Imaging Diagnostic Systems Releases CT Laser Mammography Breast Cancer Clinical Study Results
CTLM(R) Improves Clinical Performance
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc., (OTC: IMDS) (BULLETIN BOARD: IMDS) a pioneer in laser optical breast imaging systems, announced the release and publication of select results highlighting the advantages of using CT laser breast imaging as an adjunct to conventional mammography to improve detection of occult cancers in dense breasts.
"These CTLM results are being released as a response to the growing number of requests for performance statistics received from distributors and prospective customers worldwide. The results were obtained from our initial PMA-designed clinical study," commented Tim Hansen, IMDS Chief Executive Officer.
"The findings are quite positive," stated Eric Milne, MD, IMDS Director of Clinical Research. "The study, from four sites in North America, involving 705 breasts of 515 patients, biopsied in 451 cases, was scientifically rigorous. It demonstrated that, in a dense breast population, the adjunctive use of CTLM, classifying DCIS as malignant, increased sensitivity from 50.0 to 58.3% over mammography alone and improved specificity from 75.5 to 86.8%. When DCIS is classified as pre-malignant, the figures changed slightly, increasing sensitivity from 43.8% to 56.2% over mammography alone and improving specificity from 73.6% to 84.4%. The difference between the two sets of results reflects, we believe, that the pathologically 'benign' form of DCIS shows angiogenesis in only 30% of cases, whereas comedocarcinoma shows angiogenesis in 75%, an observation that that might prove useful for stratifying DCIS for treatment purposes. One of the more remarkable results of using CTLM as an adjunct was that specificity also improved along with sensitivity, reducing the negative biopsy rate."
Hansen added, "The combination of these results, plus the publication of CTLM research results in the peer-reviewed journal Investigative Radiology and routine clinical use results in the Egyptian Journal of Radiology, should provide confidence in the clinical merits of our technology. We have also completed over 9,000 CTLM breast studies in various global sites. We believe that releasing these results will reinforce the clinical value of our CTLM studies until the outcome of our current US PMA study is disclosed."
The results, presented in the tables below, were published in Vol. 16, Issue 3/07, Mammo-Update 10, of European Hospital.
DCIS classified as malignant:
Sensitivity Specificity NPV PPV
Mammography alone 50.0% 75.5% 90.9% 23.5%
Mammography + CTLM 58.3% 86.8% 93.2% 40.0%
P-value 0.56 0.01
DCIS classified as 'pre-malignant':
Sensitivity Specificity NPV PPV
Mammography alone 43.8% 73.6% 93.2% 13.7%
Mammography + CTLM 56.2% 84.4% 95.3% 25.7%
P-value 0.41 0.02
About Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc.
Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc. has developed a revolutionary new imaging device to aid in the detection and management of breast cancer. The CTLM(R) system is a breast imaging system that utilizes patented continuous wave laser technology and computer algorithms to create 3-D images of the breast. The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and does not expose the patient to ionizing radiation or painful breast compression. CT Laser Mammography (CTLM(R)) is designed to be used in conjunction with mammography. It reveals information about blood distribution in the breast and may visualize the process of angiogenesis, which usually accompanies tumor growth.
Imaging Diagnostic Systems is currently collecting data from clinical sites for the future filing of an FDA Premarket Approval (PMA) application for the Computed Tomography Laser Mammography (CTLM(R)) system to be used as an adjunct to mammography. The FDA has determined that the Company's clinical study is a non-significant risk (NSR) investigational device study under 812.3(m) of the investigational device exemptions (IDE) regulation (21 CFR 812). The CTLM system is limited by United States Federal Law to investigational use only in the United States. The CTLM system has received other registrations including CE, CMDCAS Canadian License, China SFDA, UL, ISO 9001:2000, ISO 13485:2003 and FDA export certification.
