Advances in Drug Development Scientists are currently making advances in how we understand, and can potentially treat disease. Three of the biggest advances scientists have made are in genomics, gene therapy, and monoclonal antibodies...(more) Glutathione: Immune System Booster? Without any reminders, our immune system works around the clock to keep us healthy. Tucked into our cell tissue is one of the most important antioxidants, glutathione, that works to support the active functioning of our immune system. It acts as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger...(more) Advanced Digital Imaging After 13 years of development, General Electric recently introduced a new digital imaging system for breast cancer screening. The Senographe 2000D is intended to replace film-based X-ray equipment with digital technology that provides sharper pictures of breast tissue. “We’re on the verge of a quantum leap in the quality of mammographic images,” said R. Edward Hendrick, Director of Breast Imaging at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago...(more) Evaluating DCIS A study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that cancer recurrence after DCIS treatment was more common among younger woman than older women, perhaps related to the desire to conserve more breast tissue in younger women. The severity of the cancer may have more to do with recurrence than with age, however, as large tumors and irregular borders increase the risk for recurrence...(more) The Magic of Blood Our blood system carries oxygen and other important nutrients to our cells and takes waste away from them, transports the molecular and cellular forces that fight disease, and carries hormones from glands to tissues. A blood test removes a few cubic centimeters of blood that contain millions of molecules and cells, helping doctors determine reasons for symptoms, when we are sick. Depending on our state of health, the numbers of molecules and cells in our blood will vary...(more) Organic Food Standards The federal government will soon spell out rules on products making chemical-free claims, requiring accreditation by the USDA and fining violators as much as $10,000 in an effort to ammend a 10 year old law in which the Department of Agriculture was tasked to set the first national standards for the organic food industry. Over the years, USDA officials have failed to create a proposal acceptable to the vocal community of organic farmers, distributors and consumers...(more)		Call to Action! Each of you has tremendous power to make a difference by participating in our Call to Action program. BABCN has a productive history of public policy work that began in Washington in May of 1991, when we joined other grassroots organizations to create a national plan to end the breast cancer epidemic. Since that time, there has been a clear process for national public policy change for breast cancer under the leadership of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and through the voices of thousands individual women...(more) Drug Updates FDA Approvals: Aromasin, Taxol FDA Panel Rejects Evacet FDA Approves New Chemo, Ellence Tamoxifen derivative metastatic treatment: Toremifene Lower Dosage Study: Fosamax Health Care Web Sites As many consumers turn to the internet for health-related information, the question of ethical standards for operation of health care web sites arises. Are corporate sponsorships of health web sites influencing what we are seeing?...(more) Nutrition Tip: Big Bang, Little Berry What’s the littlest fruit with the biggest nutritional punch? The blueberry. When compared with forty other fruits and vegetables, researchers found that blueberries contain more antioxidants than any other. The same nutrients that give blueberries their deep blue color, anthocyanins, are also powerful antioxidants. Indeed, one-half cup of blueberries gives you as much antioxidant power as 5 servings of most other fruits and vegetables...(more) When You Stop Smoking Cigarette smoking is an addiction that is very difficult to stop. The struggle will be rewarded, however, by improved health and quality of life as well as decreased risk for heart, lung, and other diseases. Work with your doctor and consider one of the many community programs that are available, such as one local hospital’s "Kick Ash" program...(more) Think Cholesterol A recent study demonstrated that even if you do not lose weight, you can improve your cholesterol levels and benefit from exercise. Heart disease is a major health risk for women, as well as men, and lifestyle changes can help keep your heart healthy...(more) The Archive Check out past articles on News, Features, Drug Updates, Nutrition Tips, etc....(more)
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