Tuesday, June 2, 2009
New York Presbyterian Hospital Ranked Best In The U.S.
New York Presbyterian Hospital has been said to have excellence in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Over the years the hospital has made many new advances in treatment of breast cancer. The breast surgeons of New York Presbyterian Hosiptal were the first to perform mastectomies.They were the first to use sentinel node biopsy.
The New York Presbyterian Hospital takes some of the most challenging cases in breast cancer. Both women with early stage or advanced breast cancer can be treated there with the most "progressive therapeutic" options. They have weekly conferences discussing patient care. Breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and specialists all go to these conferences to discuss better treatment solutions. They have come up with a new procedure called ductal lavage. The procedure painlessly takes fluid from the milk ducts in a womens breast and is examined to find an suspicious cells. This is an extraordinary procedure because usually breast cancer cannot be detected until it is seen on a mammogram.
The hospital were also leaders in research on sentinel lymphadenectomy. Sentinel lymphadenectomy is the identification of single key lypmh nodes and basically allows the doctor to see info on the patient while he/she is still in the operating room. They have made new breakthroughs in radiation therapy and chemotherapy. I think any women should consider checking this hospital out. They are prestige and really care about taking care of the patient.
The New York Presbyterian Hospital takes some of the most challenging cases in breast cancer. Both women with early stage or advanced breast cancer can be treated there with the most "progressive therapeutic" options. They have weekly conferences discussing patient care. Breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and specialists all go to these conferences to discuss better treatment solutions. They have come up with a new procedure called ductal lavage. The procedure painlessly takes fluid from the milk ducts in a womens breast and is examined to find an suspicious cells. This is an extraordinary procedure because usually breast cancer cannot be detected until it is seen on a mammogram.
The hospital were also leaders in research on sentinel lymphadenectomy. Sentinel lymphadenectomy is the identification of single key lypmh nodes and basically allows the doctor to see info on the patient while he/she is still in the operating room. They have made new breakthroughs in radiation therapy and chemotherapy. I think any women should consider checking this hospital out. They are prestige and really care about taking care of the patient.
BREAST CANCER RECURRENCE...
It has been said that breast cancer can recur at any time. A lot of recurrencs happen within the first 5 years. Sometimes the cancer comes back exactly or right near the spot you had the cancer or it may come back in a completely different spot. The article says that the most common recurrence spots that recur in different areas of the body are the lymph nodes, the bones, the liver and the lungs. When women beat their cancer they often forget to keep checking up on themselves because of the fact that it can recur.
The signs women should look for is lumping or thickening near the breast or underarm, a difference in size, shape and color of the breast, and bloody or clear discharge from the nipples. Women should continue mammograms, image testing and breast exams from your doctor. women should have these things done atleast every 3 to 4 months. The larger your tumor was the more likely your chances of the cancer reccuring again is.
The signs women should look for is lumping or thickening near the breast or underarm, a difference in size, shape and color of the breast, and bloody or clear discharge from the nipples. Women should continue mammograms, image testing and breast exams from your doctor. women should have these things done atleast every 3 to 4 months. The larger your tumor was the more likely your chances of the cancer reccuring again is.
YOUNG WOMEN & BREAST CANCER..
Although it is uncommon for younger women to be diagnosed with breast cancer is can and does happen. The cases in younger women being diagnosed with breast cancer has increased.The article states that there are more than 250,000 women in the U.S. who were diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 or under, and about 10,000 young women will be diagnosed next year. Many doctors that treat young women do not usually test for breast cancer. They usually say the cause is a lump a cyst or some other type of growth. The article aslo states that there is no effective breast cancer screening for younger women. Younger women have denser tissue in their breast so it is hard to detect anything. Most younger women do not find out they have breast cancer until it is in its advanced stages. Which is crazy because at the time the treatment doesn't work. The treatment is less likely to respond with a women with breast cancer in its last stages.
A lot of young women do not believe they can get breast cancer because of the fact that they are young. It is completely wrong. Another article I read states that only 5 percent of breast cancer cases are in young women. But this doesn't mean that they should take it lightly. Young women should be aware of thier own personal risks. One thing young women should know is that breast cancer can cause other health problems such as pregnancy, fertility, and sexuality in the long run.