As contemplated by the provisions of the Safe Harbor section of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, this news release may contain forward-looking statements pertaining to future, anticipated, or projected plans, performances and developments, as well as other statements relating to future operations. All such forward-looking statements are necessarily only estimates or predictions of future results or events and there can be no assurance that actual results or events will not materially differ from expectations. Further information on potential factors that could affect Imaging Diagnostic Systems, Inc., is included in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
source : sev.prnewswire.com
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Cancer Survivor Raises $20,000 for Breast Care in Minnesota
Cancer Survivor Raises $20,000 for Breast Care in Minnesota
Treasured Chests and HealthEast Improve Breast Care With State-of-the-Art Technology
MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire - June 26, 2007) - Breast cancer survivor Kelly Moore is driven by a passion for improving breast cancer awareness. That's why she created Treasured Chests, a five Voyage show held every February in Minnesota that reflects learning about, living with and surviving breast cancer. This year the Treasured Chests Gala raised $20,000, all of which was donated to the HealthEast Breast Care Center at St. John's. The proceeds will help purchase new state-of-the-art technology for breast cancer prevention, treatment and care.
In February more than 500 people enjoyed the Treasured Chests Gala, a stimulating cultural event that features local artists, models and musicians from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. It was held at Zuhrah Shrine Center in Minneapolis.
"Treasured Chests was excited to partner with HealthEast and St. John's Hospital to further develop its treatment and prevention care services," said Kelly Moore, founder, Treasured Chests. "HealthEast is truly part of the community, not only supporting cancer patients in the east-metro, but leading prevention efforts for the entire state."
The HealthEast Breast Care Center is one of the only all-digital care centers in the Twin Cities and sees between 16,000-17,000 women annually for mammography and other diagnostic testing. Based in Maplewood, Minn., St. John's Hospital is a member of the HealthEast Care System and has been serving the east-metro for nearly a century. Furthermore, the HealthEast Breast Care Center at St. John's, established in 2000, has become a premier center for breast cancer detection, prevention and treatment within the Twin Cities.
"We are pleased to be a part of this year's Treasured Chests Gala and the recipient of this year's proceeds," said Anita Eicher, R.T., radiology supervisor, HealthEast Breast Care Center at St. John's Hospital. "The money will likely go towards funding a second ultrasound machine that will help save women's lives."
source : www.marketwirecanada.com
Treasured Chests and HealthEast Improve Breast Care With State-of-the-Art Technology
MINNEAPOLIS, MN--(Marketwire - June 26, 2007) - Breast cancer survivor Kelly Moore is driven by a passion for improving breast cancer awareness. That's why she created Treasured Chests, a five Voyage show held every February in Minnesota that reflects learning about, living with and surviving breast cancer. This year the Treasured Chests Gala raised $20,000, all of which was donated to the HealthEast Breast Care Center at St. John's. The proceeds will help purchase new state-of-the-art technology for breast cancer prevention, treatment and care.
In February more than 500 people enjoyed the Treasured Chests Gala, a stimulating cultural event that features local artists, models and musicians from the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. It was held at Zuhrah Shrine Center in Minneapolis.
"Treasured Chests was excited to partner with HealthEast and St. John's Hospital to further develop its treatment and prevention care services," said Kelly Moore, founder, Treasured Chests. "HealthEast is truly part of the community, not only supporting cancer patients in the east-metro, but leading prevention efforts for the entire state."
The HealthEast Breast Care Center is one of the only all-digital care centers in the Twin Cities and sees between 16,000-17,000 women annually for mammography and other diagnostic testing. Based in Maplewood, Minn., St. John's Hospital is a member of the HealthEast Care System and has been serving the east-metro for nearly a century. Furthermore, the HealthEast Breast Care Center at St. John's, established in 2000, has become a premier center for breast cancer detection, prevention and treatment within the Twin Cities.
"We are pleased to be a part of this year's Treasured Chests Gala and the recipient of this year's proceeds," said Anita Eicher, R.T., radiology supervisor, HealthEast Breast Care Center at St. John's Hospital. "The money will likely go towards funding a second ultrasound machine that will help save women's lives."
source : www.marketwirecanada.com
Monday, June 25, 2007
Golfers rally for a cure for breast cancer
LAURIE - About 160 people who have been affected by breast cancer and a love of golf gathered on the links recently to show their support for finding a cure.
The 12th Annual Rally for a Cure 'Tee Off Against Breast Cancer' Golf Tournament was played Monday at Indian Rock Golf Club.
'It's just a good day for all of us to get out here and have a good time, relax and enjoy the whole atmosphere. It's a perfect cause. We enjoy it all,' Valery Frazier of Laurie said. 'My mom died of breast cancer about six years ago and it's a good time for all of us to get together. And it's a good cause. Anytime that we can help out. It's a wonderful opportunity. It really is.'
