ray devices to create detailed cross sectional images of organs and body parts. While CT scans can be very beneficial in detecting disease, researchers have found that many centers use the same CT settings on children as they do on adults, possibly exposing children to radiation levels approximately five times higher than necessary to obtain a quality image.  Click here to read more: http://www.imaginis.com/ct-scan/news/news1.26.01.asp 4. UNITED STATES DRUG APPROVAL PROCESS Today, all new prescription drugs developed or sold in the U.S. must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) prior to entering the marketplace to ensure their safety and effectiveness. The process includes pre-clinical research, clinical studies, and a new drug application (NDA) review. This article outlines the drug development and review process in the United States. Click here to read more: http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/drug_approval.asp +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ "I had a left breast mastectomy in April, 1997 and had chemo from May - August, 1997. I began taking Tamoxifen in September, 1997. I was diagnosed with a new breast cancer (not recurrence from left side) in September, 2000 and had a right breast mastectomy in October, 2000. My oncologist took me off Tamoxifen prior to my second mastectomy and now I'm taking Aromasin which is supposed to get rid of Estrogen. Is anyone else on this drug? Has anyone else had a second mastectomy after using Tamoxifen? What were you told about the second cancer and what are you taking (if not Aromasin)? I was hormone receptive with both breast cancers. Anyone else out there had a similar situation as me?" - recent post on the patient breast health discussion, http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000378.html Click here post or reply to other messages on the Imaginis discussions: http://www.imaginis.com/discussions/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ NEW IN THE IMAGINIS BOOKSTORE "Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole" by Dr. Jerri Nielsen (2001) chronicles Dr. Nielsen’s amazing struggle with breast cancer at the South Pole. Dr. Nielsen first discovered the breast lump in June 1999 while working at the United States Amundsen-Scott South Pole Research Station in Antarctica.  In July, an Air Force plane air-dropped an ultrasound machine, digital microscope, medicines, and video-conferencing equipment that Dr. Nielsen used to consult with doctors in the United States.  After performing a breast biopsy on herself, Dr. Nielsen was able to diagnose a malignant tumor in her breast with the assistance from doctors in the U.S.   After self-administering chemotherapy with air-dropped medicines, she was finally rescued in a daring mission by the Air National Guard.  Publishers Weekly calls Dr. Nielsen’s book, "on par with the best of the popular survival genre. This excellent book is about life, work, and the depth of human resiliency and love."   Visit the Imaginis bookstore for more information on this book and nearly 150 other books on breast cancer, breast health and related women's health topics: http://www.imaginis.com/bookstore/ Imaginis news coverage of Dr. Nielsen's ordeal: - Rescued From The South Pole, Dr. Nielsen Confirms She Has Breast Cancer (Oct. 26, 1999) http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.26.99b.asp - Doctor With Breast Cancer Rescued From South Pole (Oct. 18, 1999) http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.18.99.asp - Attempt To Rescue Doctor With Breast Cancer At South Pole Is Delayed (Oct. 13, 1999) http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.13.99b.asp - Doctor With Breast Cancer Will Be Air-Lifted From South Pole (Oct. 6, 1999) http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news10.6.99.asp +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ HAVING TROUBLE ACCESSING THE LINKS IN THIS NEWSLETTER? To view the full articles, click on the underlined links (web addresses) following each summary. America Online (AOL) users may need to copy and paste the links in this newsletter into a web browser to view them. In some cases, the 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 link and paste it into the address box in a web browser. Please note, Imaginis does not send "spam" email and will unsubscribe anyone upon request (see link below). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 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 WEBSITES 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 . IMAGINIS.COM DOES NOT ENDORSE AND HAS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENT OF ANY OTHER SITES LISTED ON IMAGINIS.COM, AND PROVIDES LINKS AND REFERENCES MERELY AS A CONVENIENCE TO ITS USERS. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOUR CONDITION IS URGENT.

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