tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47113757089110537362024-03-13T23:16:25.617-04:00"AWARENESS"Dense Breast TissueCorina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-90297770955749913372012-11-04T15:19:00.001-05:002012-11-04T15:23:49.036-05:00The Dense-Breast Controversy: A Woman’s Right to be Educated<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sharing this article here with all of you, please read as it's very important!!</span></span><br />
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Taken from: Women's Voices For Change<br />
<a href="http://womensvoicesforchange.org/the-dense-breast-controversy-a-womans-right-to-be-educated.htm">The Dense-Breast Controversy: A Woman’s Right to be Educated | Women's Voices For Change</a><br />
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<span class="time">Published October 29, 2012</span> by <a href="http://womensvoicesforchange.org/author/drkolb" rel="author" title="Posts by Thomas Kolb, M.D.">Thomas Kolb, M.D.</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Recently the issue of a woman’s breast density became <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/25/health/laws-tell-mammogram-clinics-to-address-breast-density.html?hpw&_r=0" target="_blank">front-page news</a>. So now seems to be a good time to clarify what the controversy is and to critically evaluate the degree to which patients should be educated by their physicians concerning their breast density.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This past August, New York State became the fourth state to pass a Breast Density Inform Law. The legislation is simple enough. After a screening mammogram, radiologists must now—in addition to transmitting the result of her test to both the referring physician and the patient—also directly inform a patient of her breast density. Since density affects a mammogram’s accuracy, it is an independent risk factor for developing breast cancer and can be useful in guiding personal healthcare decisions. Therefore, it is important that women have this information. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Still, certain insurance groups and medical organizations opposed the bill’s passage and continue to oppose its intent. How can this be?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">First, some facts: Having dense breasts, as opposed to predominantly non-dense breasts (also called predominantly fat-containing breasts), is determined by genetic and hormonal influences and is quite common. Sixty-six percent of premenopausal women and 25 percent of postmenopausal women have breasts dense enough to affect mammographic accuracy. Only a mammogram can determine density—not physical examination nor breast size nor texture. So, a woman would need a mammogram just to know her density.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been almost 10 years since I published two studies analyzing 27,825 consecutive patient examinations and reported that mammograms were highly accurate in women with non-dense breasts, detecting 98 percent of cancers. However, as density increases, mammographic sensitivity decreases, and in women with the densest breasts, only 40 percent of cancers were detectable by mammography. In fact, of all the factors evaluated, breast density was the most statistically significant reason a mammogram would fail to detect cancer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Understanding this limitation, I performed a screening ultrasound on all women with dense breasts and diagnosed an additional 42 percent of women with cancer who would have been falsely labeled healthy by their mammogram. The false positive rate for ultrasound was only 5 percent, a percentage that I, and almost any woman you would ask, believe is an acceptable tradeoff for finding large numbers of otherwise undetected breast cancer. The AMA gave the study a Scientific Paper of the Year Award for 2002, and during the past 10 years, multiple investigators, including multi-institutional studies, have corroborated these findings.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The medical community is fully aware of these findings, and now accepts all of them as fact. However, this knowledge has not been adequately transmitted to the general public. While the FDA has mandated via the Medical Quality Standards Act that radiologists directly transmit mammogram results to the patient, there is no necessity to report the degree of breast density. Therefore, when describing a mammogram result to a patient as “normal,” the radiologist may be only 40 percent accurate in his or her diagnosis. Yet the patient is never informed of her mammogram’s degree of accuracy, nor have patients been educated that breast density in itself is a significant risk factor for developing breast cancer. If a patient were to be informed, she could then be an educated participant in her own medical care and have opportunity to discuss with her doctor the advisability of additional screening, such as with ultrasound or MRI. This lack of disclosure to the patient has a direct impact upon her own health care decisions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why would anyone oppose this bill?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, there are four major reasons for dissent. Examining each reason brings appreciation as to why the bill is necessary.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">•<b>The first reason</b> <b>for dissent </b>is the fear of unnecessary additional testing and invasive procedures. There is concern about a lack of adequate validation (read: higher survival rates) of additional screening methods such as ultrasound and MRI. Some have suggested that these additional screens should not be performed until there has been a randomized, controlled trial proving a benefit.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>However, I would argue that while a randomized controlled trial is optimal, and ultimately the only way to prove that screening brings a survival benefit, it is somewhat disingenuous, and perhaps reckless, to suggest waiting. Because of their cost and complexity, randomized controlled trials will likely <i>never </i>be performed—and even if done, it would take 10 to 15 years for survival data to become available. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those who argue against using screening ultrasound, which is acknowledged to diagnose an additional 42 percent of cancers missed by mammography, know full well that randomized, controlled trials will not be performed any time soon, if at all. The question is, What can we do, or should we do, in the absence of randomized, controlled data? What we do know is that ultrasound finds these additional cancers at a small size and low stage similar to those cancers found by mammography, which has been proven to save lives.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Utilizing ultrasound or MRI as a screening test requires the leap-of-reason that finding cancers early saves lives. True, not all lives will be saved with early detection, but since we do not know in advance which lives won’t be saved, should we abandon looking for those cancers that can save a woman’s life? Short of a randomized controlled trial, that is the best we can offer patients today. Shouldn’t patients know that?</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #888888; font-family: georgia,palatino; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Simply put, we as physicians can find large numbers of early-stage, treatable cancers that mammography misses in women with dense breasts. </span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Patients have a right to know this, and only then can they have a meaningful discussion with their physician as to whether additional screening is warranted.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>•</b><b>The second reason for dissent </b>is that it has been argued that no consistent definition of breast tissue exists and there is no clear scientific evidence that breast tissue alone is a factor for high risk of breast cancer. While evaluation of the degree of density based on mammographic appearance is subjective, the presence of dense vs. non-dense is not. Numerous rigorous scientific publications have used breast density categories to evaluate for cancer risk, and just about all have found a significantly elevated risk of cancer in women with dense breasts. To argue otherwise and characterize density evaluation as subjective, non-reproducible, and of no clinical concern is to fixate on the less important issue of quantifying density while ignoring the increased risk density confers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">•<b>The third reason for dissent: </b> Physicians are correctly worried about false positive results with additional ultrasound or MRI. But who should be weighing the benefit of cancer detection vs. the anxiety and inconvenience of a false positive result? It should be the patient herself. It has been my experience that the vast majority of women would choose additional screening so as not to miss an early breast cancer while enduring the possibility of a false positive result. A “false positive” is certainly preferable to a “missed positive.”</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>•</b><b>Finally,</b> everyone worries about cost: The New York State bill is about patient education. The insurance reimbursement provision for screening ultrasound in this bill was removed prior to the State Senate and Assembly vote. Legislators did not want to add any costs to our health system, although it is possible—and, according to many, likely—that finding breast cancer earlier may actually balance out costs or even save money in the long run.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Compounding the controversy is the media’s misinterpreting of scientific studies and feeding misinformation to their readers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In August, <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22911616" target="_blank">a paper was published</a> reporting that high mammographic density was not associated with increased death compared with lower density.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/story/2012-08-20/breast-density-death/57171282/1?csp=34news" target="_blank">Physicians and the media</a> interpreted this as proof that there was no reason to pay any special attention to those with dense breasts; rather, they should be screened the same as those with non-dense breasts.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even the American College of Radiology touted this as good news for patients. However, careful analysis of the study shows that the non-dense group of women were mammographically screened less often than the dense group. If both groups had been screened equally, it is reasonable to expect that the women with non-dense breasts would live longer—which, when comparing the two groups, is another way of saying that the women with dense breasts would die sooner. Since this hypothesis was not evaluated in the study, one cannot make the argument that women with dense breasts should be screened in the same fashion as those with non-dense breasts.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is unfortunate that legislative measures have been enacted to compel doctors to transmit information to patients, since doctors (including me) never wish to have the legal system impose upon them how they should practice.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, in this instance, legislative efforts to inform patients is about welcoming patients into the <span style="font-size: small;">decision making</span> process when we as physicians have some—but not all—answers. At this point, only with information about their own bodies will women have a meaningful understanding upon which to base their breast health care decisions.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Thomas Kolb, M.D. has been on the faculty of numerous medical educational meetings, and he has lectured throughout the U.S. and internationally on the topic of breast cancer detection and diagnosis, including at the New York Academy of Sciences and the Radiological Society of North America. In 1998, Dr. Kolb published the first contemporary study detailing the use of screening breast ultrasound to detect cancers, and in 2002 his publication describing the performance characteristics of mammography, clinical breast examination and ultrasound was awarded the Scientific Paper of the year by the American Medical Association. Dr. Kolb is currently a principal investigator of the North American Digital Breast Tomosynthesis project, which is analyzing a novel mammographic technology that acquires multiplanar images of the breasts."</i></span></span></div>
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Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-82988960092243802712012-10-03T01:48:00.001-04:002012-10-03T01:51:31.583-04:00My October Art Newsletter and Breast Cancer Awareness MonthI never post my arts newsletter in this blog, but since it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there is information about the IN THE PINK exhibition I'm participating at, as well as a link to my Awareness Buttons, here it goes, hope you enjoy it!<br />
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<a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/October-News-from-Corina-S--Alvarezdelugo.html?soid=1102908922515&aid=TLTkjFoJYT4" target="_blank">My Monthly e-Newsletter for October 2012 </a><br />
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...and if you're near by, don't miss the opening of IN THE PINK!Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-59992535942024039832012-09-23T21:33:00.002-04:002012-09-27T12:41:40.706-04:00Back at IN THE PINK!I'm very excited to share with you that, once again, I'll have my sculpture AWARENESS on display in an art exhibition to celebrate the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I love it when I can bring this piece out and spread the message around to those who get to see it!<br />
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Yes, I entered Awareness into this juried exhibition and I was just informed it was selected in by the jury, to be part of this Breast Cancer Awareness Regional Art Exhibition at the Six Summit Gallery in Ivoryton, CT. The exhibition will run from October 5th through the 31st.