Every year, the event has drawn a bigger crowd, with businesses and individuals donating money to help support breast cancer awareness and research through proceeds given to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Coordinated by the Indian Rock Ladies Golf Association, the field was separated into three divisions ' men's, women's and co-ed ' with a raffle, a silent auction and prizes given away following 18 holes of golf.
Winning the women's division was Peg Seifner, Wanda Elsea, Judy Schroeder and Olive Malter of Marshall with a 63. Malter is a former Missouri Women's Golf Association president and has played the game 31 years.
'We were just chipping them in there close and hit several long putts. You have to putt to make a low score,' Malter said. 'We were in and out of rain all day. We were in the rain gear, out of the rain gear, in the rain gear, out of the rain gear. We just had them clicking on all fours today. It was good.'
Malter is friends with Seasons Ridge Intercity player Jeannie Hindman and has an acquaintance presently battling the disease the golfers were playing to defeat.
'My friend's niece is fighting it right now and that's why we came, really, in honor of her, and that's why we played in it every year, in honor of her,' Malter said. 'And then we lost another ' she lost her sister to cancer. Personally, my family has had no cancer yet, but you know, it's a horrible thing. How much money do you have to throw at something before you can fix it?'
The men's division was won by Phil Keeney, Younis Adam, Henry Byer and Gary Irwin of Indian Rock with a 58.
Men have just recently joined in the benefit. Husbands have even fell in line with their wives in working toward a cure.
'This is the first time. It was fun,' Brad Bryant of Sunrise Beach said. 'My wife got involved with the Koman foundation after her mother died a couple of years ago and she entered me. We shot 8-under 64. I played here a few times. I hit the fairways.'
The Bryants belong to Sycamore Creek.
'We have like 20 more golfers this year than we had last year. Men are afflicted with breast cancer as well,' Brad's wife Chris said. 'It affects everybody. It doesn't matter who you talk to, everybody has a story.
'Debbie Glickley was the chair for this and she's with the Indian Rock golf course. We're just honing in on her space. We're just cutting into this event to raffle the quilt. She was gracious enough to let us do that.'
In all, 12 courses contributed rounds of golf to the cause.
Courses donating rounds of golf included Bayview, Eldon, Lake Valley, Lebanon, Rolling Hills, Sycamore Creek, Dogwood Hills, Tan-Tar-A, Old Kinderhook, Bear Creek Valley, Osage National and Porto Cima.
Glickley chaired the event for the first time after she picked up the game three years ago.
'We had 160 players. We raised more than $6,000 just in hole sponsors alone. That doesn't include what we're going to make off the silent auctions. We did a lot of canvasing,' Glickley said. 'I went to Jeff City, Versailles, Camdenton ' it was just a lot of time, to go to different places and asked for their donations. I've been working on it for about three months, I guess.
'A lot of my good friends are survivors, and I have a real good friend that recently had a mastectomy and I support this 100 percent. It's real important to me, because I do have a lot of friends that have had it.'
Winning the co-ed division was Glickley, Mike Maurer, Jerry Clark and Larry DeVantier with a 59.
Devantier, a member of the Rolling Hills' Intercity League championship team, was playing in his first Rally tournament at Indian Rock.
'We had a pretty good afternoon,' he said. 'The team was very good. Everybody contributed and that was the main thing with these types of formats, everybody contributes and has a good time. The other team we played with was very amicable and we had a good time.'
Devantier praised Glickey for her efforts in running the event.
'I've know Debbie and Debbie has talked to me a lot,' Devanier said. 'She's a good delegator and organizer. Sometimes she takes on a little bit too much herself, but people tend to do that. She did a heck-of-a-job here today. Everything went real smooth, I thought.'
Placing second in the men's division was Hugh Smith, Vic Burkhart, Buck Burkhart and Jeff LaHay of Laurie.
'We had a few good putts. It was definitely a scramble,' Smith said. 'My mother-in-law died of cancer ... anything to help them out. That's what it takes. You've got to have a lot of money to help out the people. That's what it's all about. The more people, the better off they are.'
