Dr. Harrison Will Be Taking Your Calls on Dr. Mirabile’s Radio Show!

Great news! Our very own Dr. Linda Harrison will be the guest on Dr. James Mirabile’s radio show tomorrow, July 25th from 1-2p on KCMO Talk Radio (710 AM / 103.7 FM). We’re very excited about this!

Dr. Harrison will be fielding questions from callers and talking about dense breast tissue and – this is important – 3D mammography, the latest advancement in women’s breast health.

Please tune in! Please ask questions! Please have a wonderful weekend and take good care of yourself!

You can listen live here.

Submit your questions online here.

Improving Mammography to 3D Images – No Special Glasses Required

Two years ago, we reported on the emerging technology of 3D mammography. Research since that time has helped to define the benefits and clarify the role of 3D mammography in breast cancer screening.

If you’re wondering how 3D mammography (also called tomosynthesis) works, we have answers. While the machinery will look much like a traditional mammography machine, you will notice a difference when the images are taken. The upper part of the machine will move in an arc while taking several images of the breast tissue. The latest machines approved for 3D mammography can do a 3D study with the same radiation dose as a conventional 2D mammogram, unlike some earlier versions. This is still a mammogram, and yes, compression is still required.

Computers are used to take the digital data obtained from those multiple mini-exposures and convert it into multiple thin, 1 mm or less slices through the breast tissue. The 3D part is done in the radiologist’s head – no special glasses required! The benefit to the radiologist is that the tissue of the breast can be seen without overlap. Think of trying to look through the pages of a book as a whole, versus looking at one page of a book at a time – this is sort of the difference between a 2D mammogram where all the tissue overlaps versus a 3D mammogram where it can be separated.

So what is gained with 3D mammography? There are two important benefits: first, 3D mammography allows the radiologist to find more cancers. Are we excited to find more cancer? No, but… the benefits of early detection are astounding, skyrocketing survival rates. If we can catch cancer early, we can literally save lives. We don’t dance for joy when we discover cancer, but we dance when we know our patient will live.

The other big benefit is the need for fewer work-up studies, especially diagnostic mammograms following a screening study,  because we are able to view the tissue without overlap. The need for additional testing is reduced, thus saving time, cost and anxiety.

While research has shown consistently positive results in the number of cancers found and the reduction in the need for additional testing, the precise role of 3D mammography is still under investigation. Further, most payors are not covering the additional cost of 3D mammography.

More breast cancers are found in women with all breast densities, but those with dense breast tissue will likely benefit the most. Other groups we think will benefit the most include women with a history of breast cancer, family history of breast cancer, women with previous inconclusive mammograms and women with prior breast cysts or lumps.

In short, 3D mammography is proving to be a very valuable tool for breast cancer screening and detection.

(Image credit: 3D-Glasses by xenmate via Flickr. Copyright Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))

The 19th Annual SGK Pink Promise Brunch: Keeping Our Promise

Anything worth promising is worth saying again. We, Diagnostic Imaging Centers, P.A., along with Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Greater Kansas City, gather for the 19th year with a community of survivors and co-survivors to honor a promise between sisters. A promise to find an end to breast cancer.

More than just a special occasion, the annual Pink Promise Brunch is a celebration – of life and loving people, of renewal and hope. Together this group is a community of commitment to educate, support and find cures for breast cancer. All are welcome – survivors, support givers and anyone with an interest in supporting the Komen mission. If you would like to join us, we’d love to have you!

This year’s uplifting event will be on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from 9am until 1pm at the Overland Park Convention Center Ballroom, located at 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66211.

Equally as fun as the eating and camaraderie, conversations and presentations, there is, as always: retail therapy! For everything from health and wellness, to beauty and fashion, to silent auctions, to demos… there’s something for everyone in the special shopping area.

This year’s keynote speaker is humorist and survivor, Christine Clifford. Our very own Dr. Linda Harrison will also be sharing some thoughts on this promising-to-be-wonderful day.

Of all the things we love to celebrate at the Pink Promise Brunch, our favorite person is YOU. Hope to see you there!

Tickets and further details can be found here.

Breast Cancer: No Room at the Inn

Mold loves a musty basement, mosquitoes like standing water and certain bacteria love improperly cooked meats. Given the “right” environment, these buggers flourish. Conversely, if their environments become inhospitable, they don’t live long.

This simple truth got scientists thinking: Is it true for cancer as well? Recently published research in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI) suggests that local environment can similarly influence tumor growth.

Breast and prostate cancers were tested in lab mice who were given chemotherapy and two conditions: a sedentary life or one with an exercise wheel. The mice who exercised fared better.

