Since her own diagnosis in January 1993, Ann Fonfa has attended many meetings on this topic. She has spent over 9 years learning the issues. There are many other women contributing their wisdom. If you have had surgery for breast cancer and had axillary node dissection, check out the information on lymphedema. 8/03 Update: We have recently been hearing that even those who had a sentinel node biopsy have been developing lymphedema. Some think it is radiation-induced, but it may be happening without it as well. Feedback on this is welcomed. Johns Hopkins Breast Center has a free medical journal, called Artemis. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/breastcenter/artemis There used to be an organization called The Mid Atlantic Breast Cancer Information Exchange that covered what was news in alternative/complementary therapies (from a patient/mainstream perspective). But they seem to have ceased publishing. Still it was very cool to see that they included this type of information from their beginning (s early as 1994). Take a look at MAMM magazine. It is designed for survivors of breast, ovarian and other women's cancers. You can contact them at subscription@mamm.com (888)901-mamm Website www.mamm.com If you are thinking of surgery, look at the information on sentinel node biopsy and other new techniques. 4/99 All mammography facilities nationwide are now required to provide a lay summary of the examination results directly to all patients. The examination results are still provided to the referring health care provider for those who have a provider. If self-referred then the woman/man receives the reports directly. Ann's NOTE: 1/01 I just received a review copy of Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book, Third Edition. Chapter 29 on p.496 discusses complementary/alternative therapies. Dr. Love's book is often referred to as "the bible" for breast cancer, and it was the first book I read on the subject. Check out the links area for many connections. Some local groups do not yet have websites. You can check your local phone book, Chamber of Commerce, or other non-profits in town. Finally, Ann and other advocates attend lots of meetings on issues around breast cancer. The Meetings section on the front page of this website will contain the summaries. If you want to be online with other people with breast cancer who use alternative therapies: To Subscribe to the Amazon Listserv address an email to LISTSERV@TECHUNIX.TECHNION.AC.IL and type SUBSCRIBE AMAZON-L YOURNAME in the message box. To Unsubscribe send a message to the same address and type SIGNOFF AMAZON-L This large section contains extensive information for men with breast cancer. You are not alone. LINK to"new model of breast care ...best of eastern and western therapies" Janette D. Sherman, author, Life's Delicate Balance: Causes & Prevention of Breast Cancer LINK to: "Breast Cancer: Advances in Diagnosis & Treatment" By Gwendolyn Stritter, MD There has been significant progress in the diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer this past year. In this article, Gwendolyn Stritter, MD, discusses some of the latest research & observes how there is increasingly "more information about which herbs, supplements, & other alternative/complementary approaches can minimize treatment side effects & possibly even reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence." LINK 12/05 "The purpose of study is to learn more about how you use the Internet for activities related to breast cancer & to find out your views about online breast cancer info". Environmental Causes of Breast Cancer Results of a study very low mortality with DCIS/other DCIS info Lumpectomy=Mastectomy for DCIS Salvage Treatment 7th International Conference on Adjuvant Therapy Risk Factors Subseq Invasive Bca