All four par-3 holes were used in hole-in-one contests, sponsored by Cadle McGrew Chevrolet of Versailles. Winning longest drive on No. 2 was Lynne Furnell. Closest-to-pin on No. 7 was Seifner. Phil Kostelac had longest drive on No. 9. Longest putt on No. 11 went to Larry Passage. Buck Burkhart was closest on his second shot at No. 13. Closest-to-pin on 15 and 17 went to Seifner and Sue Dauner, respectively. Straightest drive on No. 18 was made by Clemins.
Golfers who have survived breast cancer were also given special recognition following the procedings.
Funds raised should reach five figures again this year. In 2004, the Rally had 116 players on hand and raised more than $10,000.
source : lakesunleader.com
The 12th Annual Rally for a Cure 'Tee Off Against Breast Cancer' Golf Tournament was played Monday at Indian Rock Golf Club.
'It's just a good day for all of us to get out here and have a good time, relax and enjoy the whole atmosphere. It's a perfect cause. We enjoy it all,' Valery Frazier of Laurie said. 'My mom died of breast cancer about six years ago and it's a good time for all of us to get together. And it's a good cause. Anytime that we can help out. It's a wonderful opportunity. It really is.'
Every year, the event has drawn a bigger crowd, with businesses and individuals donating money to help support breast cancer awareness and research through proceeds given to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Coordinated by the Indian Rock Ladies Golf Association, the field was separated into three divisions ' men's, women's and co-ed ' with a raffle, a silent auction and prizes given away following 18 holes of golf.
Winning the women's division was Peg Seifner, Wanda Elsea, Judy Schroeder and Olive Malter of Marshall with a 63. Malter is a former Missouri Women's Golf Association president and has played the game 31 years.
'We were just chipping them in there close and hit several long putts. You have to putt to make a low score,' Malter said. 'We were in and out of rain all day. We were in the rain gear, out of the rain gear, in the rain gear, out of the rain gear. We just had them clicking on all fours today. It was good.'
Malter is friends with Seasons Ridge Intercity player Jeannie Hindman and has an acquaintance presently battling the disease the golfers were playing to defeat.
'My friend's niece is fighting it right now and that's why we came, really, in honor of her, and that's why we played in it every year, in honor of her,' Malter said. 'And then we lost another ' she lost her sister to cancer. Personally, my family has had no cancer yet, but you know, it's a horrible thing. How much money do you have to throw at something before you can fix it?'
The men's division was won by Phil Keeney, Younis Adam, Henry Byer and Gary Irwin of Indian Rock with a 58.
Men have just recently joined in the benefit. Husbands have even fell in line with their wives in working toward a cure.
'This is the first time. It was fun,' Brad Bryant of Sunrise Beach said. 'My wife got involved with the Koman foundation after her mother died a couple of years ago and she entered me. We shot 8-under 64. I played here a few times. I hit the fairways.'
The Bryants belong to Sycamore Creek.
'We have like 20 more golfers this year than we had last year. Men are afflicted with breast cancer as well,' Brad's wife Chris said. 'It affects everybody. It doesn't matter who you talk to, everybody has a story.
'Debbie Glickley was the chair for this and she's with the Indian Rock golf course. We're just honing in on her space. We're just cutting into this event to raffle the quilt. She was gracious enough to let us do that.'
In all, 12 courses contributed rounds of golf to the cause.
Courses donating rounds of golf included Bayview, Eldon, Lake Valley, Lebanon, Rolling Hills, Sycamore Creek, Dogwood Hills, Tan-Tar-A, Old Kinderhook, Bear Creek Valley, Osage National and Porto Cima.
Glickley chaired the event for the first time after she picked up the game three years ago.
'We had 160 players. We raised more than $6,000 just in hole sponsors alone. That doesn't include what we're going to make off the silent auctions. We did a lot of canvasing,' Glickley said. 'I went to Jeff City, Versailles, Camdenton ' it was just a lot of time, to go to different places and asked for their donations. I've been working on it for about three months, I guess.
'A lot of my good friends are survivors, and I have a real good friend that recently had a mastectomy and I support this 100 percent. It's real important to me, because I do have a lot of friends that have had it.'
Winning the co-ed division was Glickley, Mike Maurer, Jerry Clark and Larry DeVantier with a 59.