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOQ5_ga4ULw/UF-3FaZcD9I/AAAAAAAAB98/tctsNDRYDfk/s1600/Awareness,+stoneware+&+cedar,+Corina+Alvarezdelugo,+NFS,+10x8x8+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uOQ5_ga4ULw/UF-3FaZcD9I/AAAAAAAAB98/tctsNDRYDfk/s320/Awareness,+stoneware+&+cedar,+Corina+Alvarezdelugo,+NFS,+10x8x8+(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It was juried by Six Summit Gallery, Sally Jessy Raphael -celebrity-former talk show host and artist at Six Summit Gallery, Jacqueline Hubbard- Executive Director of the Ivoryton Playhouse, Sonia Baghdady -an award-winning news anchor for News 8 (WTNH) in Connecticut, Nancy Whitcher -President of Connecticut Women's Artists, Erica Tannen -Publisher of the e-list, a weekly newsletter about good things on the CT Shoreline.<br />
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Though my piece won't be for sale, for <a href="http://dbtawareness.blogspot.com/2011/01/art-dense-breast-tissue-and-breast.html" target="_blank">obvious reasons</a>, portion of proceeds from the artwork for sale in the show will go to benefit the new Dana-Farber Cancer Center at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.<br />
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If you're close by, don't miss the <b>Opening Reception: Friday, October 5th, 7-11pm </b><br />
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<b><b>Location</b>: </b><a href="http://www.sixsummitgallery.com/" target="_blank">Six Summit Gallery</a>, 6 Summit St, Ivoryton, CT 06442
Phone: 860-581-8332<br />
<br />Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-11372091067617902262012-09-19T18:53:00.000-04:002012-09-19T18:53:21.584-04:00What is Dense and other screening methodsDr. Engels, a Diagnostic Radiologist at Cooper Clinic explains how a breast MRI helps women with dense breast tissue when diagnosed with breast cancer...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6ZwZfI1dS8Y" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe></div>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-56893267023082507932012-08-10T11:21:00.002-04:002012-08-10T11:25:41.018-04:00My reaseach has never stopped!<div class="currentVideoInfo test" id="currentVideoInfo" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="currentVideoInfo"><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Continuing on my research to find a better option for women with Dense Breast Tissue, to find out whether they have cancer or not at an early stage, I came across this report by Wall Street Journal Health Columnist, Melinda Beck. Once again, we find how crucial it is for that 40% of the women population with dense breast tissue, to know her breast density, and to get better ways to be diagnosed in time!</span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Please, take a watch the video below or follow the link to their website... </span></span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"> </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">8/6/2012 12:57:03 PM</span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://live.wsj.com/video/more-states-ask-are-you-dense/DC8ABB51-232B-40A9-A047-F95757AD748A.html#%21DC8ABB51-232B-40A9-A047-F95757AD748A" id="videoTitle"><br />
More States Ask, 'Are You Dense?'</a></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
Mammograms miss 40% of breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue, and such women are four times more likely to develop breast cancer than others. A campaign dubbed "Are You Dense?" is gaining momentum, as Melinda Beck has details on Lunch Break. Photo: American College of Radiology.</span></i></h6></div></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">http://live.wsj.com/video/more-states-ask-are-you-dense/DC8ABB51-232B-40A9-A047-F95757AD748A.html</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="288" scrolling="no" src="http://live.wsj.com/public/page/embed-DC8ABB51_232B_40A9_A047_F95757AD748A.html" width="512"></iframe></span></div><br />
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As always, we welcome your comments, and make sure to click on the tabs above for updated information, news and more! Stay safe!<br />
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P.S.: Want to share your personal story here, just email at DBTAwareness[at]GMAIL[dot]COM Just remember to substitute [at] for the symbol @ and [dot] for an actual . (dot) Thanks!Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-72049891818372705902012-01-30T19:22:00.002-05:002012-01-30T19:28:22.988-05:00Awareness and the Healling Power of Art!!<a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/ReneePhillips/consult.htm" target="_blank">Renee Phillips</a> <i>(founder/director of the <a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/" target="_blank">Manhattan Arts International</a>, <a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/ourbooks/e-docs.htm" target="_blank">Author</a>, <a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/Gallery/Healing-Power-of-ART/index.htm" target="_blank">Curator</a>, "<a href="http://reneephillips.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Artrepreneur Coach</a>")</i> emailed me to let me know that she has posted the image of "Awareness" on the Manhattan Arts International website, as part of an Open Call for the 7th "<a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/Gallery/Healing-Power-of-ART/index.htm" target="_blank">Celebrate The Healing Power of Art</a>" on-line exhibition. Thank you Renee!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lEVoyUiGR7s/Tyc0em3b9yI/AAAAAAAABaQ/w6_CyMj26nY/s1600/Interlaken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lEVoyUiGR7s/Tyc0em3b9yI/AAAAAAAABaQ/w6_CyMj26nY/s320/Interlaken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">"<b>Awareness</b>" was in that show two years ago, <br />
amongst Best in Sculpture</div><br />
I loved participating in The Healing Power of ART exhibition two years ago, and will do it again (if I get in) this year. The purpose of this exhibition is not only to <i>promote art and all aspects of creativity</i>, but <i>its vital importance to healing individuals and the planet.</i><br />
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They seek for <i>Art that is uplifting, powerful and transformative</i>, as they believe that Artists that <i>create healing art not only experience</i> the<i> healing process for themselves, their art has a healing impact on </i>the<i> viewers, and the earth. </i><br />
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Artists, submission starts on February 1st! It is a wonderful exhibition to be part of, so if you're an artist, don't miss the chance to heal someone through your art!!!<br />
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Follow the link to the Entry Form... <a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/Gallery/Healing-Power-of-ART/form.htm" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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More info... <a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/Gallery/Healing-Power-of-ART/index.htm" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
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The Manhattan Arts International Blog... <a href="http://reneephillips.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-16044607954242741652012-01-10T11:41:00.002-05:002012-01-10T11:42:49.191-05:00A New Year Reminder....Remember, every time to stop by, to check the above tabs as well, as I post information and latest news as they come my way, so you don't miss a thing!<br />
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Here's a link to the latest info found, but you will find it permanently on the FOR YOUR INFO tab as well.<br />
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<b><a href="http://staceyvitiellomd.com/2012/01/the-myth-of-the-negative-mammogram/">What Smart Women Need to Know About Breast Cancer</a></b> <br />
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Happy and Healthy New Year to all, and remember, the best medicine is PREVENTION so stay inform and be proactive!!!Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-58715141583705305252011-09-29T22:30:00.002-04:002012-01-30T19:56:06.271-05:00Komen: NEW Mammogram For Women With Dense Breast Tissue (CBS Miami)Continuing in my search for people working on a better way to early diagnose breast cancer on women with Dense Breast Tissue, I found the following article at CBS Miami.com, published on September 16, 2011 8:50 AM, which I'm transcribing as follows:<br />
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<i>Reporting Cynthia Demos</i>Dense breast tissue often makes it difficult for doctors to get a clear mammogram. But doctors hope a new type of 3D ultrasound can be used, along with mammography, to diagnose cancer in dense breasts.<br />
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MIAMI (CBS4) — More than 200,000 women a year are diagnosed with breast cancer. The earlier a woman is diagnosed with the disease the better her chances of surviving it. For that reason, scientists have been working to improve technology in order to diagnose the disease in its earliest stages. But some conditions, such as dense breast tissue, make that difficult. <br />
