Docs tryunproven medical tools if they're reimbursed Jun 15, 2010
Based on Medicare data, Fenton, of the University of California, Davis, and his colleagues found that in 2001, doctors used computer-aided detection in less than 5 percent of screening mammograms ... Small studies have indicated that it might be slightly better at identifying cancers than traditional mammograms, but at the same time it flags a lot of women who don't have the disease ... Based on the data so far, Kerlikowske said, there is no evidence that the digital technique is more effective... (MSNBC -- Health)
Overcrowded system struggles to keep up Jun 9, 2010
The proportion of women who have a mammogram every two years was static this year at 53 per cent and 00004000 next year's target is just 54 per cent.. Richard Matthews, deputy director-general of NSW Health, said the life-saving service was screening more women, but the proportion remained level because more women were entering the target 50 to 69 age range. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Next Generation CT Scanner Views Whole Organs in a Heartbeat Jun 8, 2010
7, 2008) The discomfort of a mammogram can drive some women to avoid the valuable screening, occasionally with dire consequences. Now a new procedure, dedicated breast computed tomography (CT), promises to. (Science Daily)
Your Health: A spotlight on radiation from suns, scans Jun 7, 2010
The bottom line for you: Get your yearly mammograms, ask your doctor to check your neck for signs of thyroid nodules, and, yes, avoid any further unneeded radiation. That doesn't mean skipping essential scans or fretting about those you have had already. (USA Today -- News)
Hopes for breast cancer vaccine Jun 7, 2010
A radiologist studies mammograms. American scientists say they have developed a vaccine which has prevented breast cancer from developing in mice. (BBC News -- Health)
Breast Cancer Jun 5, 2010
Monthly self-examination and mammogram can assist in the detection of breast CA in the early stages. Most malignant lumps (cancerous tumors) are painless and may feel firm with irregular shapes. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Advocate BroMenn Medical Center wants to build $24M center Jun 5, 2010
In addition, there would be a small outpatient lab, a womens radiology department for mammograms and bone density tests, and space for physicians to lease. Before the project can proceed, Alvin said the medical center must receive a certificate of need through the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Bulldogs take sixth swing at fundraiser Jun 5, 2010
This will be the second year proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to St. Mary's Hospital in Athens for diagnostic equipment to help detect cancer early and to help women afford mammograms. Last year, the event raised $18,000 for the hospital. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Local Cancer Survivor on Mission to Warn Others Jun 4, 2010
Actually, if not for a commitment to regularly schedule annual mammograms, her personal tale might have been different ... Now she is on a mission to alert others about the importance of getting regular mammograms. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Queens Pride Parade is more than a celebration Jun 4, 2010
Friday June 04, 2010. Daniel Castellanos, director of the Queens Pride House and Erica Sullivan, Pride House health referral specialist. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
BRCA: Christina Applegate, other women with gene act fast Jun 2, 2010
For most women, doctors advise getting a yearly mammogram beginning at age 40 ... While MRIs are far more sensitive than mammograms, they also increase the risk that a woman will have a mastectomy, according a study from the Mayo Clinic. (USA Today -- News)
Lifestyle Doesn't Affect Breast Cancer Genes Jun 2, 2010
When should women outside high-risk groups start getting mammograms. At age 40. (Click2Houston, TX)
Breast cancer vaccine comes a big step closer Jun 1, 2010
Women must still get mammograms,'' he said. But if successful, researchers hope the vaccine would be offered to women aged over 40 and could prevent up to 70 per cent of breast cancer cases. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Mother's fight Jun 1, 2010
"There is no evidence to suggest that breast cancer is more aggressive during pregnancy or that becoming pregnant can cause breast cancer. "However, we do know that it can be particularly difficult to investigate and diagnose the disease in pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding as some of the diagnostic tools, such as mammograms or biopsies, may be unsuitable for use during this time. " She says callers to the charity's helpline often say they are confused by the constant breast changes... (BBC News -- UK)
Dont ignore lingering rough or sore spot in mouth May 29, 2010
This week I had a suspicious mammogram on my remaining real breast. I am a wreck waiting for the biopsy. (The Palm Beach Post)
Laura Bush from the Heart May 29, 2010
Many, many more women there are now going in for mammograms early, which important, because they were for some reason presenting earlier with breast cancer, and there was a great sigma associated to cancer. But, good news, many more women are going in early so they can detect breast cancer when it is still curable. (Fox News)
From big dreams, big achievements spring May 29, 2010
He cited scientists who created software to read the blurry images coming back from the Hubble telescope and said their creation was then used to help detect cancer in mammograms. "There are women alive today from an algorithm devised to make lemonade out of lemons," Tyson said. (Albany Times Union)
Detection of breast cancer in screening mammography has improved over time May 27, 2010
5 million screening mammograms performed on nearly one million women found discrimination of cancerous from non-cancerous lesions improved over a nine-year period ... The data included 2,542,049 screening mammograms of 971,364 women (age 40 to 79) performed at healthcare facilities throughout the country between 1996 and 2004 ... Analysis of the radiologists' performance in interpreting the mammograms over the nine-year time period revealed an increase in the recall rate, or mammograms resulting... (EurekAlert!)
