Dr. Christensen shares what you need to know about breast cancer and its relation to hormone replacement therapy.

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 3 (HealthDay News) -- While tremendous progress in screening and treatment for breast cancer has been made in recent years, some 184,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2008, and about 41,000 women will die of the disease.

Researchers are now focusing their efforts on reducing these numbers even further.

Four studies being presented this week at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's 2008 Breast Cancer Symposium in Washington, D.C., highlight both areas of progress and areas that need extra emphasis.

TUESDAY, Sept. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Contrary to previous study results, the cancer prevention drug anastrozole does not appear to cause impairment of cognitive performance, a new study found.

Anastrozole has been shown to be superior to tamoxifen in preventing breast cancer recurrence in postmenopausal women. But some "cross-sectional" studies have suggested that endocrine therapies such as anastrozole are associated with poorer performance on verbal memory and processing tasks.

Dr. Lebovic explains if a breast reduction is considered "cosmetic" surgery.

I am a Survivor.

Having a positive outlook may help prevent breast cancer, while getting divorced or losing a loved one may increase the risk, suggests an Israeli study that compared the mental outlook and life events of 255 breast cancer patients and 367 healthy women.

The researchers found that a generally positive outlook was associated with a 25 percent reduced risk of breast cancer, while experiencing one or more traumatic life events -- such as the loss of a parent or spouse -- was associated with a more than 60 percent increased risk, BBC News reported.

I am always excited to participate and to lead a team here in Portland, Oregon for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure. (Team Haralee) Last year the race event had 48,000 participants. It is amazing to see a sea of white T-shirts dotted with pink T-shirts walking through the streets of downtown Portland.

THURSDAY, Aug. 21 (HealthDay News) -- The osteoporosis drug Zometa (zoledronic acid) prevented bone loss at 12 months in premenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy after they had surgery for early stage breast cancer, a new study found.

The multicenter, phase III study is the first to evaluate the use of zoledronic acid in premenopausal breast cancer patients. The 101 women (85 completed the study) were divided into two groups that received either zoledronic acid or a placebo every three months for one year. All the women were given oral vitamin D and calcium supplements.

I decided to go have the Brac blood test to see if I carry the breast cancer gene(marker). Although I realize that I might not have it now it could always come in the future. My sister was a breast cancer survivor. Nothing is set in stone. Neither of my parents have cancer of any kind and they are into their 80's. None of my grandparents did either. However, I have decided against having the AD test after a lenghty discussion with my own Neurologist.

(HealthDay News) -- Before scheduling or showing up for a mammogram, you should be fully prepared to get the best results.

The National Women's Health Information Center offers these guidelines for what to do before a mammogram:

* When scheduling the appointment, plan to go about one week after your period. Your breasts will be less sore at this time.
* If you have breast implants, make sure you tell the facility about them when you schedule your appointment.