Sunday, December 16, 2007
Dreaming of the cure
Dreaming of the cure
A blog devoted to Breast Cancer information and news. Has a very small amount of content at this point, but is focused on helping to spread the awareness of Breast Cancer Causes.
Started in June 2007 and based in San Diego this 50 year old woman is motivated to help make a difference by quilting and raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Support Our Boobs
Here is a great site that has eye catching products. The traditional Pink Ribbon gets a silly makeover that may just be the thing to stand out in a sea of ribbons.
In their own words:
"10% Of All Sales Donated to Breast Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Research.
Welcome to Support Our BoobsTM dot com. We have dedicated our time to producing clever and controversial products to help spread the word about a very serious disease that affects one out of eight women worldwide. Cancer is the number two killer of all women but we think it doesn't have to be that way. We know if we can raise breast cancer awareness across the globe then we can save lives."
And with products like these, they just may do it...
If you would like to check them out, and perhaps do a little supportive shopping, go to: Support Our Boobs
In their own words:
"10% Of All Sales Donated to Breast Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Research.
Welcome to Support Our BoobsTM dot com. We have dedicated our time to producing clever and controversial products to help spread the word about a very serious disease that affects one out of eight women worldwide. Cancer is the number two killer of all women but we think it doesn't have to be that way. We know if we can raise breast cancer awareness across the globe then we can save lives."
And with products like these, they just may do it...
If you would like to check them out, and perhaps do a little supportive shopping, go to: Support Our Boobs
Connecting with others
One of the worst things about wondering if I had breast cancer or not, was feeling separated from the life that I had before the lump. The life went on as usual, laundry piled up in the hamper, dishes stacked up in the sink, the tub still got dirty, and my friends still wanted to party like rockstars. But I did not. I was stuck inside my head, and it was filled with what ifs and worry.
For me, reading the words of those that had gone where I was going was a way to calm my fears. This could be overcome. I could take on this mountain of a challenge. And I could do it with grace and dignity. (Or at least have the appearance of dignity to those whose lives were still filed with thoughts of the next pair of shoes they wanted to buy.)
I stumbled across a few Blogs. And it was just what I needed. Daily perspective without someone telling me it was all going to be fine. (It is like a doctor saying that it is not going to hurt, or that the medicine goes down better with a spoonful of sugar, we know that already so we don't want to hear about it from those that don't have to take the spoonful of sugar in the first place.)
Here is a Blog about a 33 year old woman who is a breast cancer survivor. It is a regular Blog, written by a regular woman who has been there. She is like a friend that you already know, but don't. I came across it after my ordeal, but thought that I would pass it along anyway. You might just like it, and it just may help keep a little of the perspective that gets lost in the waiting game.
HOPE, STRENGTH, & COURAGE: My Story of Survival through Breast Cancer
As she says, she is reconstructing life after breast cancer.
For me, reading the words of those that had gone where I was going was a way to calm my fears. This could be overcome. I could take on this mountain of a challenge. And I could do it with grace and dignity. (Or at least have the appearance of dignity to those whose lives were still filed with thoughts of the next pair of shoes they wanted to buy.)
I stumbled across a few Blogs. And it was just what I needed. Daily perspective without someone telling me it was all going to be fine. (It is like a doctor saying that it is not going to hurt, or that the medicine goes down better with a spoonful of sugar, we know that already so we don't want to hear about it from those that don't have to take the spoonful of sugar in the first place.)
Here is a Blog about a 33 year old woman who is a breast cancer survivor. It is a regular Blog, written by a regular woman who has been there. She is like a friend that you already know, but don't. I came across it after my ordeal, but thought that I would pass it along anyway. You might just like it, and it just may help keep a little of the perspective that gets lost in the waiting game.
HOPE, STRENGTH, & COURAGE: My Story of Survival through Breast Cancer
As she says, she is reconstructing life after breast cancer.
The Pink Ribbon Program
Information on the Pink Ribbon Program :
Excerpted from the website:
"Since 1991, the pink ribbon has symbolized breast cancer. Evelyn H. Lauder, founder and president of the Breast Cancer research Foundation says, "The pink ribbon stands for awareness. And it stands for the sisterhood that will help women survive – and conquer – this disease."
For more information on the Pink Ribbon Program:
(713) 792-JOIN
Located in Texas.
The Pink Ribbon Program is part of the Anderson Network. Also part of the Anderson Network is the Nellie B. Connally Breast Center.