Administration Pitches Health Care Law Benefits to Seniors May 25, 2010
Beginning next year, the Affordable Care Act ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will get free preventive care services like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms, in addition to a free annual wellness visit. The law also includes new tools to help fight fraud by helping Medicare crack down on criminals who are seeking to scam seniors and steal taxpayer dollars. (Roll Call)
Estrogen-Lowering Drugs Minimize Surgery in Breast Cancer Patients, Study Finds May 22, 2010
Breast surgeon Julie Margenthaler, M.D., looks at a mammogram. Margenthaler was one of the lead investigators in a nationwide trial that tested how estrogen-lowering drugs before breast cancer surgery affected surgical outcomes. (Science Daily)
Round up the usual experts May 22, 2010
Are mammograms good or bad. Is there too much heart surgery. (Albany Times Union)
Health Tip: Getting a Mammogram May 22, 2010
(HealthDay News) -- A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast that's designed to detect or explain abnormalities, including breast cancer. The National Women's Health Information Center describes how a mammogram is performed ... The entire mammogram commonly lasts about 20 minutes. (MEDLINEplus)
An Elderly Woman with Mammographically Detected Early Breast Cancer May 22, 2010
Four weeks earlier, a routine annual mammogram showed multiple microcalcifications in a clustered distribution in the anterior subareolar region of the right breast; they were new since a study the previous year. Two weeks later, a second mammogram confirmed the presence of microcalcifications in the subareolar region of the right breast. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Health calendar May 14, 2010
Mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women, qualified women, ages 40-49, may call for free breast cancer screening and health education; Mondays-Fridays, Hawaii Medical Center East in Liliha and Hawaii Medical Center West, 'Ewa Beach; free; 547-6798, 547-6889. EyeCare America Seniors Eye Care Program, the Hawai'i Ophthalmological Society encourages those 65 and older to check their eligibility for free eye exams from volunteer doctors; call for eligibility: 800-222-3937. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Study raises new concerns about radiation and breast cancer May 14, 2010
"The work we did was performed with non-lethal but fairly substantial doses of radiation, unlike what a woman would be exposed to during a routine mammogram," says Yaswen, who is also a member of the Bay Area Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Center. "However, the levels of radiation involved in other procedures, such as CT scans or radiotherapy, do start to approach the levels used in our experiments and could represent sources of concern.". (EurekAlert!)