Management of DCIS Tumor Markers Correlate w/Grade Current Treatment of DCIS Value of Lumpectomy Margin Assess LCIS DCIS Diagnosed 20% of Time Mucinous Cancers Metaplastic Bca: Path/Outcomes Squamous Cell Ca of the Breast Smoking & Radiation Therapy DCIS Issues - SABCS 2006 Information and studies, includes soy and flaxseeds Books Greater Survival Breast Ca Physically Active&High Veg-Fruit Intake Healthy Eating SOY & its Isoflavones Components Vegetables/Meat & Exercise - Risk Reduction Glycemic Index & BCA Risk Chemicals, Food, Herbs that are Estrogenic Coffee No Cause of Breast Cancer Advocate's:Diet, Nutr/Natural Supps Bca Chemoprevention-Excerpts Dairy Foods & Risk of Bca (Uruguay) Pre-meno Bca Risk Reduced with Omega-3 Dietary Fat and Breast Cancer Dietary Attitudes/Changes After Breast Ca The Body's Cure for Cancer Flavones Reduce BCa Risk -Epidemiology Study Antipoliferative/Apoptotic:Selective Phenolic Acids(BCa Cells) High Fructose Corn Syrup linked to HIGHER Estrogen Levels Find up-to-date information here Therapy Rethought: Chemo Thermography MAMMOGRAPHY Issues Cancer/PREGANCY/Fertility/Abortion Breast Tumor Progression "Salvage" Lumpectomy vs. Mastectomy Clinical Breast Exam/BSE PC SPES for Women TIMING of Surgery/Chemo, etc. Survival RADIATION Issues:BCa Various Diagnostic Tests Smoking Issues Fine Needle Aspiration/Stereotactic Core Biopsy Photodynamic Therapy/Diagnosis Environmental Issues w/Bca S Phase & uPA as Markers Clinical Significance of Mets in Bone Marrow Harmonic Imaging:Breast Cysts MUGA Scan for Heart with Low-risk Bca Surgery Major Factor:Bca Micromets MRI Articles ULTRASOUND Autoimmune Thyroid Disease & Bca (Greek study) Amifostine Endocrine/Hormonal/Aromatase Therapies Tricyclic Antidepressants & Breast Ca Study of Unilateral Multiple Breast Cancer Skewed X chromosome:Ova/Breast DUCTAL LAVAGE/NIPPLE ASPIRATES AGE Related Issues ER/PR+, Post-men Women & Adj Chemo? Breast Cancer Recurrence Physical Trauma: Cause of Bca? Antiperspirant Use & Bca Risk Microwave Therapy prior to Surgery Bras & Breast Cancer Stressful Life Events Raise Risk of Bca Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Melanoma Risk in Women w/ Previous Breast Ca Making Sense Out of Too Much Noise Adjuvant Herceptin: Am Soc of Breast Disease Statement Molecularly Targeted Therapeutic Heat & BCA Cells A new surgical tool, this section includes a link to medical advice 6/99 results on SNB Feedback After effects of SNB, recent study More evidence that SNB is worthwhile Information Update-Surgical Multicentric Cancer & Sentinel Node Lymphoscintigraphic Mapping-Tumor Size No Problem Micro Mets May NOT Need Full Dissection Lymphedema After SNB Axillary Dissection SNB Recognized in Treatment Guidelines Lymphatic Mapping in DCIS SNLB with Local Anesthesia: GOOD Nodal Irradiation AFTER SNB Near-Infrared Fluorescent Quantam Dots for Lymph Node Issues for use by Healthy women and women with cancer Random Thoughts on the PREVENTION trials SPORE Study: New Guidelines for Tamoxifen Use Low Dose Tamoxifen Effective: 1/20th? Excerpts:7th Intl Conf Adj Therapy Drug Costs BCPT1:Tamoxifen hearings 1998 Gail Model May Fail Women Under 40. Safe for Fewer Healthy Women Europe: Benefits/Risk of Tamoxifen-Healthy Women Tamoxifen and ER- Tumors Era Of Hope Speech Press Release: Cancer Prevention Coalition Letter: Wall Street Journal 1998 IUD May Protect Tam Users STAR Trial Tamoxifen & Beneficial Interactions Symptoms & Adverse Effects: Reporting Tamoxifen for High Risk and BRCA1/2 Chemoprevention Guidelines From Canada Tamoxifen and Risk of Contralateral Bca Tamoxifen and Breast Tumor Vascularity Tam & Serum Leptin in Bca Pts FDA Warns AstraZeneca Over Ads Estrogen Level = Effect of Raloxifene UK: Healthy Women,No Clear Benefit Aromatase Inhibitors/Estrogen Dominance Comparison of