Monday, October 7, 2013

It is time to KNOW your risk for Breast Cancer

Celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month by learning your risk for breast cancer so we may offer a plan for risk reduction and the right screening program.

Consider the HALO Breast Pap Test if you are between 21 and 55 years.

Consider the BREVAGen RIsk Assessment Test if you are over 35 and you don't have a family history of breast cancer, don't meet the criteria for BRACAnalysis or have tested negative for the BRCA 1 & 2 gene.  

We look forward to seeing you to help find out your risk and set up you life changing plan!

You may find out more about each of these tests in previous blogposts.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This is general content and not specific medical advice.  We will be happy to help you with any of these tests at 512-451-5788.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Let's celebrate this October with breast cancer prevention:

  • BE LEAN
  • BE ACTIVE
  • REGULARLY EXERCISE
  • TELL YOUR FRIENDS

Together we CAN prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This is general content and not personal medial advice.



Monday, September 23, 2013

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 As we approach October, we offer two benefits in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 


As you recall from the blogposts, the BREVAGen test is for anyone 35 years and the HALO is for anyone 21 to 50 years.  You may learn your risk and then we can help you with a plan for screening and may offer interventions to reduce your risk if needed.

Call 512-451-5788 for an appointment for special prices this week and all month in October.  Bring a friend!  Be aware!  Know your risk and we can help you make a plan to reduce your risk for breast cancer!


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This post is general and not personal medical advice, but please share with your friends.


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Do I benefit from seeing a breast specialist?

This blog post is in response to the question, "do I need to see a breast specialist" or "who needs to see a breast specialist?"

Of course, I am happy to see anyone, and particularly anyone with a breast problem, but lets consider one particular situation: a woman with a high risk for breast cancer.  How do you know your risk?  Those of you who see me know the answer but lets review one test that you can share with your friends, so that we may find those at higher risk who might benefit from a visit with the breast specialist.

WE HAVE A POWERFUL RISK ASSESSMENT TEST FOR BREAST CANCER!

The BREVAGen Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Test is a quick and easy cheek swab plus clinical information that gives us a 5year and lifetime risk for breast cancer.  You may read more http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2012/06/so-who-should-get-brevagen-risk.html.

Which of your friends should come by to get the test?  Any woman:
  • 35 years or above
  • any woman who has had a breast biopsy
  • early menarche
  • late menopause
  • older age at first birth
  • no full term pregnancy
  • obese or high BMI
  • long term hormone replacement
  • long term birth control pill use
  • increased breast density
  • first degree relative with breast cancer
  • BRCA test negative

We have special times and slots for appointments to do the test.  Results in about 3 weeks.  We are giving discounts for the test until the end of October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  We are  beginning even before October.

Call 512-451-5788 to set up a 15 minute appointment to KNOW YOUR RISK!


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This is general content and not personal medical advice, but tell your friends.



Tuesday, September 17, 2013

We are on our way!

We are on our way to preventing 86,000 breast cancer cases each year!

And it is thanks to you!

I have heard from so many of you that have shared the blog, and from new blog readers, that I know the word is getting around so we will see fewer breast cancers. 

Thanks for all you do:


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancers this year!

This is general content and not personal medical advice, but call if you need encouragement to help prevent breast cancer 512-451-5788.



Thursday, August 22, 2013

THE BEST!!!

Yes!  THE BEST treatment of breast cancer with earlier diagnosis!!!

Earlier diagnosis gives more options for a more treatable disease.  This is not cookie-cutter medicine and does not mean a blanket recommendation but a customized, individualized treatment plan designed to fit you and your cancer!  That is the job of the breast doctor: to treat you as the woman who has the breast cancer.  Not to over treat (like has been in the news recently), but to make a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.  

Call 512-451-5788 to make an appointment today for:

  • Prevention, so that we may see FEWER breast cancers
  • RIsk Assessment so that we may make an EARLIER diagnosis
  • Personalized treatment plan, THE BEST for you


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!

This content is general and not personal medical advice.







Wednesday, August 21, 2013

EARLIER!!

Yes!  EARLIER diagnosis of breast cancer saves lives!!

We have all seen the USA statistics in this blog http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2012/09/one-important-statistic.html.

Five year survival for breast cancer limited to the breast is 98%.

How do we achieve that success?