Devantier, a member of the Rolling Hills' Intercity League championship team, was playing in his first Rally tournament at Indian Rock.
'We had a pretty good afternoon,' he said. 'The team was very good. Everybody contributed and that was the main thing with these types of formats, everybody contributes and has a good time. The other team we played with was very amicable and we had a good time.'
Devantier praised Glickey for her efforts in running the event.
'I've know Debbie and Debbie has talked to me a lot,' Devanier said. 'She's a good delegator and organizer. Sometimes she takes on a little bit too much herself, but people tend to do that. She did a heck-of-a-job here today. Everything went real smooth, I thought.'
Placing second in the men's division was Hugh Smith, Vic Burkhart, Buck Burkhart and Jeff LaHay of Laurie.
'We had a few good putts. It was definitely a scramble,' Smith said. 'My mother-in-law died of cancer ... anything to help them out. That's what it takes. You've got to have a lot of money to help out the people. That's what it's all about. The more people, the better off they are.'
All four par-3 holes were used in hole-in-one contests, sponsored by Cadle McGrew Chevrolet of Versailles. Winning longest drive on No. 2 was Lynne Furnell. Closest-to-pin on No. 7 was Seifner. Phil Kostelac had longest drive on No. 9. Longest putt on No. 11 went to Larry Passage. Buck Burkhart was closest on his second shot at No. 13. Closest-to-pin on 15 and 17 went to Seifner and Sue Dauner, respectively. Straightest drive on No. 18 was made by Clemins.
Golfers who have survived breast cancer were also given special recognition following the procedings.
Funds raised should reach five figures again this year. In 2004, the Rally had 116 players on hand and raised more than $10,000.
source : lakesunleader.com
Liberal leader praises Stronach's 'determination' to fight breast cancer
OTTAWA -- Liberal MP Belinda Stronach is recovering well in a Toronto hospital after undergoing surgery to treat breast cancer earlier this week.
"Belinda is upbeat and looking forward to continuing on with her recovery," said Greg MacEachern, a spokesman for the Toronto-area MP.
Stronach, 41, had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery on Tuesday. The cancer was detected in April - shortly after she announced she would not be running in the next election - during a routine mammogram test. She underwent a lumpectomy after the diagnosis, followed by this week's mastectomy.
"She is recovering with friends and family,'' said MacEachern.
After her diagnosis, which she only shared with close friends and family, Stronach continued to make public appearances, including a stop at Ottawa's race weekend in late May.
Liberal leader Stephane Dion praised Stronach's strength in light of her new struggles.
"The discretion, determination and dignity with which she has led her fight against breast cancer are an inspiration to all of us, and will undoubtedly serve her and her family well as they continue to overcome this challenge,"Dion said in an e-mail to CanWest News Service.
"We are also encouraged by the news of her excellent prognosis for a full recovery. Indeed, Ms. Stronach has helped to remind us all that regular check-ups and early detection are essential to successfully combatting cancer," he added.
The type of cancer that Stronach was diagnosed with is called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). It is one of the most common and treatable forms of breast cancer.
Dr. Eileen Rakovitch, a radiation oncologist at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, told CTV Newsnet that DCIS isn't life-threatening.
"The most important part about treating DCIS is to remove it all," she said. "DCIS is defined by malignant cells that are confined to the duct, so DCIS is, in contrast to invasive breast cancer, localized within the breast and does not spread to lymph nodes."
But Rakovitch said "some women can go on to have a recurrence and some women can get invasive breast cancer so the goal in treatment is to try and get all the disease out."
Breast cancer strikes one in nine Canadian women. But the chances of complete recovery for Stronach are high, as almost 90 per cent of breast cancer victims between the ages of 30 and 49 survive.
Stronach was expected to soon resume her executive role at Magna International, her father's auto-parts company. She said she was leaving politics to spend more time with her children, Frank Jr., 15, and Nikki, 13.
"I am not leaving because I don't have an interest in issues or a passion for public service. I still have an interest. . . . We all have to assess from time to time what our responsibilities are and I'm making this decision right now for my children and my family," Stronach told the Ottawa Citizen in May.
It is not known if she will officially resign from the Liberal party earlier than expected.
