DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS

 

 

‘Efficacy and Safety of Early Exercise Program After Acute DVT for Prevention of Post Thrombotic Syndrome”

 

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of exercise on patients with an acute deep vein thrombosis.

 

The purpose of this study is to determine whether prescribing apixaban (Eliquis®) is more effective in treating and preventing pulmonary embolisms and subsequent DVTs than monitoring the calf DVT with ultrasound imaging alone.

 

SCD Use to Prevent DVT in Patients with PICC Lines

 

Determine if the use of sequential pneumatic compression in the arm can prevent the formation of venous clots related to the presence of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC).

 

A Study to Evaluate Deep Venous Thrombus Characteristics and Venous Dynamics with Subsequent Thrombus Resolution and Post-thrombotic Syndrome

 

And the purpose of this study was to complete the following aims:

 

Aim 1: Evaluate initial thrombus characteristics by ultrasound (US) shear wave elastography (SWE) in acute, proximal, deep venous thrombus (DVT).

 

Aim 2: Prospectively evaluate the role of venous hemodynamics on acute proximal DVT resolution and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).

 

Aim 3: Examine biomarkers of coagulation as predictors of acute proximal DVT resolution and PTS.

 

Aim 4: Expand the scope of the Mayo Clinic VTE registry to include high quality outcome data on post-thrombotic syndrome.

 

A Study to Identify Genes Responsible for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Families

 

The purpose of this study was to identify susceptibility genes for venous thromboembolism (VTE) using conventional and novel genetic-epidemiologic methods in high-risk VTE families.

 

A Study to Collect Information about Biomarkers (Lab Test Results) that May Help to Predict Which People with Calf Vein Clots May be at Higher or Lower Risk of Having the Clot Grow or Progress

 

This is a biomarker correlate study for a study which is randomizing patients with calf deep venous thrombosis (calf vein clots) to treatment with blood thinners or not to see if the blood thinner is necessary.

 

Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Device Assessment in Patients with Severe Arterial and Venous Disease of the Lower Extremity

 

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a specific external compression pump called the AVT pump can improve blood flow to the skin of the feet in patients with circulatory problems involving the arteries or veins of the legs. The use of the AVT pump in this study is considered investigational, which means it has either not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for routine clinical use or for the use described in this study.

 

Registry of Patients Prescribed Anticoagulation

 

The purpose is to create a registry of patients at Mayo Clinic who are prescribed the new novel anticoagulation therapy with either rivaroxaban, dabigatran, apixaban, of odonatan to allow post marketing surveillance with particular attention to cancer patients treated with novel anticoagulants which in marketing studies the patient numbers were small. We also want to compare efficacy and safety of novel anticoagulants to "traditional" anticoagulants such as warfarin and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and therefore to register patients treated with this type of anticoagulation to our registry too.

 

Multi-Center Prospective Validation Study of VTE Risk Prediction Tool in Trauma Patients

 

Almost one-half million people suffer venous thromboembolism annually in the United States, and one-third die from this disease. Massive bleeding from injury accounts for half of early deaths after trauma. This study aims to prevent the deaths and suffering associated with venous thromboembolism and bleeding by identifying the individual person at elevated risk of these complications to take preventive measures.

 

Vascular Boot Warming Program After Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ± Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

 

The Researchers are studying whether a vascular boot warming program plus standard of care anticoagulation can be a safe and effective method to resolve Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) ±Pulmonary Embolism (PE) earlier and prevent development of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Additionally, to learn whether a more detailed imaging of the affected lower extremities will provide a more accurate and reliable method to guide treatment for this condition.

 

Apixaban in Preventing Secondary Cancer Related Blood Clots in Cancer Patients Who Have Completed Anticoagulation Therapy

 

This randomized phase III trial studies the best dose of apixaban and how well it works in preventing secondary cancer related blood clots in cancer patients who have completed anticoagulation therapy. Apixaban may stop the clotting of blood by blocking some of the enzymes needed for blood clotting.

 

A Study to Evaluate Rivaroxaban to Reduce Risk of Major Venous and Arterial Thrombotic Events, Hospitalization and Death in Medically Ill Outpatients with Acute COVID-19 Infection

 

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of Rivaroxaban for reducing the risk of major venous and arterial thrombotic events, hospitalization, and death in medically ill outpatients with acute, symptomatic COVID-19 infection.

 

A Study to Create and Maintain Plasma and Serum Bank for Patients with Thrombosis

The purpose of this study is to create and maintain a clinical database of patients with history of, or who are at elevated risk for thromboembolic diseases, along with a plasma/serum repository. We plan to evaluate novel biomarkers that might be associated with thromboembolic diseases and test whether these biomarkers will help predict the incident and recurrent recurrences of thromboembolic episodes and other outcomes (e.g., mortality, post thrombotic syndrome).

