Preventative surgery
Hello. I am 62 years old. I have a very strong family history of breast cancer. My mum died at 63. Is there anyone who has either had a double mastectomy as a preventative measure? I’m seriously considering it at the moment. I am done with the anxiety after every mammogram waiting for the call to say there is a diagnosis. Annette.
Confirmed BRCA2 gene carrier, 29 year old. Reconstructive surgery discussion re:surgeons etc
Hello everyone, I am 29 years old. I got tested and carry the BRCA2 gene after my aunty developed ovarian cancer. I am pretty confident and sure I would like to proceed down the preventative bilateral mastectomy route. I am in fact a nurse but have been living in England for the last 4 years. I plan to come home next year for my 30th and reconstruction! what an event to enter my 30th year! Please can anyone recommend any fantastic preferably female oncoplastic breast surgeons in Melbourne? Public or private. Has anyone done the same this as me and have had a preventative mastectomy? I would love to get in contact with someone in the same boat as me. Thanks :)
An already existing vaccine for breast cancer- at the Mayo Clinic?
Ok, when I read the article I thought "here we go, another miracle cancer cure that Google knows about yet somehow the Medical Oncology community dont k ow about".... Except that this is the Mayo Clinic, which is probably the most famous medical research institution in the world. Keith Knutson isnt a snake oil merchant. He is a very credible researcher. "But the fact is, Knutson said immunologists at Mayo already have two cancer vaccines against Triple Negative Breast Cancer and HER2 Positive Breast Cancer, respectively. " Is this real? Is there an actual vaccine? It is described as something to take after active treatment. I got in touch with the Mayo clinic and they sent me through a whole bunch of paperwork. https://www.forbes.com/sites/robinseatonjefferson/2019/10/11/mayo-breast-cancer-vaccine-could-be-available-in-less-than-a-decade/
Biphosphonates for early hormone positive BC
Hello everyone, Ive been chatting to some women overseas and it seems that the use of biphosphonate infusions for early hormone positive BC is becoming the norm, particularly in US and Canada. I’ve read some literature which seems to draw a conclusion that by using these meds which help lower osteoclasts activity thus preventing bone loss, it also disrupted the environment for bone mets to form.. therefore improve survival. Is anyone having this discussed with them or being used currently in Australia as preventative care? My onc said only approved for bone loss in non metastatic setting in Australia currently?
Exploiting breast cancer
Is anyone else as furious as me about the revolting, demeaning ad campaign by Honey Birdette exploiting Breast Cancer Awareness month? I'd like to know if our leaders are going to write a position statement on this. https://www.collectiveshout.org/honey_birdette_sexing_up_breast_cancer
Baseline Measurement for Lymphoedema
Due to cording issues, I see a specialist physio on a reasonably regular basis. The clinic treats cancer survivors and obviously, lymphoedema issues. Last visit, the physio decided it was time to measure and scan me again for any swelling in the arm. My scan came out high (but it's a new machine so possibly that could be a factor) while my measurement came out low. I'll be getting it checked again at the next visit. Unfortunately, I have no baseline from before surgery to compare to. I asked the physio if this shouldn't be done for everyone before surgery and her comment was that it should be but never is. My question is: has anyone had a baseline measurement done before surgery? I'm curious as lymphoedema can be such a problem so it would seem to make sense to be able to recognise it before it gets bad. Is this just another area of "after" that is not considered?
Prevention in Survivorship - "What can I do to prevent a cancer recurrence?"
The Cancer Council is hosting a webinar tonight on this topic. Apologies for the late notice but if you are not available this evening, you can still register and then receive an emailed link to the recorded webinar. (Details below) 28th February 2019 7:00pm - 8:00pm (AEDT) Whilst more research is needed, current research does suggest that maintaining or adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chance of your cancer coming back or a new cancer developing. A healthy lifestyle includes things such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, improving your psychological wellbeing, protecting yourself from the sun, stopping smoking or cutting down on alcohol. Some people who have had a cancer diagnosis may also experience an increased risk of other chronic health problems. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can also help prevent chronic health problems, such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. This webinar will look at prevention after your cancer treatment and will provide a range of practical strategies you can adopt to help to prevent your cancer coming back. Including regular health checks, adopting a healthy lifestyle, protecting yourself from the sun and more. Panel members Professor Janette Vardy, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre Anita Dessaix, Director, Cancer Prevention and Advocacy,Cancer Council NSW, Martyn Black, Cancer Survivor Survivorship Register for this webinar If you are not available on the night, please register and we will email you a link to the recorded webinar. Read more at https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/get-support/webinars/#OtK4gqMwbw6myTcK.99