New York Times interviews Dr. Suzanne Trupin regarding changes to the Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines.

CHAMPAIGN, November 17th, 2009 - . Local Champaign OB/GYN Suzanne Trupin,M.D., F.A.C.O.G. has been quoted in the article in the November 17th New York Times Health Section article “New Guidelines on Breast Cancer Draw Opposition” by Roni Caryn Rabin on the new recommendations on breast cancer screening from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that were published in the November 17, 2009, issue of Annals of Internal Medicine. These guidelines are substantively different for the average risk woman and may immediately affect physician recommendations. Although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) to date have held firm on their prior guidelines, the USPSTF recommends against routine screening mammography in women 40 to 49 and doubles the intervals between routine exams for women over 50 to biennial exams. Dr. Trupin responded that the new relaxed guidelines should result in a more focused method of identifying patients, her quotes can be accessed at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/17/health/17scre.html?hpw. Extensive discussions regarding the false positive and false negative results of testing and how testing procedures are performed. Many women need repeated extra confirmatory tests and biopsies to track screening abnormalities which are not cancerous. This has been extra anxiety, cost and in some cases danger from radiation exposure that has to be considered when recommending screening intervals. Mammography is safe, appropriate as a screening tool for many women, and has saved many lives. When to get a mammogram is an important decision for each woman. Individualized evaluation and risk assessment for your risk of breast cancer should occur on an annual basis. Factors that we should consider will include: your personal and family history, hormone and medication use, nipple discharge, breast pain, cysts or masses, and prior breast surgery. Women at a high risk due to lifestyle or family history might continue with the annual exam, and the frequency of the procedures should always be determined by the patient and her Doctor, but for everyday patients these guidelines bring a little bit of sanity back to screening process.

XP12B-MR Improves Activity Levels in Women With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) May 06 - Women with heavy menstrual bleeding who were treated with the experimental agent XP12B-MR had significant improvements in physical, social and leisure activities, according to a presentation this week at the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology annual clinical meeting in Chicago.

In a multicenter trial, Dr. Andrea Lukes at the Carolina Women's Research and Wellness Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and colleagues randomized 187 women to receive either XP12B-MR (3.9 g/day for up to 5 days starting at the onset of heavy menstrual bleeding) or placebo.
    Heavy menstrual bleeding was diagnosed using a validated alkaline hematin method, with a mean menstrual blood loss of 80 mL during two baseline cycles. Limitations on physical activities (walking, exercise, sports, etc.) and social or leisure activities (dancing, dining out, camping, etc.) during menstruation were assessed at baseline and over 6 menstrual cycles using two items on the validated Menorrhagia Impact Questionnaire (MIQ).
    In the intent-to-treat analysis, mean scores were significantly reduced from baseline on both MIQ items in the XP12B-MR group compared with the placebo group, reflecting improvement in physical and social or leisure activities in treated women.
    XP12B-MR was well tolerated, according to the researchers.

First Trimester Prenatal Screening

We are pleased to announce the availability of First Trimester Prenatal Screening. This major new innovation in screening called Early Screen involves the combination of a dried blood free Beta/PAPP-A laboratory test with an Ultrasound nuchal translucency measurement assessment. Nuchal Translucency/free Beta/PAPP-A is an option for all pregnant women. Early Screen detects chromosomal, heart (40%), and other fetal anomalies and perinatal risks. Our Ultrasound technician has received an NT certificate from the Fetal Medicine Foundation in London England. Patients may be referred for Early Screen evaluation between CRL 45 to 84mm which is 11w1d and 13w6d gestation. Our goal is to provide our patients the most advanced and accurate perinatal and genetic personalized care.