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One advancement in diagnosing the disease is new technology called digital tomosynthesis, which doctors believe will be a better way to perform a mammogram on dense breasts.<br />
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Dr. Kathy Schilling, Medical Director of the Center for Breast Care at Boca Raton Community Hospital, is conducting a clinical research study on a new technology called digital tomosynthesis. Boca Community is one of only 15 hospitals nationwide offering this new type of 3 dimensional mammography.<br />
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“We know that we are missing actually up to 50-percent of cancers in patients who have dense breasts so through this there has been an evolution of technology,” said Dr. Schilling.<br />
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The problem with dense breasts is that in mammograms dense tissue shows up as white and cancers are also white, so they can be obscured.<br />
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Another problem is that breasts are 3 dimensional organs, and yet in mammograms doctors are looking at them in a 2 dimensional picture, which may hide cancer behind overlapping tissue.<br />
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“What tomosynthesis is, is a 3D image of the breast,” said Dr. Schilling, “and what we do is actually ‘slice’ through the breast at 1 millimeter intervals so you don’t have the problem of overlap of tissues.”<br />
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Boca Community Hospital is offering the study to any patient who is having a biopsy there. Patients don’t have to pay additional money for the study and the breast center is going to offer it to patients who come in for additional exams at no extra cost.<br />
<i><br />
Read the original post at:</i><br />
<b><a href="http://miami.cbslocal.com/2011/09/16/diagnosing-breast-cancer-at-its-earliest-stages/" style="color: #c27ba0;" target="_blank">Komen: Mammogram For Women With Dense Breast Tissue « CBS Miami</a></b>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-60087020474327491332011-09-14T18:42:00.003-04:002011-09-14T18:45:23.082-04:00In The Pink Art Stroll is ready for viewing!<div style="text-align: left;">Just follow the pink ribbons along New London, CT to stroll around the participating galleries: Hygienic, TseTse, Expressiones, Spirit, and Provenance...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDfmV3iznUQ/TnEpSU0vDBI/AAAAAAAABIw/KerJ40R0f0c/s1600/310186_10150811566505574_514670573_21040358_1507541804_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDfmV3iznUQ/TnEpSU0vDBI/AAAAAAAABIw/KerJ40R0f0c/s320/310186_10150811566505574_514670573_21040358_1507541804_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Go on...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qavlyeFyk1s/TnEpRwX4XjI/AAAAAAAABIs/XCl8djMA1ZE/s1600/308905_10150811567400574_514670573_21040366_1276230302_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qavlyeFyk1s/TnEpRwX4XjI/AAAAAAAABIs/XCl8djMA1ZE/s320/308905_10150811567400574_514670573_21040366_1276230302_n.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You are almost there...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHFrtOurZB8/TnEpTYMN8RI/AAAAAAAABI8/Oe_0Z5SXz7o/s1600/319624_10150811568440574_514670573_21040380_725250378_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DHFrtOurZB8/TnEpTYMN8RI/AAAAAAAABI8/Oe_0Z5SXz7o/s320/319624_10150811568440574_514670573_21040380_725250378_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
You've arrived to Expressiones Gallery! Where my sculpture AWARENESS is on display, can you see it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eW8eOreMhA0/TnEpSyv6U9I/AAAAAAAABI4/yWHQGvsLKdE/s1600/316812_10150811576835574_514670573_21040484_624681377_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eW8eOreMhA0/TnEpSyv6U9I/AAAAAAAABI4/yWHQGvsLKdE/s320/316812_10150811576835574_514670573_21040484_624681377_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here it is! and it would be there, on display by the window, until October 8th. Stop by to see it in person if you're close by...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vzl2-FInqHo/TnEpSlEi3AI/AAAAAAAABI0/kFp40bVqByI/s1600/316578_10150811581995574_514670573_21040542_803980448_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vzl2-FInqHo/TnEpSlEi3AI/AAAAAAAABI0/kFp40bVqByI/s320/316578_10150811581995574_514670573_21040542_803980448_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
After setting up Awareness at the Expressiones gallery window, I walked along the other galleries that are participating in this meaningful exhibition. There's wonderful art every where and lots od pink balloons and ribbons all around the town. What a beautiful celebration of life!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QjKsU36Rxk/TnEtsLkFSGI/AAAAAAAABJA/ziEMvosmMa8/s1600/IMG-20110914-00943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_QjKsU36Rxk/TnEtsLkFSGI/AAAAAAAABJA/ziEMvosmMa8/s320/IMG-20110914-00943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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This event is <span class="fbPhotoCaptionText">sponsored by the Breast Health Task Force of Southeastern Connecticut.<br />
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More Info: DPEZZOLESI@LMHOSP.ORG or 860-442-0711 </span>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-67478542477690811922011-09-12T23:56:00.011-04:002011-09-14T17:44:27.189-04:00In The Pink Art StrollFrom September 14th through October 8th, 2011, come and celebrate woman's strength, beauty, and healing at the sixth annual "In the Pink" National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Artworks will be displayed at the following galleries in New London, CT: Hygienic, TseTse, Expressiones, Spirit, and Provenance.<br />
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Opening: <b>Wednesday, September 14th at 5:30pm</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-naxzo7mcuiQ/Tm7aScY1atI/AAAAAAAABIY/mJy_ioKVIkY/s1600/awareness%252Cstonewareandcedar%252C10x8x8%252C1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-naxzo7mcuiQ/Tm7aScY1atI/AAAAAAAABIY/mJy_ioKVIkY/s200/awareness%252Cstonewareandcedar%252C10x8x8%252C1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Corina will be exhibiting her AWARENESS sculpture at <b><br />
Expressiones Cultural Center</b>. <br />
It's a great opportunity for you to see this piece</i><i> in person and to meet the artist.</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Location: 84 Bank St. New London, CT 06320</div><div style="text-align: center;">Phone: (860) 501-9ART(278)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.expressiones.net/">http://www.Expressiones.net</a></div><br />
Sponsored by the Breast Health Task Force of Southeastern Connecticut.<br />
<br />
More Info: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4711375708911053736&postID=6747854247769081192&from=pencil">DPEZZOLESI@LMHOSP.ORG</a> or 860-442-0711Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com084 Bank St, New London, CT 06320, USA41.352976299999987 -72.0945619000000318.98330029999999 -131.86018690000003 73.7226523 -12.328936900000031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-35290301970513311362011-02-17T10:35:00.001-05:002011-02-17T13:38:28.542-05:006th Annual Joining FORCES Against Hereditary Cancer ConferenceI recently received a brochure on the mail with information about the 6th Annual Conference on Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and thought to share it with you.<br />
<br />
Just so you know, I have no direct relation with <b><a href="http://www.facingourrisk.org/" style="color: #45818e;">FORCE</a></b>; I just post here the things I believe will interest my readers in one way or another. I do believe the best medicine is prevention and what a better way to prevent than being informed...<br />
<br />
You may ask then, how do I know them? How come I got their brochure on the mail? Well, as I posted on <b><a href="http://dbtawareness.blogspot.com/2011/01/in-meantime.html" style="color: #3d85c6;">January 16th</a></b>, thanks to all of you who have bought the pocket mirrors with the image of my sculpture "Awareness," I've been able to donate the proceeds to the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.facingourrisk.org/how_to_help/funds/downey_sisters.php" style="color: #3d85c6;">Downey Sisters' Fund</a></span> at FORCE.<br />
<br />
Now, back to the conference... <br />
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<a href="http://www.facingourrisk.org/events/annual_conference/index.php" style="color: #3d85c6;">The Joining FORCEs 2011</a> conference will be held June 23-25, 2011 in Orlando, FL at the <a href="http://grandcypress.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp" style="color: #3d85c6;">Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress</a><span style="color: #3d85c6;"></span>, and they welcome anyone concerned about hereditary cancer: cancer survivors, high-risk individuals, those with a BRCA mutation or family history of cancer, and health care providers who treat high-risk patients.<br />
<br />
At the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to learn the latest information about Cancer Risk, early detection and risk reduction options, among other things... Please, click <b><a href="http://www.facingourrisk.org/events/annual_conference/documents/2011-conference-brochure.pdf" style="color: #3d85c6;">HERE</a></b> to view the brochure and learn more about this conference.<br />
