A new study finds that most general surgeons do not discuss reconstruction with patients before surgical breast cancer treatment. The analysis shows that only one in three patients eligible for mastectomy or breast conserving surgery have such discussions. The study is published in the February 1, 2008 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. The option of breast reconstruction has increased treatment choices for women with breast cancer. [click link for full article]

Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) announced that it has entered into an agreement to settle lawsuits relating to its Marquis line of implanted cardiac defibrillators that were the subject of a field action announced February 11, 2005. Under terms of the settlement, Medtronic has agreed to settle 2,682 cases for $95.6 million plus $18.5 million in attorneys’ fees. [click link for full article]

A new study has estimated the costs of providing comprehensive screening and diagnostic services to under-or uninsured, low-income women to identify those with breast or cervical cancer for treatment. Dr. Donatus U. [click link for full article]

Dr Victoria King, Research Development Manager at Asthma UK, says: ‘Research is beginning to show a link between menopause and asthma however it is too early to say exactly how menopause affects asthma symptoms and who is likely to be affected. ‘What is interesting about this study is that it supports previous findings which show that the effect the menopause may have on lung function is greater in lean women that have a lower body mass index. [click link for full article]

Professor Steve Webb , Head of the Joint Department of Physics at The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust has this month been awarded the British Institute of Radiology’s Barclay Medal for 2006. Professor Webb received the award in recognition of his publications in the British Journal of Radiology, which have significantly advanced practice in the fields of medical imaging and radiotherapy. [click link for full article]

The American Lung Association’s volunteers and staff wish to express our deepest condolences to the family of U.S. Congresswoman Julia Carson, who died Saturday after a courageous battle with lung cancer. A long-time champion for the disadvantaged and a tireless advocate for her Indianapolis constituents, Congresswoman Carson also was a strong supporter of lung health. [click link for full article]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed coverage for the use of cardiac computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in Medicare beneficiaries with two clinical indications of coronary artery disease (CAD), under the Coverage with Evidence Development process. CTA has been developed for evaluation of the coronary arteries in patients with chest pain. [click link for full article]

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed to extend Medicare coverage for home testing of blood clotting tendencies for certain beneficiaries. [click link for full article]

An estimated two million children in Iraq continue to face threats including poor nutrition, disease and interrupted education. Iraqi children were frequently caught in the crossfire of conflict throughout 2007. Insecurity and displacement continues to cause hardship for many in the most insecure parts of the country and further eroded access to quality essential services country-wide. [click link for full article]

This week, as families around the world remember the Asian tsunami of 2004, Help the Aged and HelpAge International (HAI) highlight the positive role older people have played in the reconstruction of their countries.More than 10,000 older people have received small business loans or benefited from credit schemes during the three-year programme of tsunami work funded by the Disaster Emergencies Committee (DEC). [click link for full article]