  • Appropriate screening, which means individualizing the recommendation for breast cancer screening to the woman based on her risk determined by:
    • Personal history
    • Family history
    • Personal genetics
    • Clinical characteristics like breast density


We offer a personal Breast Cancer Risk Assessment individualized to you derived from the information above and possibly the HALO Breast Pap Test, The BREVAGen Breast Cancer RIsk Assessment and/or BRACAnalysis (which ever may apply).  With this information we are able to give you a risk assessment and tailor the screening to you.  Call us 512-451-5788.    

Fortunately, most of you will never get breast cancer, but for those that will, our goal is to find it EARLIER!!

EARLIER doesn't just mean better treatment options but THE BEST!!! 

THE BEST!!! discussed in the next blog post.  Please check back tomorrow.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancers this year.

This is general content and not personal medical advice.


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

FEWER Breast Cancers!

Yes!  The exciting news: FEWER Breast Cancers!

How?

  • Regular exercise
  • Be lean
  • Stay active (don't be sedentary)
  • Limit alcohol
  • Eat cruciform vegetables
  • Limit red meat
  • Take high quality Omega3 fish oil (www.oewmd.com)
  • Eat red apples, strawberries, red grapes, walnuts, coffee beans
  • Regular doctor visits (more next time)
  • Tell your friends and family to do the these things
  • Limit dietary fat
  • Don't even think about smoking
  • For some (check with your doctor, first)
    • Aspirin
    • Tamoxifen
    • Raloxifene
    • Exemestane

How many "fewer" cases of breast cancer?
  • 86,000 in the US each year!

Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This is general content and not personal medical advice, but call today to see which might be The Best for you, 512-451-5788.

Friday, August 16, 2013

FEWER! EARLIER!! BETTER?

NO!   THE BEST!!!


In the coming weeks we will define and elaborate on:

  • fewer
  • earlier
  • the best

and how these three words can help us prevent, diagnose and treat breast cancer.  Please join us here.



Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases each year.


Kindly share with your friends and family.



Wednesday, July 31, 2013

The BEST and worst about weight!

I know so many are so tired of hearing about it, but facts are facts.


What is the BEST thing you can do about weight?

  • Be lean!

What is the worst thing you can do about weight?
  • Be overweight!

Almost too many studies to count have shown that there are fewer of the most common kinds of breast cancers in LEAN women.  Furthermore, one of the most quotable studies demonstrated that for women over 50 years, each pound gained equals 1% more breast cancer risk; but, even better, each pound lost and kept off equals 2% FEWER breast cancers! Weight is that important a risk factor for breast cancer.


We can help at 512-451-5788.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancers every year.


This is general content and not personal medical advice.




Tuesday, July 30, 2013

The BEST and worst for early detection

Yesterday: the BEST and worst for breast cancer prevention.

 Today: early detection of breast cancer.

1.  What is the BEST thing you can do to detect breast cancer early?

  • keep your regular doctor appointments!


2.  What is the worst thing you can do? (i.e. miss out on early detection)


  • skip regular screening!


Numerous studies have shown that smaller cancers are easier to treat, get over and survive. Tumors 10mm or less have overall survival of greater than 95% data has shown. Furthermore, studies, both in the community and at University setting, have shown that regular follow-up is the way to find those small tumors, which most often are treated by lumpectomy, maybe or maybe not radiation, most often not chemotherapy and sometimes anti-hormone therapy. 

I know most who already know this and come to regular screening (clinical breast examination, mammography and ultrasound when applicable or even other modalities); but we need to share this good news with those friends and relatives who don't participate in regular screening, BECAUSE


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases each year and we teach breast cancer prevention at each visit!  Feel free to share this information.

This is general medical content and not personal medical advice.



Monday, July 29, 2013

The Best and the worst

Two questions came up this weekend that I thought I would share:

1.  What is the BEST thing I can do for myself to prevent breast cancer?

  • Get up and get moving!



2.  What is the worst thing I can do?  (i.e. to get breast cancer)
  • Be sedentary.

Numerous studies have shown the preventive effects of movement, activity, and exercise for preventing breast cancer.  Numerous studies have shown the deleterious effects of being sedentary: the longer you sit still, the more likely you are to get breast cancer.   

So, get up and get moving!


If you want to make certain that you do not have breast cancer and then learn more things you may do to be proactive and reduce your risk for breast cancer,  call to make an appointment, 512-451-5788.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This is general information and not personal medical advice. 