Mammograms are not really recommended for young women because they are less likely to show the cancer. As stated in a article, the American Health Society recommends that young women do monthly breast self-examinations. "The best time to perform BSE is the day after your monthly period ends. Becoming familiar with the look and feel of their breasts offers the best chance for a young woman to notice any change", states the article. I think there is not enough attention paid to younger women and the issue of breast cancer. Young women should join and form groups to be advocates for ourselves and many other young women in the U.S.
A lot of young women do not believe they can get breast cancer because of the fact that they are young. It is completely wrong. Another article I read states that only 5 percent of breast cancer cases are in young women. But this doesn't mean that they should take it lightly. Young women should be aware of thier own personal risks. One thing young women should know is that breast cancer can cause other health problems such as pregnancy, fertility, and sexuality in the long run.
Mammograms are not really recommended for young women because they are less likely to show the cancer. As stated in a article, the American Health Society recommends that young women do monthly breast self-examinations. "The best time to perform BSE is the day after your monthly period ends. Becoming familiar with the look and feel of their breasts offers the best chance for a young woman to notice any change", states the article. I think there is not enough attention paid to younger women and the issue of breast cancer. Young women should join and form groups to be advocates for ourselves and many other young women in the U.S.
NEW EARLY DETECTION MRI IS SAVING LIVES...
I think that this is great. Since mammograms are not exactly the best and most accurate way to detect breast cancer this new MRI has been proven to show breast cancer at some of its earliest stages. The new MRI gives a three dimensional look inside the breast that gives more complete images inside the breast. Women should definitley consider having this done if they want a second opinion or really believe they could have breast cancer.
With the early detection women are beating cancer more often. More than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S, and this new MRI may be the best new thing toward the fight. The new MRI "method generates a unique color-coded map by measuring changes (color and intensity) in contrast agent concentration in normal and cancerous tissues over time. It provides information that is not readily available from traditional mammography or MRI". "Magnetic resonance imaging uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field instead of X-rays to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. These radio waves are directed at protons in hydrogen atoms -- one of the most abundant atoms in the human body, because of the body's high water content. The waves "excite" the protons, and when they "relax," they emit strong radio signals. A computer can turn those signals into a high-contrast image showing differences in the water content and distribution in various bodily tissues. It is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional X-ray mammography for the early diagnosis of breast cancer because women aren't exposed to the same radiation they experience with X-rays".
WOMEN SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY!!!
With the early detection women are beating cancer more often. More than 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in the U.S, and this new MRI may be the best new thing toward the fight. The new MRI "method generates a unique color-coded map by measuring changes (color and intensity) in contrast agent concentration in normal and cancerous tissues over time. It provides information that is not readily available from traditional mammography or MRI". "Magnetic resonance imaging uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field instead of X-rays to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. These radio waves are directed at protons in hydrogen atoms -- one of the most abundant atoms in the human body, because of the body's high water content. The waves "excite" the protons, and when they "relax," they emit strong radio signals. A computer can turn those signals into a high-contrast image showing differences in the water content and distribution in various bodily tissues. It is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional X-ray mammography for the early diagnosis of breast cancer because women aren't exposed to the same radiation they experience with X-rays".
WOMEN SHOULD STEP UP AND TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY!!!
WHY ARE MORE WOMEN ARE CHOOSING DOUBLE MASTECTOMIES???
In this article on ScienceDaily.com I have found out that many women are choosing to have both breast removed to rid the cancer. The proper term for the surgery is contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM). The article article argues about the reasons women should not opt for such drastic procedures due to the fact that breast cancer rarely ever spreads to the second breast. The process is irreversible and does not sustain overrall survival. Doctors are trying to figure out why women are often leaning toward this procedure and are trying to find and give women different options other than a double mastectomy.