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Thank you for reading! I will welcome your comments as I thrive to make this blog better for you!! ...and please remember to check often the tabs on top of this post, under FOR YOUR INFO and IN THE NEWS, as I'm constantly adding new links for you!Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-43321616768117596532011-02-14T18:00:00.008-05:002011-02-14T18:55:16.605-05:00Just a reminder... on Valentine's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8_O0LwQNfg/TVm9pKKC6oI/AAAAAAAABHA/BJj3KWH9oOo/s1600/IMG00008-20110214-1441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8_O0LwQNfg/TVm9pKKC6oI/AAAAAAAABHA/BJj3KWH9oOo/s320/IMG00008-20110214-1441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Remember, the best medicine is prevention, so do your <a href="http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-detection" style="color: #3d85c6;">breast self-exam once a month</a> and your Mammogram once a year!<br />
<br />
When you get your mammogram done, ask the radiologist to tell you about your breast density. A recent study shows that, in the USA, 95% of women do not know their breast density despite increased cancer risk! So, please ask!<br />
<br />
Once you know your density, you'll be empowered. That little piece of information is so important... please, click <b><a href="http://dbtawareness.blogspot.com/2011/01/scarry-side-of-dense-breast-tissue-and.html" style="color: #3d85c6;">HERE</a></b> to learn on how the different breast densities read on mammograms.<br />
<br />
Are your breasts DENSE? please visit:<br />
<a href="http://www.areyoudense.org/" style="color: #3d85c6;">http://www.areyoudense.org</a> <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Happy Valentine's Day!</b> I hope you receive so much LOVE today that you'll want to pay it forward for the rest of your life! Spread your love around...</div>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-12358106392603599192011-02-11T23:27:00.004-05:002011-02-23T00:18:49.738-05:006 Ways to win a Prize!We're looking to get more people to read the important message we have here to share, so we need your help, and to reward you for your efforts we're giving away Pocket Mirrors with the image of the sculpture "AWARENESS" to the lucky winners!<br />
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qChpDRMhFDo/TVYHcG07cCI/AAAAAAAABGk/V0xLc4ceH4M/s1600/awareness+mirror+image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qChpDRMhFDo/TVYHcG07cCI/AAAAAAAABGk/V0xLc4ceH4M/s320/awareness+mirror+image.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front side of the Pocket Mirror</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLlRI1nI0o4/TVYHeu32yWI/AAAAAAAABGo/-J4gbVQ35aQ/s1600/awarenessmirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CLlRI1nI0o4/TVYHeu32yWI/AAAAAAAABGo/-J4gbVQ35aQ/s320/awarenessmirror.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The perfect size to keep in your pocket or purse!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdrRDfiKZm0/TVYHmzJngXI/AAAAAAAABGw/gGuyR5fbJjs/s1600/awareness+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdrRDfiKZm0/TVYHmzJngXI/AAAAAAAABGw/gGuyR5fbJjs/s320/awareness+mirror.jpg" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Pocket Mirror comes inside this protective bag,<br />
hand signed by the artist, Corina S. Alvarezdelugo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
So, here is how it works, every time we get 50 followers, we'll raffle one, and the winner will be announced here with a link to his/her blog or website. Do you want to increase your chances to win? I'll add one more entry under your name for every comment you leave in this blog, and one more if you blog about this giveaway on your blog, and if you tweet about it on twitter, another entry. <br />
<br />
On twitter, please use @corinadotdash, so we know to count you in.<br />
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Want to increase your odds, go to our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/Awareness-Dense-Breast-Tissue/175138502528526">Facebook Fan Page </a> and give us a "LIKE" and you'll get one more entry, leave a comment there, another entry, share it on your Facebook Wall, one more. As you can see, it's very easy to enter in this one of a kind giveaway... just click away!<br />
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Good Luck!!!Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-28779643834285963152011-02-07T12:18:00.003-05:002011-02-07T19:13:51.539-05:00Mammogram, to do or not to do...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TVAo0lxne8I/AAAAAAAABGg/fXSFJ7l-ckg/s1600/DigitalMammography08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TVAo0lxne8I/AAAAAAAABGg/fXSFJ7l-ckg/s320/DigitalMammography08.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>Last December I received a reminder that it was that time again to make an appointment for my annual mammogram. After going back and forth with the idea of calling to make the appointment... you know how one tends to push the unpleasant things for later... today I decided not to push it any further and get it done with as soon as possible. So I'm all set, I'll have my mammogram done on the 28th. I know this will be just stage one of the process, as they always advise for me to get an ultrasound due to my breast density. The only difference is that this time I know more about it and I'll be able to be more proactive when talking to the specialists.<br />
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Please, keep your fingers crossed so everything goes well!!!<br />
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P.S.: The place were I go to uses digital mammography.<br />
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<br />
<b> Here's what I found on digital compared to traditional mammography, at <a href="http://www.diaxray.com/services/digital_mammography.html" style="color: #3d85c6;">http://www.diaxray.com/services/digital_mammography.html</a></b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diaxray.com/images/digital-mammography2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="analog vs. digital mammography" border="0" height="158" hspace="10" src="http://www.diaxray.com/images/digital-mammography2.jpg" vspace="10" width="200" /></a><< Analog mammography uses x-ray to record images on film. Films are then "developed," produced, put on a light box, and read by the radiologist. With digital mammography the x-rays produce a digital image on a screen while the patient is still in position. The technologist has the ability to review these immediately to determine image quality. Once completed, the images are sent to the radiologist electronically at a reading station where they can manipulate, view and magnify areas of breast tissue. This enhances the information available for reading and interpretation. From the patient’s perspective there is little difference because the exam is conducted in a similar way except that the exam is shorter in length. Compression of the breast is required for both digital and analog mammography. >>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-33619067682265094552011-02-03T19:45:00.010-05:002011-02-04T00:22:58.387-05:00PERSONAL STORY: Dr. Nancy M. Cappello's StoryWhile searching on the Dense Breast Tissue issue, I came across an incredibly proactive lady, Dr. Nancy M. Capello, who turned her own experience with breast cancer into a force of strength to help other women, wherever they are. Let's her be the one to tell you more of who she is and what she's been doing...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TUtH8KJXB_I/AAAAAAAABGU/XrH-5MNQPLE/s1600/Dr.+Nancy+Cappello+face+and+body+color.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TUtH8KJXB_I/AAAAAAAABGU/XrH-5MNQPLE/s320/Dr.+Nancy+Cappello+face+and+body+color.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Nancy M. Cappello</td></tr>
</tbody></table><< I did everything the medical community told me to do. I ate healthy, exercised daily, had no first-degree relatives with breast cancer, and had a decade of yearly "normal" mammograms. Two months after my "normal" mammogram, my doctor discovered a “ridge” in my breast. She ordered another mammogram and ultrasound. The mammogram revealed "nothing" yet the ultrasound detected a 2.5 cm mass with 13 cancerous lymph nodes -a "normal" mammogram weeks before -is that EARLY detection? My physician informed me that I have dense breast tissue and for women like me (2/3 of pre-menopausal and 1/4 of post menopausal women) mammograms are limited in "seeing" the cancer through the density. This was the first time I was informed about my dense breast tissue. During treatment, I searched medical journals and uncovered research which demonstrated by supplementing mammogram with ultrasound cancer detection increases from 48% to 97% in women with dense breasts. <br />