Friday, June 28, 2013

Breast Health

Have you exercised yet, today?

Why?  

Over 100 studies have shown a 15-20% reduction in the number of breast cancers in women who exercise.


Have you taken your Omega 3 today?

Why?

A very large study in the US has shown a 30% reduction in the number of breast cancers in women who take an Omega 3 supplement.  The highest quality I could find you can get at www.oewmd.com.



Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!

This is general content and not personal medical advice.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

86,000! Really and Truly?

Yes!  Really and truly 86,000 fewer breast cancers each year.  But how does that work.  

We have the results of the studies.  We all know what works.  It's all in my blog posts.  So what do you do to be part of the solution?  Not just for you but for your friends.

Share the blog!

You know the plan: you tell 5 and they tell 5.  But let's try 7 (P R E V E N T) and tell them to tell 7.  After all 49 and 343 are far greater than 25 and 125.  

See how powerful P R E V E N T is!


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases each year!


This is powerful content!  Share!

Monday, June 3, 2013

The 7 steps to IDEAL Breast Cancer Prevention

PROACTIVE: you have the opportunity!

REJOICE: reduce your risk and feel better!

EAT RIGHT: for some this translates to eat less and more fruits and veggies!

VISIT: with your doctor about aspirin, WINOmega3 or other supplements (www.oewmd.com)            or even a prescription risk reduction drug.

EXERCISE: no conversation about prevention with out it!

NOT SITTING: being sedentary is the worst thing you can do to yourself!

TESTING: find out which is for you: HALO, BREVAGen, BRACAnalysis.



Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


You can live IDEAL prevention!


This is general content and not personal medical advice, but I will help you with any of these steps (search the blog, comment below, email or call me at 512-451-5788).

Friday, May 31, 2013

Can we know if tamoxifen is working?

Yes!?  Maybe.  Initial results are suggestive.

In a study published in J Natl Cancer Inst, Cuzick, et al, report an intriguing finding http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/103/9/744.full.  In a subset of patients from the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study (we call it IBIS-1) they compared breast density of those that got cancer who took tamoxifen and those that did not.  If breast density decreased by more than 10% on mammograms at 12-18 months, then the women in that group had 63% fewer cancers!  Less density reduction was associated with no risk reduction.  46% of women showed >10% reduction in density.

Admittedly, this was a small study and not controlled for all variables and defining breast density is operator dependent.  But, it is exciting to think that we might be able to save half of the women who might take tamoxifen long-term from the side effects.  If we knew it wasn't working for that woman, we could stop it or maybe try another medicine.

Another step closer to personalized medicine for breast cancer prevention!   In the mean time it probably is time for some exercise!


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This is general content and not personal medical advice.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Breast Density as a Biomarker for Breast Cancer Risk

We have previously posted about the risk of breast density: women with more dense breast tissue on mammogram have more breast cancers http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2012/03/link-between-progesterone-and-breast.html.

Breast density poses two problems: increased risk for breast cancer and decreased ability of the mammogram to "find" the cancer in the dense tissue http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2013/02/know-your-breast-density.html.  The latter finding has led to the recommendation of supplemental screening (in addition to and not replacing the mammogram) for those women with dense breast tissue.  

Can we change the dense breast tissue into less dense tissue and does that lower the breast cancer risk?  We will see tomorrow that decreasing the breast density is associated with fewer breast cancers.  If we had a medicine or surgical technique or life style change that would change the density it could be a biomarker of the effectiveness of the intervention.  The intervention would be working to decrease the breast cancer risk in those whose breast density was decreasing.  Just as cardiologists follow statin drug effectiveness with cholesterol measurements we could follow the effectiveness of our intervention with breast  density measurements.  Sounds exciting, doesn't it?

Check back tomorrow for one of the answers!


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancers this year!


This content is general and not personal medical advice, but you should know your breast density!


Tuesday, May 14, 2013

A reminder about the BRCA 1 & 2 genetic deleterious mutations

A brief hiatus in our breast cancer prevention series for the sporadic or breast cancers which apply to 80% of women (most women who get breast cancer don't have a family history of breast cancer).  

