IMAGINIS BREAST HEALTH NEWSLETTER
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 34
SEPTEMBER 13, 2001

The Imaginis staff would like to express our deepest sympathy to everyone affected by the recent tragic events.

WOMEN'S HEALTH NEWS AND INFORMATION

1. LARGE STUDY ON DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY SET TO BEGIN
The largest federally-funded clinical trial on medical imaging will soon be underway to determine whether digital mammography is equal or superior to standard film mammography in helping to detect breast cancer. While the first digital mammography system has already gained U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval and others are awaiting approval, researchers need a large-scale study to thoroughly investigate the benefits and limitations of the new technology. The study will be conducted at 18 locations throughout the United States.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news9.10.01.asp

2. RESEARCHERS INVESTIGATE WHETHER FLAXSEED CAN HELP PREVENT BREAST CANCER
The first study to show that the dietary supplement flaxseed may help prevent breast cancer in post-menopausal women was recently presented at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. Flaxseed has long been cultivated from the flax plant to make foods and linens. Previously, only cell and animal studies had linked its use to a lower risk of breast cancer. Though research on flaxseed has only just begun, researchers are encouraged by their initial findings in humans. Because flaxseed appears to lower cancer-related hormone levels, it may provide a protective effect against uterine and prostate cancers as well as breast cancer.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news9.04.01.asp

3. MORE STATES APPROVED TO COVER CANCER TREATMENT FOR UNINSURED WOMEN
Nine more U.S. states received approval to provide aid to low income women diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer through a federally funded program. The Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 (public law 106-354) was signed by former President Clinton in October 2000 and allows states to provide eligible women with Medicaid coverage to pay for the cost of breast or cervical cancer treatment. The nine states, Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, join 10 others that have been approved by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to participate in the program.  
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/news/news9.13.01.asp

4. UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENT METHODS OF BREAST BIOPSY
If a suspicious breast abnormality is detected with mammography, physical exam, or another breast imaging test, a breast biopsy may be ordered to determine whether cancer cells are present. There are several different types of breast biopsy, and the most appropriate method of biopsy for a patient depends upon a variety of factors, including the size, location, appearance and characteristics of the breast abnormality. Types of breast biopsy include fine needle aspiration (FNA), core needle, vacuum-assisted (Mammotome, MIBB), large core (ABBI), and open surgical biopsy. This article discusses the different types of breast biopsy and includes information on patient preparation, the biopsy procedure itself, advantages and disadvantages to each biopsy method, and side effects.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/biopsy/biopsy_methods.asp

5. DEALING WITH A BREAST CANCER RECURRENCE
Occasionally breast cancer can return after primary treatment. Often, a diagnosis of recurrent cancer is more devastating or psychologically difficult for a woman than her initial breast cancer diagnosis. However, if detected early, a breast cancer recurrence can usually be treated successfully. This article explains the different types of breast cancer recurrences and how they are diagnosed and treated.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/breasthealth/bcrecurrence.asp

6. NECESSARY MEDICAL TESTS FOR WOMEN OVER AGE 40
As women age, their chances for disease increase. However, if detected early, many diseases, including many early stages of cancer, can be treated successfully. Therefore, it is especially important that women maintain good physical health by eating a well-balanced diet, exercising, and receiving regular medical tests. 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 necessary medical tests for women over age 40.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/womenshealth/over40.asp

7. RISK FACTORS FOR OVARIAN CANCER
Because the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be subtle, it is important for women to know the risk factors for the disease. The risk factors for ovarian cancer include those that cannot be controlled (such as family history of ovarian or breast cancer, age, etc.) and those that can be controlled (such as delayed childbirth and the use of fertility pills). This article discusses the known risk factors for ovarian cancer.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/ovarian-cancer/risk.asp

8. PRENATAL IMAGING WITH ULTRASOUND
Prenatal ultrasound (also called fetal ultrasound or fetal sonography) has become an almost automatic part of the childbirth process during visits to the obstetrician. It is estimated that up to 70% of women in the United States have prenatal ultrasound exams during pregnancy. This article describes prenatal ultrasound safety and the benefits and limitations to prenatal ultrasound imaging. Several prenatal ultrasound images are also included.
Click here to read more:
http://www.imaginis.com/obstetrics/

9. "PURPLE BREASTS:" SOLO DANCE PERFORMANCE ON BREAST CANCER
Purple Breasts, a solo dance performance by Allaire Paterson-Koslo will be performed on Saturday, October 6 at 10:45 a.m. at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center in Lancaster, California. The lively 30 minute performance is about a young, spirited woman's courageous struggle with breast cancer. Admission is free. For more information on this event, call 661.724.2255 or contact the Lancaster Performing Arts Center at 661.723.5950.

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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'm a 48 yr. old mother of two sons (20 and 22). Cancer does not run in my family. I breast fed both sons (first 4 months)and always got breast infections. I'm still having these darn breast infections at least twice a year. I always get this blackish/greenish discharge from my nipple ducts when I squeeze them. But last week for the first time I got lots of this bright red blood coming out of my nipple. When I told my primary care doc she referred me to the surgeon who ordered a ductogram procedure to be done. The original mammogram x-rays did not show anything, but the x-rays taken right after the ductogram showed a shadowy mass. So now I will be having a biopsy done on Friday to rule out cancer. The surgeon also suggested to take out my milk ducts because of the breast infections I keep getting. I was wondering if I should have him take out the breast ducts from both my breasts since I get the infections in both equally. As for now he just wants to take the ducts out of just the right breast that he found the mass in. Should I ask him to do both breasts? Should I get a second opinion? I am very worried and need support. Can anyone relate or offer advice? Any advice will be greatly appreciated."

Click here to visit this discussion:
http://www.imaginis.com/_private/ubb/Forum1/HTML/000509.html

Click here to post or reply to other discussions:
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

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

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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER

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To learn more about Siemens involvement in women's health, please visit http://www.imaginis.com/siemens/

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