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For many years, women who are premenopausal have battled with the
problem of mammograms not
being 100% reliable in detecting breast cancer. This is primarily due
to young women having
very dense breasts. Breast density density appears white on a
mammogram; tumors also appear
white. This results in the radiologist trying to find the polar bear in
the snow storm... There is finally help for such a problem! It is a new type of xray called scintimammography. Scintimammography is a nuclear medicine test in which radioactive dye, called Mira Luma, is injected into the woman's vein and her breasts are then xrayed. Abnormalities oftentimes missed on traditional mammograms can be visualized this way. The test is less expensive than an MRI but more expensive than a mammogram. For this reason it is not yet considered standard practice and many managed care organizations balk at paying for it. By increasing managed care organization's knowledge as to the potential benefits of this type of test, however, it is hoped that more insurance companies will approve it without a hassle. Making more women aware of it too will promote its use and provide opportunities for demonstrating its potential routine use for women with dense breasts who feel a lump not otherwise detected on mammogram or ultrasound. |
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On September 25, 1998, the FDA announced its fast track approval of
Herceptin for treatment
of metastistic breast cancer. Herceptin is the first genetically
engineered monoclonal antibody
to enter the market for breast cancer treatment. Monocloncal antibodies
are designed to fill
a critical gap in the body's immune system. While the human body
naturally produces antibodies
to fight off infection, cancer spreads because the immune system does
not recognize cancerous
cells as harmful. Monoclonal antibodies, such as Herceptin, supplement
the immune system by
identifying specific proteins expressed by cancer cells and binding to
them, consequently
slowing tumor growth. Herceptin targets the HER2/neu protein, which is found on the surface of the breast tissue cells and plays a role in normal growth by regulating the rate of cell division. In some women with primary breast cancer, a mutation of the HER2 gene leads to an overproduction of HER2 receptors, which subsequently causes an accelerated rate of cell division and tumor growth. Herceptin suppresses rampant cell growth by binding to HER2 receptors sites and blocking growth factors from signaling cell division. |
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For years Asian men and women have included soy in their daily diet and
based on the study of
cancer incidence internationally they have the lowest incidence of
breast cancer in the world.
Asian women also do not experience menopausal symptoms such as hot
flashes. As a matter of
fact, there is no Asian translation for this side effect American women
suffer with. Do they
know something we don't? Maybe... Research is currently underway to study the effect soy has on breast cancer and on menopause. Several studies already completed show a dramatic reduction in the occurence of hot flashes for women who include the equivalent amount of soy in their daily diet as Asians do. There are also studies being done to demonstrate the chemo effect that soy has on breast cancer growth. Preliminary studies have demonstrated a reduction in the tumor growth rate for breast cancer patients adding soy to their diet. How does it work? Phytoestrogens might be the answer. These are weak estrogens in soy that seem to send a message to the body to do several beneficial things -- reduce cholersterol blood levels, increase healthy estrogens to reduce menopausal symptoms, and slow down the reproduction of breast cancer cells in the body. More research is needed to determine how this works and what groups of women it seems to benefit most. Many people have steered clear of the soybeans because of its taste. There are now new cook books coming out on the market that are designed to increase soy intake by improving the taste. There is also a product available through mail order that has eliminated the worry about preparing soy dishes yourself. It is called "Revival" and is a powdered drink which comes in chocolate or vanilla flavors. Mix it with water or milk and drink it once a day to obtain the same amount of soy in an Asian diet. The developer, Dr. Aaron Tabor, can provide research information about the clinical studies done thus far with soy, too, if interested in reading more about it. There is also a clinical research study underway to demonstrate its effects in slowing the tumor growth rate of prostate cancer, and another study to demonstrate its reduction in cardiac disease by lowering cholesterol levels. So the next time you see a soybean farmer tell him "thanks!" Finally there are more nutritional ways to improve our health short and long term! To get a free sample of Revival, call 1-800-500-1297; to order Revival call 1-800-500-2055 and use ID code #1520.  msdbc@dmv.com Charmayne Dierker, President Lilliepie@aol.com Lillie Shockney, Vice President |
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No matter what type of breast cancer surgery a woman endures to treat
this disease, her womanhood is threatened beginning the day the surgery
takes place. Along with one on one support from other breast cancer
survivors, the Johns Hopkins Breast Center has developed a unique way to
help women begin their road to recovery the moment they awaken in the
recovery room -- they are greeted by a Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer
Survivor Volunteer carrying a gift basket filled with "comfort items"
donated to the Breast Center. These items, aromatherapy, potpourri, a
gift certificate for a facial or pedicure, Avon products, bubble bath, a
gift certificate for flowers, discount coupons for mastectomy supplies
and much more are specially bundled and presented to the patient by a
survivor. MSDBC participates in this special program by providing Avon and Crabtree & Evelyn one time use items. Each merchant or organization who makes a product donation is permitted to attach a business card or brochure to the item so the patient is aware who donated it. This has increased the numbers of mothers and daughters we hear from who are in need of our services. This concept can be easily replicated elsewhere in the country too. So consider talking with your local breast centers about developing a similar program of distributing "comfort baskets" in the recovery room for women who have just undergone breast cancer surgery. The items for Hopkins baskets are collected and assembled by a team of Johns Hopkins Breast Cancer Survivor Volunteers. They assemble approximately 45 baskets a month and have been for more than a year! It provides a wonderful community service outlet and makes patients feel good. Consider introducing such a program in your medical community! |
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