"The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center is tickled pink thanks to the Pink Ribbon Volunteer Program established by the Department of Volunteer Services in the fall of 2001."
The Anderson Network ; a support group for cancer patients in Texas:
Patient & Caregiver Support Line:
800-345-6324
713-792-2553
Excerpted from the site:
"The Anderson Network is a unique cancer support group of more than 1,300 current and former patients who know just what you're going through, and can offer the right patient-to-patient advice and encouragement when you need it most. Our members are living proof that no matter what your diagnosis and treatment, there is always hope and the chance to live each day fully. "
Excerpted from the website:
"Since 1991, the pink ribbon has symbolized breast cancer. Evelyn H. Lauder, founder and president of the Breast Cancer research Foundation says, "The pink ribbon stands for awareness. And it stands for the sisterhood that will help women survive – and conquer – this disease."
For more information on the Pink Ribbon Program:
(713) 792-JOIN
Located in Texas.
The Pink Ribbon Program is part of the Anderson Network. Also part of the Anderson Network is the Nellie B. Connally Breast Center.
"The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center is tickled pink thanks to the Pink Ribbon Volunteer Program established by the Department of Volunteer Services in the fall of 2001."
The Anderson Network ; a support group for cancer patients in Texas:
Patient & Caregiver Support Line:
800-345-6324
713-792-2553
Excerpted from the site:
"The Anderson Network is a unique cancer support group of more than 1,300 current and former patients who know just what you're going through, and can offer the right patient-to-patient advice and encouragement when you need it most. Our members are living proof that no matter what your diagnosis and treatment, there is always hope and the chance to live each day fully. "
Monday, December 10, 2007
More posts on the web about the new breast cancer blood test
The Medical Freedom Channel posted an article titled: New blood test may spot early Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s The article, credited to Fox News, was posted on December 03, 2007. It was written by Steve Trinward.
The very short article states:
"Houston-based Power3 Medical Products says it has pioneered simple, low-cost blood tests for Alzheimer’s, as well as breast cancer and Parkinson’s disease. ‘With our tests, you don’t have to wait around for 6 or 10 years [to spot the problem],’ CEO Steven Rash told Popsci.com. The breast cancer test, to be released next year, is less invasive than a mammogram and is the first diagnostic to result from the field of proteomics, which looks for telltale proteins in a person’s blood, just as genetic tests screen for disease-causing genes."
The article also has a link for the news story titled: "Biotech Company: New Blood Test Spots Alzheimer's, Breast Cancer, Parkinson's Before You Get Sick" and posted on November 30, 2007.
The Fox News article has a link for an article posted on Popsci.com
The Popsci.com article titled: Diagnosis 2.0 A new blood test promises to spot cancer and Alzheimer’s long before you get sick was written by Kalee Thompson in November 2007.
With this long string of posts, articles, and blogs all bantering about the new test, it is only a matter of time before the regular press catches wind of the new development. It is of course, my hope that by the time the test is approved and released for use next year that it is already a common awareness for young women and men looking for a proactive and (hopefully) more conclusive screening and diagnosis method for breast cancer.
The very short article states:
"Houston-based Power3 Medical Products says it has pioneered simple, low-cost blood tests for Alzheimer’s, as well as breast cancer and Parkinson’s disease. ‘With our tests, you don’t have to wait around for 6 or 10 years [to spot the problem],’ CEO Steven Rash told Popsci.com. The breast cancer test, to be released next year, is less invasive than a mammogram and is the first diagnostic to result from the field of proteomics, which looks for telltale proteins in a person’s blood, just as genetic tests screen for disease-causing genes."
The article also has a link for the news story titled: "Biotech Company: New Blood Test Spots Alzheimer's, Breast Cancer, Parkinson's Before You Get Sick" and posted on November 30, 2007.
The Fox News article has a link for an article posted on Popsci.com
The Popsci.com article titled: Diagnosis 2.0 A new blood test promises to spot cancer and Alzheimer’s long before you get sick was written by Kalee Thompson in November 2007.
With this long string of posts, articles, and blogs all bantering about the new test, it is only a matter of time before the regular press catches wind of the new development. It is of course, my hope that by the time the test is approved and released for use next year that it is already a common awareness for young women and men looking for a proactive and (hopefully) more conclusive screening and diagnosis method for breast cancer.
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
Here is an article that talks about a program in Chicago called “Women Take Charge Night”. Posted on August 12, 2007, the website: Polish News discusses the success of the new program and of the newly expanded Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program to get free breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment, where more than 3,500 women have enrolled for participation in.