Researchers have done studies and found out that over the years of 1998 and 2003 the percentage of women having CPM has increased 11 percent. I think women are having this opertion more because honestly it's just wierd to have one breast. To take away a womens nature is devastating enough, so it seems to me like they just want to rid of all the pain. The article states that white women with lobular cancers are more likely to have CPM. The reasons Doctors and researchers are finding for the reason women are having this procedure is because of more awareness
of breast cancer and more testing of BRCA genes. Also the improved procedure to reconstruct breast and implants persuade women to have both breasts removed at the same time.
Since women with breast cancer are vulnerable, the article says that women will make the decision to have the procedure. I think that women should make more rational decisions. Although it may be necessary for some women; great time and deep thought should be put in before making such a decision.
Researchers have done studies and found out that over the years of 1998 and 2003 the percentage of women having CPM has increased 11 percent. I think women are having this opertion more because honestly it's just wierd to have one breast. To take away a womens nature is devastating enough, so it seems to me like they just want to rid of all the pain. The article states that white women with lobular cancers are more likely to have CPM. The reasons Doctors and researchers are finding for the reason women are having this procedure is because of more awareness
of breast cancer and more testing of BRCA genes. Also the improved procedure to reconstruct breast and implants persuade women to have both breasts removed at the same time.
Since women with breast cancer are vulnerable, the article says that women will make the decision to have the procedure. I think that women should make more rational decisions. Although it may be necessary for some women; great time and deep thought should be put in before making such a decision.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Here's the 411...
Yesterday I was watching the Oprah Show and it was about Breast Cancer and all different types of women and their stories. The main topics were topics that women tend to stray from or ignore. Like, updated stats, mammograms, breast cancer affecting women of any age and any ethnicity. Breast cancer does not discriminate and that is something women forget about. You do not need a family background of breast cancer to be disgnosed.
Actress Christina Applegate appeared on the show to tell story about her experience with breast cancer. She shared on the show that she choose to remove both of her breast. Throughout the show you could see her obvious emotional trauma from her battle to rid the cancer from he body. Christina said, "I made sure that I have close-up photographs of them from every angle so I can kind of remember them," That was a very moving part of the show for me. Those words touched because as a woman our breast are something that makes us a woman. They are glamorized and to just give them up to win the fight for your life is an amazing thing. She showed her strength and not only put on a hard exterior she also showed how she would miss having her breast and how she went about dealing with them being removed. Kudos to Christina and her bravery.
Throughout the show I have learned that breast cancer may sometimes not be detected with a mammogram. Christina A. said she would fight for women to have MRI's and genetic testing. Many insurance companies do not pay for those procedures. I learned that a simple blood test can determine whether a woman has BRCA gene mutation and if you have a gene mutation, your chances of developing breast cancer are higher. It was said on the show that you should get tested if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer before you turned 50, had ovarian cancer, had a male family member with breast cancer, had breast cancer in one breast and then again in the other breast, or if you have lost family members to breast cancer before they turned 50. All the information given on the show was so enlightening. I think every women should go to Oprah. com and watch the episode. Just type breast cancer in the search box and the episode will come up.
Actress Christina Applegate appeared on the show to tell story about her experience with breast cancer. She shared on the show that she choose to remove both of her breast. Throughout the show you could see her obvious emotional trauma from her battle to rid the cancer from he body. Christina said, "I made sure that I have close-up photographs of them from every angle so I can kind of remember them," That was a very moving part of the show for me. Those words touched because as a woman our breast are something that makes us a woman. They are glamorized and to just give them up to win the fight for your life is an amazing thing. She showed her strength and not only put on a hard exterior she also showed how she would miss having her breast and how she went about dealing with them being removed. Kudos to Christina and her bravery.
Throughout the show I have learned that breast cancer may sometimes not be detected with a mammogram. Christina A. said she would fight for women to have MRI's and genetic testing. Many insurance companies do not pay for those procedures. I learned that a simple blood test can determine whether a woman has BRCA gene mutation and if you have a gene mutation, your chances of developing breast cancer are higher. It was said on the show that you should get tested if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer before you turned 50, had ovarian cancer, had a male family member with breast cancer, had breast cancer in one breast and then again in the other breast, or if you have lost family members to breast cancer before they turned 50. All the information given on the show was so enlightening. I think every women should go to Oprah. com and watch the episode. Just type breast cancer in the search box and the episode will come up.
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