SHINE (The Sleep Health in Breast Cancer Study)
Hi Members, BCNA's Policy & Advocacy Team recently shared the below study which may be of some interest to you: SHINE (The Sleep Health in Breast Cancer Study-Evaluating the impact on psychological wellbeing and medication adherence) Researchers at the University of Strathclyde Sleep Research Unit in Glasgow (UK) are running a study to better understand physical and emotional wellbeing amongst people diagnosed with breast cancer. More specifically, the study aims to: · learn about wellbeing of people diagnosed with breast cancer · identify potential side effects of cancer treatment · support the development of future interventions, for people diagnosed with breast cancer who need to take hormone therapy. This project has been approved by the Strathclyde University ethics board. Who can participate? You can participate in this study if you: · are aged 16 years or older · have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer · have internet access. What does the study involve? The study involves taking part in an anonymous online survey which takes between 10 to 15 minutes to complete. The survey includes: · demographic questions · questions about breast cancer diagnosis · type of treatment · aspects of physical and mental health, and · hormone therapy adherence (where appropriate) How do I take part? If you are interested in participating in this survey, please visit here. If you would like further information, please contact shinestrath.study@gmail.com. This survey closes on April 31, 2022. By completing this survey you are providing your consent (agreement) for the University of Strathclyde (UK) to collect and store your survey answers on Qualtrics overseas server (large computer).
Dark Humour is good for your health...
I joke around when I'm going through hard times, its just the person I am. I have a dark and quirky sense of humour that can leave some people perplexed, but for me, its an important way of coping. Scientific studies have shown the value of humour in hard times and I have given links to a few of them. If you feel like a laugh, have a look at the "A bit naughty - but funny!!! Show us your 'naughty ones'! Please note some posts may offend" page and the 'Friday Funnies' pages? https://www.curetoday.com/view/breast-cancer-isnt-funny-but-humor-can-heal https://blog.thebreastcancersite.greatergood.com/cs-dark-humor-therapy/ https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/scs.12203 https://www.fredhutch.org/en/news/center-news/2015/08/cancer-humor-eases-stress.html
Dense Breast Tissue and MBI. Molecular Breast Imaging
A ‘new’ method of imaging for those with Dense Breast Tissue - not widely available yet ..... https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/molecular-breast-imaging/about/pac-20394710?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=sm&utm_content=post&utm_campaign=mayoclinic&geo=national&placementsite=enterprise&mc_id=us&cauid=100502&linkId=79219942&fbclid=IwAR0VbnaZYrCDFNUeDp514fWkUb7glUL-04SlSRlmYrWrpt7VrGdM9vKFj3Q
Grow your own boobs!
Did anyone see the article in the paper yesterday (Adelaide Advertiser but I'm assuming it appeared everywhere as things do these days) about growing your own boobs? I didn't get a chance to read it properly but will clip it when I go to work today. I think it was something about putting a framework in and then encouraging certain cells to grow - sounds a bit scary but interesting at the same time. Again, I only glanced at it, but I believe they are talking about a 4 year timeframe for it to be available and it's aimed at women who have had mastectomies. If someone doesn't get to it first, I will try to post a copy of the article tonight.
Why I like science
So we may be able to combat superbugs by using platypus milk! Which makes you wonder how that link was made. Female platyplurals don't have teats. Milk comes through pores, a bit like sweat glands, and runs through the fur to be consumed by the young. Huge chance of being contaminated by whatever bugs may be on the body, from whatever. So the milk contains elements that protect the young from infection, evolution at work . And so is the lateral thinking that allowed someone to explore that extraordinary capacity. We may have lost Stephen Hawking but there are other minds enquiring out there. Who knows what we can do?