Please note that the program for free breast cancer screening is for women OVER 40 and for young women who are at "high risk" with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as some young women with existing breast cancer symptoms.
Excerpted from the article:
"Beginning October 1st, 2007, Governor Blagojevich expanded the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, making Illinois the first state in the nation to provide access to all uninsured women who need screening and treatment and making over 260,000 more women eligible for the program. All uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 now qualify for mammograms and breast exams, and uninsured women between 35 and 64 now qualify for pelvic exams and Pap tests. On a case-by-case basis, younger, symptomatic women who meet the guidelines are considered for the program. The screening program is free."
"Since the expansion was announced on October 1st, more than 3,500 women have signed up for services through the program. This represents an increase of 121% compared to the same time period last year. Since Governor Blagojevich took office in 2003, more than 109,000 breast and cervical cancer screenings have been performed through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program for over 53,000 women. Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than 183,000 screenings have been performed."
To obtaion information on how to get free breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment go to:
Illinois Cancer Screening
Or call:
The Women’s Health-Line
888-522-1282
800-547-0466- for TTY (hearing impaired use only)
Information on IBCCP and other women’s health and programs can also be found on the IDPH website.
Please note that the program for free breast cancer screening is for women OVER 40 and for young women who are at "high risk" with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as some young women with existing breast cancer symptoms.
Excerpted from the article:
"Beginning October 1st, 2007, Governor Blagojevich expanded the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, making Illinois the first state in the nation to provide access to all uninsured women who need screening and treatment and making over 260,000 more women eligible for the program. All uninsured women between the ages of 40 and 64 now qualify for mammograms and breast exams, and uninsured women between 35 and 64 now qualify for pelvic exams and Pap tests. On a case-by-case basis, younger, symptomatic women who meet the guidelines are considered for the program. The screening program is free."
"Since the expansion was announced on October 1st, more than 3,500 women have signed up for services through the program. This represents an increase of 121% compared to the same time period last year. Since Governor Blagojevich took office in 2003, more than 109,000 breast and cervical cancer screenings have been performed through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program for over 53,000 women. Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than 183,000 screenings have been performed."
To obtaion information on how to get free breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment go to:
Illinois Cancer Screening
Or call:
The Women’s Health-Line
888-522-1282
800-547-0466- for TTY (hearing impaired use only)
Information on IBCCP and other women’s health and programs can also be found on the IDPH website.
Anderson Network
The Pink Ribbon Program is part of the Anderson Network. Also part of the Anderson Network is the Nellie B. Connally Breast Center.
"The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center is tickled pink thanks to the Pink Ribbon Volunteer Program established by the Department of Volunteer Services in the fall of 2001."
The Anderson Network ; a support group for cancer patients in Texas:
Patient & Caregiver Support Line:
800-345-6324
713-792-2553
Excerpted from the site:
"The Anderson Network is a unique cancer support group of more than 1,300 current and former patients who know just what you're going through, and can offer the right patient-to-patient advice and encouragement when you need it most. Our members are living proof that no matter what your diagnosis and treatment, there is always hope and the chance to live each day fully. "
"The Nellie B. Connally Breast Center is tickled pink thanks to the Pink Ribbon Volunteer Program established by the Department of Volunteer Services in the fall of 2001."
The Anderson Network ; a support group for cancer patients in Texas:
Patient & Caregiver Support Line:
800-345-6324
713-792-2553
Excerpted from the site:
"The Anderson Network is a unique cancer support group of more than 1,300 current and former patients who know just what you're going through, and can offer the right patient-to-patient advice and encouragement when you need it most. Our members are living proof that no matter what your diagnosis and treatment, there is always hope and the chance to live each day fully. "
RAI: Rise Above It
While not specifically an organization for breast cancer, REI (Rise Above It) is a non-profit organization that focuses on helping young adults battling cancer.
Their Mission Statement:
"RAI creates an immediate positive impact on individuals and families who face the financial, emotional and spiritual challenges resulting from cancer."
"RAI provides financial assistance to young adult patients battling cancer; specifically those undergoing or pursuing clinical trial treatment options."