Here’s how: cancer cells (such as breast and prostate) thrive in areas of hypoxia, or low oxygen. That’s their sweet spot. With exercise comes greater oxygen into the tissues of the body and into the tumors. Improvement in number of blood vessels and smaller areas of poor perfusion or hypoxia were seen in the active mice.

So, score one more for exercise! Not only does it reduce the risk of breast cancer, but it may make tumor growth more difficult. Not a bad side effect for something good for your overall health.

(Image credit: No vacancy. by A National Acrobat via Flickr Copyright Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0))

Lee Denim Day Today!

Jeans used to be the workingman’s clothes. Then they were the fashionable woman’s clothes. Today, they are breast cancer awareness clothes.

 

Yep, it’s officially October and today is officially Lee Denim Day, that special holiday during which fashionable working men and women wear jeans to work – with a purpose.

 

On Lee Denim Day, for a contribution of $5 to the beating-breast-cancer cause, employers across the country are allowing their people to break dress code, throw on a pair of jeans (and a pink shirt if you’re snazzy) and throw support behind all who champion breast health.

 

Remember to ask if your employer does contribution-matching and ask for that nifty “I am helping to finish the fight” sticker for your lapel. Never did dressing down feel so good!

(Image credit: hot pink jeans by Erica Schoonmaker via Flickr Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0))

 

Diagnostic Imaging Centers blogs on regularly about women’s health at www.mammographykc.com and general radiology at www.diagnosticimagingcenterskc.com. Visit our sites for more helpful information!

Bilateral Mastectomy: Be Not Afraid

There’s a difference between fear and caution. As radiologists we practice caution and do our best to alleviate fears.

 

For women who have had cancer in one breast, there is a fear that it can occur in the other. According to the latest study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it’s important to not let fear be the root of an unnecessary surgery. How, you ask? Good question…

 

Treatments for breast cancer can vary. Each woman (or man) has an individualized breast cancer treatment plan based on their cancer(s), size, location and spread. Very serious conversations with your doctors can help determine what’s best for you. The goal is life-saving treatment! But preventative surgeries require even careful conversation.

 

Here’s the key take-away from the study (which you can read about here in lay(wo)men’s terms or here in science-speak):

 

“Use of bilateral mastectomy was not associated with lower mortality than that achieved with breast-conserving surgery plus radiation.”

 

So while we can’t write one post to address the needs of every individual woman who reads this, what we can tell you is that it’s important to remember that you, dear reader, are an individual who deserve the best possible care. And talking to your doctor while fully informed is key to get to your best possible health.

(Image credit: Bse after mastectomy (series of 6) illustration (1) by NIC via Wikimedia Commons Copyright Public Domain)

Diagnostic Imaging Centers blogs on regularly about women’s health at www.mammographykc.com and general radiology at www.diagnosticimagingcenterskc.com. Visit our sites for more helpful information!

 

Aspirin for Breast Health?

Aspirin to reduce recurrence of breast cancer? How does that work?

 

The explanation, published in the journal Cancer Research, is a bit complicated, but we can help highlight the main points.

 

In short, aspirin (part of a class of drugs known as  NSAIDs) can help inhibit the production of certain types of estrogen.

 

As we’ve discussed before, maintaining a healthy body weight is important when it comes to breast health. Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of breast cancer, as well as a harder time with treatments. There are multiple factors involved, but one of the keys is estrogen.

 

Estrogen is part of a healthy woman’s body, but too much of certain types of it live in fatty tissues. This excess estrogen can feed tumor growth in some types of breast cancers.

 

Here’s where aspirin was shown to help. For breast cancer patients with a high body mass index (overweight or obese), aspirin can reduce production of a type of estrogen which can be associated with hormone-receptor positive breast cancers. Overweight breast cancer patients who consistently used aspirin had a 52% reduction in new tumors compared to women not on aspirin. In science, that’s a big number and many potential lives saved.

 

This great article in Time explores in-depth the types of estrogen and how they are affected by aspirin for those of you wanting more scientific information.

 

We’re thrilled by this exploration of yet another way aspirin can be used to treat all manner of diseases. The role of aspirin in the future treatment of breast cancer will need further investigation. For now the biggest takeaway is that there’s hope. Inch by inch, pound by pound, cell by cell, we’re finding ways to ward off breast cancer.

 

 

(Image attribution: Aspirin1 by Mosesofmason via Wikimedia Commons Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0))

 

 

Diagnostic Imaging Centers blogs on regularly about women’s health at www.mammographykc.com and general radiology at www.diagnosticimagingcenterskc.com. Visit our sites for more helpful information!