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"It is not the standard protocol to inform women about their breast density," said my surgeon. I was outraged that the medical community knew about this fatal flaw in early detection and was not sharing this life-saving information with women. I pledged to ensure that no other woman unnecessarily suffers the tragedy of a later stage cancer. I developed an Are You Dense? informational brochure and began educating the community about dense breast tissue. I worked with the Connecticut Legislature and, in 2005, the State enacted legislation which required insurance companies to cover whole breast ultrasound screening for women with dense breast tissue. As I continued my public speaking, even with an ultrasound screening bill, most women were still not informed of their breast density. So, in 2007, I worked again with the legislature on a bill to communicate breast density information to women through their mammography report. <br />
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The watershed moment came two years later when the bill was finally supported by the Connecticut Society of Radiologists, passed two legislative committees and the Senate. By Session's end, the bill was not called by the House for a vote. I was devastated. I had three choices -give up this mission, revive the bill next year, or relentlessly pursue exposing the secret of dense breast tissue. I chose the latter haunted with knowledge that women may have a hidden intruder stealing their life. I personally funded a website (<a href="http://www.areyoudense.org/" style="color: #3d85c6;">www.areyoudense.org</a>) and concurrently filed for federal designation as a public charity. Are You Dense, Inc. was born. Two years later, the website, which has a Spanish version, receives visitors from 41 countries. <br />
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Five years after my advanced stage diagnosis, on October 1, 2009, Connecticut became the first state to require the communication of breast density to the patient through her mammography report. This landmark legislation has made a significant impact in the standard protocol of early detection. Women are now informed of their breast density and have access to reliable screening tools to find cancer early when it is most treatable. <br />
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Connecticut's law has encouraged women in other states to advocate for a breast density bill. These women, like me, learned about their breast density after their cancer was detected within a year of a "normal" mammogram. Presently, there are pending bills in Florida, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts. Other States are actively seeking legislation (Missouri, Kansas, California). Together we founded D.E.N.S.E. (Density Education National Survivors' Effort) and are working on a Federal Bill. <br />
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Every 3 minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer. Thirty-eight percent of newly diagnosed breast cancers is at the advanced stage. This life's work is making a significant impact by giving women with dense breast tissue access to an early breast cancer diagnosis. I never had that opportunity. >> <br />
<br />
Nancy M. Cappello, Ph.D. <br />
President and Founder <br />
Are You Dense, Inc.<br />
<div class="im">A 501(c)(3) Public Charity<br />
Founding Member of <b>D.E.N.S.E</b>. (Density Education National Survivors' Effort)<br />
<br />
<br />
For more info, please visit:<br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://www.areyoudense.org/" style="color: #3d85c6;">http://www.areyoudense.org</a> </div>Follow Are You Dense on Facebook <br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/areyoudense" style="color: #3d85c6;">http://www.facebook.com/areyoudense </a><br />
<br />
</div>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-69744922955917742182011-01-25T21:09:00.002-05:002011-01-26T11:57:35.395-05:00Gamma Ray Technology for Dense Breast Tissue ?Continuing with my search, I came across this new technology to detect tumors in Dense Breast Tissue, and I thought on sharing it with you...<br />
<br />
<b>Dr. Deborah Rhodes: A tool that finds 3x more breast tumors, and why it’s not available to you</b><br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/deborah_rhodes.html">http://www.ted.com/talks/deborah_rhodes.html<br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="326" width="446"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param><param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/DeborahRhodes_2010W-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/DeborahRhodes-2010W.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=1047&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=deborah_rhodes;year=2010;theme=what_s_next_in_tech;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=design_like_you_give_a_damn;theme=celebrating_tedwomen;event=TEDWomen;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/DeborahRhodes_2010W-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/DeborahRhodes-2010W.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=1047&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=deborah_rhodes;year=2010;theme=what_s_next_in_tech;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=design_like_you_give_a_damn;theme=celebrating_tedwomen;event=TEDWomen;"></embed></object></div><br />
Dr. Deborah Rhodes is an expert at managing breast-cancer risk. The director of the Mayo Clinic’s Executive Health Program is now testing a gamma camera that can see tumors that get missed by mammography.<br />
<br />
<b>ABOUT THIS TALK</b><br />
<br />
Working with a team of physicists, Dr. Deborah Rhodes developed a new tool for tumor detection that's 3 times as effective as traditional mammograms for women with dense breast tissue. The life-saving implications are stunning. So why haven't we heard of it? Rhodes shares the story behind the tool's creation, and the web of politics and economics that keep it from mainstream use.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>MY QUESTION</b><br />
<br />
I would like to ask Dr Rhodes about the injection of radiation that one needs to receive in order for the Gamma Rays to detect cancer on Dense Breast Tissue; are there secondary effects to this injection? Is there a chance of allergic reactions to the injection?<br />
<br />
Other than that, it seems to be a wonderful tool and I hope it can be available to all soon.Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-43155960422504065012011-01-21T00:09:00.008-05:002011-01-21T01:23:04.190-05:00Connecticut the only state that requires mammography reports to include breast density informationFormer Connecticut Governor Jody Rell, a breast cancer survivor, signed in 2009 a bill that standardizes the communication of breast density.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTkJNiE69QI/AAAAAAAABF4/eWVfj2rs3ws/s1600/governor-rell-bill-signing-with-joe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTkJNiE69QI/AAAAAAAABF4/eWVfj2rs3ws/s320/governor-rell-bill-signing-with-joe.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senator Crisco's breast density bill is signed into law by Governor Rell. <br />
Featured left to right: Cheryl Cepelak and Anne Morris of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Representative Steve Fontana, Governor Rell, <a href="http://www.areyoudense.org/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Nancy Cappello</a>, Senator Crisco, and Joseph Cappello.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>According to this bill...<br />
<br />
"S.B. 458 requires all mammography reports given to a patient on and after October 1, 2009 to include information about breast density. When applicable, the report must include the following notice: If your mammogram demonstrates that you have dense breast tissue, which could hide small abnormalities, you might benefit from supplementary screening tests, which can include a breast ultrasound screening or a breast MRI examination, or both, depending on your individual risk factors."<br />
<br />
"Connecticut General Statute Sections 38a-503 and 38a-530 <u>requires insurance companies to provide coverage for comprehensive ultrasound screening of an entire breast or breasts if a mammogram demonstrates heterogeneous or dense breast tissue</u> based on the BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) established by the American College of Radiology (ACR). "<br />
<br />
To see a copy of the Connecticut <b>Law </b>that has been passed already; please see <a href="http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/ACT/PA/2009PA-00041-R00SB-00458-PA.htm%20%20%20%09" style="color: #3d85c6;">http://www.cga.ct.gov/2009/ACT/PA/2009PA-00041-R00SB-00458-PA.htm </a><br />
<br />
Connecticut lead the way and other states are starting to do their part. Florida introduced a bill this month on mammograms reports to include information about breast density of the patient. The effective date of this bill is October 2011. <span id="search" style="visibility: visible;">New York <i>State's Breast Density Inform Law</i> S 8488, is about to be introduced to the <i>State</i> Senate this month. Just to name a few of the states that are already working to fix this issue</span><br />
<br />
However, we can also do our part letting the legislators know of the importance for every women to know her breast density. So, here is a petition to make it a Law in the rest of the states:<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.petition2congress.com/3525/an-act-requiring-communication-mammographic-breast-density-inform/#comment-1067947">An Act Requiring Communication Of Mammographic Breast Density Information To Patients</a></span></div><br />