SERMS & Tamoxifen (MICE) FDA Presents: Tamoxifen & Uterine Sarcoma HEALTHY PREVENTION Recommendations: US Prev Svcs Task Force Test Developed: Who Needs Tamoxifen Age/Body Mass Index Affect Tam Metabolism Tamoxifen & Benign Breast Disease AIB1, Tam, Survival Issues Acupuncture for Meno-symptoms w/Tamoxifen Use Tamoxifen for Women with Breast Ca:Basics Antidepressants supress Tamoxifen's Value Raloxifene & Pre-menopausal Women Endocrine Therapy Better Than Chemo? ER+ What are they, how to address them Health Links for LGBT Community LGBT Advisory Council for Susan G. Komen for the Cure The Mautner Project One woman's short story Quality of Life and Coping study Lesbian-sensitive health clinics:Scotland Cancer Institute of New Jersey At Greater Risk for Some Cancers? Rainbow Circle & Outreach Discussion on Lesbians with Breast Cancer Book Review:Coming Out of Cancer National Coalition for LGBT Health Gay & Lesbian Elders: Health Discrimination Polycystic Ovarian Syndr: Lesbians Healthcare from a Chicana Lesbian's Point of View "Dinosaur Doc" Play about Unenlightened doctor,lesbian pts Obits of Prominent Lesbians Dead of Cancer Joint Statement: AMA & GLMA: LGBT Issues to be included Transgender Issues Simple Things a Practitioner Can Do ( make LGBT more welcome) "Taking Inventory" - from a weekly breast cancer support group Focus on Lesbian Health Underestimation of Relative Risks Standardized Incidence Ratios AIDS-Related Ca From the Moffitt Cancer Center Journal Bone Mets/Bone Density/Loss Information on Clodronate 7/00 Canada Approves Zoledronic Acid Pamidrontate May Prevent Further Damage Direct Effects of Bisphosphonates on Bca Cells Present & Future Role of Bisphosphonates & Bca Facts, personal circumstances, useful info and some links Useful tips and information Lymphedema in GYN & Prostate malignancies A Book Osteopathy Bandaging vs. Sleeves (including links) Lymphedma Online Support Group ACS Brochure Now Available Swedish Doctor Uses Liposuction Patients Recognize Lymphedema Sooner Information Update-Surgical Various Studies on Lymphedema Ann Fonfa's eLetter to Canadian Medical Journal Prognostic Factors for LE Exposure to Flying and LE Exercises Millimeters/Centimenters to Measure Advice on Communicating w/Insurance Company Laser To Reduce Swelling of Lymphedema Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy & Lymphedema Compression Vests CPT for Lymphedema - insurance reimbursement codes Study 11/00 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Patient Perspectives Breast Implant and Immune Disorders Prosp Evaluation:Cosmetic Results Breast Specific Pain Affects QOL After Treatment Frequency of Reconstruction Current Techniques 2001 Nipple Reconstruction Innovations Postop Radiation:Transverse Oblique Abdoml Muscles After Free TRAM Impaired Sensation:Hot/Cold Thigh Flap Reconstruction Leech Therapy for Tissue Later Major Corrective Surgery after RTx Information on Prostheses Restoration of Some Sensation Aftr Rcnstrctn More Caucasian Than African-American Women Reconstruct Breast Recostruction Less Safe for Obese Patients An ongoing series of newsletters October 1998 February 1999 Random Thoughts/Issues NIH Consensus Conference For breast cancer(from Michael Schacter,MD[psychiatrist]), but can be adapted for others Developing/Developed nations-speakers give information, original conference statements, June 1997 Implications Communication from Cameroon Asia-Pacific Conf Breast Ca- Philippines Support Group for Women in Japan East Malaysia and Breast Cancer Germline BRCA1 Mutations in Iranian Women with Bca Sudanese Bca Patients & BRCA2/p53 Europa Donna 2004 Information A.M. Charitable Trust Alternative Complementary Therapies Nat Awareness Campaign: Pakistan World Cancer Congress 2006 Declaration Princess Nikky Breast Cancer Foundation Info