A relatively new test performed on a sample of a woman’s saliva can help identify her risk of developing breast cancer. The test, developed by Intergenetics, can identify genetic markers which show how likely a woman is to develop breast cancer. Armed with the results, women can work with their physician to create a care plan to help ensure early detection of potential breast cancer. The test, which is called Onca Vue, is covered by many major insurance companies.

[ Fox News Latino ]

A San Francisco-based surgeon released an infographic last week based on research revealing that 4.93% of women in the United States have undergone breast augmentation surgery, most surgeries occur on the West coast, and enough implants have been created since 1997 to fill the size of an Olympic-sized swimming pool. And that is just in the United States!

It’s not surprising that breast augmentation has become one of the top cosmetic surgery procedures for over a decade, but what’s interesting is that the procedure growth rate has been virtually recession proof for the past 20 years.

“There’s a reason that breast augmentation has been the number one cosmetic surgery—not just here in the U.S., but worldwide—for so long now,” said Dr. Brown. “As the high rate of patient satisfaction shows, this is a procedure that works. I hope this infographic serves as a helpful reference going forward, not only for other plastic surgeons, but for patients as well.”

[ From: drdonaldbrown.com ]

Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Rights (RFSL) has petitioned the National Health Service in Sweden to cover the cost of breast implants for transgendered women. Currently, some patients undergo hormone therapy but are then denied implants.

In support of their position they cite statistics from the board which show that transgendered women who are denied implants are much more likely to commit suicide. The difference is staggering – in the overall population of Sweden, the suicide rate is about 1.6%; for transgendered women denied implants, it is 30-40%.

[ truthdive ]

Marie Kolstad of Santa Ana California, recently spent over $8,000 to take her bust from a 36B to a 38D. She is believed to be the oldest recipient of a breast enhancement in the world.

The former fashion worker lost her husband Norman to cancer in 1992 and has been single for some time.

“I would love to find a new man,” she said, “But all the men my age want women 20 years younger. I thought I’d better take action so I can compete.”

She had the surgery at age 83 in California. She said she wouldn’t have had surgery if she wasn’t in great health already. She works as a property manager and enjoys spending time with her family, including four children, 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

[ Daily Mail ]

In new research being presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Thursday, researchers from England assessed the impact of three different diets on the weight and insulin blood levels in 115 women. A third of the participants followed a calorie-restricted, so-called Mediterranean diet every day, while another third went on a diet that restricted carbs in addition to calories, but for just two days a week. A third group followed a low-carb diet two days a week as well, but they were allowed to eat unlimited protein and healthy fats.

“The take home message is that this potentially a very interesting approach for anybody concerned about weight or insulin,” said Dr. Michelle Harvie, Phd, a registered dietitian with the Genesis Prevention Center at the University Hospital in South Manchester, England. She cautioned, however, that the study is “quite preliminary” and relatively small.

[ Huffington Post ]