| Nurse awarded $1500 scholarship
MACKAY nurse, Charles Bezzina, has gained new skills to support local cancer patients, following completion of a five-day breast cancer nursing course, run by Cancer Council Queensland in Brisbane. Mr Bezzina, of the Mackay Mater Hospital, was awarded a scholarship worth up to $1500, enabling him to advance his cancer care skills. Cancer Council Queensland health professional education co-ordinator Sheila Deuchars said the scholarship ensured cancer patients received the best possible care. It is breast cancer patients and their families who benefit from this training, she said. The course is designed to provide cancer-related training and information that, when put into practice, increases the level of supportive care for patients.
Breast Cancer Patients Suffer From Insomnia
Dr. Ellyn Matthews from the University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing. UC Denver College of Nursing started a sleep study last year to see if cognitive behavior changes could help breast cancer patients suffering from insomnia. Schmidt enrolled in the study about eight months ago because insomnia was taking a toll on her life. "It affects your memory and just your way of life and quality of life because you're so stressed out. You need to be able to relax, relax and let your body and mind rest," said Schmidt. Schmidt now has a set bedtime and wake-up time. She does not have a clock in her bedroom. She also listens to soothing music to help relax her before bedtime. So far, they behavioral changes appear to be working. "I can't believe the difference in my energy levels and I'm not as tired as I used to be, which is great," said Schmidt.
Exeter Hospital on cutting edge in breast cancer treatment
Electronic brachytherapy treatment, at the Center for Cancer Care, is a cutting-edge treatment that enables early breast cancer patients the option of a five-day course of treatment for partial breast irradiation rather than a seven-week course of radiation. There are only 50 electronic brachytherapy devices in the world and the one at Exeter Hospital is the first in the state, according to doctors in the Center for Cancer Care. "This is going to change the paradigm of the way we treat," said Gary Proulx, medical director for radiation oncology. "We're excited because we're the first in New Hampshire to offer the technology, so people don't have to travel to New York or Massachusetts. So it's cutting edge, but a well-established way of doing it." Ruth Duthie, the first patient to use the electronic brachytherapy, had been through traditional radiation last year as part of her treatment for breast cancer.
He's not 'Doctor' Obama
The Mail: The NHS denies a new breast cancer drug, Tyverb, to women. The same day, Ann Marie Rogers, the woman who fought to get NHS approval for Herceptin for breast cancer patients, died of breast cancer. The Telegraph: Patients will get NHS approved drugs in six months instead of two years under plans to "speed up decisions" by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which is described as the rationing body. See! Drugs and care are rationed! Then there's the huge controversy over "end of life" rules saying doctors could lose their licenses if they don't comply and let patients die. One retired doctor is teaching patients how to starve themselves to death. Now, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announces websites where people can rate and complain about school, hospital and police services.
Breast Cancer Vaccine Study Complete, Sheds Light on Important
“It's one of the first trials to give the vaccine to relatively early stage breast cancer patients," Dr. Cowan said. “Overall, the vaccine was well tolerated. There were few side effects." The vaccine, made from a small amount of the patients' white blood cells, was given to patients in a series of four injections. Patients were divided into two groups and given the vaccine throughout the course of their treatment with chemotherapy and radiation, or at the end of their treatment. Dr. Reed said she and her colleagues don't yet know if the vaccine will be a viable additional treatment for treating certain high risk breast cancers. The next step, said Dr. Reed, is to publish the results and apply for grants to continue the work. www.HealthNewsDigest.com
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Author undergoes hundreds of medical tests
I do have people asking me about genes for Alzheimer's, breast cancer, and colon cancer — I think there is some science behind these tests and a lot of media attention, so people ask about them. What people really want to know is that they're not going to get these diseases. But very few of these tests can predict that." Take the BRCA tests for breast cancer, he says. Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are carried by 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer patients. Patients with breast cancer in their families often take the tests, but having the gene does not mean a person will ever get breast cancer. Also, 90 to 95 percent of the people with the disease do not carry the gene. "Testing positive for the BRCA genes gives a person an increased risk of getting breast cancer," says Josh. "Trying to explain this to people is difficult, and to help them make choices about what to do.
Support Groups: updated Mar 16
Ovarian Cancer Support Group: Our Savior Lutheran Church, Room 6-7, 1850 Sixth Ave., Vero Beach, 3 p.m., third Wednesday. (772) 562-5373. TLC Breast Cancer Support Group: Breast cancer patients, survivors. St. Mary's Episcopal Church, meeting room, 623 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart, 7 p.m., second Monday. (772) 221-1181. Caregivers Caregivers Ongoing Practical Education and Support: First Presbyterian Church, 1405 Louisiana Ave., Sebastian, 10-11 a.m. (772) 978-5515. Caregivers Ongoing Practical Education and Support: Clare Bridge of Vero Beach, 420 4th Court, Vero Beach, 1:30- 2:30 p.m. (772) 978-5515. Caregiver Support Group: Senior Resource Association, Adult Day Care Building, 694 14th St., Vero Beach, 10 a.m., first, third Tuesdays. (772) 569-0760. Caregivers Support Group: Council on Aging of Martin County, 1071 S.E.
Journal Sentinel Wins Scripps Howard Award for Bisphenol A Series
It also has been found to interfere with chemotherapy for breast cancer patients. "I've learned that just because the government is saying it is doing something, doesn't mean they are, especially when it comes to monitoring dangerous chemicals," Kissinger said. The series and follow-up stories by the reporting team helped spark government and industry action. Friday, legislation was introduced in both houses of Congress to establish a federal ban on the use of BPA in all food and beverage containers. Earlier last week, Sunoco, the gas and chemical company, told two investors that it won't allow the BPA it makes to be used in products aimed at infants and young children because it can't guarantee its safety. Six major baby bottle makers agreed to stop using BPA in their plastic bottles.
Foundation for Biomedical Research Releases Groundbreaking PSA
The 60-second spot introduces viewers to a real biomedical researcher named Jen, who specializes in breast cancer research, and is now herself battling this disease which strikes so many. She is fervently searching for a cure. The spot is produced by FBR's executive vice president, Paul McKellips, who hopes viewers will understand how biomedical researchers, who often battle disease themselves, use animal research in their quest for cures. Dr. C. Rollins Hanlon, executive consultant at the American College of Surgeons, said, "This powerful PSA needs to be seen by everyone. It personalizes the role of breast cancer in the life of this young researcher, who is working with mice in the laboratory to find a cure for herself and for all breast cancer patients." "Jen is an extremely courageous woman, who has dedicated her life to medical research and the quest for cures," said FBR president Frankie Trull.
The Daily News of Newburyport, Mass., Business Briefcase column
Electronic brachytherapy is a cutting-edge treatment that enables early breast cancer patients the option of a five-day course of treatment for partial breast irradiation rather than a seven-week course of radiation. For the past 20 years, Cynthia and David have been dedicated to prevention of degenerative diseases. The Gompers travel nationally and internationally as national marketing directors representing Juice Plus+. For more information about The Center for Cancer Care at Exeter Hospital, call 866-939-3837 or visit www.exeterhospital.com. Farm Family recognizes Charette Steven Charette, CLU, ChFC, CLTC, of Amesbury, general agent with Farm Family Life Insurance Co. and Farm Family Casualty Insurance Co., was named Farm Family's General Agent of the Year, after joining in 2006. The General Agent of the Year is one of Farm Family's most renowned awards.
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