A new type of internal radiation, or brachytherapy, under study in the U.S. holds hope of shortening a woman’s radiation treatment for breast cancer to a single dose implanted during surgery. Now, radiation typically requires six weeks of daily treatment, an imposition for some women and a factor in many choosing mastectomy over a more sparing lumpectomy.
Radiation also is an important factor in good breast reconstruction outcomes. We will keep you apprised of any news about the effect of single versus standard dose radiation on reconstruction outcomes.
Increasingly women are asking to be tested for their higher cancer risks, a new study shows. For a detailed discussion of genetic counseling issues, genetic counselor Forum Shah addressed many common questions: http://bcsurgerystories.com/wp-admin/post.php…
This study describes the use of BRCA testing and evaluates how concerns about genetic risk and use of genetic information affect subsequent treatment decisions in young women with breast cancer.
While 40-60% of American women are diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, 60% of Arab women are diagnosed in advanced stages. The issue there has prompted a call for mammography at age 40. Here in the U.S., the Society of Breast Imaging, the American College of Obstetricians, among others, endorse mammography starting at 40, not 50 as a federal task force and others recently have favored.
“Breast Cancer Surgery and Reconstuction: What is Right for You” will have a unique chapter on breast cancer surgery and reconstruction and the Arab culture. Hiam Hiamade and Ghada Aziz run a model breast screening and diagnosis program at ACCESS in Dearborn, where they see women coming in too late to get mammograms and some even resistant to followup. Stigma, shame and fear too often govern important health choices. Here is a study that reinforces what we found.
Jill Brzezinski-Conley died of breast cancer Tuesday at age 38. Originally from metro Detroit and later Louisville, KY, Conley gained international attention for showing how to live with dignity, after a mastectomy and failed implant reconstruction. She is the founder of Jill’s Wish, which provides financial help to women with metastatic cancer. Her story captured international headlines when she posed in a pink ballgown under the Eiffel Tower in Paris. www.jillswish.org
Fat-grafting, or liposuction, does not increase the chance of breast cancer recurrence, a study by a leading breast plastic surgeon says. Dr. Steven Kronowitz finds fat-grafting helpful in many procedures, including delayed breast reconstruction in women with radiated breasts, women who may face higher risks of complications from the procedures. We cover this topic extensively in our upcoming book.
On January 28-29, leading medical organizations and a federal advisory committee will meet to discuss conflicting mammography guidelines causing confusion among women. We promise to follow. Meantime, publicity about mammography’s short-comings makes women wonder if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound are better. For
now, they aren’t though each has its appropriate use, particularly as a companion to mammography. Here are two links on MRI and ultrasound for those who want more info.
A national program pays for mammograms and Pap smears for women who have no insurance or who skip medical appointments and tests because their out-of-pocket costs are so high. It’s important to spread the word, in light of new mammography guidelines. Congress has told health insurers they can NOT change policies on paying for screening mammograms for two years. Let’s hope that does not happen. Here’s a link to reach the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program. www.bcccp.org; (888) 242-2702
A federal panel that has relaxed cancer screening guidelines for breast, prostate and several other tumors has issued new guidelines ditching annual mammograms for many women. What do you think? My take, as a reporter covering this issue for 30 years: More confusion. Federal government even postponed when these GUIDELINES take effect, to be sure insurance committees don’t reduce coverage.
This study underscores the premise of our book : Too many women are uninformed about breast reconstruction — the choices, the problems, the discussion. This was the very problem we identified two years ago when we started the book.
