Women's Health Package

Over 300,000 words, organized under six main topic areas. The selection of materials compiled by the editors of Harvard Health Publications, focuses on health and wellness issues specific to women including: reproductive health and pregnancy, nutrition, exercise and management of diseases most-common to women.

BREAST HEALTH
GYNECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
SEXUALITY AND REPRODUCTION
MENTAL HEALTH IN WOMEN
EXERCISE, NUTRITION, AND WEIGHT LOSS
JUST FOR WOMEN: COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS


BREAST HEALTH

Breast Cancer: Strategies for Living (view sample)

Making Real Progress Against Breast Cancer
A review of several new advances in breast cancer treatment, including a report on a drug that may reduce cancer recurrence by as much as half. (view sample)

Update on Breast Imaging
New and improved techniques for breast imaging may increase detection rates and reduce unnecessary biopsies. But for now screening mammograms are your best bet.

Breast cancer: Ductal Lavage Not a Good Screening Test for Breast Cancer
Through early detection of breast cancer, mammography has saved the lives of thousands of women, but it has its limitations.

By the Way, Doctor: Do Antibiotics Cause Breast Cancer?
University of Washington researchers evaluated prior antibiotic use in 2,266 women with invasive breast cancer, compared to 7,953 randomly selected healthy women.

By the Way, Doctor: Should I be Tested for the Breast Cancer Gene?
While there are two genes associated with a much greater risk for breast cancer, only women whose family history suggests a heightened risk should consider getting tested for the genes.

When a Breast Cancer Expert Gets Breast Cancer
A Harvard Medical School doctor describes her own fight against breast cancer and provides recommendations for other women coping with the disease.

In Brief: Exercise Helps Breast Cancer Survivors Live Longer
Women with breast cancer who walk three or more hours a week (or exercise more strenuously for shorter periods) have a lower risk of dying of breast cancer than those who exercise less.

By the Way, Doctor: Are Parabens Dangerous?
Parabens contained in many personal care products are unlikely to cause breast cancer.

By the Way, Doctor: What does Indolplex Do?
A Harvard Medical School doctor discusses the safety and possible benefits of Indolplex, an over-the-counter supplement thought to reduce chances of breast cancer.

By the Way, Doctor: Alcohol and Breast Cancer
Although the cause is unknown, regular alcohol consumption does increase a woman's risk of breast cancer.

By the Way, Doctor: Can Aspirin Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?
The idea that inflammation might promote the development of cancer has spurred several studies of inflammation-reducing drugs and breast cancer.

Partial-Breast Irradiation: Less May be More
Six weeks of radiotherapy is standard following lumpectomy for early breast cancer. But shorter term, more intense partial breast irradiation may be just as beneficial.

HARVARD COMMENTARIES ON HEALTH

• Facing a High Risk for Breast Cancer (view sample)
• Don't Take Breast Cancer Lying Down (Part 1)
• Don't Take Breast Cancer Lying Down (Part 2)
• Antibiotic Use and the Risk of Breast Cancer