1. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, Aug 17, 2005, 4:49 pm PDT

Cancer run's very heavy in my family, my mom, 2 brothers, myself, several aunt's, uncle's, cousin's had cancer. Most of them didn't make it. But i found something awesome for health. Go to: www.thesecrettohealth.com and find out the secret for your self.

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2. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Mon, Aug 22, 2005, 1:53 pm PDT

The Down Side of Breast Reconstruction What Every Woman Should Know Before Surgery by Mimi San Pedro ContourMed President As a breast cancer survivor, I know first-hand what women go through when they are faced with treatment and post-treatment options. Sometimes those "options" feel more like mandates when it comes to the cosmetic side of recovery – especially following a mastectomy. Many doctors are quick to direct patients to a plastic surgeon for breast reconstructive surgery. While it is a viable option for some women, breast reconstruction holds numerous risk factors. Today, there are new advances in external breast prosthetics that enable survivors to have a customized fit. Post-mastectomy patients can take advantage of a breast prosthesis that feels like an extension of their own body, without any more invasive surgeries or risk factors. Thanks to these new advances in external breast prostheses, post-mastectomy patients represent a significant potential market for home medical equipment providers. Every year, close to 200,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. According to American Cancer Society and other industry sources, the incidence of breast cancer is expected to grow 2 percent annually, reaching 270,000 by 2010. Moreover, the World Health Organization estimates that over 1.2 million new cases will be diagnosed worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 90,000 of these women will undergo a mastectomy as a part of their treatment for breast cancer. Of these women, about one third will have reconstructive surgery, the remaining women will either do nothing or wear an external breast prosthesis. Reconstruction Risks While it has seen mixed results, breast implantation has been a common surgical procedure in the US since the mid-1970s. Over the next two decades, the procedure became surrounded by controversy as women began experiencing complications with their breast implants. In fact, in 1992, the FDA placed a ban on the general use of silicone gel breast implants after a significant number of safety concerns arose. Today, plastic surgeons have been given approval to resume using silicone gel breast implants, but safety studies continue. The FDA simply recommends that potential breast implant candidates are aware of the existing safety concerns before making a decision. There are several adverse side effects with breast implants including hardening of scar tissue around the implant, rupture and leakage, hematomas, calcium deposits in the tissue surrounding the implant, infection and implant shifting. There are also concerns about the implants interfering with mammograms, potentially hiding new cancerous tumors. Reconstruction Redux These problems, as well as many others, lead to the need for additional operations. In fact, an October 2002 report from Imaginis Breast Health News says that, "43 percent of breast cancer patients who underwent breast reconstruction with implants require additional surgery." And when you factor in weight fluctuations and the effects of gravity, some reconstruction patients find themselves wishing for additional surgeries for cosmetic reasons. In a breast cancer survivor’s lifetime, it is not unlikely to have two to three subsequent surgeries for these reasons. Cost Comparison Reconstruction can cost upwards of $15,000 for each surgery. Given the number of additional surgeries needed by many women, the costs can become staggering. Custom breast prosthetics cost less than $3,000. Even if a woman replaces her custom prosthesis every other year for the next 10 years, the cost can be less than just one of the reconstructive surgeries. The "Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998" requires that insurance companies reimburse for breast prosthetics. Fortunately, most private insurance companies realize the medical necessity and benefits of a custom form and cover the majority o

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3. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Sun, Aug 28, 2005, 12:12 am PDT

Cancer also runs very deep in my family my father,uncle,aunt and two of my grandparents died from cancer.And almost a year ago in september my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer but she had a mastectomy, chemotheraphy, and radiation and she is doing great thanks to the grace of god. She never thought about reconstructive surgery well at least thats what she tell me and my sisters. But she does wear wear an external breast prosthesis. And you cant tell the difference i mean she still hasnt just looked down yet at her scars.Actually it doesnt look that bad.

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