Some 20% of women have a familial history of breast cancer and in 5-7% a deleterious mutation in the breast cancer genes, BRCA 1 & 2 can be found.  Since the deleterious mutations in these genes may carry almost a 90% life-time risk of breast cancer and 45% risk of ovarian cancer, it is worth reviewing to whom the test might apply.  Because a high profile figure described her experiences today in the NYTimes http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?hpw&_r=0, I decided to review the Hereditary Breast and/or Ovarian Cancer Syndrome Testing Criteria established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.  You may find more information at the NCCN website http://www.nccn.org/patients/default.asp, but I will summarize some of the guidelines so that if any of these apply to you, you may ask your doctor about the test.

Testing for the BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation may apply to you if:

  • Anyone in your family has been tested and has a BRCA1/2 mutation
  • You have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have one of the following:
    • diagnosed < 45 years old
    • diagnosed any age with one close blood relative with breast cancer < 50 years old
    • diagnosed any age with one close blood relative with ovarian cancer any age
    • you have 2 separate breast cancer before age 50
    • diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer < 60 years old
    • diagnosed < 50 years with limited family history
    • diagnosed at any age with 2 or more blood relatives with breast cancer
    • diagnosed at any age with 2 relatives with high grade prostate cancer
    • close male relative with breast cancer
    • any woman of ethnicity associated with high mutation frequency (eg Ashkenazi)
  • You have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer
  • Personal history of male breast cancer
  • Personal history of pancreatic or aggressive prostate cancer with 2 blood relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer and/or pancreatic or prostate cancer
  • Three blood relatives on the same side of the family with breast and/or ovarian cancer
See how complicated it can get?  These are the most frequent reasons for testing, but tell your doctor all your family history of cancer, not just breast and ovarian, but prostate and pancreatic.


Thanks to Angelina Jolie for her op-ed.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!

This is content is general and not personal medical advice, but remember to  ask your doctor if you have a family history of the above, or call me for help: 512-451-5788.





Friday, May 10, 2013

A new way of thinking...prescription drugs to prevent breast cancer!

Well, new in the last 30 years.  Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERM) do prevent breast cancer!  This finding has been reconfirmed in a recent Lancet publication http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(13)60140-3/abstract.

These investigators, led by Dr Jack Cuzick at the Center for Cancer Prevention at Queen Mary University London, performed a meta-analysis of data from 9 breast cancer prevention trials using 4 SERMS (some call these estrogen [receptor] blockers), looking at breast cancer incidence at a median follow-up of 65 months.  Two of the SERM's may be familiar to you: tamoxifen and raloxifene(Evista); but studies with arzoxifene and lasoxifene were also included.

They analyzed data from 83,399 women in 306,617 women-years of follow-up! Overall they report a 38% reduction in breast cancer incidence.  38% did not get breast cancer!  We know the drugs work, so now the key is to find out who would benefit and what is the risk.

Today, there are general guidelines, which differ by country, which basically state that those of higher risk should be offered the medicine.  Interestingly, in the US the "break-point" for recommendation falls around 20% life-time risk (population life-time risk for breast cancer risk is 12%) and in the UK, at 30% risk.

Several drugs may be used in postmenopausal women but only tamoxifen is approved for use in the premenopausal woman.  Each has unique side effects and risks and at least one is approved for another beneficial use (maintaining bone health).

Now the exciting part; just as cardiologists can tell whether a statin drug may be "working" by following cholesterol levels, we now may have a biomarker for efficacy of a SERM.  Imagine, giving the medicine only to those who benefit most!  Personalized medicine!  Basing your decision to continue the medicine on information about its efficacy in you and not just the population at large, statistical, benefit!

The first biomarker discovered is breast density.  We will discuss the effect of breast density on breast cancer risk and the change in breast density on the effectiveness of the SERM's next week!  Then how the SERM's work and finally how to individualize the prescription, weighing benefits vs risks.  Check back!


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year.


This is general content and not personal medical advice.


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

A New Way of Thinking...Exercise to prevent recurrence!

I know everyone wants to know another benefit of regular exercise!  How about, exercise to prevent breast cancer recurrence?  YES, it does!

Today, we will look at studies of women who, unfortunately, have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  But there is good news.  Many studies have demonstrated significantly better outcomes for women who regularly exercise.

For example, we look to another cohort from the Nurses' Health Study.  This time JAMA reports http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=200955 on almost 3000 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer (stages I, II or III) and followed at least 4 years.

When compared to non-exercisers (<1hour/week), those women who walked at  an average pace (2-2.9mph), or did the equivalent, at least 3 hours per week, did significantly better: 50% fewer recurrences, 50% fewer deaths from breast cancer and 50% fewer deaths from any cause!

