Monday Myths: Preventative mastectomy eliminates the risk for breast cancer
August 16th, 2010
Does preventative mastectomy eliminate the risk for breast cancer?
The incidence of breast cancer among all women is about 11%. Some families have a higher incidence from generation to generation. Genetic testing has recently become available to help assess risk in these families. Positive identification of either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BReast CAncer) genes puts a woman’s risk for breast cancer at nearly 80%.
The threat of such a serious disease can be terrifying. For women at risk, early detection is extremely important, as are frequent mammograms and MRI exams. Diligent breast self-exams, combined with yearly physician consultation are also the cornerstones of early detection. Of course, early detection and treatment provides the greatest chance for a cure for anyone diagnosed with breast cancer.
But what can be done to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer if you are gene positive? Read the rest of this entry »
Botox for Teen before TV Debut
July 21st, 2010
The new star of Glee has had Botox right before she makes her debut appearance – at just 18-years-old. Teenage singer Charice Pempengco says she wanted to have the procedure “to look fresh on camera” before joining the show as a foreign exchange student. I hope this not another new pop culture trend.
It is hard to imagine any cosmetic facial problem that an 18 year old would have, which warrants the use of Botox. Facial animation wrinkles just have not had time to develop. The fact that she had Thermage is quite disturbing. Thermage is a non-surgical procedure that tightens skin and smoothes wrinkles. Superficial skin conditions like irregular pigmentation might also be improved by Thermage, but she was reported to be treated for wrinkles. Skin tightening effects are not necessary, nor are they indicated for teens. This is particularly true for Asian women. In my experience, their skin remains tighter than patients with lighter skin tones. Thermage cannot narrow the face. This requires facial sculpting. Liposuction or buccal fat pad excision remove facial fat to narrow the cheeks and certainly not recommended for teenagers.
The entire situation is absurd! It sounds like another Hollywood publicity stunt or medical grandstanding to me.
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