mastectomy

Some in the media are referring to prophylactic mastectomies, a preventive measure against breast cancer, as the "Angelina Jolie Syndrome." This is incorrect, since hers is a legitimate case for this surgery. Conversely, and unfortunately, we have poor decision making and fear mongering by celebrities like Sandra Lee.
New reports on breast cancer treatments are coming to the fore. One report finds that too many women are still receiving total mastectomies, when lumpectomy would suffice. Other reports show that no time should be wasted between the diagnosis of breast cancer and surgical and chemotherapy treatments.
A recent New York Times op-ed called for universal testing for the BRCA genes among women of Jewish descent, whose ancestry is from eastern Europe. The frighteningly high rate of BRCA positivity and the dire prognosis of such carriers are cited as the primary reasons.
What's the best procedure for women diagnosed with DCIS breast cancer, also known as ductal carcinoma in situ? Should they undergo surgery, or just have more frequent mammograms? This crucial question is addressed in a recent study, but it doesn't seem to produce a clear answer.
Sandra Lee, well-known TV chef and Gov. Cuomo s domestic partner, has decided to deal with her DCIS with bilateral mastectomies. She is of course entitled to make her own decision, but her example and statements may lead other women astray.
Watch the latest in health news: the gluten-free diet fad is growing, but few are aware of the dangers; more and more women opting for mastectomies after breast cancer is detected, but why? And drug giant Merck is putting out $1 billion to fund its new cardiovascular drug.. will it work?
More breast cancer patients are choosing to have both breasts removed (double mastectomy), even when not medically indicated, a recent study from Vanderbilt University finds. The study, led by Dr. Kristy Kummerow, and Dr. Mary Hooks, examined data from more than 1.2
Since the 1970s, tamoxifen (developed by AstraZeneca) has been shown to prevent breast cancer recurrence secondary prevention in women who were surgically treated for a primary tumor. The drug is an estrogen-receptor modifier,