Needs Assess Korean Women - Internet Survival and other information Family connections Breast-feeding & Risk Reduction BRCA1/BRCA2 Breast Imaging Study for Those w/Genetic Risk Increased Sensitivity in Testing Hereditary Ovarian Cancer & Survival Prophylactic Surgery to Reduce Risk of GYN Lynch Syndrome Study: Lumpectomies Work Well Risk of Contralateral Bca Exercise May Delay Onset of Cancer Oral Contraceptives & Bca/Ovca Excerpts:Intl Conf Adj Breast Therapy Non Profit Org for Those Affected by Hereditary Br/OVA Ca Lifetime Risks Bca:Ashkenazi Jewish Carriers Prophylactic Bilateral Mastectomy Familial Risk Raised by Alcohol (Bca) Survival Rates Most w/Family History Do Not Get Cancer BRCA 1 Does More in Ovarian Ca BRCA Mutations & Improved Ova CA Survival New Guidelines: Testing Hereditary Colorecal Ca/Other Ca Risks New Breast Cancer Gene Found-CHEK2 Risk of BCA: w/ Malignant Melanoma ATM Mutations in Bca/Oca Race & Attitudes on Genetic Testing Complementary Medicine & Genetic Testing New Method to Prevent/Treat Hereditary BCa -Sweden Non-BRCA Hereditary Breast Ca & New Cancers Chest X-rays & Risk of BCa: BRCA1/2 Mutations Carriers Your doctor didn't tell you everything More about "Breast Cancer: Society Shapes An Epidemic" Janette Sherman's Book/Environ/Bca Prayer, Laughter & Broccoli, BOOK I Don't Remember Signing up for Cancer "Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy" Substances used to reduce chest wall recurrences, by Ann Fonfa Update on Ann's Protocol Update on a Maitake D-fraction Study Vitamin A Information Retinoids (analogue for Vitamin A) used in Treatment ER negative Tumors and Retinoids COX-2 Inhibitor: Maitaike Mushroom Maitake Products Named Research Sponsor Sloan Kettering Anonymous testimony and Ann's situation. Breast Conserving Therapy Approved in Study Paget Easily Overlooked Molecular Markers Analysis of 41 Patients Paget's & Radiotherapy Role of HER-2/neu & Paget' Disease Intraepidermal Paget's Differs From Underlying Ca Usefulness of MRI for Paget's Disease of the Nipple LINK Reports on workshops and activities from the private/public partnership advocates and scientists Including sexual dysfunction, sexuality issues Study: No 'Emotional' Difference With Reconstruction QOL After Types of Surgical Procedures Chemo & Weight, Body Composition & Energy Balance Stress - Two Versions of a Study SEXUALITY ISSUES Outpatient Followup for Early Bca (5 Years) No Higher Risk for Colon Cancer Interview with Annie Toglia, Med Exercise Specialist/Survivor Correlates of Posttraumatic Growth in (partners) of Breast Ca Stages of Grief After Mastectomy News article, studies, links Exposures that Increase Risk Use of Ultrasound-guided fine needle Lowered Sex Drive a Possible Factor SNLB in male breast cancer pts Sonographic Features of Bca in Men Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) & Men with Heart Disease Risk Factors for Male Breast Cancer Male Breast Cancer: Clinical & Biologic Indicators of Prognosis Invasive Lobular CA-Case Report BRCA1/2 In Male Breast Cancer Study Breast Cancer in Men: Summary of Knowledge Male Bca in Israel-Some interesting findings Racial/Ethnic Diff & Survival in Men with Bca Subsequent Cancer After Bca/Men Reconstruction (& Hemodialysis) Male Breast Cancer Incidence INCREASING Male BCa: histologic subtypes & mets patterns 778 cases Male Breast Cancer - San Antonio 2006 Traditional Chinese Medicine, for breast cancer patients TCM Talk/Articles Integrative TCM & Chemo NCI Supports Research Into Chinese Medicine Chinese Women w/Bca Use TCM, Supplements, Exercise, etc. Curcumin,St. John's Wort, Ginseng,etc. Application of “-Omic-” technologies in phytomedicine Curcumin/Turmeric Spices and Bacteria Soy and Hot Flashes Borage Oil/GLA Decreased Risk of Mortality Some Spices Protect Bacteria During