 

A Study of the Safety and Effectiveness of Apixaban in Preventing Blood Clots in Children with Leukemia Who Have a Central Venous Catheter and Are Treated with Asparaginase

 

The purpose of this study is to compare the effect of a blood thinning drug called Apixaban versus no administration of a blood thinning drug, in preventing blood clots in children with leukemia or lymphoma. Patients must be receiving chemotherapy, including asparaginase, and have a central line (a catheter inserted for administration of medications and blood sampling).

 

A Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Rivaroxaban as Prophylaxis Treatment for Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) in Ambulatory Cancer Patients

 

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that rivaroxaban is superior to placebo for reducing the risk of lower extremity proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT), asymptomatic lower extremity proximal DVT, symptomatic upper extremity DVT, symptomatic non-fatal pulmonary embolism (PE), incidental PE, and venous thromboembolism (VTE)-related death in ambulatory adult patients with various cancer types receiving systemic cancer therapy who are at high risk of developing a VTE.

.Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

 

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.net

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

 

724.733.0509 Office

412.913.0636 Cell

 

July 29, 2022 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Infectious diseases

                                                                                          

Overview

Infectious diseases are disorders caused by organisms — such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Many organisms live in and on our bodies. They're normally harmless or even helpful. But under certain conditions, some organisms may cause disease.

Some infectious diseases can be passed from person to person. Some are transmitted by insects or other animals.  You may get others by consuming contaminated food or water or being exposed to organisms in the environment.

Signs and symptoms vary depending on the organism causing the infection, but often include fever and fatigue. Mild infections may respond to rest and home remedies, while some life-threatening infections may need hospitalization.

Many infectious diseases, such as measles and chickenpox, can be prevented by vaccines. Frequent and thorough hand-washing also helps protect you from most infectious diseases.

Symptoms

Each infectious disease has its own specific signs and symptoms. General signs and symptoms common to a number of infectious diseases include:

 

Fever

Diarrhea

Fatigue

Muscle aches

Coughing

When to see a doctor

Seek medical attention if you:

Have been bitten by an animal

Are having trouble breathing

Have been coughing for more than a week

Have severe headache with fever

Experience a rash or swelling

Have unexplained or prolonged fever

Have sudden vision problem

You may be particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases if:

You're taking steroids or other medications that suppress your immune system, such as anti-rejection drugs for a transplanted organ

You have HIV or AIDS

You have certain types of cancer or other disorders that affect your immune system

In addition, certain other medical conditions may predispose you to infection, including implanted medical devices, malnutrition and extremes of age, among others.

 

Complications

Most infectious diseases have only minor complications. But some infections — such as pneumonia, AIDS and meningitis — can become life-threatening. A few types of infections have been linked to a long-term increased risk of cancer:

Human papillomavirus is linked to cervical cancer

Helicobacter pylori is linked to stomach cancer and peptic ulcers

Hepatitis B and C have been linked to liver cancer

In addition, some infectious diseases may become silent, only to appear again in the future — sometimes even decades later. For example, someone who's had chickenpox may develop shingles much later in life.

                                                                          

Prevention

Follow these tips to decrease the risk of infection:

Wash your hands. This is especially important before and after preparing food, before eating, and after using the toilet. And try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with your hands, as that's a common way germs enter the body.

Get vaccinated. Vaccination can drastically reduce your chances of contracting many diseases. Make sure to keep up to date on your recommended vaccinations, as well as your children's.

Stay home when ill. Don't go to work if you are vomiting, have diarrhea or have a fever. Don't send your child to school if he or she has these signs, either.

Prepare food safely. Keep counters and other kitchen surfaces clean when preparing meals. Cook foods to the proper temperature, using a food thermometer to check for to see if food is done. For ground meats, that means at least 160 F (71 C); for poultry, 165 F (74 C); and for most other meats, at least 145 F (63 C).

Also promptly refrigerate leftovers — don't let cooked foods remain at room temperature for long periods of time.

Practice safe sex. Always use condoms if you or your partner has a history of sexually transmitted infections or high-risk behavior.

Don't share personal items. Use your own toothbrush, comb and razor. Avoid sharing drinking glasses or dining utensils.

Travel wisely. If you're traveling out of the country, talk to your doctor about any special vaccinations — such as yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis A or B, or typhoid fever — you may need.