Stronach has been involved in Canadian politics for less than four years, but has attracted more attention than many politicians do in a lifetime. Her first political move was a bold one, choosing to run for the leadership of the newly formed Conservative party although she had never held elected office. In April 2005, Stronach shocked many by crossing the floor to join the Liberal party, where she served for eight months as minister of human resources. It was a move that angered many and prompted some nasty name-calling. One Ontario MPP referred to her as "an attractive dipstick."
source : www.canada.com
"Belinda is upbeat and looking forward to continuing on with her recovery," said Greg MacEachern, a spokesman for the Toronto-area MP.
Stronach, 41, had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction surgery on Tuesday. The cancer was detected in April - shortly after she announced she would not be running in the next election - during a routine mammogram test. She underwent a lumpectomy after the diagnosis, followed by this week's mastectomy.
"She is recovering with friends and family,'' said MacEachern.
After her diagnosis, which she only shared with close friends and family, Stronach continued to make public appearances, including a stop at Ottawa's race weekend in late May.
Liberal leader Stephane Dion praised Stronach's strength in light of her new struggles.
"The discretion, determination and dignity with which she has led her fight against breast cancer are an inspiration to all of us, and will undoubtedly serve her and her family well as they continue to overcome this challenge,"Dion said in an e-mail to CanWest News Service.
"We are also encouraged by the news of her excellent prognosis for a full recovery. Indeed, Ms. Stronach has helped to remind us all that regular check-ups and early detection are essential to successfully combatting cancer," he added.
The type of cancer that Stronach was diagnosed with is called Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS). It is one of the most common and treatable forms of breast cancer.
Dr. Eileen Rakovitch, a radiation oncologist at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, told CTV Newsnet that DCIS isn't life-threatening.
"The most important part about treating DCIS is to remove it all," she said. "DCIS is defined by malignant cells that are confined to the duct, so DCIS is, in contrast to invasive breast cancer, localized within the breast and does not spread to lymph nodes."
But Rakovitch said "some women can go on to have a recurrence and some women can get invasive breast cancer so the goal in treatment is to try and get all the disease out."
Breast cancer strikes one in nine Canadian women. But the chances of complete recovery for Stronach are high, as almost 90 per cent of breast cancer victims between the ages of 30 and 49 survive.
Stronach was expected to soon resume her executive role at Magna International, her father's auto-parts company. She said she was leaving politics to spend more time with her children, Frank Jr., 15, and Nikki, 13.
"I am not leaving because I don't have an interest in issues or a passion for public service. I still have an interest. . . . We all have to assess from time to time what our responsibilities are and I'm making this decision right now for my children and my family," Stronach told the Ottawa Citizen in May.
It is not known if she will officially resign from the Liberal party earlier than expected.
Stronach has been involved in Canadian politics for less than four years, but has attracted more attention than many politicians do in a lifetime. Her first political move was a bold one, choosing to run for the leadership of the newly formed Conservative party although she had never held elected office. In April 2005, Stronach shocked many by crossing the floor to join the Liberal party, where she served for eight months as minister of human resources. It was a move that angered many and prompted some nasty name-calling. One Ontario MPP referred to her as "an attractive dipstick."
source : www.canada.com
Soldier is eager to deploy after breast cancer
Soldier is eager to deploy after breast cancer
Fit for duty after aggressive treatment plan
EDINBURGH, Ind. Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Cowie's mission — and dream — of serving in Iraq almost ended before it began when tests on a tumor confirmed the worst: She had breast cancer.
Her Army National Guard unit was told earlier this year it would deploy to Iraq this summer. But an Army-mandated mammogram in April revealed a tumor in her right breast that was later found to be cancerous.
LocalLinks
The 42-year-old mother of two from Los Angeles is again poised for duty after an aggressive treatment plan — including a May 22 lumpectomy, a second surgery a week later and a five-day targeted radiation treatment. Staying behind wasn't an option, she said.
"The commander said, 'Are you sure? You have an opportunity to go home and be with your family and go through this.' And I said, 'No, I have a family here. I have my civilian family, but this is where I need to be and where I'm needed,'" Cowie said.
She will leave later this month with the 1113th Transportation Company of San Jose, Calif., for at least a year transporting supplies in Iraq. The 150-member unit is currently training at Camp Atterbury, 30 miles south of Indianapolis.
