Clinical Trials

11 November 2013 One of the first things that might be discussed when you are looking at your cancer treatment options is whether or not there are clinical trials that you might qualify for. While many still view clinical trial participation as being a “guinea pig” in an experiment, it is important to understand that the clinical trial process is…

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Women Have New Options for Breast Cancer Surgery

24 October 2013 Many advances have been made in the area of breast cancer surgery. Up until the 1970’s, the only option available was a radical mastectomy, which involved removal of the entire breast, the pectorals muscle over the ribs, and a large number of lymph nodes. Subsequent studies have proven that more surgery is not necessarily better, and a…

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Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, BRCA Testing, PinkWashing, and More!

16 October 2013 This is one of my most comprehensive interviews to date. It aired on Santa Clarita Valley TV and I had the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics, including breast self-exams, male breast cancer, genetic testing for breast cancer, “pink washing” and more! Many thanks to SCVTV as well as Tami Edwards and Dave Caldwell, for spending…

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Creating Patient-Physician Synergy with Social Media

29 September 2013 I had the very unique opportunity to participate in a panel discussion at Stanford’s MedicineX conference, which is organized by Dr. Larry Chu. “MedicineX is a catalyst for new ideas about the future of medicine and health care. The initiative explores how emerging technologies will advance the practice of medicine, improve health, and empower patients to be active participants in…

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Misconceptions and Fears Prompt Contralateral Mastectomies

16 September 2013 The following article appeared in Medscape and covered a recent study suggesting that many women base their decision to undergo a mastectomy on fear. I was happy to contribute my thoughts to what is a very complex issue and a very difficult decision for so many women. ~DJA Fran Lowry Sep 16, 2013 Women with breast cancer, especially younger…

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Breast Cancer Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment

3 August 2013 What’s in a name? In the case of cancer, there are myths, fears, and misinformation – more than perhaps any other illness. Cancer encompasses hundreds of different diseases and each one is complex. Even women diagnosed with exactly the same “type” of breast cancer and who undergo the same treatment can have very different outcomes. Not all…

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BRCA Gene Testing and Prophylactic Mastectomy

14 May 2013 BRCA gene testing and prophylactic mastectomy were thrust into the spotlight when Angelina Jolie announced in May 2013 that she tested positive for a BRCA mutation and underwent preventative surgery. The interview below discusses who should be tested, and some of the issues to consider regarding prophylactic surgery.

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Endocrine Therapy For Breast Cancer

11 May 2013 In May 2013, I was invited to give a talk with my colleague Dr. Carol Connor at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.  Our topic was “Endocrine Therapy for Breast Cancer”, and we discussed the literature supporting the use of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer, as well as adverse effects and treatment of…

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No Easy Choices on Breast Reconstruction

10 May 2013 Angelina Jolie’s decision to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy has prompted a lot of interest in the options available for immediate reconstruction. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions regarding the extent of surgery, the recovery time needed, and the potential for complications. The following article appeared in the New York Times on 05/10/2013 and discusses the complicated issue…

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Breast Cancer in Young Women

1 March 2013 A study published in JAMA found that there is an increase in the incidence of young women (age 25-39) diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer means that the cancer has already spread outside of the breast, most commonly to the lungs, liver, bone, and brain. Metastatic breast cancer is not curable, although newer treatments have improved…

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