<b>Breast Density Facts</b><br />
<br />
2/3 of pre-menopausal and 1/4 of post menopausal women have dense breast tissue and many don't even know it.<br />
<br />
Cancer is 5 times more likely in women with extremely dense breasts.<br />
<br />
A mammogram will find ONLY 48% of tumors in women with dense breast tissue (and therefore elude early detection)<br />
<br />
Breast Density is one of the strongest predictors of the failure of mammography screening to detect cancer.<br />
<br />
Cancer recurrence is four times more likely with women with dense breasts.<br />
<br />
The vast majority of women are utterly unaware of their own breast density. A May 2010 national survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that 95% of women ages 40+ do not know their breast density and nearly 90% did not know it increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Why? Their Doctor's have never had a discussion with them about it because there is no set protocol.<br />
<br />
You can sign the petition <b><a href="http://www.petition2congress.com/3525/an-act-requiring-communication-mammographic-breast-density-inform/#comment-1067947" style="color: #3d85c6;">HERE</a></b> <br />
<br />
<br />
...and always remember to do your monthly self- breast exams and have your physician conduct a thorough yearly breast exam. Have a mammogram.<br />
<br />
The mammogram distinguishes the density of a woman’s breasts.Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-54707923315462795712011-01-18T21:42:00.011-05:002011-01-19T09:14:37.122-05:00Scary side of Dense Breast Tissue and MammogramsContinuing with my research I found at <a href="http://breastcancer.about.com/od/mammograms/ig/Mammogram-Images/Normal-Dense-Breast-Tissue.htm" style="color: #3d85c6;">About.com</a> on Breast Cancer, this useful information (with mammogram images of different breast tissues) and I though to share it with you. So here it is...<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Normal Fatty Breast Tissue on a Mammogram</span><br />
</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTZGHrCbKlI/AAAAAAAABFo/OhRPgLk3tL4/s1600/normal_fatty.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTZGHrCbKlI/AAAAAAAABFo/OhRPgLk3tL4/s320/normal_fatty.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Normal Fatty Breast Tissue on a Mammogram</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">National Cancer Institute</span></i></div><br />
<b>Description</b>: Shown is a mammogram of a normal fatty breast, typical of older women. Diagnosis of abnormal lesions or cancer is more accurate in non-dense breasts. <br />
<br />
Mammograms work best on fatty breasts because they have less areas of density (whiter masses). Breast masses which usually cause concern are lighter than normal dense tissue. <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Normal Dense Breast Tissue on a Mammogram<br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTZGufJeEOI/AAAAAAAABFs/ec-ura52zRs/s1600/normal_dense.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTZGufJeEOI/AAAAAAAABFs/ec-ura52zRs/s320/normal_dense.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Normal Dense Breast Tissue on a Mammogram</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">National Cancer Institute</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><b>Description</b>: Shown are 2 mammograms of normal dense breasts. A dense breast makes a mammographic image difficult to read when and if cancerous lesions are present. These images are typical of breast of younger women. <br />
<br />
Premenopausal women, especially women who have never been pregnant, may have dense breast tissue. (<i>I have three children and have Dense Breast Tissue, so this is not always the rule</i>) These are normal dense breasts. Because fatty breasts are easier for a mammogram to see through, dense breast tissue can sometimes hide outlines of areas that need closer study. If a particular area needs a better image, an ultrasound is usually the next step.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Breast Cancer Tumor on Mammogram<br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTZJYZaFRkI/AAAAAAAABFw/M_jRSCnoZJA/s1600/bc_tumor.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTZJYZaFRkI/AAAAAAAABFw/M_jRSCnoZJA/s320/bc_tumor.jpeg" width="207" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Breast Cancer Tumor on Mammogram</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">National Cancer Institute</span></i></div><br />
<b>Description</b>: Shown is a mammogram of a fatty breast with an obvious cancer, indicated by an arrow in lower right corner.<br />
<br />
A cancerous tumor in the breast is a mass of breast tissue that is growing in an abnormal, uncontrolled way. The tumor may invade surrounding tissue or shed cells into the bloodstream or lymph system. <br />
<br />
<sub>Source: </sub><br />
<sub>Dr. Dwight Kaufman. <a href="http://visualsonline.cancer.gov/details.cfm?imageid=2695" style="color: #3d85c6;" target="_blank">Diagnosis: Mammogram: Normal Dense</a> National Cancer Institute. February 1994.</sub><br />
<br />
<h3 style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;">See more examples of what mammograms look like depending on the type of tissue:</span></h3><ul style="color: #3d85c6;"><li><a href="http://www.halls.md/breast/d0.htm">0% (<i>fatty breasts</i>) mammographic density</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.halls.md/breast/d1-24.htm">1% to 24% mammographic density</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.halls.md/breast/d25-49.htm">25% to 49% mammographic density</a> <span style="color: #444444;">(most common in women over 50)</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.halls.md/breast/d50-74.htm">50% to 74% breast density (<i>dense</i>)</a> <span style="color: #444444;">on mammograms (more common in younger women)</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.halls.md/breast/d75-100.htm">75% to 100% density (<i>really </i><i>dense breasts</i>)</a></li>
</ul>Women in the last two groups have Dense Breast Tissue ...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/MP3DEV4VoNA?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/MP3DEV4VoNA?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="410" height="290"></object></div><div style="text-align: center;">Video<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dr Jennifer Engels, MD <br />
Breast Imaging Specialist</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Cooper Clinic, McKinney, TX</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
I hope this information was useful to you.... until my next post!Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-11454050511367776092011-01-17T10:00:00.009-05:002011-02-03T20:36:07.554-05:00PERSONAL STORY: A story of courage and strength by Dora Ficher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTHwud_fq2I/AAAAAAAABE0/zjkA2KQIjOg/s1600/doraficher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTHwud_fq2I/AAAAAAAABE0/zjkA2KQIjOg/s1600/doraficher.jpg" /></a></div><<I was 34 when diagnosed... <br />
<br />
The way my cancer was found was because I had a lump on my right breast. Went to the doc, got a mammogram. That ended up being a milk gland (I was still breastfeeding). But...they found calcifications in my other breast. Did studies, biopsy, etc... and was diagnosed.<br />
<br />
Since I was 1st diagnosed at the age of 34 it all seemed like a big nightmare... that I would wake up and it would be gone... that "maybe the doctor made a mistake." That this could not be happening to me because I had an 18 month old (baby boy)... From there I went to feelings of great fear....I remember telling my mother how afraid I was of dying…that I was too young to die. The doctor had said to me that he did not know what my prognosis was…that if we were sitting talking to each other in 5 years that maybe he could tell me a little more… that I had stage 3 and it had spread to my lymph nodes. It was very hard trying to listen to all this knowing that my son… (whom I had to suddenly stop breast feeding with no explanation that he would understand) …might have to grow up without me. That was my greatest fear… not being here to watch him grow. I remember thinking, well… maybe I can see him until he is about 5… no 10… until one day I woke up and said to myself… No more of this kind of thinking… I AM going to be around… this disease will not beat me. I am too young; he is too young… I started intensive psychotherapy, and started doing visualization with a wonderful woman who was my mom’s best friend (also a psychologist…. who worked with people going through cancer…. chemo…) I remember imagining and seeing my bad cells and killing them off keeping all the good cells intact. It was like a war inside my body that I was going to win. I was determined!!!<br />
<br />
So… between my yearlong chemo… my mastectomy, and my visualization, things started to look better. And here I am 25 and half years later. Thank Goodness... all good today... I take it a day at a time. >> <br />
<br />