Another group that should get an exercise prescription!  


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year and help those who have been diagnosed.  If you want to help a friend who has been diagnosed, tell her about this information and have her check with her doctor for an exercise prescription!

This content is general and not personal medical advice, but if you know someone who might benefit, call me 512-451-5788.

Monday, May 6, 2013

A new way of thinking? Exercise prescription!

Didn't we talk about this?  Yes, we did http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2012/08/should-we-doctors-treat-inactivity.html.

The Canadians are doing it http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/story/2013/05/03/exercise-prescription.html and its working!

Since the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) says 79% of americans are not meeting guidelines for exercise, maybe we doctors should write more exercise prescriptions.  See http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/02/physical-activity-guidelines/2128971/?cid=xrs_rss-nd%3C.  

For those of you who need a jump-start to your exercise and be active program, would that work?

If it would work for you, call your doctor or call me 512-451-5788 to get your personalized exercise prescription.  Remember, over 75 studies have shown that those who regularly exercise have fewer breast cancers http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2012/06/maybe-youve-heard-exercise-reduces.html.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancers this year!


This is general content and not personal medical advice, but if you know someone who needs an exercise prescription, have them call me at 512-451-5788.

Friday, May 3, 2013

A new way of thinking...about breast cancer screening

Screening is a test offered to a group of people to find a disease.  In the our business, usually an imaging test to find a potentially deadly disease: breast cancer. 

The problems with screening are many: financial cost, emotional cost (worry about result and false negative findings), ethics (to whom to recommend the test) and what to do with the positive result (as so many like to write about now: over treatment).

To look at mammography, specifically, lives are saved (see earlier blog posts) so the test works.  But, apparently, according to some experts, we are learning more about to whom to recommend the test.  Let's look at just one issue today.  One group recommends routine mammography beginning at age 40 and others at age 50 years.

I offer one solution: the BREVAGen Risk Assessment Test.  This test, combining your genetics (cheek swab) with features of your clinical history, gives the clearest picture we have today of your risk, so that you may decide about screening.  See http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2012/04/more-personalized-breast-cancer.html.

Ask your doctor, if the test is right for you or ask us 512-451-5788.  If you have had the test, then tell a friend.

In the meantime, keep walking, jogging, swimming or biking, etc, to lower your risk for breast cancer!  And think about how long to do one of these to offset the calories in that latte you just had!


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancers this year!


This is general content and not personal medical advice.



Tuesday, April 30, 2013

A new way of thinking!

And apparently it works!

How about labels that read: you need to take a brisk walk of __ minutes to burn off the calories in this sandwich?

Researchers from TCU (just the the north of us) did just that and the exercise-needed-to-burn-off label had more of an impact on what food was selected than the calorie, fat, protein, salt, etc label.  In a paper presented at a recent meeting we are given the results http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-04/foas-mld041813.php.

They divided 300 men and women, 18-30 years, into three groups and studied response to the menu info and amount of calories eaten.  One group got the usual label with fat, sugar, etc that we all see at chain restaurants (by law now), one group no label info, and the last group got only the time of a brisk walk needed to burn off the calories in the item eaten on the label.

The label with the "exercise needed" to burn off the calories in this item had the most impact!

In this study, there was no difference in consumption between the calories label and no label groups!

Maybe we should be thinking in terms of how far do I need to walk to burn off this egg, toast, jam and coffee with sugar and cream, and not just how much sugar, fat and carbs in each!  You may look up calories burned per exercise many places, but one example is myfitnesspal at http://www.myfitnesspal.com.

As the authors note, for some an eye-opener: a 30 minute brisk walk without hills, like Ft Worth, burns around 150 calories; but with hills, like in Austin, burns about 200 calories!

Since we know that not being lean, independent of other factors, is implicated in at least 20% of all breast cancers, maybe we should change to this way of thinking.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancers this year!


This content is general and not personal medical advice, but if you need a jump start to your next "brisk walk" call me 512-451-5788.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Why screen for breast cancer?

Because it works!

Enough said?  Numerous studies have demonstrated lives saved by screening mammography (See previous blog posts by typing in mammography in the search box at the right)!  But the guidelines are for the general population at risk and now we can refine the recommendation, by taking your clinical and genetic uniqueness into account and refine the screening plan to make it just right for you!