                                                                   

  

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources LLC

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.net

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.net

412.913.0636 Cell

724.733.0509 Office

July 24, 2022

                                                                                

Black Lung Disease

                                                                            

Overview

 

When it comes to black lung disease, here’s the good news: Most people don’t have to worry about it. It isn’t genetic and it isn’t contagious. But the millions of people who work (or used to work) in coal mines around the world may be at risk.

 

Causes

Black lung disease is considered a job-related illness. You get it when you inhale coal dust over a long period of time. Because it mainly affects coal miners, it’s also known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP).

 

As you breathe in coal dust, particles settle into your airways and lungs. After they land, healthy lung tissue may try to get rid of them.

 

As your immune system tries to fight and remove the particles, you can get inflammation. Over time, the inflammation can cause scarring, which is also known as fibrosis.

 

The extent of the disease depends on how much dust has been inhaled and for how long.

 

There are two types of black lung disease: simple and complicated. Simple CWP means the lung has spots or scar tissue from the dust particles. Complicated CWP is called progressive massive fibrosis (PMF). People with PMF have a lot of scarring on their lungs.

 

Symptoms

Just because you work in the coal industry doesn’t mean you’ll get black lung disease. Estimates say around 16% of coal miners in the United States eventually may have lung issues from coal dust.

 

 

It can take years or decades for the disease to develop. Some people don’t have symptoms until they retire. (Most of the people diagnosed with the disease are over age 50.)

 

But when symptoms begin to appear, they’re likely to include:

 

Cough, with or without black sputum

Shortness of breath

Chest tightness

 

Diagnosis

Doctors will use several pieces of information to diagnose black lung disease. They’ll look at your medical history and ask you details about your exposure to coal dust.

 

Your doctor likely will order a chest X-ray, CT scan, or both to see if there are any spots or masses on your lungs or signs of inflammation.

 

A pulmonary function test, which shows how well your lungs work, may also be used.

 

 

 

Treatment

There is no cure. Treatments generally aim to ease symptoms, prevent further damage to your lungs, and improve your quality of life.

 

Your doctor may prescribe medication to keep airways open, such as inhalers, especially if you have asthma symptoms. Oxygen may be prescribed if your oxygen levels are low, especially when you’re active or sleeping.

 

If you smoke, your doctor will urge you to quit. Smoking can lead to further lung damage and can make symptoms worse.

 

Your doctor may recommend a pulmonary rehabilitation program to help you find ways to breathe better.

 

In very rare cases, your doctor may recommend a lung transplant. You’ll have lots of testing to make sure that you’re healthy enough for the operation and that it will improve your long-term quality of life.

 

Lastly, your doctor may tell you to avoid all exposure to dust.

 

 

Prevention

Black lung disease is a disease related to work, but it is avoidable and preventable.

 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has safety standards for workers at risk for CWP. When they’re on the job, coal workers should:

 

Wear a mask.

Wash dust off exposed skin.

Wash their face and hands before eating, drinking, or taking medicine.

Not smoke.

Get regular chest X-rays.

Federal regulations limit how much coal dust should be in the air. Mines are supposed to follow methods to control the amount of dust. Make sure your employer is following the safety rules.

 

Also, stay up to date with vaccines to keep your lungs healthy. Since the flu is a leading cause of pneumonia (a lung infection), getting a yearly flu shot is a good idea. And ask your doctor about the pneumonia vaccine.

Prognosis

The number of cases may be on the rise, especially in central Appalachia. This region, which includes parts of Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, is prime coal mine territory.

 

CWP is different for every person. For patients with simple CWP, the outlook is generally positive. The disease may be stable and not get worse over time.

 

For people with complicated CWP, or PMF, the disease could get worse over time.

 

 

No matter which type you have, expect you will need regular visits with your doctor.

 

Complications

If you have black lung disease, you may get these complications with your lungs:

 

Chronic bronchitis, or long-term inflammation of the breathing tubes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an inflammatory disease that blocks airflow from the lungs

Lung cancer

                                                                   

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

 

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons..net

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

 

412.913.0636 Cell

724.733.0509 Office

 

July 21, 2021

                                                                                

Seizures

 

Overview

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in your behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness. Having two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that aren't brought on by an identifiable cause is generally considered to be epilepsy.

 

There are many types of seizures, which range in symptoms and severity. Seizure types vary by where in the brain they begin and how far they spread. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency.

 

Seizures are more common than you might think. Seizures can happen after a stroke, a closed head injury, an infection such as meningitis or another illness. Many times, though, the cause of a seizure is unknown.

