SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute News

If you fly - don’t buy!

Clinical research indicates that if a breast cancer survivor has had multiple lymph nodes removed from her armpit (surgery procedure is called an axillary lymph node dissection) she is at risk for lymphedema the rest of her life. Lymphedema is a swelling of the arm and possibly the hand on the side where the lymph nodes were removed. If this woman takes a plane flight, the change in atmospheric pressure can produce lymphedema. The cost for compression garments to prevent this from happening starts at approximately $60.00!  If they are only worn once or twice a year to prevent lymphedema this is quite an expensive venture. These women can now stop by at the SIU Breast Center before they go on vacation for fitting and obtain free compression garments to use when flying and just return them to the Breast Center when done.

This new program is possible due to the generous donation of new compression sleeves and gloves by Memorial Medical Supplies and Vono Medical Supplies.  We appreciate Vono and Memorial supporting the Breast Center and we encourage Breast Cancer Survivors to take advantage of this newest SIU Breast Center program!

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Study of Exercise in Breast Cancer Patients Underway

Women who have had breast cancer are being recruited for a study directed by Dr. Laura Q. Rogers, associate professor of internal medicine, to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a program to encourage breast cancer patients to exercise.

Women age 18 to 70, who are on hormonal therapy for breast cancer and are able and willing to start an exercise program are being sought. The study is a three-month program which will involve 12 supervised physical activity sessions, a home exercise program and six group meetings for some participants. There is no charge to the participants for the tests related to the study, which is currently sponsored by SIU Central Research Committee and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans Brooks Medical Research Fund. Results can be shared with the participant's personal physician.

If you are interested in participating in the study, call Cathy Naritoku, Internal Medicine Department, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 217-545-7750 weekdays, or e-mail: BEATcancer@siumed.edu.