Irradiation Antioxidants and Healthy Breasts Milk Thistle Studies (silymarin) Spice Rack and Cox 2 Inhibitors Herbals, Cancer Prevention & Health Studies with Ginseng Myrrh as Anti-cancer Therapy Red Clover and Estrogenic Effects Spices that Enhance Immunity Saffron & Cancer Prevention Kava Kava UK Tonic Contains Chinese Ants Review of Some Popular Herbs Herbs Rich Source of Antioxidants Plant Stems & Leaves Proportional to Roots Herbal-related Toxic Hepatitis St. John's Wort - MUST READ INFO Anticachectic Effects of Berberine & Coptidis rhizoma Medieval Medicine (Wales) Contributes Gingko biloba Black Cohosh & No Proliferation of Bca Cells Ascaridol (Chenopodium antherlminticum L) Homoharringtonine-Evergreen plant Cephalotaxus harringtonia Ayervedic Herbs to Reduce Unwanted Effects of Chemo Anti-Cancer Plants in Brazil Ginger Medicinal Plants Make a Comeback Herbal Plants Endangered by Interest Echinacea Capsaicin Inhibits Angiogenesis Tylophorine Analogs as Antitumor Compounds Korean angelica Isolate Induces Apoptosis Chapparal Looked at AGAIN - Tumors Shrink The Herbage Database Herbal Medicine in Context: Editorial Herbs Have Multiple Effects - Some Opposing Herbs Terminalia catappa (Herb) is Chemopreventive (Rats) Colon Nigella sative (Herb) & Early Carcinogenesis (Rats) Phenolic Contents & Antioxidant Activities: Plants/Food Woad has Anti-Cancer Properties parthenolide & golden feverfew extract in 3 Human Ca Cell Lines Protective Effect: Andrographis paniculata & Urothelial Toxicity Daphne genkwa root inhibits growth/mets Lewis lung ca (MICE) Protective effect of Terminalia belerica Roxb. & gallic acid Uncaria tomentosa extracts dffrntlly rglts exprssn IL-1alpha & TNF-a Chinese Herbs Examined Evaluation of antioxidant activity of Cassia siamea flowers Evening Prirose Enhances Chemo Willow bark extract Suppresses Growth Colon/Lung Ca cells Clove Tea for Diarrhea Terminalia catappa L. leaves and Lung Cancer cells Women speak out personal perspectives through Art Never Again The Interview - A Poem Matuschka, Artist/Photographer/Cancer Activist Ubuntu A Tribute to Latrisha Poem written after a cancer scare - Minx Boren LINK to information from the doctor who 'wrote the book' Can now be used for deep chest tumors Applications for many types of cancer need to be investigated PDT for Chest Wall Tumors Articles and helpful links, studies & phytoestrogen Excerpts from ASCO 2004 Bioactivity of Foods, Herbs, Spices Stop HRT if ER+ Breast Cancer Develops Hormonal Replacement & Bca HRT & Risks of Bca HRT & Lobular Ca Plant-based Estrogens as Alternatives Soy and Menopause, Vitamin E Bca Risk May Offset Benefits of HRT Meno Symptoms Vary by Race & Lifestyle Hormones and Heart Disease Botanicals for Meno-ACOG Guidelines Hormones & their Influence ERT and Cognition ERT after Ischemic Stroke HRT Increases Breast Density Patient Alert: Update on HRT & the Breast Postmeno HRT & QOL Hormones & Bones Dr. John Lee on Progesterone after Bca Lower Doses of Conju Equine Estrogens HRT Does NOT Reduce CHD Events Survivors & Alt Therapies/Symptoms "Women's Hormones and Cancer" (A Book) No Meaningful Effect:QOL 'Dr. Susan Love's Menopause & Hormone Book' HRT & the Brain No Am Menopause Soc Recommends Lifestyle Changes "Intimacy After Cancer" - Book for Women and Partners Articles and possibly links Silicone Implants Saline Implants Connective Tissue Dis & Cosmetic Implant Immediate Recon with Saline Does NOT Interfere with Outcomes Botox® For Pain Control During Breast Reconstruction Prosthesis Two NIH Studies and Concerns on Silicone/Saline Implants Breast Implant and Immune Disorders Keratin (protein from hair/ fur/nails/feathers/beaks) for Implant Filler Tissue Expander For Hodgkin's Pts Experience with Soya-bean oil-filled TRAM Flaps and Prostheses Mortality w/Cosmetic Implants-Sweden