Soldiers with a history of cancer who need monitoring every six months or less should not deploy, according to Army guidelines. But they can still deploy depending upon the soldier's condition, input from doctors and commanding officers, and conditions where the soldier is assigned.
Cowie qualified because she decided to forgo a potentially six-week radiation treatment and instead use a concentrated therapy, MammoSite. The procedure implants an angioplasty-like balloon that kills lingering cancer cells with radiation while sparing healthy tissue.
The implant came out June 8, and doctors declared Cowie cancer-free and clear for duty.
Dr. Morgan Tharp, the radiation oncologist at the Central Indiana Cancer Centers who treated Cowie, said there are still risks, such as the possibility of an infection at the surgery site.
"She was willing and desired to take that small risk," he said.
Cowie will see a military physician while in Iraq and must report any changes in her health to Tharp via e-mail. She will also need a follow-up mammogram and exam in six to eight months — about the time she is scheduled for a leave from her Iraq duty.
Cowie's mother, Pearl Cowie of Moorhead, Minn., isn't surprised that her daughter still wants to deploy.
"I knew this would not deter her. She was just determined to go. That's the kind of person she is," Pearl Cowie said.
source : www.sun-sentinel.com
Fit for duty after aggressive treatment plan
EDINBURGH, Ind. Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Cowie's mission — and dream — of serving in Iraq almost ended before it began when tests on a tumor confirmed the worst: She had breast cancer.
Her Army National Guard unit was told earlier this year it would deploy to Iraq this summer. But an Army-mandated mammogram in April revealed a tumor in her right breast that was later found to be cancerous.
LocalLinks
The 42-year-old mother of two from Los Angeles is again poised for duty after an aggressive treatment plan — including a May 22 lumpectomy, a second surgery a week later and a five-day targeted radiation treatment. Staying behind wasn't an option, she said.
"The commander said, 'Are you sure? You have an opportunity to go home and be with your family and go through this.' And I said, 'No, I have a family here. I have my civilian family, but this is where I need to be and where I'm needed,'" Cowie said.
She will leave later this month with the 1113th Transportation Company of San Jose, Calif., for at least a year transporting supplies in Iraq. The 150-member unit is currently training at Camp Atterbury, 30 miles south of Indianapolis.
Soldiers with a history of cancer who need monitoring every six months or less should not deploy, according to Army guidelines. But they can still deploy depending upon the soldier's condition, input from doctors and commanding officers, and conditions where the soldier is assigned.
Cowie qualified because she decided to forgo a potentially six-week radiation treatment and instead use a concentrated therapy, MammoSite. The procedure implants an angioplasty-like balloon that kills lingering cancer cells with radiation while sparing healthy tissue.
The implant came out June 8, and doctors declared Cowie cancer-free and clear for duty.
Dr. Morgan Tharp, the radiation oncologist at the Central Indiana Cancer Centers who treated Cowie, said there are still risks, such as the possibility of an infection at the surgery site.
"She was willing and desired to take that small risk," he said.
Cowie will see a military physician while in Iraq and must report any changes in her health to Tharp via e-mail. She will also need a follow-up mammogram and exam in six to eight months — about the time she is scheduled for a leave from her Iraq duty.
Cowie's mother, Pearl Cowie of Moorhead, Minn., isn't surprised that her daughter still wants to deploy.
"I knew this would not deter her. She was just determined to go. That's the kind of person she is," Pearl Cowie said.
source : www.sun-sentinel.com
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Oestrogen helps heart
Oestrogen helps heart
Younger women who start taking oestrogen as soon as they enter menopause may be protected from heart disease, researchers say.
They found women aged 50 to 59 who took oestrogen were 30 per cent to 40 per cent less likely than women taking placebos to have large amounts of calcified plaque in their arteries – a widely accepted predictor of heart attack risk.
When women took their oestrogen religiously, the risk was 60 per cent lower, they reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr JoAnn Manson of Harvard Medical School's Brigham and Women's Hospital, who led the study, says the results should be reassuring to women in their 50s who have been taking oestrogen for their menopausal symptoms.
But, she stresses, hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is not completely safe and women should not take it unless they have a good reason to.
"Hormone therapy should not be used for the express purpose of preventing cardiovascular disease due to other known risks, and it should be limited to treatment of menopausal symptoms at the lowest dose for the shortest duration necessary," Dr Manson says.