Upcoming events scheduled for 2008:
Sunday, February 3, 2008
5th Annual Super Bowl Benefit
The Blind Pig, Cleveland
Friday, June 13, 2008
Inaugural Black Tie - Black Dress, Yellow Tie
See Event Flyer
Marriott-Downtown Key Center, Cleveland
To contact RAI:
Rise Above It
P.O. Box 40054
Bay Village, OH 44140
General Email
Ryan O'Donoghue
ryan.odonoghue@raibenefit.org
Event Inquiries
Alexis Vinick
alexis.vinick@raibenefit.org
Their Mission Statement:
"RAI creates an immediate positive impact on individuals and families who face the financial, emotional and spiritual challenges resulting from cancer."
"RAI provides financial assistance to young adult patients battling cancer; specifically those undergoing or pursuing clinical trial treatment options."
Upcoming events scheduled for 2008:
Sunday, February 3, 2008
5th Annual Super Bowl Benefit
The Blind Pig, Cleveland
Friday, June 13, 2008
Inaugural Black Tie - Black Dress, Yellow Tie
See Event Flyer
Marriott-Downtown Key Center, Cleveland
To contact RAI:
Rise Above It
P.O. Box 40054
Bay Village, OH 44140
General Email
Ryan O'Donoghue
ryan.odonoghue@raibenefit.org
Event Inquiries
Alexis Vinick
alexis.vinick@raibenefit.org
Thoughts on the FDA approved HALO Breast Pap Test
Here is yet another mention of the Breast Pap Test. This one written by Kristina Collins for the Cancer Blog was posted on May 12th 2007.
The post, titled; Breast Pap Test to detect abnormal cells, talks about an FDA approved test called the Halo Breast Pap Test System.
Bringing up a very good speculation, the Blog asks you to think about this:
" The introduction of the HALO Breast Pap Test has been compared to the introduction of the Cervical Pap Test in the 1950s, which is widely credited with reducing cervical cancer death rates by more than 70 percent through the identification of abnormal cells in the cervix. Whether the same can be said for the breast pap test remains to be seen, but it is likely that the screen will be adopted by more OB-GYNs as oncologists push for ever earlier identification of cancer."
I am adding to that request for thought with this:
Why is it that an FDA approved test that could have such a huge life-saving impact on young women still under such wraps? Why is it that the test is not spoken of, or offered to patients? What is it going to take to bring the test into the medical offices and into the public eye? And how many women are going to have to suffer through breast cancer because they were denied the availability of early stage screening and diagnosing tests such as the HALO Breast Pap Test?
The post, titled; Breast Pap Test to detect abnormal cells, talks about an FDA approved test called the Halo Breast Pap Test System.
Bringing up a very good speculation, the Blog asks you to think about this:
" The introduction of the HALO Breast Pap Test has been compared to the introduction of the Cervical Pap Test in the 1950s, which is widely credited with reducing cervical cancer death rates by more than 70 percent through the identification of abnormal cells in the cervix. Whether the same can be said for the breast pap test remains to be seen, but it is likely that the screen will be adopted by more OB-GYNs as oncologists push for ever earlier identification of cancer."
I am adding to that request for thought with this:
Why is it that an FDA approved test that could have such a huge life-saving impact on young women still under such wraps? Why is it that the test is not spoken of, or offered to patients? What is it going to take to bring the test into the medical offices and into the public eye? And how many women are going to have to suffer through breast cancer because they were denied the availability of early stage screening and diagnosing tests such as the HALO Breast Pap Test?
Sunday, December 9, 2007
New blood test for diagnosing breast cancer to be out early next year
In a Blog called scienceworld , an article titled Diagnosis 2.0 brought an incredible new test to my attention.
Posted on December 08, 2007 the Blog shared information about a company called "Power3 Medical Products, a biotech firm in Houston, Texas, has developed simple, low-cost blood tests for breast cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's that will allow physicians to spot disease the moment it shows up in a patient's body—years earlier than today's most advanced technologies can catch it."
The article is exceptionally well written and I urge you to go and check out the site for yourself.
Excerpted from the post:
"Power3's breast-cancer test, to be released early next year, is the first diagnostic to emerge from a fast-growing field known as proteomics that looks for telltale proteins in a person's blood, just as genetic tests screen for disease-causing genes."
"The new breast-cancer test is much less invasive than a mammogram or biopsy. A doctor samples a patient's blood and sends it to Power3's lab, where scientists search for 22 irregular proteins that Power3 has identified as early signs of breast cancer. Initially the test will debut in 40 clinics that treat women at high risk for breast cancer, Rash says. Women under 40 years of age with high-risk genetic or family factors should benefit the most, he adds, because their denser breast tissue makes mammography significantly less effective."