Stage of Bca at Diagnosis w/Implants Later Major Corrective Surgery after RTx Breast Implants: NO Excess Risk of Brain Ca Letter to Dr. Reichman re MSNBC article Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, 2003 Changing Incidence/Age for BCa in Taiwan Raloxifene & Pre-menopausal Women Family History & Preventive Health Behaviors:BCa Trends in US BCa Mortality by Region 1950-1999 Mammary Stroma & Conjugated Linoleic Acid Soy & Mammographic Breast Density:High Risk Women Diet, Supplemental Use/BCA:Vitamin D Role Liposomal Formulated-dl-alpha Tocopherol :Mammary Tumor Dietary Antioxidants:Prevention of Deletion Mutations Indole-3-Carbinol Potent Oral Anticancer Activity Prophylactic Surgical Mgment:Breast-Ovarian Ca Syndrome LINK Sat Dharam Kaur, N.D. spoke at World Breast Cancer Conference July 1999 Without websites-see phone numbers to contact or email addresses Articles, advice, information etc. for those with metastatic disease Mets Bca:Goals/Objtvs of Mgmt Musa Mayer Excerpted Gastric Metastases Liver Metastases & Liver Tumors Letrozole Vs.Tamoxifen Support Groups Lessen Depression, Pain Timing of Mets After Surgery Low Dose Oral Methotrexate & Cycophosphamide Second & Next Chemo: What do we KNOW? New Recommended Tests for Staging of Advance Disease Metastatic Disease in the Breast Inflammatory Breast Ca & Angiogenesis Role for Curative Surgery in Advanced Bca Opthalmic Manifestations of Mets Breast Ca Decorin Prevents Metastatic Spreading of Breast Cancer Vitamin D decreased risk of advanced breast ca (sunshine) Studies Recurrence or New Primary? Patient Empowerment Improves Treatment Dr. Charles Vogel Updates:Treatments HERCEPTIN Issues Lumpec/Mastect: Doctor's Gender Matters Treatment Issues in 1901 C-GSF & CA15-3 (false positives) Risk of Colorectal Ca After Breast Ca Accelerated Radiotherapy Node Negative Breast Cancer Node Positive Breast Cancer (Consensus) Vita D Analogue Enhances Response to Chemo/Radiation RU486 Inhibits Proliferation & Metastasis Risk/Benefit Different for Patients w/Metastatic Disease Chips Predict Tumor Aggression/Treament Mitomycin Should Not be Given for Locally Advanced Bca ATM gene: Avoid Radiation Hormone Therapy Versus Chemotherapy Doxorubicin Cardiotoxi & Radionucl Monitoring RFA and Complete Necrosis of Invasive Bca Some information for this disease Primary Breast Sarcomas: Prognostic Factors Primary Nonphylloides Breast Sarcomas Cancer Journal 11/00 Risk Factors Fibroadenomas with Atypical Hyperplasia-No Elevated Risk Vacuum-Biopsy & Fibroadenomas Clonal Chromosomal Alterations in Fibroadenomas Papillary Lesions:Evaulated Treating Gynecomastia in Patients on HAART (HIV drugs) Isoflavones for Cyclical Mastalgia Breast Papillomas-Solitary & Multiple Description of services and a link to their website Breast Carcinoma Treatment For Women w/Disabilities Treatment for Women w/disabilities compared to w/o Healthcare Utilization & Women w/Physical Disabilities Identifying Factors Assoc w/Disability-NONE IDEN TIFIED! Deaf Women & Other Health Challenges Osteoporosis in Women w/Disabilities Intellectual Disabilities and Cancer Information Physical activity & nutritional behaviors of women w/physical disabilities: A link to a site featuring a video for newly diagnosed patient-made A link to site with many links and art DES study, British Medical Journal January,2001 Risk of Bca & DES DES Daughters:Risk Study Diallyl sulfide and DES (RATS) Information and a link J Cancer, 12/01 An on-line discussion group for those with breast cancer, using alternative therapies EMG Health Communications, Inc. for Haitian-American Women Diversity and Cancer Screenings LINK to discussion group's archives "A complementary approach to breast cancer" resources, books, gallery, coping, feedback Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.