"So I do not believe it should be started in all women for the purpose of protecting their hearts."
Dr Manson led the original Women's Health Initiative study, which found in 2002 that hormone replacement therapy raised the risk of blood clots, breast cancer and heart attacks.
Many women stopped taking HRT, though researchers at the time noted that many women in their study were well past menopause, with an average age of 63.
"There are still many women out there with moderate to severe symptoms who are not seeking treatment because they are concerned that oestrogen could increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems," she says.
The new finding, based on 1064 women, "does provide some additional reassurance for women who have been denying themselves relief," Dr Manson says.
Robert Rebar, executive director of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, says, "We are clearly learning that the benefits of oestrogen in young, healthy, symptomatic, postmenopausal women outweigh the risks."
source : www.stuff.co.nz
Younger women who start taking oestrogen as soon as they enter menopause may be protected from heart disease, researchers say.
They found women aged 50 to 59 who took oestrogen were 30 per cent to 40 per cent less likely than women taking placebos to have large amounts of calcified plaque in their arteries – a widely accepted predictor of heart attack risk.
When women took their oestrogen religiously, the risk was 60 per cent lower, they reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Dr JoAnn Manson of Harvard Medical School's Brigham and Women's Hospital, who led the study, says the results should be reassuring to women in their 50s who have been taking oestrogen for their menopausal symptoms.
But, she stresses, hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is not completely safe and women should not take it unless they have a good reason to.
"Hormone therapy should not be used for the express purpose of preventing cardiovascular disease due to other known risks, and it should be limited to treatment of menopausal symptoms at the lowest dose for the shortest duration necessary," Dr Manson says.
"So I do not believe it should be started in all women for the purpose of protecting their hearts."
Dr Manson led the original Women's Health Initiative study, which found in 2002 that hormone replacement therapy raised the risk of blood clots, breast cancer and heart attacks.
Many women stopped taking HRT, though researchers at the time noted that many women in their study were well past menopause, with an average age of 63.
"There are still many women out there with moderate to severe symptoms who are not seeking treatment because they are concerned that oestrogen could increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems," she says.
The new finding, based on 1064 women, "does provide some additional reassurance for women who have been denying themselves relief," Dr Manson says.
Robert Rebar, executive director of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, says, "We are clearly learning that the benefits of oestrogen in young, healthy, symptomatic, postmenopausal women outweigh the risks."
source : www.stuff.co.nz
Blood Sugar Levels in Pregnant Women Affect Baby's Health Risk, Study Finds
Blood Sugar Levels in Pregnant Women Affect Baby's Health Risk, Study Finds
New research has established a strong link between a pregnant woman's blood sugar level and health risks to her newborn.
This risk is evident whether or not the woman has gestational diabetes, the Associated Press reports. The risks to the baby include the possibility of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity as the child grows.
The study, described by Northwestern university scientists as the largest ever done on the subject, was presented Friday at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association's scientific session in Chicago. The conclusion was a confirmation of earlier research: the higher the level of blood sugar a pregnant woman has, the greater the health risk to her baby.
The study was conducted in nine counties and involved more than 23,000 pregnant women, A.P. reports. Another finding indicated an association between Caesarian sections, big babies and high blood sugar levels in their mothers, the wire service says.
The study indicated that pregnant women should maintain strictly controlled diets and/or medication to reduce their blood sugar.
source : www.dentalplans.com
New research has established a strong link between a pregnant woman's blood sugar level and health risks to her newborn.
This risk is evident whether or not the woman has gestational diabetes, the Associated Press reports. The risks to the baby include the possibility of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity as the child grows.
The study, described by Northwestern university scientists as the largest ever done on the subject, was presented Friday at the annual meeting of the American Diabetes Association's scientific session in Chicago. The conclusion was a confirmation of earlier research: the higher the level of blood sugar a pregnant woman has, the greater the health risk to her baby.
The study was conducted in nine counties and involved more than 23,000 pregnant women, A.P. reports. Another finding indicated an association between Caesarian sections, big babies and high blood sugar levels in their mothers, the wire service says.
The study indicated that pregnant women should maintain strictly controlled diets and/or medication to reduce their blood sugar.
source : www.dentalplans.com
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