Posted on December 08, 2007 the Blog shared information about a company called "Power3 Medical Products, a biotech firm in Houston, Texas, has developed simple, low-cost blood tests for breast cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's that will allow physicians to spot disease the moment it shows up in a patient's body—years earlier than today's most advanced technologies can catch it."
The article is exceptionally well written and I urge you to go and check out the site for yourself.
Excerpted from the post:
"Power3's breast-cancer test, to be released early next year, is the first diagnostic to emerge from a fast-growing field known as proteomics that looks for telltale proteins in a person's blood, just as genetic tests screen for disease-causing genes."
"The new breast-cancer test is much less invasive than a mammogram or biopsy. A doctor samples a patient's blood and sends it to Power3's lab, where scientists search for 22 irregular proteins that Power3 has identified as early signs of breast cancer. Initially the test will debut in 40 clinics that treat women at high risk for breast cancer, Rash says. Women under 40 years of age with high-risk genetic or family factors should benefit the most, he adds, because their denser breast tissue makes mammography significantly less effective."
NeoMatrix Breast Health Solutions
NeoMatrix Breast Health Solutions
Excerpted from the site:
"Based in Irvine, Calif., NeoMatrix develops innovative devices that allow women and their doctors to promote optimal breast health. The company's premier product, the HALO™ Breast Pap Test, is the only fully automated, noninvasive breast disease screening device designed for use in the Primary Care setting as part of an annual well-woman visit."
"The HALO™ Breast Pap Test gives doctors and patients a new method to monitor breast cancer risk, quickly and easily. The fact is, all women are at risk for developing breast cancer. In the US we spend $3 billion annually on breast cancer screening, yet more than 70% of lumps are discovered during self-exams. Unfortunately, by the time a woman can actually feel the lump, the disease is no longer in its earliest, most treatable stage."
About NeoMatrix, LLC:
In their own words; NeoMatrix "Based in Irvine, Calif., NeoMatrix© develops innovative devices that allow women and their Ob-Gyns to promote optimal breast health. The company's premier product, the HALO Breast Pap Test System, is the first fully automated, noninvasive breast disease screening device designed for use in the primary care office setting. The System has been FDA cleared for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid for cytological evaluation for the determination and/or differentiation of normal versus pre-malignant versus malignant cells. For further information, visit www.neomatrix.com."
In a press release on September 05, 2007, NeoMatrix announced "additional funding for breakthrough breast cancer screening test".
"IRVINE, Calif. – Sept. 5, 2007 – NeoMatrix, developer of the HALO™ Breast Pap Test, the first automatic, noninvasive test designed to identify breast cancer risk, announced today that the company has closed a Series C round of equity financing. The financing will enable an expanded market release of the HALO System, which is designed to test asymptomatic women for the presence of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), a known biomarker that can be a precursor to breast cancer. ADH is often found in the breast years earlier than a lesion might be found on a mammogram or a self exam, facilitating early follow-up and treatment or chemoprevention measures."
And if you are looking to contact NeoMatrix:
NeoMatrix
16 Technology Drive, Suite 118
Irvine, CA 92618
Telephone: (949) 753-7844
Toll-free: (800) 600-2613
FAX: (949) 753-7845
To contact us via e-mail: info@neomatrix.com
Excerpted from the site:
"Based in Irvine, Calif., NeoMatrix develops innovative devices that allow women and their doctors to promote optimal breast health. The company's premier product, the HALO™ Breast Pap Test, is the only fully automated, noninvasive breast disease screening device designed for use in the Primary Care setting as part of an annual well-woman visit."
"The HALO™ Breast Pap Test gives doctors and patients a new method to monitor breast cancer risk, quickly and easily. The fact is, all women are at risk for developing breast cancer. In the US we spend $3 billion annually on breast cancer screening, yet more than 70% of lumps are discovered during self-exams. Unfortunately, by the time a woman can actually feel the lump, the disease is no longer in its earliest, most treatable stage."
About NeoMatrix, LLC:
In their own words; NeoMatrix "Based in Irvine, Calif., NeoMatrix© develops innovative devices that allow women and their Ob-Gyns to promote optimal breast health. The company's premier product, the HALO Breast Pap Test System, is the first fully automated, noninvasive breast disease screening device designed for use in the primary care office setting. The System has been FDA cleared for the collection of nipple aspirate fluid for cytological evaluation for the determination and/or differentiation of normal versus pre-malignant versus malignant cells. For further information, visit www.neomatrix.com."