Perry Hospital Says Mammograms Weren't Read May 12, 2010
is telling some 900 women who've gotten mammograms there since 2009 that the results they were given may not be accurate ... Moldovan said an employee responsible for having the mammograms read by a physician wasn't doing that and was quickly terminated when the problem was discovered in early April ... The hospital is telling some 900 women who've gotten mammograms there since 2009 that the results they were given may not be accurate. (13WMAZ.com, GA)
Testing Your Genes, Right at the Drugstore May 12, 2010
The fear is that the test results could cause some people to overreact or others may forgo tests such as mammograms if the results dont show an increased risk of breast cancer. "Knowledge is powerful but misunderstood knowledge can be powerfully bad," said Hank Greeley, the director of Stanford University's Center for Law and the Biosciences. (CBS News -- Health)
Bottom line: Mammograms save lives May 12, 2010
On May 3, another study was published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) stating that average-risk women under the age of 40 should not get screening mammograms due to the low incidence of cancer in that age group ... Headlines continue to create confusion in the minds of women and their doctors about the benefits of mammograms ... In February, the Annals of Internal Medicine published a poll indicating that 67 percent of physicians would stop advising women in their 40s to... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
The Press Box May 11, 2010
"People ask if I'm going to write a book. If I ever do, I have a great title: 'While Daddy was in the Dugout.' "Whether going into labor, or a mammogram scare, or discipline, it's all while daddy's in the dugout. Most of it, I've had to do alone. (USA Today -- Sports)
Few depressed patients helped by magnet therapy May 10, 2010
Mammograms found ineffective for most under 40. Mammograms in most women under 40 may cause more harm than good, according to new research ... Using data from the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium, researchers analyzed results of screening mammograms and diagnostic mammograms, which are ordered when symptoms, such as a lump, are found. (Boston Globe)
Breast cancer gene clue discovery May 10, 2010
A radiologist studies mammograms. Five genetic clues to why some women have a family history of breast cancer have been identified by UK researchers. (BBC News -- Health)
* Women advised to get mammograms May 9, 2010
Women advised to get mammograms ... To protect themselves against breast cancer, women over the age of 40 should not rely only on self-examination, but should also receive regular mammograms, Bureau of Health Promotion Director-General Chiou Shu-ti (Q) said ... The government provides free mammograms once every two years to women aged 45 to 69, while those who have immediate relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer are entitled to the free service from the age of 40. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Free Health Clinic Wraps Up May 8, 2010
Hundreds of volunteer doctors and dentists teamed up to handle 4,430 dental visits, 962 podiatry visits, 3,302 vision visits and provide 430 mammograms, 548 Pap smears and 1,439 acupuncture services. Over 60 organizations and community groups, large and small, have contributed all of the medical resources and volunteers to help make this clinic a tremendous success, said Don Manelli, RAM/LA producer, in a statement. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Actor Patrick Dempsey Announces Donation by the Instituto Avon of a Digital Mammography Unit to UNIFESP's Gynecology Department May 8, 2010
"This public-private partnership fills us with pride, since it enables us to save many lives. The digital equipment can perform 50% more mammograms per day compared to the analogical equipment. It will also provide UNIFESP medical students and residents the opportunity to work with the latest technology," says Dr. Afonso Nazario, Chief of Gynecology Department at UNIFESP.. In Brazil, 10,000 women die of breast cancer every year. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
A Clinic of Plenty May 8, 2010
Event staff provided 430 mammograms, 548 Pap smears and 1,439 acupuncture services. According to RAM, the Exposition Park event provided 1,620 more services than occurred in 2009, with a daily average of 2,300 this year versus 1,820 last year. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
16 Comments May 8, 2010
Sort of like no seat belts for safe drivers, and no mammograms for the really young. aveutter. (Salon)
Mammograms before 40: Few cancers, many callbacks May 6, 2010
WASHINGTON (AP) As controversial as mammograms are for women in their 40s, some get them even younger and new research casts doubt on their usefulness. When to start routine mammograms, at 40 or 50, is debated ... Overall accuracy was much better for so-called diagnostic mammograms, done when a woman feels a lump or experiences another symptom that needs checking out. (USA Today -- News)
Open house, ribbon cutting held at Marlin Health Center May 6, 2010
