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.
Friday, May 8, 2009
How Much Is Our Government Helping?
This article was written by a new reporter from the Medical News Today paper. This article stated that, "Congress adjourned earlier this month without the Senate or House passing bills aimed at allocating funding for research into the environmental causes of breast cancer," the CQ Healthbeat reports. The bill to have research funding for breast cancer was sent to the Senate and the House and debated by many different reps. Each had different adjustments and opinions to the bill.
The Senate sponsered by Senator Lincoln Chafee, offered 30 million dollars through the years of 2007 to 2012 for research. The House sponsered by representative Nita Lowey, would give the same amount of money for research for the years of 2006 to 2011. As the bill was being debated Senator Tom Coburn disagreed with what they were proposing to help breast cancer. He stated that they should not focus onpassing bill on specific illness and diseases but reforming bills. The House actually continued to support the cause, and are working to get the legislation passed.
I think the Senate should reconsider their idea to reform. I think there needs to be an actual bill passed to support breast cancer and its research because its affecting so many of our american people. The House and representative Nita Lowey are advocating for the bill to passed althought they have little or no support from the Senate. Although there was no definite conclusion for outcome of fundingfor breast cancer research I think there will be soon if there is persistance.
The Senate sponsered by Senator Lincoln Chafee, offered 30 million dollars through the years of 2007 to 2012 for research. The House sponsered by representative Nita Lowey, would give the same amount of money for research for the years of 2006 to 2011. As the bill was being debated Senator Tom Coburn disagreed with what they were proposing to help breast cancer. He stated that they should not focus onpassing bill on specific illness and diseases but reforming bills. The House actually continued to support the cause, and are working to get the legislation passed.
I think the Senate should reconsider their idea to reform. I think there needs to be an actual bill passed to support breast cancer and its research because its affecting so many of our american people. The House and representative Nita Lowey are advocating for the bill to passed althought they have little or no support from the Senate. Although there was no definite conclusion for outcome of fundingfor breast cancer research I think there will be soon if there is persistance.
Celebrities that have battled cancer...
Cynthia Nixon from sex and the city was getting her yearly mammogram when she found out she had a tumor growing in her right breast. It wasnt very public at first because she did'nt want paparazzi to blow her situation out of proportion. She under went radiation treatment and an lumpetomy. Cynthia won her battle with cancer as did her mom who also had breast cancer. Cynthia decided to finally tell her story and now she inspires many women today.
I think that Cynthia is an icon for women battling cancer. She is already a well admired woman because of her role on sex and city and looked up to for amazing fashion on the show but now she is a guiding light for woman today. She has not been shy or secretivbe about her situation. She let the world know how important itis to be open and supportive and that it is okay to be vulnerbale.
DID YOU KNOW???
Studies are showing Bone Drugs that help combat osteoporosis, and joint issues are being tested as an effective way to treat some breast cancer diagnosis.!
Friday, April 24, 2009
and this is what i think...
Breast cancer is the leading killer of women in the United States. Most women don't have the information needed, or the resources to fight this illness. Many women do not know that they should be getting a mammogram every year, and if they do they don't stay committed to following up. This is the biggest mistake any women could make, when breast cancer can be detected in its early stages and lives can be saved.
I discovered when I was sitting in class and my teacher asked, "What do you care about?". Many different issues had crossed my mind but cancer is what concerns me the most. I wanted to learn more about why women walk in the breast cancer walk, and why there are pink ribbons on the back of cars, and why every cared so much. Why pushing awareness and fighting cancer was so important. I see why now. So many women are suffering and lives are being taken away from lack of knowledge and the unwillingness to be checked from being afraid. But that is why there is so much promotion for awareness. They want women to take a stand and fight back. To be strong and band together, and donate to help research for cures and medicines. Each woman is entitled to their life and breast cancer should not be the reason our American women are dying. We are strong and we will make a difference.
I have learned so much about protecting myself, letting women know how to protect themselves. Statistics show that women are becoming more aware of their health and breast cancer and being screened. But this is only the beginning.
I discovered when I was sitting in class and my teacher asked, "What do you care about?". Many different issues had crossed my mind but cancer is what concerns me the most. I wanted to learn more about why women walk in the breast cancer walk, and why there are pink ribbons on the back of cars, and why every cared so much. Why pushing awareness and fighting cancer was so important. I see why now. So many women are suffering and lives are being taken away from lack of knowledge and the unwillingness to be checked from being afraid. But that is why there is so much promotion for awareness. They want women to take a stand and fight back. To be strong and band together, and donate to help research for cures and medicines. Each woman is entitled to their life and breast cancer should not be the reason our American women are dying. We are strong and we will make a difference.
I have learned so much about protecting myself, letting women know how to protect themselves. Statistics show that women are becoming more aware of their health and breast cancer and being screened. But this is only the beginning.