In a press release on September 05, 2007, NeoMatrix announced "additional funding for breakthrough breast cancer screening test".
"IRVINE, Calif. – Sept. 5, 2007 – NeoMatrix, developer of the HALO™ Breast Pap Test, the first automatic, noninvasive test designed to identify breast cancer risk, announced today that the company has closed a Series C round of equity financing. The financing will enable an expanded market release of the HALO System, which is designed to test asymptomatic women for the presence of atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), a known biomarker that can be a precursor to breast cancer. ADH is often found in the breast years earlier than a lesion might be found on a mammogram or a self exam, facilitating early follow-up and treatment or chemoprevention measures."
And if you are looking to contact NeoMatrix:
NeoMatrix
16 Technology Drive, Suite 118
Irvine, CA 92618
Telephone: (949) 753-7844
Toll-free: (800) 600-2613
FAX: (949) 753-7845
To contact us via e-mail: info@neomatrix.com
A new detection test for young women!
This is really cool! A new test that can detect 95% of the most common type of breast cancer UP TO 7 YEARS BEFORE the cells actually become cancer! (So incredible is this new test, that I am seriously wondering WHY I have never heard of the test, and WHY the test was not offered to me at any time... I know, the mind boggles...)
Called the Halo Breast Pap Test, it is available now in Southern Nevada. And with a little digging around, now that I know what to look for, I came across a few other articles about the test as well. (And if you are wondering if the FDA has approved this test, the answer is YES IT HAS!)
The initial article that I came across was posted by the Las Vegas Now Eye Witness News titled: New Test for Detecting Breast Cancer . It was written by Paula Francis, and posted on December 07, 2007.
"The "Halo Breast Pap Test" goes beyond x-rays by detecting abnormal cells as much as eight years before they become cancer."
While not to be considered a replacement for mammography, it can be a real life saver for younger women.
Excerpted from the article:
"Dr. Volker said, "Mammography, which has been the gold standard and still is, is an imaging test. So it's actually looking in time backwards a little bit because we're detecting an early lump. Now, we have a test that we can actually get fluid and cells and look at it before it's a lump."
The Halo System uses a suction device to retrieve fluid from the breast ducts and the fluid is evaluated for abnormal cells. The test finds the most common type of cancer, but it does have limitations.
"It doesn't detect all breast cancer. It detects 95-percent of the most common breast cancer, which is ductal cancer," Dr. Volker continued. He said, "With the breast pap now, that 31-year-old patient or 32-year-old patient who has a family history who's concerned, now they have a screening test that they can latch on to."
These early abnormal cells don't always indicate the beginning stages of cancer. The patient will be watched closely, and an MRI or biopsy may eventually be recommended.
The main advantage of the Halo test is time, because these abnormal cells can take seven years to form a tumor that can be seen on a mammogram."
Called the Halo Breast Pap Test, it is available now in Southern Nevada. And with a little digging around, now that I know what to look for, I came across a few other articles about the test as well. (And if you are wondering if the FDA has approved this test, the answer is YES IT HAS!)
The initial article that I came across was posted by the Las Vegas Now Eye Witness News titled: New Test for Detecting Breast Cancer . It was written by Paula Francis, and posted on December 07, 2007.
"The "Halo Breast Pap Test" goes beyond x-rays by detecting abnormal cells as much as eight years before they become cancer."
While not to be considered a replacement for mammography, it can be a real life saver for younger women.
Excerpted from the article:
"Dr. Volker said, "Mammography, which has been the gold standard and still is, is an imaging test. So it's actually looking in time backwards a little bit because we're detecting an early lump. Now, we have a test that we can actually get fluid and cells and look at it before it's a lump."
The Halo System uses a suction device to retrieve fluid from the breast ducts and the fluid is evaluated for abnormal cells. The test finds the most common type of cancer, but it does have limitations.
"It doesn't detect all breast cancer. It detects 95-percent of the most common breast cancer, which is ductal cancer," Dr. Volker continued. He said, "With the breast pap now, that 31-year-old patient or 32-year-old patient who has a family history who's concerned, now they have a screening test that they can latch on to."
These early abnormal cells don't always indicate the beginning stages of cancer. The patient will be watched closely, and an MRI or biopsy may eventually be recommended.
The main advantage of the Halo test is time, because these abnormal cells can take seven years to form a tumor that can be seen on a mammogram."
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