The screening plan that is modified to your risk!

Imagine!  More cancers uncovered and less stress of false positive (finding something that look like cancer but isn't).  For some that may mean a breast MRI, for some another type of breast imaging, but for most whole breast ultrasound (see previous blog posts)!  For some women, more often (six month exams) for some less often (maybe even even 2 years as the paper sited in yesterday's blog suggested).

How do we arrive at individualized screening?
  • BRACAnalysis
  • BREVGen Risk Assessment
  • HALO Breast Pap Test
  • Breast density on mammogram
We begin with the above results, but each one test may not apply to everyone, but one or more of them may be right for you.  Each one will be the subject of upcoming posts, so come back tomorrow!

Remember the only thing better than early detection is prevention, so do something today to lower your risk for breast cancer like being active: get up and walk 5 minutes out of every hour you sit at our desk, or try a standing desk or exercise ball or park far away from the door!

Together we can prevent at least 86,000 breast cancers this year!


This is general content and not personal medical advice, but if you can't wait to find out which test might be right for you call us 512-451-5788.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Making sense of Breast Cancer Screening

You have probably been reading a lot about screening mammography recently, notably http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleID=1669103, Outcomes of Screening Mammography by Frequency, Breast Density, and Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy.  So now, add this article to the many others showing the benefits of screening mammograms and try to make sense of them all.

The importance of the article was missed by most news reporting: that screening in young women (40-49 years) does, in the authors' words, "minimize their risk of advanced-stage disease".  Further, they point out that more mammograms mean more false positives at any age; the price of routine screening mammography.

But, in this blog, we have been talking about personalized medicine: which screening is the right choice for which woman?  Personal screening recommendation fit for her personal risk.  And now Dr Otis Brawley, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society recommends "There may be some women who need to be screened every six months and others every two years depending on breast density, family history and genetic testing" (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/19/us-cancer-breast-mammograms-idUSBRE92I00720130319 see, in particular, paragraph five and six).

There are "guidelines" for screening for breast cancer, including one of the most powerful tools we have, mammography.

BUT, they are just guidelines.  Find out which screening plan is best for you, based on your personal history, family history and genetics.

We have the tools to enable personalized breast cancer screening for each woman and will discuss these, this week and the next.

For now, do something to lower your risk for breast cancer, because prevention is even better than early detection!  GO FOR A WALK!  And tune in tomorrow for more.


Together we can prevent at least 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This is general content and not personal medical advice, so check with your breast doctor.

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

More breast cancer in younger women.

You may have heard on the news or read in the NYTimes http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/health/advanced-breast-cancer-may-be-rising-among-young-women-study-finds.html?hpw&_r=0 that a recent study found an increase in breast cancers in young women.  This is a small, but important increase since 1976 in women aged 25 to 39 years.  What is even more distressing is the sentiment expressed the 6th paragraph in the NYTimes piece that the researchers in this study say they can't offer young women anything but quick action if they have a lump.

FORTUNATELY, that just isn't correct!  Young women have many options, BEFORE the breast cancer happens.  We do all of these tests.

First, some of these young women will have a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and should consider the genetic test BRACAnalysis.  Although the number of women to whom this test applies is small, it is important to let your doctor know about a family history of these cancers: breast, ovarian, male with breast cancer, relative with triple negative breast cancer, pancreatic, prostate, uterine, colon or other intestinal cancer and melanoma.  Again, most young women with a family history will not have the gene mutation, but about 10% will, so tell your doctor your family history.  You may find more at www.owenwinsettmd.com under "What We Do".

Second, for the larger number of women, particularly with no family history, there is the BREAVAGen Risk Assessment Test.  This test applies to women at 35 years.
It is a cheek swab plus clinical history.  You may find more at http://brevagen.com.

The third test we have to offer that "finds" young women at higher risk is the HALO Breast Pap Test.  This test is for anyone beginning at age 21 years.  Nipple fluid is tested that is obtained from a breast pump.  You may read more at http://www.halohc.com/halonaf/NAF-Collection.aspx.


We do have something to offer younger women before the cancer happens.  WE offer each of these tests.  If your physician does not, then call us at 512-451-5788.

Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!  Tell your friends!

This is general content and not personal medical advice.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

To reduce your risk for breast cancer!

What have you done today to reduce your risk for ever getting breast cancer?


