| Neulasta® Prophylaxis Reduces Febrile Neutropenia Following
Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have also reported that primary Neulasta prophylaxis for patients with early-stage breast cancer is cost-effective compared with secondary prophylaxis. Despite these findings Neulasta is inconsistently used in support of chemotherapy in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer. Researchers involved in the current study evaluated 11 published clinical trials comparing Neulasta prophylaxis versus current practice in over 2,000 women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer. Most chemotherapy regimens in these studies were Taxotere® (docetaxel) based. Primary Neulasta prophylaxis was associated with a 78% reduction in febrile neutropenia, significantly less dose reductions, and a decrease in febrile neutropenia-associated hospitalizations.
Exercise provides hope for a cancer survivor
Deborah Weiner, a Summit Cancer Solutions' participant, was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2006. Her mother had breast cancer, but she never thought it would happen to her. She now wants others to realize that an initial cancer diagnosis is not "the end"; there are many treatments for the various stages of the disease. Deborah joined Summit in January 2008 at the urging of her oncologist. She had never taken an exercise class before so she was surprised at how much she has enjoyed the classes. Deborah underwent both chemotherapy and radiation, resulting in severe discomfort in her arms and a lot of fatigue. Using both the treadmill and selected weight machines has significantly decreased her stiffness and pain, which continues to spur her on to stay active. The moral support of her fellow participants and her exercise physiologist is a big factor in her motivation to continue exercising.
Women's health center installs diagnostic device
The newest digital screening, diagnostic imaging and breast procedures are able to detect cancer at its earliest stages, before a woman feels a lump and when survival rates are the highest. • The center has relationships with TGen, the Wellness Community, Susan G. Komen and others dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. Information: JCL.com/deervalley. .
Scientists discover genetic 'off switch' for series of cancers
There was already evidence that related genes might play a role in the early stages of breast cancer development, the scientists said.Dr Joanna Owens, Cancer Research UK's science information manager, said: "This is an exciting addition to what we already know about the key molecular triggers for cancer formation. If we can understand more about these crucial events, we can find new ways to put the brakes on cancer."A spokesman for Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland said: "Early diagnosis and treatment of cancer is essential for improving survival rates and reducing anxiety and distress in patients, so news about any new potential treatment is always welcome. "However, with two million people now living with or beyond cancer in the UK, support and access to information is also crucial." .
Hologic to Release Second Quarter Fiscal 2009 Operating Results on
Hologic provides a comprehensive suite of technologies with products for mammography and breast biopsy, radiation treatment for early-stage breast cancer, cervical cancer screening, treatment for menorrhagia, osteoporosis assessment, preterm birth risk assessment, mini C-arm for extremity imaging and molecular diagnostic products including reagents for a variety of DNA and RNA analysis applications. For more information, visit www.hologic.com. Website: http://www.hologic.com/
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Eastern breast cancer survivor shares story at tea party
Unfortunately, the problem turned out to be a small tumor in her left breast. The cancer was in its early stages, but Ramey said the news was definitely not expected.
"It shocked the hell outta me," Ramey said. "I had no family history of breast cancer."
Ramey, an Eastern graduate who lives in Fort Wright with her family, was one of five guests who spoke Sunday at the Breast Cancer Awareness Tea Party.
The tea party, which was held on campus and sponsored by the Cheer for the Cure Committee, brought in several speakers to share stories of their personal battles with breast cancer. Sponsors said they hoped the stories would help others to take breast cancer seriously and emphasize the importance of early prevention.
Ramey was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2004, had her first surgery in February and then went through four rounds of chemotherapy.
Not Just For Baby Bottles – Congress Considers Federal Ban on BPA
Recent studies also indicate that BPA interferes with the effects of chemotherapy in breast-cancer patients. Though the FDA has taken the industry-friendly position for many years that BPA is "safe" for human use, members of Congress have accused the agency of cherry picking research to support its BPA approval, noting that its entire evaluation relied on only two studies, both of which were funded by the American Chemistry Council (which represents plastic resins manufacturers), and one of which was never even published or peer reviewed. A federal ban on BPA in all food and beverage containers is necessary for the sake of American consumer health in all stages of life. Please offer your enthusiastic support for this new legislation. .
NSMC offers classes, support groups and programs
This group is for anyone suffering, cancer of the head and/or neck. For more information, call 978-573-5318. Breast Cancer Support Group, first Tuesday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m., NSMC Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody. This is an ongoing support group for women in all stages of breast cancer. For more information, contact Mary Anne Macaulay at 978-573-5318 or mmacaulay@partners.org. Breast Cancer Support Group for Newly Diagnosed Patients, Thursdays, 6-8 p.m., NSMC Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody. This group is for women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information, contact Mary Anne Macaulay at 978-573-5318 or mmacaulay@partners.org. Cancer 101 — new group, second Wednesday of each month, 5-6:30 p.m., NSMC Cancer Center, 17 Centennial Drive, Peabody.
Screening Women for Cancer
The American Cancer Society suggests different screenings for all the stages of a woman`s life, especially for three of the most-diagnosed cancers, breast, cervical and colo-rectal.
For woman who are ages 20 to 40, doctors recommend yearly breast cancer screenings by their physicians, in addition to a monthly breast self-exam. Women in this age group should also be getting yearly PAP screenings.
Women who are 40 should begin having yearly mammograms, as well as yearly clinical breast exams. Doctors say that after three normal PAP tests, women can have that screening only once every three years.
And women who are over 50 should keep up with their annual mammograms and breast exams. They also should have regular colorectal screenings. Depending on the test, that could mean every year, every five years, or every ten years.
Cancer education uses new methods to reach public
Bennett began nursing about 20 years ago and she is also a breast cancer survivor, and she said more open dialogue about health in general has advanced the need for more education. �It was not ladylike to say the word �breast� in public, so you certainly didn�t tell anyone you had breast cancer in public,� she said. Bennett�s role as a nurse navigator is proof that cancer education isn�t just in tools � sometimes it�s in people. Nurse navigators serve to help guide patients through the cancer diagnosis and treatment process, and they connect patients with resources and answer questions ranging from explaining what a physician said to tips to deal with side effects and survivorship. Because cancer is being caught and treated at earlier stages and outcomes are much more favorable than what sappy Hollywood movies would have one believe, Bennett said, education had to catch up with new things to cover, such as side effects and more treatment options.
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