 

Most seizure disorders can be controlled with medication, but management of seizures can still have a significant impact on your daily life. The good news is that you can work with your doctor to balance seizure control and medication side effects.

 

Symptoms

With a seizure, signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe and vary depending on the type of seizure. Seizure signs and symptoms may include:

Temporary confusion

A staring spell

Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs

Loss of consciousness or awareness

Cognitive or emotional symptoms, such as fear, anxiety or deja vu

Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized, based on how and where abnormal brain activity begins. Seizures may also be classified as unknown onset, if how the seizure began isn't known.

 

Focal seizures

Focal seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in one area of your brain. Focal seizures can occur with or without loss of consciousness:

 

Focal seizures with impaired awareness. These seizures involve a change or loss of consciousness or awareness that feels like being in a dream. You may seem awake, but you stare into space and do not respond normally to your environment or you perform repetitive movements. These may include hand rubbing, mouth movements, repeating certain words or walking in circles. You may not remember the seizure or even know that it occurred.

Focal seizures without loss of consciousness. These seizures may alter emotions or change the way things look, smell, feel, taste or sound, but you don't lose consciousness. You may suddenly feel angry, joyful or sad. Some people have nausea or unusual feelings that are difficult to describe. These seizures may also result in difficulty speaking, involuntary jerking of a body part, such as an arm or a leg, and spontaneous sensory symptoms such as tingling, dizziness and seeing flashing lights.

Symptoms of focal seizures may be confused with other neurological disorders, such as migraine, narcolepsy or mental illness.

 

Generalized seizures

Seizures that appear to involve all areas of the brain are called generalized seizures. Different types of generalized seizures include:

 

Absence seizures. Absence seizures, previously known as petit mal seizures, often occur in children and are characterized by staring into space or by subtle body movements, such as eye blinking or lip smacking. They usually last for five to 10 seconds but may happen up to hundreds of times per day. These seizures may occur in clusters and cause a brief loss of awareness.

Tonic seizures. Tonic seizures cause stiffening of your muscles. These seizures usually affect muscles in your back, arms and legs and may cause you to lose consciousness and fall to the ground.

Atonic seizures. Atonic seizures, also known as drop seizures, cause a loss of muscle control, which may cause you to suddenly collapse, fall down or drop your head.

Clonic seizures. Clonic seizures are associated with repeated or rhythmic, jerking muscle movements. These seizures usually affect the neck, face and arms on both sides of the body.

Myoclonic seizures. Myoclonic seizures usually appear as sudden brief jerks or twitches of your arms and legs. There is often no loss of consciousness.

Tonic-clonic seizures. Tonic-clonic seizures, previously known as grand mal seizures, are the most dramatic type of epileptic seizure and can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, and sometimes loss of bladder control or biting your tongue. They may last for several minutes.

When to see a doctor

Seek immediate medical help if any of the following occurs:

 

The seizure lasts more than five minutes.

Breathing or consciousness doesn't return after the seizure stops.

A second seizure follows immediately.

You have a high fever.

You're experiencing heat exhaustion.

You're pregnant.

You have diabetes.

You've injured yourself during the seizure.

 

If you experience a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice.

 

 

Causes

Nerve cells (neurons) in the brain create, send and receive electrical impulses, which allow the brain's nerve cells to communicate. Anything that disrupts these communication pathways can lead to a seizure. Some types of seizure disorders may be caused by genetic mutations.

 

The most common cause of seizures is epilepsy. But not every person who has a seizure has epilepsy. Sometimes seizures may be caused or triggered by:

 

High fever, which can be associated with an infection such as meningitis

Lack of sleep

Flashing lights, moving patterns or other visual stimulants

Low blood sodium (hyponatremia), which can happen with diuretic therapy

Medications, such as certain pain relievers, antidepressants or smoking cessation therapies, that lower the seizure threshold

Head trauma that causes an area of bleeding in the brain

Abnormalities of the blood vessels in the brain.

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

 

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.net

Jan.JenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

 

412.913.0636 Cell

724.733.0509 Office

 

July 20, 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                 

Breast cancer

 

Overview

 

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts.

After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women.

Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped created advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.

 

Types

Angiosarcoma

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

Inflammatory breast cancer

Invasive lobular carcinoma

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

Male breast cancer

Paget's disease of the breast

Recurrent breast cancer

 

Symptoms

 

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

 

A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue

Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast

Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling

A newly inverted nipple

Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin

Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange

 

When to see a doctor

If you find a lump or other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram was normal — make an appointment with your doctor for prompt evaluation.