  • Exercised in the gym 
  • Walked around the block
  • Had some protein at breakfast to keep you from being hungry too soon
  • Got up from your desk for a 5 minute walk every hour
  • Sat on an exercise ball
  • Ate an apple at lunch
  • Planned a dinner to include Brussels sprouts or broccoli
  • Had your Omega3's (www.oewmd.com)
  • Planned to sleep 7 hours tonight
  • Told a friend about the blog
  • Encouraged a friend by telling them what you did today!



Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases each year!


This is general content and not personal medical advise.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Know your BREAST DENSITY!!

It is important and empowering to know your breast density.  

A recent example provides adequate reason:

A woman had a mammogram read as dense breast tissue: negative.  She inquired of her ordering physician and he ordered another test to "see" through the dense breast tissue and ultimately sonographic guided biopsy diagnosed the tiny cancer "hidden" from the mammogram.  

If you have dense breast tissue, it is your right, in Texas and many other states (see prior blog post http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2012/01/more-about-whole-breast-ultrasound-and.html) to demand further work-up.  In most cases a whole breast ultrasound or sonogram finds the cancer that the mammogram can't "see" because of density.  Mammograms are still the gold standard for screening, but if the breast tissue is dense then supplemental screening may be beneficial, and in most cases whole breast ultrasound is the answer.

Keep up the good work!  If you know someone who is told that she has dense breast tissue, suggest that she ask her physician to order a whole breast ultrasound.  We do them every day.  The next best thing to prevention is early detection and whole breast ultrasound can find tiny breast cancers.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancers each year!


The content is general and not personal medical advice, but if you have dense breast tissue on mammogram, ask your doctor to order supplemental screening or call me: 512-451-5788

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

BREAST CANCER PREVENTION: A NEW PRIORITY?

The headline yesterday, too little money is prioritized for breast cancer prevention research, caught my eye and perhaps yours, too.  That is the conclusion of the Interagency Breast Cancer and Environmental Research Coordinating Committee made up of both federal and nonfederal scientists and patient advocates, co-chaired by Dr Michele Forman here at UT.  You may read a summary of the 270 page report at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/about/boards/ibcercc/#.URo2xzP3dAk.mailto.

This recent report is, undoubtedly, a reaction to what the government spends (or doesn't spend) on breast cancer prevention.  (By the way, I didn't hear anything about "the state" of spending for breast cancer prevention last night.)  According to online data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) only 13% of the money spent on breast cancer research in 2011 was spent on prevention.  For the government's definition of breast cancer prevention and the specific money numbers go to http://fundedresearch.cancer.gov/search/SearchForm.

The NCI was set up in 1937 to be the principal agency for cancer research in the US.  For more about the NCI go to: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/NCI/research-funding.

BUT, considering that, what do we already know about breast cancer prevention?  

A LOT!

We have reviewed in this blog how to prevent 86,000 breast cancers each year!
  • BE LEAN
  • REGULARLY EXERCISE
  • BE ACTIVE
  • OMEGA3 FISH OIL
  • ASPIRIN 
  • CRUCIFORM VEGETABLES
  • LIMIT RED MEAT
  • LIMIT ALCOHOL
  • INCREASE OR DECREASE SOY INTAKE (AGE DEPENDANT)
  • DECREASE DIETARY FAT
  • LIMIT HORMONE REPLACEMENT
  • ANTI-ESTROGEN PRESCRIPTIONS
  • QUIT SMOKING OR BEING AROUND SMOKERS

If we all did these things, there would be 38% fewer breast cancers this year!

Share this message with your friends and family so that we may,indeed, all together, prevent 86,000 breast cancers this year!


This is general medical content and not personal medical advice.  See your doctor and ask about breast cancer prevention or call me 512-451-5788.  For the highest quality omega3 I could find go to www.oewmd.com.


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Recent "Headline" about exercise!

You may have heard or seen the "headline" Kaiser Permanente doctors are now including exercise in their medical record.  One place you can read about their "new revelation" that exercise is important is http://www.sfgate.com/default/article/Physicians-learn-to-ask-about-exercise-4171657.php.

I am so happy that this large group of doctors has now learned the importance of exercise!

(We, at the Breast Center of Austin, have included exercise as part of the medical record since 2002!)

Why? 

BECAUSE REGULAR EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT FOR BREAST CANCER PREVENTION!



Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This content is general and not personal medical advice. 

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Why might fiber decrease breast cancer risk?

