Path: bloom-picayune.mit.edu!snorkelwacker.mit.edu!news.media.mit.edu!americast.com!americast.com!usa-post Newsgroups: usa-today.health,americast.usa-today.health From: usa-post@AmeriCast.Com Organization: American Cybercasting Approved: usa-post@AmeriCast.com Subject: health Tue, Oct 20 1992 Date: Tue, 20 Oct 92 04:35:16 EDT Message-ID: 10-20 0000 DECISIONLINE: Health USA TODAY Update Oct. 20, 1992 Source: USA TODAY:Gannett National Information Network MASTECTOMY NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY: USA doctors were told conclusively by the federal government two years ago that breast-conserving therapy is an option for many women, and 30 years of studies show mastectomy is often unnecessary. However, in 42 states, 85% to 96% of breast cancer cases continue to be treated by mastectomy, show figures released by three medical groups. (For more, see special Breast package below.) DIABETES GROUP ISSUES FINDING: Transplanting a pancreas in order to eliminate daily insulin shots for type I diabetes should be recommended primarily when the patient faces kidney failure, say new recommendations from the American Diabetes Association. But a review of studies in the November issue of Diabetes Care finds a lack of evidence that the transplants are safe and cost-effective. SOME OVERACHIEVERS GET GOUT: As many as a million Americans suffer from gout each year. The joint ailment is called "the disease of kings" because it most often afflicts high achievers and leaders; 95% of sufferers are men, according to University of Pennsylvania researchers. Gout patients either produce too much uric acid or don't release it through the kidneys, causing crystals to settle in joints. ALCOHOL, AGE ARE RISK FACTORS: Gout is common among university professors and business executives, and "one national study found it to be more common in scientists than in craftsmen," says Dr. William Kelley, of the University of Pennsylvania. Diet, obesity, alcohol ingestion and age are major risk factors, he says. DNA CATCHES CRIMINALS: The National Institute of Standards and Technology has developed one of the first quality assurance standards for forensic and medical labs, allowing detectives to solve crimes with minute detail - microscopic molecules of DNA found at the scene of a crime. With major advances in biology, law enforcement agencies can use DNA profiles from blood, hair or semen as evidence. COUPLES GET SATISFACTION: Sex is better the second time around. That's the underlying message of research in Bridal Guide magazine. A survey found almost 80% of remarried couples have an "appreciably better" sexual relationship in their second marriages. PARENTS SUPPORT TEEN ABORTIONS: Most teenage girls who get abortions tell at least one parent - and most parents back the decision. That's according to a survey by the Alan Guttmacher Institute, which found 61% of teens tell their parents about the abortion. The findings debunk the belief that most teenagers who get abortions "are sneaking around behind their parents' backs," the Institute said. NUCLEAR FAMILY NOT PERFECT: Children of divorced parents do OK. The Center for Family Health says it's a myth that the nuclear family is healthier than all others. Studies show only one-third of children of divorced parents show serious disturbances. The Center says both parents must continue to co-parent. HEALTH CARE MEETING NEXT WEEK: Two hundred leaders of Catholic, Protestant and Jewish health-care systems will meet in Phoenix to discuss the future of health care in the USA. The National Healthcare Leadership Conference will be held at the Pointe Hilton on South Mountain from Oct. 25 to Oct. 28. For more information, call 410-266-3644. SPECIAL PACKAGE ON BREAST: MASTECTOMY NOT ALWAYS NEEDED: To combat the mastectomy trend, due mostly to doctors being overly cautious, medical groups announced support of new guidelines designed to reduce mastectomies and to give women more choice in treatment. "With the promotion of mammography we're finding smaller and smaller tumors (where) extensive surgery is just not necessary," says Dr. Gerald Murphy, American Cancer Society. WOMEN HAVE OPTIONS: Breast-conserving treatment is an option for women: With tiny or microscopic breast cancer; with a single tumor, even up to two inches in diameter in women whose breast is ample enough to allow lumpectomy with a good cosmetic result; and in certain cases where the cancer has spread to lymph nodes under the arm. CONSERVATION JUST AS EFFECTIVE: Dr. David Winchester, American College of Surgeons, says breast conservation can be as effective as mastectomy at treating cancer and preventing relapses, maybe in up to 50% of all breast cancer patients. In breast conservation, the tumor, a small amount of surrounding tissue and lymph nodes are removed, followed by five to six weeks of daily radiation treatments. (End of package.) Health Editor: Michele Coleman. (1-919-855-3491) Making copies of USA TODAY Update (Copyright, 1992) for further distribution violates federal law. This article is copyright 1992 Gannett News Service. Redistribution to other sites is not permitted except by arrangement with American Cybercasting Corporation. For more information, send-email to usa@AmeriCast.COM