 

Specialized treatment information for high risk breast cancer

 

Causes

Doctors know that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread (metastasize) through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.

 

Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.

 

Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. But it's not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do. It's likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment.

 

Inherited breast cancer

Doctors estimate that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family.

 

A number of inherited mutated genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer have been identified. The most well-known are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

 

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family.

 

Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a genetic counselor, who can review your family health history. A genetic counselor can also discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing to assist you with shared decision-making.

 

Risk factors

A breast cancer risk factor is anything that makes it more likely you'll get breast cancer. But having one or even several breast cancer risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop breast cancer. Many women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors other than simply being women.

 

Factors that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer include:

 

Being female. Women are much more likely than men are to develop breast cancer.

Increasing age. Your risk of breast cancer increases as you age.

A pers. If you've had a breast biopsy that found lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia of the breast, you have an increased risk of breast cancer.

A personal history of breast cancer. history of breast conditions

t cancer. If you've had breast cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast.

A family history of breast cancer. If your mother, sister or daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly at a young age, your risk of breast cancer is increased. Still, the majority of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

Inherited genes that increase cancer risk. Certain gene mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer can be passed from parents to children. The most well-known gene mutations are referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes can greatly increase your risk of breast cancer and other cancers, but they don't make cancer inevitable.

Radiation exposure. If you received radiation treatments to your chest as a child or young adult, your risk of breast cancer is increased.

Obesity. Being obese increases your risk of breast cancer.

Beginning your period at a younger age. Beginning your period before age 12 increases your risk of breast cancer.

Beginning menopause at an older age. If you began menopause at an older age, you're more likely to develop breast cancer.

Having your first child at an older age. Women who give birth to their first child after age 30 may have an increased risk of breast cancer.

Having never been pregnant. Women who have never been pregnant have a greater risk of breast cancer than do women who have had one or more pregnancies.

Postmenopausal hormone therapy. Women who take hormone therapy medications that combine estrogen and progesterone to treat the signs and symptoms of menopause have an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer decreases when women stop taking these medications.

Drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.

Prevention

Breast cancer risk reduction for women with an average risk

Making changes in your daily life may help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Try to:

 

Ask your doctor about breast cancer screening. Discuss with your doctor when to begin breast cancer screening exams and tests, such as clinical breast exams and mammograms.

 

Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening. Together, you can decide what breast cancer screening strategies are right for you.

 

Become familiar with your breasts through breast self-exam for breast awareness. Women may choose to become familiar with their breasts by occasionally inspecting their breasts during a breast self-exam for breast awareness. If there is a new change, lumps or other unusual signs in your breasts, talk to your doctor promptly.

 

Breast awareness can't prevent breast cancer, but it may help you to better understand the normal changes that your breasts undergo and identify any unusual signs and symptoms.

 

Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than one drink a day, if you choose to drink.

Exercise most days of the week. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. If you haven't been active lately, ask your doctor whether it's OK and start slowly.

Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy.

 

Some women experience bothersome signs and symptoms during menopause and, for these women, the increased risk of breast cancer may be acceptable in order to relieve menopause signs and symptoms.

 

To reduce the risk of breast cancer, use the lowest dose of hormone therapy possible for the shortest amount of time.

 

Maintain a healthy weight. If your weight is healthy, work to maintain that weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to accomplish this. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise.

Choose a healthy diet. Women who eat a Mediterranean diet supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil and mixed nuts may have a reduced risk of breast cancer. The Mediterranean diet focuses mostly on plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. People who follow the Mediterranean diet choose healthy fats, such as olive oil, over butter and fish instead of red meat.

Breast cancer risk reduction for women with a high risk

If your doctor has assessed your family history and determined that you have other factors, such as a precancerous breast condition, that increase your risk of breast cancer, you may discuss options to reduce your risk, such as:

 

Preventive medications (chemoprevention). Estrogen-blocking medications, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors, reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with a high risk of the disease.

 

These medications carry a risk of side effects, so doctors reserve these medications for women who have a very high risk of breast cancer. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.

 

Preventive surgery. Women with a very high risk of breast cancer may choose to have their healthy breasts surgically removed (prophylactic mastectomy). They may also choose to have their healthy ovaries removed (prophylactic oophorectomy) to reduce the risk of both breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

                                                                 

                                    

Jan Ricks Jennings, MHA, LFACHE

Senior Consultant

Senior Management Resources, LLC

 

Jan.Jennings@EagleTalons.net

JanJenningsBlog.Blogspot.com

 

412.913.0636 Cell

724.724.0509 Office

 

July 18,2022