Arm Yourself with Information: Breast Cancer and H1N1 News

Oct 16, 2009

What's new in the battle against breast cancer?
By Holly Atkinson, MD

Think mammograms may not be useful? Well, think again. A new US study of almost 7000 women showed that women who never received a mammogram are far more likely to die of breast cancer compared with women who get the screening test on an ongoing basis.

Almost 75 percent of the women who died of breast cancer in the study had either never had a mammogram or were diagnosed upon having their very first one. In contrast, only 25 percent of women who had received more than one mammogram died of breast cancer over the 12 years the researchers tracked the women in the study.

The bottom line? This simple x-ray test, which can spot tumors while still very small and treatable, is the best way to avoid death from breast cancer. So, be sure to get your mammograms!

Learn more from the American Cancer Society.

Get Active: Breast Cancer Awareness in Your Area

Even if you haven't been directly affected by breast cancer, you probably know someone who has. Below, listen to Jacqueline's story of overcoming breast cancer to share in the lessons she learned after months of chemotherapy and daily radiation.

Visit the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month website to find events from Texas all the way to Pennsylvania where you can show your support before the month is over!

Video Premiere: H1N1 and Kids

Unlike seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu virus primarily affects young people. In our latest video release, Dr. Preeti Parikh explains how to best protect your child from the virus and when it's time to visit the doctor.

The H1N1 vaccine is now rolling out, which means the questions are rolling in. Preeti Parikh, MD is here to address a few of the top concerns.

1. Should I opt for the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine or the H1N1 injection?
The nasal spray has a live, weakened flu virus so it's approved for only HEALTHY people 2-49 years of age who aren't pregnant. The shot has an inactivated virus so it's approved for use in patients older than 6 months. Anyone allergic to eggs should talk to a doctor before getting either vaccine.

2. How many doses of the H1N1 vaccine do I need to get?
If you are under the age of 10 you need two doses with at least 21 days separated from the first and second dose. Everyone else only needs one dose.

3. Do I have to get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccine?
Yes. The seasonal flu vaccine contains three influenza strains but NOT the 2009 H1N1 virus. The 2009 H1N1 would have been included in this year's seasonal flu vaccine but was not yet identified when the seasonal flu vaccine went into production. That's why this year there are 2 separate vaccines.

4. Is H1N1 made differently than seasonal flu vaccine?
No. It's made the same way, by the same manufacturers, and undergoes the same safety testing and tracking.

The CDC answers more of your questions here.

Connect with The HealthiNation Community!

Continue the conversation on Facebook and Twitter! Join our community to connect with people like you who care about their health.