Archive for December, 2006

Judging the Success of Breast Cancer Treatment

Sunday, December 10th, 2006

Breast cancer trials and treatment is not limited to North America. A University of Edinburgh scientist has developed new procedures to measure the affect of radiation therapy after breast cancer surgery. New procedures can help doctors decide who would benefit from receiving radiation therapy as a follow-up to breast cancer surgery. These new techniques will allow doctors to check tissue samples from breast cancer surgeries to decide who should receive further radiation therapy.

A new trial to be conducted internationally will follow 3700 women to discover the benefits of radiation therapy in women who have a medium risk of recurrence. The study will also follow this group of women to find out if there is a long-term risk of heart damage for those who have undergone radiation therapy. Their goal is to discover if radiation therapy is necessary for those women who are rated as low risk for recurrence of breast cancer. It is important to determine if radiation therapy has any significant impact on the recurrence of cancer in low risk cancer patients.

The new trial will try to identify a molecular signature in breast cancer that may help to decide if radiation therapy is necessary to prevent recurrence of the breast cancer. Tissue from breast cancer surgeries will be used for extensive study in the future. Scientists are concerned about the long-term effect on the heart from radiation and chemotherapy.

The protein brain natriuretic peptide will also be researched to see if it is an early sign of cardiac damage. Electrocardiography and echocardiography will also be used to identify any early signs of cardiac trouble.

This ambitious study would also like to look into the quality of life of breast cancer survivors. They will look at the impact of radiation and chemotherapy, breast reconstruction and other quality of life areas. This massive study will include women from all over the world. More than 120 breast cancer centers around the world have already signed up to take part in this study.

The study could have an impact on the cost of breast cancer treatment. If it can be determined if radiation therapy will not increase survival rates of those patients who are low risk, it could save the medical community and breast cancer patients thousands of dollars. It’s important to remember, the health and survival of breast cancer patients is the main concern of any trial or study carried on throughout the world.

The study may decide if women who were considered low-risk for recurrence of breast cancer would benefit from radiation therapy. Instead of prescribing radiation as a standard follow-up treatment after surgery, some women may not have to undergo the rigors of radiation therapy.

This new international trial is being sponsored and funded by the University of Edinburgh and Lothian Health Board as well as the United Kingdom Medical Research Council. The European Organization for Research on Treatment of Cancer and Breast International Group will coordinate the efforts of the trials worldwide.

Light Imaging and Breast Cancer Care

Friday, December 8th, 2006

Currently it takes several days to get results from breast tissue removed during surgery. This may mean a follow-up surgery will be needed because surgeons don’t know if they completely removed the tumor until the samples are tested. Testing results come days after the surgery is done so surgery may be performed again to get any leftover cancer cells.

A new light-imaging scan has been introduced that uses light rays from a special part of the light spectrum. The terahertz region may help doctors be sure they have removed all the cancer cells related to the tumor they have removed. This cuts out the need a second surgery because they have the information they need immediately.

What is terahertz light? It is found between the microwave and infrared portions of the spectrum. Researchers discovered that terahertz light can distinguish between normal breast tissue and tissue that is in early stage cancer, and tumors. This is an exciting discovery!

Terahertz lighting can give the surgeon the tissue analysis he needs during the operation. After receiving the immediate results he can decide if more tissue needs to be removed.

Having the information during surgery can help the surgeon discover if a more radical approach should be used. This could aid in pushing up breast cancer survival rates and cause less discomfort for the patient. There is a benefit to not having repeat surgeries. The body has less chance of fighting off infection during each successive surgery.

Anytime there is a surgical procedure done, there is always the chance of infection at the surgical site. Fewer surgeries mean fewer chances for infection. Surgery may include excessive bleeding which further weakens a patient already suffering from cancer. The body’s immune system is affected when it has to recover from multiple illnesses and surgeries.

The Radiological Society of North America was happy to give this news release to the general public. It provides more hope that breast cancer can be successfully treated and may be erased within the next few years. Light imaging will be able to find out if women still have breast cancer cells in their body and they can be removed immediately. This allows the breast cancer patient a better chance of cancer remission and less chance of cancer recurrence.

Early tests were performed on 22 women who were having breast cancer surgery. The terahertz lighting was completely effective in discovering healthy breast tissue from tumor tissue, and cells that were considered precancerous. This is another remarkable step in breast cancer treatment.

Funding from the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and other private sectors is actively working to find new and better treatments for breast cancer and early detection.

Your continued support to these fine agencies may ensure that you or someone you love will have a better chance of surviving breast cancer. Thank you for your support.

Searching for Breast Cancer Information

Wednesday, December 6th, 2006

My wife was researching information on breast cancer the other day. This did not surprise me one little bit. I know she has an interest in the medical field, and she always likes to keep up with current events regarding health. This is prudent if you ask me. I am basically the same way.

So, what do you know about breast cancer? Were you aware that you don’t have to be female to get it? It’s funny, but a lot of men assume they can’t become afflicted with this illness. They’re more worried about prostate cancer. I can understand this as well. We men have to take good care of our bodies just like women do in order to prevent cancer. One thing I discovered while sorting through current information on breast cancer and other types of cancer was diet. Do you really pay close attention to yours? If you’re not watching what you put into your body, then I strongly suggest that you do. With all the chemicals, hormones, antibiotics and GMOs out there, you have to be cautious. You generally don’t want to consume these things or it can affect cancer cells.

It’s easy to gather valid information on breast cancer or any cancer for that matter. As long as you’ve got your PC or Mac handy, you’re well on your way. Pop open Google and attain a little information on breast cancer now. You never know; things may have changed.

Jewelry For Breast Cancer Awareness

Wednesday, December 6th, 2006

Breast cancer awareness jewelry comes in all shapes and sizes. You can find just about every style and design that carries the well-known and easily recognized pink ribbon found on all breast cancer awareness jewelry. Pink ribbon products are not limited to items you wear, either.

Pink ribbons associated with the good cause include car magnets. You can use this type of breast cancer awareness jewelry to dress up your automobile while showing your support. These inexpensive additions to your car serve a great purpose and they spread awareness to others as well.

Band bracelets are some of the most popular breast cancer awareness jewelry found today. These flexible bracelets are comfortable to wear and they are the perfect color for current fashions. They make the ideal present for a socially aware teen who appreciates knowing that her gift helps others. She can wear her band bracelet with pride.

The traditional t-shirt is another very well-worn item among the pink ribbon products. You can opt to buy a sweatshirt as well. These thoughtful outfits can be adorned with breast cancer awareness jewelry that makes a well put together, casual outfit that serves a really good purpose.

My favorite new line of breast cancer awareness jewelry is designed to dress up your cell phone. The pink ribbon products include a sparkling light pink vinyl case to carry your cell phone in style. There is a pink ribbon on the face of the cell phone holder that sparkles with pink sequins.

The cell phone carrier is of excellent quality. The sequins are sewn into the carrier not glued into place. This durable item is also handy in helping you locate your phone. It attaches easily with a belt clip located on the back of the item. The pink ribbon cell phone case makes perfect breast cancer awareness jewelry for your mobile phone.

What I love about this breast cancer awareness jewelry is that it is coordinated with similar items. It is wonderful to know that you can make a put-together look with fundraising items. The coordinating luggage tag makes a great addition to the well traveled woman who wants to add sparkle and style while serving a good cause.

So remember that when it comes to raising money for a good cause the pink ribbon collection of breast cancer awareness jewelry is the first place to start. Find your favorite items and coordinate around them. You will look sharp and you will be doing a great thing for other women.