Open on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Marlin Clinic has seen a total of 1,704 citizens, and in addition to the above mentioned services, also provides Mammograms, pregnancy texting and STD testing and treatment. Call 866-387-4256 for more information. (Marlin Democrat, TX)
Nikki Caldwell To Participate In Fourth Annual Cruisin' For A Cause May 8-15 May 5, 2010
These organizations have provided mammograms, treatments, and education for those who would not otherwise be able to afford these life-saving services. Champions For A Cause is a non-profit (501(c)-3) fundraising organization founded by UT Associate Head Basketball Coach Holly Warlick and UCLA Head Basketball Coach. (Uclabruins.com)
Do you know the facts about breast cancer? May 5, 2010
Q. What is a mammogram. A. A mammogram is a breast screening using x-rays ... A. Mammograms are the best tool for detecting breast cancer and should be combined with regular screenings for the highest degree of prevention. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Hologic’s stock falls the most in a year May 5, 2010
Hologic is known for its mammogram systems ... which makes mammogram systems and other women s health diagnostic tools, fell nearly 12 percent, the most since May 2009, after it forecast fiscal third-quarter profit (excluding some items) of 29 cents a share. (Boston Globe)
The 'untouchable' of UK politics May 5, 2010
One of its most ambitious projects was the 1988 breast screening program, providing free mammograms to reduce breast cancer in women over 50. The scale of the NHS is vast. (CNN -- International)
Cancer spurs aim to lower imaging scan radiation May 5, 2010
Together, the two techniques reduced the radiation dose from 83 milligray equal to about 27 mammograms to 12 milligray, equal to about four mammograms. Morin notes that breast shields are controversial because some doctors are concerned that they could block X-rays from leaving the body. (USA Today)
Mammograms for younger women not useful May 5, 2010
WASHINGTON - As controversial as mammograms are for women in their 40s, some get them even younger and new U.S. research casts doubt on their usefulness. When to start routine mammograms, at 40 or 50, is debated ... Overall accuracy was much better for so-called diagnostic mammograms, done when a woman feels a lump or experiences another symptom that needs checking out. (MSNBC -- Health)
CELEBS: Are they crossing the line on medical advice? May 4, 2010
" For good or bad, research shows that stars exert powerful influence not just on popular opinion, but on public health. Vaccines. A USA TODAY/Gallup Poll of 1,017 adults found that more than half were aware of McCarthy's warnings about childhood shots. More than 40% of adults familiar with her message 23% of all adults surveyed say McCarthy's claims have made them more likely to question vaccine safety. The Nov. 20-22 poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. Colorectal... (USA Today -- News)
Free breast, cervical cancer screenings offered (386) May 4, 2010
Published: Sunday, May 2, 2010 8:56 PM CDT A statewide program in place since the late 90s, and offered through the Alabama Department of Public Health, provides free breast and cervical cancer screenings for women who are unable to pay for a mammogram or a pap smear ... Free services include a pelvic examination, pap smear, clinical breast examination, mammogram and diagnostic services. (Atmore Advance, AL)
Should you get a mammogram before 40? May 4, 2010
Mammograms before 40: Few cancers, many callbacks ... WASHINGTON As controversial as mammograms are for women in their 40s, some get them even younger and new research casts doubt on their usefulness ... When to start routine mammograms, at 40 or 50, is debated. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
MyPlates to sell breast cancer awareness plates May 4, 2010
The National Breast Cancer Foundation funds free mammograms for women without health insurance. MyPlates is contributing 10 percent of the price of each plate to the Frisco, Texas-based foundation. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
In pictures: Mass free LA clinic May 3, 2010
Treatments offered by the Remote Area Medical Volunteer Corps (RAM) include dental care, eye exams, chiropody, smears and mammograms. Hundreds of volunteer doctors, nurses and helpers operate out of mobile units and in makeshift clinical areas. (BBC News -- Americas)
Lifestyle sidebar (1) May 2, 2010
Baptist will be parking their mobile mammogram unit outside of Dazzle (7730 Poplar Ave.), and anyone who signs up for a mammogram will receive: Complimentary lunch from McAllisters, Samples ns from Merle Norman, Goulds, Chocolate Soup, Curves ay Ham, and FREE watch from Dazzle. This is a fantastic way to get your yearly mammogram (its the exact same mammogram they would receive if they went directly to Baptist) with the added bonus of lots of free, fun giveaways ... Proceeds from the... (West Memphis Germantown News, TN)
Arena of the Needy May 1, 2010
The available services included physical exams, mammograms, PAP smears, diabetes screenings, dental cleanings, extractions, fillings and root canals. Prescription eyeglasses were made and fitted on site. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Basketball coaches to ride again May 1, 2010