Common Threads
Four years ago my mother called to tell me that her best friend and one of my personal female heroines, Lovey Meeker, was diagnosed with cancer. In fact she had thousands of small tumors in her brain. But tumors never start in the brain - they had metastasized from her breast. Lovey died the following year. Ever since Lovey's death I have been addressing the complicated and tragic effects of breast cancer in my work. Cancer is an epidemic. In one year alone cancer will kill nearly twice as many Americans as were killed in all of World War II. And, statistically, this year one woman in every eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
By Cynthia O'Dell
Cynthia O'Dell was enlightened by the true affects of breastcancer when her mother told her that her bestfriend had been diagnosed with cancer. She then begun to interview many different women to hear their stories. To know not only the scientific affects of breast cancer in women but the emotional toll that comes with it. Women need to know that they are not alone in this fight. many women are struggling and may have the same story as you and that is what Cynthia O'Dell wanted women to know by telling her story.
Four years ago my mother called to tell me that her best friend and one of my personal female heroines, Lovey Meeker, was diagnosed with cancer. In fact she had thousands of small tumors in her brain. But tumors never start in the brain - they had metastasized from her breast. Lovey died the following year. Ever since Lovey's death I have been addressing the complicated and tragic effects of breast cancer in my work. Cancer is an epidemic. In one year alone cancer will kill nearly twice as many Americans as were killed in all of World War II. And, statistically, this year one woman in every eight will be diagnosed with breast cancer.
By Cynthia O'Dell
Cynthia O'Dell was enlightened by the true affects of breastcancer when her mother told her that her bestfriend had been diagnosed with cancer. She then begun to interview many different women to hear their stories. To know not only the scientific affects of breast cancer in women but the emotional toll that comes with it. Women need to know that they are not alone in this fight. many women are struggling and may have the same story as you and that is what Cynthia O'Dell wanted women to know by telling her story.
GET SCREENED!!!!
Recommended Screening: There are three significant ways to increase the chance of finding a breast cancer early: regular breast self-examination, annual mammograms, and an annual examination by a healthcare provider. To learn how often these screenings are recommended, visit the American Cancer Society Web site.
Each women should take the appropriate treatment check up on their health. Those simple steps to managing your bodies health can lower your chances of being diagnosed with cancer or catching it in its early stages. Screening is very important for women to recieve in their adulthood.
Each women should take the appropriate treatment check up on their health. Those simple steps to managing your bodies health can lower your chances of being diagnosed with cancer or catching it in its early stages. Screening is very important for women to recieve in their adulthood.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
"About 40,480 women in the U.S. are expected to die in 2008 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1990. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness."(http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp?gclid=CJyZk7Pu3pkCFdxM5QodEQPbXg)
The statistics in the number of breast cancer cases is rising significantly in the U.S. Women breast cancer cases are alomost as high as cases in lung cancer. Women of color are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than white women, but are more likely to die from it. This is because African American women have been studied to have more aggressive tumors. So all women no matter what ethnicity, or race must be aware that breast cancer does not only affect one type of woman.
The statistics in the number of breast cancer cases is rising significantly in the U.S. Women breast cancer cases are alomost as high as cases in lung cancer. Women of color are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than white women, but are more likely to die from it. This is because African American women have been studied to have more aggressive tumors. So all women no matter what ethnicity, or race must be aware that breast cancer does not only affect one type of woman.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Welcome to my blog!
I’ am hoping that you are interested, and want to know more about the effects of breast cancer in women. It is not only affecting women but the toll it is taking on the world is extremely alarming. Millions of women are being diagnosed with breast cancer each day. It is the largest killer of women in the world, which is why I’ am interested in keeping all women informed with this issue. I will be posting articles on treatment and awareness. I also will be posting ways for women to lead healthier lives and exercise plans. Women need to take control of their lives and be strong.
I will be proving information on what women could do before hand to lessen the chances of being diagnosed, and the treatment you should consider if you are already diagnosed such as “advanced radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or hormonal therapy” (www.breastcancer.org/treatment)
There are many women fighting for the government to take action and help donate and raise money and new treatments for women. One celebrity that is extremely involved is Marcia Cross from the hit television show “Desperate Housewives”. She recently went to Capital Hill, lobbying Congress to pass the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007 to end “drive-through” mastectomies for women forced to leave the hospital hours after surgery.” She is campaigning to give women more time in hospital facilities to recover.
I’ am hoping that you are interested, and want to know more about the effects of breast cancer in women. It is not only affecting women but the toll it is taking on the world is extremely alarming. Millions of women are being diagnosed with breast cancer each day. It is the largest killer of women in the world, which is why I’ am interested in keeping all women informed with this issue. I will be posting articles on treatment and awareness. I also will be posting ways for women to lead healthier lives and exercise plans. Women need to take control of their lives and be strong.
I will be proving information on what women could do before hand to lessen the chances of being diagnosed, and the treatment you should consider if you are already diagnosed such as “advanced radiation, chemotherapy, surgery or hormonal therapy” (www.breastcancer.org/treatment)
There are many women fighting for the government to take action and help donate and raise money and new treatments for women. One celebrity that is extremely involved is Marcia Cross from the hit television show “Desperate Housewives”. She recently went to Capital Hill, lobbying Congress to pass the Breast Cancer Patient Protection Act of 2007 to end “drive-through” mastectomies for women forced to leave the hospital hours after surgery.” She is campaigning to give women more time in hospital facilities to recover.
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