Dora Ficher is a Fine Artist who lives and works in Center City, Philadelphia. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Her website: <a href="http://doraficherartblog.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">http://doraficherartblog.com/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Her blog: <a href="http://doraficherartblog.com/blog/" style="color: #3d85c6;">http://doraficherartblog.com/blog/</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTdDWbzJPLI/AAAAAAAABF0/AVcWMZARIDA/s1600/n686213288_456818_407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTdDWbzJPLI/AAAAAAAABF0/AVcWMZARIDA/s400/n686213288_456818_407.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dora Ficher (front row) with her Team "Breast Wars" during<br />
<a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer">The Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk</a>-2007 </td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-37092587619196733202011-01-16T10:00:00.004-05:002011-01-19T22:23:42.089-05:00BRCA Mutation Awareness and EducationIn the meantime... I'm donating all proceeds from the sales of my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/16597682/awareness-an-art-mirror-for-a-caused6de934602e8e337a281e7f09349e0ae" style="color: #3d85c6;">pocket mirrors</a> with the printed image of "Awareness" to the <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.facingourrisk.org/how_to_help/funds/downey_sisters.php" style="color: #3d85c6;">Downey Sisters' Fund FOR BRCA MUTATION AWARENESS AND EDUCATION</a> </span>established by Phebe and Frederick Downey, to honor their daughters: <i>Ann Downey Little • Margaret Downey Hardy • Katherine Downey Berges • Martha Downey Lemp </i><br />
<br />
The fund its been used to educate the public and the medical community about the genetic risk of breast and ovarian cancer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/S-QjpqoBxVI/AAAAAAAAA1I/lxDx2a8-hqs/s1600/downeys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/S-QjpqoBxVI/AAAAAAAAA1I/lxDx2a8-hqs/s320/downeys.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Phebe and Fred (Center) with daughters (from left to right) </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> Ann, Meg, Kate and Marti </i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here is their story</span>: <i><< Each of our four daughters was determined to have a BRCA1 gene mutation in the summer of 2009. This was after one of their paternal second cousins was diagnosed with breast cancer, and tested positive for a specific BRCA1 mutation which runs in families of Irish/English descent. The hereditary factor became obvious enough to merit active attention.<br />
<br />
Fred was tested first and found to have the mutation; our daughters then moved quickly, and unfortunately, each of the four also tested positive. This confirmed some knowledge that had been denied us: hereditary cancers can and do come through the male line. All four of our daughters are in various stages of research, prophylactic surgeries, and treatment. Shockingly, Ann is now battling early stage breast cancer and Martha, early stage ovarian cancer. In each case, <i><b>awareness</b></i> of the BRCA1 mutation led to earlier diagnosis than would have occurred otherwise. Both Kate and Meg are in the process of undergoing prophylactic surgeries, and we hope and pray that no further cancers are discovered. </i><br />
<i><br />
The sadness, the shock, and the diagnoses prompted us to act. We chose FORCE as our avenue because its mission included "to raise awareness of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer" and "to promote research specific to hereditary cancer". This fund will be targeted towards education of both the public and the medical community, so that through it, we might be able to lessen procedures, ease suffering, and best of all, save lives.>></i><br />
<br />
I have posted a permanent link in the right margin of this blog for you to buy the pocket mirrors any time you want. <br />
<br />
To learn more about the Downey Sister's Fund, please click<span style="color: #3d85c6;"> </span><a href="http://www.facingourrisk.org/how_to_help/funds/downey_sisters.php" style="color: #3d85c6;">here</a>. You can also donate directly to their fund <a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=for&id=1" style="color: #3d85c6;">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<i>"Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain." ... Anonymous</i>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-43220326702401651072011-01-15T12:31:00.012-05:002011-01-16T13:50:20.154-05:00"Awareness" for a cause!! An update...<i>This is my third post here, in this new blog, and I want to recap so you know where I stand until now with my research...</i><br />
<br />
Following up in my search for someone to give my sculpture "Awareness" to, I have met some very interesting people, who have given me lots of useful information. I was also interviewed by Ann Nyberg, a Connecticut TV anchor (WTNH-TV news) and a lovely human being, for her fresh and uplifting blog, <a href="http://www.anniemame.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Annie Mame.com</a><span style="color: #3d85c6;">.</span><br />
<br />
Ann's blog is dedicated to showcase all the extraordinary people and places in our beautiful nutmeg state of Connecticut. So, it was an honor for me to be interviewed by her, and it has helped me to spread my message further more. Here is a link to her blog post:<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #3d85c6; text-align: center;"><h2><a href="http://www.anniemame.com/2010/03/04/art-and-philanthropy-its-a-beautiful-thing/"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Art and Philanthropy, It’s a Beautiful Thing</span><br />
</span></a></h2></div>Besides, I was featured with my sculpture "Awareness" at the Celebrate the Healing Power of Art blog: <a href="http://healingpowerofart.blogspot.com/2010/03/corina-alvarezdelugo-creates-art-with.html" style="color: #3d85c6;"><br />
</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://healingpowerofart.blogspot.com/2010/03/corina-alvarezdelugo-creates-art-with.html" style="color: #3d85c6;">Corina Alvarezdelugo Creates Art With A Message</a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">"The purpose of <b>Celebrate The Healing Power of ART</b>, founded by Renee Phillips, Director of Manhattan Arts International, is to Promote ART and all aspects of CREATIVITY and its vital importance to healing individuals and the planet. We believe that when Artists create healing Art they not only experience a healing process within themselves, their Art also has a healing impact on viewers." Excerpt from their blog.<br />
</span></i></div><i> </i><br />
I'm currently looking into each one of the recommendations I have received, and hopefully soon, I will have someone to donate my artwork to. But, most of all I would like to make a difference with this donation, it would be too easy to just give it away to any of the wonderful foundations out there, but then my donation would just disappear in the air... I WANT TO MAKE A FUSS!! I want to make a difference with my donation, I want to see the change for the better in the current screening technology for women with Dense Breast Tissue.<br />
---------<br />
<br />
To wrap it all for now, I would like to thank all of you who have shown interest in what I'm trying to do and to those of you who have given me names of people and/or foundation working on Dense Breast Tissue. I really appreciate your efforts. Also, a big thank you to the brave women that are starting to give me their stories to share here with you. Stay tune!<br />
<br />
...and remember, PLEASE take good care of yourselves and the lovely ladies in your lives!!!Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-64812449817439977242011-01-14T22:19:00.005-05:002011-01-15T15:40:53.011-05:00Here's my story, the story of AWARENESS!It was the year 2006, when I received the results from a routine mammogram that read: “<i>probably benign: needs to be reevaluated in 6 months.</i>” This is a result that no one wants to receive... is it benign or not? would I have cancer or not? imagine repeating that in your head every day for 6 months? What kind of result is that?<br />
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I had lost a lot of weight, 40 pounds to be exact. I was eating very healthy, exercising, and taking good care of my self. The doctor said that, because I have <b>Dense Breast Tissue</b> and had lost so much weight since my last mammogram, the radiologist couldn't know for sure that, what she was seeing in the x-ray, were in fact cysts or just my dense tissue. For this reason I had to wait six months to repeat the mammogram.<br />
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Meanwhile, one of my sisters in-law was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She have had her ovaries and uterus removed a few years before and "supposedly" didn't have cancer then. Now she had develop cancer of the peritoneum, with metastasis in the liver... Fortunately, she overcame all odds and even though it came back two years ago, she's now cancer free, and we pray for her to stay that way.<br />
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I'm telling you all these because the doctors never found the primary cancer on my sister in-law, but for what I have read, the type of cancer she developed is very common on women that had ovarian cancer.<br />