These organizations have provided thousands of mammograms, countless treatments, and hours of education for those who could not otherwise afford these life saving services. Champions For A Cause is a non-profit (501(c)-3) fundraising organization started by Warlick and Caldwell, with the mission to advance and support the cause of charitable organizations who advocate and act to better the quality of life and health for individuals at risk or in need. (InsideTennessee.com)
Survivors, supporters gather to fight cancer Apr 30, 2010
What's your job status. Worked same job for more than 10 years. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
New Test Could Help Women after Cancer Diagnosis Apr 29, 2010
(CBS) Dian Gilmore and Mary D'Innocenzo are two women who faced life-altering decisions after the very earliest stage of breast cancer was detected on their mammograms. Gilmore, 66, chose a lumpectomy to remove just the tumor. (CBS News)
Slacktivism: Helping Humanity With a Click of the Mouse Apr 29, 2010
I confess it did make me giggle to see that one of my old friends from high school was rocking a purple bra, but it did not make me get a mammogram. Here's the thing: All of this does matter. (FastCompany)
Calcium Scan Improves Heart Risk Prediction Apr 29, 2010
A well-controlled computed tomography scan gives about twice the radiation exposure as a mammogram, Greenland said. A new large-scale trial could show whether the added risk is justified by the number of lives saved, and the same is true of the cost, estimated to run between $200 and $600 per scan. (MEDLINEplus)
Long distance walking for a cure Apr 29, 2010
A lot of these help women who don t have insurance; they give them coupons for mammograms, they help them with bills, Cunningham said. My sister was fortunate enough to have insurance so she was covered. (Port Lavaca Wave, TX)
Yet Another Test for Heart Disease Risk? Apr 28, 2010
The authors said one scan for a CACS had roughly the same amount of radiation as two mammograms. "At present, I do not feel that it adds incremental value above and beyond using more traditional risk prediction and/or using lower-cost, radiation-free measures such as serum markers," said Dr. Merle Myerson, director of the cardiovascular disease prevention program at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital in New York. (ABC News)
Breast Cancer Risks Not Same for Hispanic Women Apr 28, 2010
That means getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet and, for older women, scheduling mammograms regularly. SOURCES: Lisa Hines, Sc. (MEDLINEplus)
Who should be writing health care bills? Apr 28, 2010
Ned Calonge is tied to the recent flap over the USPSTF recommendations on mammogram frequency. He made the mistake of not looking at the political ramifications before looking at data. (Green Valley News & Sun, AZ)
Magnitude of Overdiagnosis in Cancer Indicates Need for Strategies to Address the Problem Apr 27, 2010
They found that about 25% of breast cancers detected on mammograms and about 60% of prostate cancers detected with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests could represent overdiagnosis. In a lung cancer screening trial of chest x-rays and sputum tests, they estimate that 50% of the cancers detected represented overdiagnosis. (Science Daily)
American Cancer Society walk is another step in the right direction Apr 27, 2010
The American Cancer Society uses the dollars raised through Making Strides events to fund cutting-edge research leading to the discovery of lifesaving treatments, advocate for all women to have access to mammograms and treatments - regardless of income - and to provide free programs and services that improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Since 1972, the American Cancer Society has invested more than $352 million to give those touched by breast cancer more reasons... (Shelby Twp Advisor & Source, MI)
In Breasts Considered 'Healthy,' Too Much of One Protein Identifies Abnormal Growth Apr 25, 2010
"The changes in their tissue can not be seen on a mammogram any other screening process we use today, which is why we are trying to develop a panel of molecular tests that will accurately determine an individual woman's future risk of developing breast cancer," Santamaria says. Email or share this story. (Science Daily)
Mammographic Density and Risk of Breast Cancer Apr 24, 2010
23, 2010) Women who have a breast density of 75 percent or higher on a mammogram have a risk of breast cancer that is four to five times greater than that of women with little or no density, making mammographic breast density one of the strongest biomarkers of breast cancer risk ... Mammographic density refers to the amount of white or radiodense area compared to the amount of grey or radiolucent area on a mammogram ... Vachon and colleagues evaluated whether changes in breast density over time... (Science Daily)
Remedy Needed for Overdiagnosis of Cancers Apr 24, 2010
New review finds significant number of mammograms, PSA tests spot tumors that don't need treating ... The review authors found that about 25 percent of breast cancers found through mammograms and about 60 percent of prostate cancers detected through prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests may be examples of overdiagnosis. (MEDLINEplus)