Breast Cancer and Sexual Wellbeing - BCNA's new resource
I'm so pleased to let you know that BCNA has developed a new information booklet for women with breast cancer called Breast Cancer and Sexual Wellbeing. We started to look in more detail at the impact of breast cancer on women's sexual wellbeing, after women had been contacting us, surprised and distressed at this unexpected consequence. We wanted to better understand how many women were experiencing problems, and the type of issues they were experiencing. So we commissioned Professor Jane Ussher from the University of Western Sydney to conduct research for us. Professor Ussher and her team did a fantastic job, with over 2,200 women (many who were from BCNA's Review and Survey Group) and more than 150 health professionals responding to the survey - an amazing number, which in itself told us that this was such an important issue! Women talked about how their breast cancer had impacted on their sense of self and their confidence, the emotional impact on their relationship, and the challenges they faced if they were looking to start a new relationship. Women also talked about physical side effects of breast cancer such as menopause, and how this impacted on their ability to be intimate with a partner. Health professionals told us about the difficulties they sometimes experience in knowing how to talk to women about sexual wellbeing, and the need for more information to be available. We realised pretty quickly that what was needed was comprehensive information for both women and health professionals. So we developed the booklet. I really hope you find it useful, respectful and relevant to your experience. This is such a personal issue, but is often so important to our wellbeing and quality of life. If you've had a chance to read our new booklet, please do let us know what you think about it. We've been promoting the booklet far and wide, including a moving article in the Pink magazine called The Last Taboo, in which BCNA Community Liaisions Kirsty Muir, Bronwyn Wells and Suzanne Mullen share their stories. Limited numbers of the October issue of the Australian Women's Weekly carry the Pink magazine, so keep your eyes out in your local newsagent or supermarket. You can order or download a copy of the booklet from our website here: http://www.bcna.org.au/living-breast-cancer/sexual-wellbeing
Getting fitter and healthier in 6 minutes a week
I watched a Catalyst program on ABC Iview which was very interesting. In particular is also a menopause study. Currently we are looking at a recomnended 150 minutes of exercise a week to have good fitness post diagnosis (and all of us really ). This program examines doing very high intensity exercise for 30 seconds flat out ..then resting. I actually thought in our post chemo recovery it might be more doable., especially initially. What is discovered is an overall fitness improvement. ...and more energy. Now for us undergoing treatment...flat out can be just a walk these days. But shows the value of doing just that. http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/4319131.htm And the article mentioned regarding post menopause http://www.ptnational.edu.au/blog/hit-to-reduce-menopausal-weight Food for thought. Kath x
Mindful Mondays Blog Post Five: Mindful Colouring
Image Source: borderlinebabble.com Colouring-in may be something you remember fondly from your childhood. It has become a popular past-time for adults recently and for good reason. It might seem strange that something as simple as using a coloring book could actually be beneficial, but research continually supports this idea. Colouring is a form of active meditation, which focuses attention on simple tasks that require repetitive motion. The gentle activity of repetitive action focuses the brain on the present. Needing to concentrate this way replaces negative thoughts and creates a state of peace, and people who have a difficult time with concentrative, traditional meditation or relaxation techniques may find this easier. Studies have been conducted into the neurological responses of people whilst they colour-in. Three key elements have been found to prompt positive neurological responses; repetition, pattern and detail. The activity of colouring is said to calm the amygdala, the part of the brain related to the fear/stress response, while stimulating the parts of the brain responsible for creativity and logic. Group colouring time is becoming an increasingly popular activity in many places such as clubs and social groups. While coloring does take focus and promotes relaxation, it isn’t such a difficult activity that it can’t be done while talking or spending time with others. Have you given colouring a try as an adult? Here are the links to the BCNA mandala colouring page and the calendar. https://www.bcna.org.au/media/files/BCNAmandalacolouringpages.pdf https://www.bcna.org.au/media/files/2016BCNAMandalacalendar.pdf Or free printable coloring pages http://www.everythingetsy.com/2015/08/printable-coloring-pages-for-adults-15-free-designs/ Don’t forget that if you post about your mindfulness experience you will be in with a chance to win the mindful prize pack (which includes an adult colouring book and 12 Derwent pencils). Post a picture, a quote, a story, a tip or show us your colouring. References: Wellness Mama 2016, Health Benefits of Adult Colouring Books, http://wellnessmama.com/77075/adult-coloring-books/, viewed May 2016 ABC, The science behind adult coloring books, http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/booksandarts/why-are-australian-adults-drawn-to-colouring-in-books/6750808, viewed May 2016
