A recent lymphedema study, published in the August 13 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, found that breast cancer survivors who lift weights are in better shape when it comes to experiencing symptoms of lymphedema. Compared to their non-weightlifting peers, women who lifted weights after surgery were less likely to experience worsening symptoms of lymphedema.

Researchers from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine note that breast cancer survivors can safely participate in slowly progressive weight lifting. They recommend wearing a well-fitting compression garment on the affected arm.

The study involved 141 breast cancer survivors with a current diagnosis of lymphedema. Half of those women participated in weight-lifting classes, while the other half didn’t change their exercise routines. The women who lifted weights experienced fewer symptoms, and only nine required physical therapy for lymphedema, compared to 19 in the control group.

(Image via stock.xchng)

Post from: Blisstree

Lifting Weights After Breast Cancer Surgery

These, I got from Allison Blass (New Media Coordinator, MWW Group):

As part of the “Power in Pink” campaign, Under Armour is encouraging survivors and women currently living with breast cancer to share their inspirational stories of strength and survival at www.underarmour.com/powerinpink.

Under Armour will select three stories of undeniable courage to become the new faces of the “Power in Pink” campaign and star in national magazine and online advertisements and in-store visuals. Stories will be accepted through April 30, 2008.

In 2003, Under Armour created the “Power in Pink” campaign to help educate female athletes about the benefits of physical activity in helping to overcome breast cancer and lead a healthy lifestyle. During the months of September and October, while supplies last, consumers will be able to purchase exclusive, ribbon-imprinted styles at www.uawomen.com/powerinpink and retail locations nationwide including Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority, Modell’s and Nordstrom.

Visitors to the site will be able to read the stories of the three survivors and learn about their resolve to overcome breast cancer. In addition, the site will feature links to key educational resources.

Under Armour will donate a percentage of the proceeds from every “Power in Pink” item purchased in-store or online to a number of organizations dedicated to the fight against breast cancer. Since its inception five years ago, Under Armour’s donation amount has more than doubled each year through the continued growth in popularity of the “Power in Pink” apparel and accessories.

Read the full press release.

Thanks a lot, Allison! Glad to be of help…

Post from: Blisstree

Under Armour Announces Search for Breast Cancer Survivors to Become the New Face of the “Power in Pink” Campaign

t least on that front, my weekend just sucked. Otherwise, everything is good – great – in fact!

Meanwhile, I received the following email from Dianna McPhail (Designer of Maizy Grace):

Hello,

I want to tell you how much I like your website. I wish that when I had surgery I would have had a resource like this to go to.

I would like to encourage you to visit our website at www.maizygrace.com.
I am the designer of the original and most supportive post mastectomy
camisole on the market.

We also have a medium weight form that is reasonably priced.
It is designed to be worn right after surgery and thereafter.

Both my products are insurance and medicare reimbursable.

I also do weekend retreats for survivors and you can find out about them either on Maizy Grace website or go to: www.mind-bodyintuition.com.
I hope to be part of your mission in some way.

PS today marks the 17th anniversary of my breast surgery…

WOW. 17th year anniversary of breast surgery! Kudos to you Dianna!

You may want to check the links above.

Post from: Blisstree

Maizy Grace and Retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors

However, yearly mammograms protect breast cancer survivors: according to a study in the July 20, 2007 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology, older women who get yearly mammograms after treatment of early-stage breast cancer are less likely to die from breast cancer.

According to Rebecca Silliman, MD, PhD, a professor of medicine and public health at Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health:

“An important finding of this study is that not all older women who are breast cancer survivors are receiving annual mammograms.

These findings are consistent with other studies conducted in different places showing that older women with breast cancer often receive less care than do younger ones.

Our study demonstrates that receiving annual surveillance mammography after breast cancer diagnosis may have the opportunity to decrease death from breast cancer.”

Maybe younger breast cancer survivors will also benefit from annual mammograms. Do you really think yearly mammograms are necessary – or is this just being on the safer side? [Read this JCO editorial on the matter.]

Read the full report.

Post from: Blisstree

Breast Cancer Survivors Protected by Annual Mammograms