Breast reconstruction may still be an option years after mastectomy
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: Six years ago, at age 37, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a lumpectomy. I remained cancer-free until nine months ago, when the cancer returned. This time, I opted for a double mastectomy without reconstruction. If I decide to have breast reconstruction down the road, are my options limited since […]
Surprising Breast Cancer Research
Intriguing findings from this year’s breast cancer studies Researchers have been hard at work all year long, publishing a slew of breast cancer studies. We sifted through the pile and picked out the ones we found most interesting, just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One study published in June in the journal Cancer […]
The Great Debate
Opinions keep changing on when mammograms should be administered Television personality Giuliana Rancic, 37, a Chicagoan, shone light on a very important women’s health issue last winter with the announcement that she would undergo a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. While the typical breast cancer patient is older, contradicting recommendations from professionals […]
The Misery of Sex
Sex after cancer brings its own kind of debilitation. Women who have faced and beaten gynecologic or breast cancer often survive with a problem rarely discussed. The surgeries and treatments have left them with concerns about their sex life, but they don’t know where to turn for help. “It is sort of a ‘don’t ask, […]
The Power of Pink
Chicago is home to a range of organizations raising breast cancer awareness and offering assistance to those affected by the disease It’s October, and that means it’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During these next few weeks, Chicago will be awash in a now-familiar pink hue—on display everywhere from the Bears’ team uniforms to the […]
Restoring the Human Form
Reconstructive plastic surgery heals…and beautifies Look beyond the full lips, smooth skin and straight nose. Plastic surgery is about more than just a pretty face. Reconstructive plastic surgery focuses on improving the functionality of life, above the pure aesthetics of cosmetic surgery. Some top plastic surgeons in the Chicago area go beyond tummy tucks, liposuction […]
Diagnosed with Breast Cancer: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Breast cancer treatment is a partnership between the patient and several types of doctors. Patients should first make sure that they see a medical oncologist, who designs an overall treatment program. Patients should learn as much as possible about treatment options; don’t be afraid to ask questions, take notes, employ tape recorders or ask for […]
Think Pink: Innovations and Advancements in Breast Health
Breast cancer and fear go hand in hand. Both the disease and its treatment can be frightening and overwhelming. But thanks to pioneering research and the tireless work of dedicated health professionals, hospitals and medical centers across the nation—some right here in Chicago—are slowly but steadily replacing that fear with hope. The challenges, of course, […]