We noted last week that fiber intake is inversely proportional to breast cancer risk.  

EAT MORE FIBER, HAVE FEWER BREAST CANCERS!

Why?

Although we don't know all there is to know about breast cancer causes, there are laboratory and clinical studies that have suggested several mechanisms for the breast cancer reduction from fiber. 

High fiber intake has been shown to reduce breast cancer tumor growth in mice and that high fiber intake reduced breast cancer incidence in rats.  In clinical studies fiber reduces estrogen levels in humans.  Fiber delays gastric emptying and increases transport through the rest of the intestines, reducing insulin levels.  High fiber diets are found in fewer obese women.  You may read more at http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/6/1394.full.


Add fiber to the list of those lifestyle changes associated with fewer breast cancers.  

BE LEAN, BE ACTIVE, REGULARLY EXERCISE, EAT MORE CRUCIFORM VEGETABLES, EAT RED APPLES, RED GRAPES, STRAWBERRIES, COFFEE AND DARK CHOCOLATE.

Good stuff on that list!


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!


This content is general and not personal medical advice.  Ask your doctor for your individualized breast cancer prevention plan.


Monday, January 7, 2013

Exercise and Physical Fitness!

This is so good, I just couldn't resist:   http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/exerciseandphysicalfitness.html


Click on the link above for exercise and physical fitness ideas.  Enough said!


Together we can encourage each other and PREVENT 86,000 breast cancers this year!


This is general medical content and not personal medical advice, but just ask your physician if you can exercise.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Why I care about Omega3

There are so many reasons that Omega3 supplementation is important: we don't get enough in our diet, the industrial revolution changed food shelf life by increasing Omega6 to Omega3 ratio, I could and will go on in future blogs. 

Today, "why I care about Omega3?"  Fewer breast cancers!  

Yes, that's right.  FEWER BREAST CANCERS!

In a large study from the Seattle area, researchers demonstrated that those women who supplemented their diets with Omega3 (Fish Oil) reduced their risk for breast cancer.  This reduction was by 32%!  This is so important to me that I have posted before about this http://drwinsett.blogspot.com/2011/06/fish-oil-omega3-reduces-breast-cancer.html.

But which product should you take, there are so many of such a wide variety
of purity and fillers.  I have searched and I found the one that works for me from a company that has been around for 20 years and lists products in the PDR of non-prescription drugs: WINOmega3.  If you would like to know more check out my website www.oewmd.com or call us to learn more and get some 512-451-5788.


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases this year!

This is general content and not personal medical advice.  Check with your physician or come see me to find out how much WINOmega3 may benefit you.


Thursday, January 3, 2013

Why I care about dietary fiber

We have all heard about dietary fiber: bulk and roughage.  The advantages to daily regularity, etc.  

BUT, women with higher fiber intake have fewer breast cancers according to a recent large meta-analysis of 16 prospective studies http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/6/1394.abstract.  Dietary factors are hard to study because of the many confounding factors.  Many of the studies used in this meta-analysis were controlled for the other healthy lifestyle choices that are often associated with higher fiber intake, like less obesity, more physical activity and eating less fat.  The evidence is clear: more fiber intake decreased breast cancer risk.  The reduction was apparent for pre- and post-menopausal women.  

So how much fiber per day?  The risk reduction became evident at 25gm/day of fiber.

So what is fiber and how do you know what you get?  We can now read the labels on the food we buy.  Fiber is listed under carbohydrates and is the part of the plant that is not digested.  A nice review can be seen at the Mayo Clinic site: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fiber/NU00033.

Next week I will blog about which foods are good fiber sources, potential mechanisms for breast cancer reduction with high fiber diet and at what age fiber might be most important to the diet.

For now, remember that 1 cup of orange juice has less than 1gm of fiber, but 1 orange has at least 3gm of fiber.  


Together we can prevent 86,000 breast cancer cases each year!


This blog is general information and not personal medical advice. 



  

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

My New Year's Resolution

Don't you just hate it...another resolution?  Aren't you tired of them?

Well, I just have a couple for the first 3 months of 2013:

  • to make my blog more fun and interesting
  • to post at least twice a week
  • new breast cancer prevention findings, first
  • then, which supplements make sense
  • and lastly, to share with more people

So that, TOGETHER WE CAN PREVENT 86,000 BREAST CANCER CASES IN 2013!


Thank you for sharing this post with your friends!