 

Question of the Day: Should All Women Be Tested for BRCA Mutations?

Is genetic testing for breast cancer for everyone? The truthful answer is we don’t know – at least not yet. But some of the brightest minds in science are stepping up to start the conversation.

 

Remember the BRCA mutations? Mutations in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2  genes carry a high risk for breast and ovarian cancers. However, a mutation in the genes does not mean cancer is a certainty. Additionally, they are only one component of the genetics of breast cancer. Deciding how to manage future risk once a mutation is detected is a deeply personal choice.

 

This is why organizations like Bright Pink exist and where genetic counselors can be invaluable – to help young women who test positive find their own way to deal with the risks.

 

In the past, we’ve noted the debate on if and when to get tested for a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation. Dr. Mary Claire King (instrumental in discovering the mutation) is now recommending that all women over 30 should be tested. She has laid out her reasonings and the research behind them in an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. While only a small percentage of women will test positive, relying on family history alone will miss women with the genetic mutations and elevated risks.

 

An important discussion has been prompted. Concerns for costs of screening all women, the low percentage of women affected, and the presence of other genetic markers all compound the issue.  It will take more research and more time before there is conclusive evidence to guide us. For now, we patiently await that further science to conclude what’s best for women.

 

 

Diagnostic Imaging Centers blogs on regularly about women’s health at www.mammographykc.com and general radiology at www.diagnosticimagingcenterskc.com. Visit our sites for more helpful information!

 

Breast Health? Kansas City Is Close to Flunking…

For the greater Kansas City area, 60-65% of women who should be getting annual screening mammograms have had a mammogram in the last 2 years. That means 35-40% of our Kansas City sisters have NOT had a mammogram in the past 2 years – yikes!

If this were a test, we would have a failing grade!

Kansas City, we can do better! Remember, annual screening mammography is REQUIRED to be covered by insurance without cost to you.

 

NO insurance? There are resources that can help you get a mammogram even without insurance or when cost is an issue.

NO time? Multiple clinics have appointments early, late and even on Saturday.

Know someone who hasn’t had a mammogram and has fears blocking her way? Offer to go with her!

 

Are your family members up-to-date on screening? Ask them! Tell them you’ve had yours – it might prompt others to remember to make that appointment!

 

Together, we can make the women of Kansas City as healthy as they are awesome!

 

 

Diagnostic Imaging Centers blogs on regularly about women’s health at www.mammographykc.com and general radiology at www.diagnosticimagingcenterskc.com. Visit our sites for more helpful information!

 

MRI Breast UPDATE!

We are always watching for news when it comes to women’s imaging and in particular breast imaging.  We found a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showing that we may be getting closer to making MRI breast imaging a more widely available screening tool for breast cancer.

 

Currently breast MRI exams take 30 – 40 minutes. These tests are difficult for some to tolerate as it can be uncomfortable to position on your stomach for this period of time. The exam is also expensive and not covered by all insurance plans. These are some of the factors limiting the role of MRI breast imaging as a screening tool. This new article is exciting as it shows a way of eliminating some of the barriers MRI breast imaging has in becoming a more widely used screening exam.

 

MRI breast imaging is excellent at finding breast cancer, even in women with dense breast tissue shown on their mammogram.  It is currently recommended in addition to mammography for screening women with a strong family history of breast cancer, a genetic risk of breast cancer and in other groups like those having undergone chest irradiation as a child or teen.  MRI breast studies evaluate not just anatomy but also assess enhancement of tissue by using IV contrast material and getting multiple images.  Normal tissue and breast cancer enhance differently allowing the sensitive identification of cancer from background tissue.

 

This recent study used fewer series or sequences of MR images and shortened imaging times,  while still allowing the identification of breast abnormalities. This new protocol means a significantly faster scan time. With fewer series being run and less time on the machine, the cost of this shortened test will be lower than a traditional breast MRI.

 

There are still investigational steps to be done before these shortened breast MRI exams become widely available. The success of this study needs to be confirmed in a larger group of women and by other groups.

 

Here are the great What Ifs… What if instead of a traditional MRI taking 30+ minutes, it took only three? What if breast MRIs done with the newer, faster protocol were just as effective at the early detection of cancer? What if the cost allowed screening of more women with breast MRI?

 

So far, the results of this study show promise in expanding the role of breast MRI in screening more women. Cheers to a speedy route to your best possible health!

 

 

Diagnostic Imaging Centers blogs on regularly about women’s health at www.mammographykc.com and general radiology at www.diagnosticimagingcenterskc.com. Visit our sites for more helpful information!