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So all these, her diagnosis, my crazy results, and the facts I read on-line, were all wondering around in my head, which motivated me to create AWARENESS. At first, it was a mean for me to release stress. Working with "mud" has tons of health benefits, and when one creates something beautiful out of something horrible, that in itself is healing. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTEGO8GXDdI/AAAAAAAABBs/NNNWAduClvE/s1600/Breast+Cancer+Awareness1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTEGO8GXDdI/AAAAAAAABBs/NNNWAduClvE/s200/Breast+Cancer+Awareness1.jpg" width="188" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTEGPT9OjcI/AAAAAAAABBw/KOvUnbWu0b8/s1600/Breast+Cancer+Awareness2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTEGPT9OjcI/AAAAAAAABBw/KOvUnbWu0b8/s200/Breast+Cancer+Awareness2.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTEGQ38gE1I/AAAAAAAABB8/bIKW4izoABc/s1600/Breast+Cancer+Awareness5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTEGQ38gE1I/AAAAAAAABB8/bIKW4izoABc/s200/Breast+Cancer+Awareness5.JPG" width="185" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTEGQZy55RI/AAAAAAAABB4/sy9N8tBpWQ0/s1600/Breast+Cancer+Awareness4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/TTEGQZy55RI/AAAAAAAABB4/sy9N8tBpWQ0/s200/Breast+Cancer+Awareness4.jpg" width="196" /></a> </div>Later on, when the piece was finished I wanted to display it in as many venues as I could hoping it would bring healing to the people that saw it, and inspire women to take a more proactive approach to stay healthy. Yet, since its conception, all I wanted was to donate it to women cancer.<br />
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Imaging what I felt, every time Awareness was juried into an exhibition and much more, when it received the <b>Best in Sculpture</b> award at the <a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Manhattan Arts International</a> at the HerStory online Competition, NYC, in 2009.<br />
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Recapitulating, I waited my six months patiently and went back for my mammogram and the results that time were: <i>Negative</i>. What a relief!<br />
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Ever since then, I go for my routine mammogram every year, but now they order a sonogram every time as well. Dense breast tissue tend to be the perfect environment for cysts, and I'm not the exception. I have a few they need to check on every time. I also do my monthly self-exam and that's how I have found the cysts. I just try to make sure they don't grow...which is not an easy task...<br />
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Last year, after it appeared in the news that mammograms were not really necessary every year and so forth, I still went for my regular check up, but, at the time, my sonogram was not covered by my insurance. So, I changed insurance company. Let's see what happens this year! I'll keep you posted.<br />
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One thing that really bothers me is that why do we, women with Dense Breast Tissue, have to go through the radiation of a mammogram if it doesn't read our kind of breast tissue? I believe sonograms read better Dense Breast Tissue, though it still makes mistakes... in my humble opinion.<br />
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Non of the answers I have found out there have pleased me, not even that of my GYN. But still I'm here about to make my yearly appointment (Just got the postcard reminding me)...<br />
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Note: <i>The ribbon in these pictures was the original I made, but unfortunately it got broken while the piece was drying. So I had to made a new one for it. This process was rather challenging because clay shrinks and when one wants pieces to fit together they have to be made at the same time, so the dry together. Since the body of the sculpture had already started to dry I had to put plastic on top of it and work the new ribbon, making it a little larger, so when it shrank it would fit perfectly, or close to perfect.</i>Corina S. Alvarezdelugohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02599152977246141512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4711375708911053736.post-62772069652680127862011-01-13T22:41:00.011-05:002011-01-14T20:19:22.098-05:00Art, Dense Breast Tissue and Breast CancerLast year I published this post on my <a href="http://corinadotdash.blogspot.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Art Blog</a>:<br />
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<i>My dear readers, I've made a sculpture with the idea not only to raise awareness about breast cancer - women cancer - but also to give it away, to donate it to a foundation that researches for a cure to breast cancer or women cancer.</i><br />
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<i>So, after having it shown in several venues around Connecticut and in NYC, and viewed internationally through web-based galleries, it's time for me to part from it, and for this I NEED YOUR HELP.</i><br />
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<i>I've tried to find the right foundation but there are so many out there that it's hard to choose from... I do know, however, that many, many women, like me, have dense breast tissue which makes it harder for mammograms to detect abnormalities in the breast. You see, dense areas in the breast show up as white in the mammograms, as well as tumors that also show up as white. To make it even worse for us, in a recent study they have found that the cells that make up dense breast tissue may be a more fertile ground for cancer cells to grow in. The studies even suggested that the cancer cells found in women with dense breast tissue tend to be more aggressive that in women with normal breast tissue.</i><br />
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<i>Therefore, since women with dense breast tissue seem to be more likely to get breast cancer and it's harder to be detected early, I would like to donate my sculpture AWARENESS to a foundation researching for a better way to diagnose and prevent Breast Cancer in women with Dense Breast Tissue. So, if you know of a foundation that would benefit on using my work as a fundraiser for their research efforts, as well as to serve as a reminder that we all women need to be aware of the risks and that we need to take prevention into our hands, please let me know. I would really appreciate it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/S4NCZtMbKaI/AAAAAAAAAxU/MQpNSOxCE-Q/s1600-h/awareness,stonewareandcedar,10x8x8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/S4NCZtMbKaI/AAAAAAAAAxU/MQpNSOxCE-Q/s320/awareness,stonewareandcedar,10x8x8.jpg" /></a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/S4NCbSgC3kI/AAAAAAAAAxc/U1mtAyiFcwM/s1600-h/awareness,stonewareandcedar,10x8x8,1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/S4NCbSgC3kI/AAAAAAAAAxc/U1mtAyiFcwM/s200/awareness,stonewareandcedar,10x8x8,1.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/S4NCdOWvi2I/AAAAAAAAAxk/47lb8zfSZ0Y/s1600-h/awareness,stonewareandcedar,10x8x8,2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="176" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_oW-qLdPTqeI/S4NCdOWvi2I/AAAAAAAAAxk/47lb8zfSZ0Y/s200/awareness,stonewareandcedar,10x8x8,2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>AWARENESS</b></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> stoneware on cedar wood</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> 10"h x 8"w x 8"d </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> Best in Sculpture</b> at the <a href="http://www.manhattanarts.com/" style="color: #3d85c6;">Manhattan Arts International</a> HerStory online Competition, NYC, 2009</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (c) Corina S. Alvarezdelugo</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<i>NOTE: Since the best medicine is prevention, please women out there do your <a href="http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_How_to_perform_a_breast_self_exam_5.asp" style="color: #3d85c6;">monthly breast self-exam</a> and have your mammogram done once a year, at least until we know of something better. </i><br />
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This article has created a lot of buzz and that's just what we want, so I decided to make a new blog dedicated just to this issue. <br />
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Here, I will keep you updated on my search to donate my sculpture. I will write about what motivated me to create this sculpture. I'll have links to useful websites related to prevention and information about Dense Breast Tissue. Though, this blog would be nothing without YOU!<br />
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So, please, feel at home, browse around, make comments to my posts (I promise to reply back), and if you want to tell your story, please, feel free to email it to me at DBTAWARENESS {at} GMAIL.COM. I'll be happy to post it here.<br />
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DISCLAIMER:<i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm not a doctor or medical professional, I'm just an artist, a woman, who happens to have Dense Breast Tissue. If you have medical questions or concerns, please ask your physician or medical practitioner. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Please, read the complete disclaimer at the bottom of the blog. Thank you</i></span><br />
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