Mammograms may not be the best way to screen for breast cancer.  The National Cancer Institute recommends a mammogram for women age 40 to 74 every one to two years. There is no benefit for women under age 40.  Mammograms are criticized for having high false-negative results and missing up to 20% of breast cancers.  By the time a mammogram finds a tumor, it may have been growing for 5 years.  Mammograms often have false-positive results, especially in younger women, those with previous breast biopsies, and women with a family history of breast cancer.  Fortunately, there are other screening tools that may provide the first signal that a problem is developing.

Have you heard of breast thermography?  It was first used as a screening tool for breast cancer in 1956.  It creates a map of temperature patterns in the breast called a Thermogram which is analyzed by a Board Certified Thermologist.  This imaging can identify breast cancer up to 8 years before mammography and may increase breast cancer survival rates by 61%.  Breast Thermography is ideal for any woman regardless of age.  There is no radiation or compression of the breast tissue, both which have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Have you heard of the AMAS (anti-malignin antibody in serum) Test?  The AMAS test measures blood levels of an antibody that is elevated during active cancer regardless of the type of malignancy.  It can be used to detect most solid tumors and hematologic cancers.  Clinical studies indicate that the accuracy of this test is between 95-99%.  The test detects an antibody that can be present months to years before other evidence of cancer is found.  It should be considered for anyone with a family history of cancer, anyone concerned about recurrence, or anyone with uncertain clinical symptoms or imaging studies.

Have you heard of a test to monitor estrogen metabolism?  Most women do not realize that they have “good” and “bad” estrogen in their bodies.  Many women are unable to process estrogen effectively which puts them at an increased risk for breast cancer.  A simple blood test can provide information about this.  It is important that women find a health care practitioner who can screen for and correct this problem.

        Have you heard of Parabens or Phthalates?  Parabens are mold inhibitors that are added to personal care products.  Phthalates are chemicals found in plastics and products with fragrance.  Exposure to these chemicals, which are disguised under many different names, can contribute to breast cancer.  Some countries have banned these chemicals from use in personal care products.  There is a blood test to see whether or not the body has been burdened by these toxicants.

Seven years ago, despite being a Nurse Practitioner, I had not heard of any of this information either.  At that time, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which may have been prevented or detected earlier if I had known more about these topics. This is why I have dedicated my current practice to educating people about these matters.  If you would like to discuss this information, please call, Gretchen Fleischmann, FNP-BC, at the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers of Michigan. Our number is 586-727-7500.

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

In a new study published in the European Spine Journal, researchers wanted to see if hormone deficiencies were a triggering event for adult degenerative scoliosis, a condition that commonly occurs in postmenopausal women. It is thought that menopausal hormone changes affect bone density, which sets off a cascade of events that leads to degenerative scoliosis.

In this latest study, women given hormone replacement therapy were less likely to develop one of the initiating factors in adult degenerative scoliosis, called lateral listhesis, a rotational displacement of a vertebra.

The occurrence of adult degenerative scoliosis is more common that scoliosis in juveniles or adolescents. Therefore, this research is very important in helping to possibly prevent adult-onset scoliosis in the first place.

One note we would like to add to this however. Bio-identical hormone replacement has far fewer risks involved than conventional hormone replacement therapy, which is made from pregnant horse urine. Synthetic hormone replacement carries with increased risk of certain female reproductive cancers. So please do your homework if you are interested in hormone replacement.

Women who are already developing degenerative scoliosis will likely want a combined treatment approach, one that includes bio-identical hormone replacement and a conservative exercise-based scoliosis therapy like ARC3D to help reverse the scoliosis.

Source: Eur Spine J. 2011 Oct 28. [Epub ahead of print]

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

On September 24th, 2011, the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers in Richmond will be hosting a Grand Opening!

The day’s events include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, featured health workshops, and tons of free information and prizes.

As part of our community health awareness program, in partnership with the Michigan Health & Wellness Initiative, during the Grand Opening we will be offering FREE blood pressure checks, breathing tests, and FREE laboratory tests including intestinal flora, antioxidant status, 10-parameter urinalysis, and H. Pylori testing (a common cause of ulcers and autoimmune disorders).

We will be taking $15 donations, all of which will be given to a local charity.

Laboratory testing is on a first come, first served basis until test kits are gone.

Come and find out why the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Center in Richmond is the most comprehensive integrative medicine clinic in Macomb County.

For more information, please call 586-727-7500.

Media contacts: Please call 810-694-3576 for interviews with Dr. Megan Strauchman, Medical Director.

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic

This blog is designed for people with questions concerning their health. Dr. Strauchman practices functional medicine, and helps people with very specific hormone and nutrient deficiencies restore their energy and vitality.

We encourage and invite you to ask Dr. Strauchman about your health issues, and what types of therapies may help you get back to your normal life again.

Natural Wellness and Pain Relief Centers of Michigan - Results, naturally | Flint, Grand Blanc, Genesee County Bio-Identical Hormones, Scoliosis, Autism, Fibromyalgia, and Chiropractic