Breast cancer web site

This might be the nearest thing to having your own knowledgeable doctor, ready whenever you are, to answer questions, including those you might never have thought to ask. Susan Love, MD, surgeon, activist, and author, has a new Web site dedicated to breast cancer and midlife health issues. It combines the information about research, survivors' experience, activism, and alternative medicine. Here, the woman with a yet-to-be-diagnosed breast lump can find an explanation of the different types of biopsy techniques and how to read a biopsy report. Women whose breast cancer has recurred can find treatment options. The advice is often specific and of the type you're not likely to hear from your own doctor. For example, if a biopsy is recommended on the basis of a mammogram, then consider getting a second opinion on the mammogram (preferably from a center that specializes in mammography). Studies show that 60-70% of biopsies done for abnormal mammograms can be avoided if the mammogram is reviewed by an expert.

The latest research news is quickly posted. Several items come from last month's San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, a yearly conference that now attracts over 3,000 oncologists and researchers from 53 countries. For example, a researcher reported that the drug, tamoxifen, produced a higher rate of recurrence and death for women with estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer.

The Web site is weaker on midlife issues. Only one paragraph each is devoted to the description of plant-based estrogens and Premarin. Surprisingly, Dr. Love recommends bone density testing for every women at age 50, despite the findings of the 1997 review of all relevant clinical trials from the British Columbia Office of Health Technology Assessment (see HealthFacts, 4/98). Testing, which cannot predict at midlife who will suffer a fracture in old age, often leads to inappropriate drug therapy. Revised U.S. Guidelines, announced early last year, recommend routine testing begin at age 65 or older.

Dr. Love has a large and devoted following from her activism, media appearances, and books, "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book" and "Dr. Susan Love's Hormone Book." In the near future, Dr. Love will offer personal one-on-one guidance. There will be a charge for this service through a yet-to-be announced membership fee.