Dr. John West

›Dr. John West

About Dr. John West

A general surgeon by training and a pioneer in the development of regional trauma systems, DR. JOHN G. WEST became fascinated with the multidisciplinary team approach to breast cancer care in the mid 1980s. He opened Orange County’s first breast care center in 1988, and over the past 20 years has been on the cutting edge of developing a team approach to the care of patients with breast problems. His book Prevent, Survive, Thrive, walks you through every aspect of breast care, breast cancer, and breast health. Drawing on over 40 years of experience, Dr. West gives you practical advice on how to prevent breast cancer and how to cope with it. Prevent, Survive, Thrive is available through Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Walmart, as well as Google Play, !ndigo, Indie Bound, BAM, and wherever else fine books are sold.
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Breast Cancer Myths. Fact or Fiction?

Modern technology has made it easy for women to find information about breast cancer. Unfortunately, it has also made it easier for them to be misled. Myths are often circulated and popularized online, distorting women’s understanding of breast cancer. Here are 10 common breast cancer myths and the truth about them.

Myth No.1: Deodorant Causes Breast Cancer

This myth is based on flawed studies about two common ingredients in deodorants and antiperspirants: aluminum and parabens. Aluminum is used to block sweat glands and by doing so, some people worried it could prevent the release of toxins and potentially damagebreast tissue and estrogen receptors around the armpits. However, the body does not expel […]

By | June 14, 2018|Categories: Breast Cancer Risks, Breast Cancer Screening, Cancer News, Cancer Research|0 Comments
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Myth: Breast Self Exam Doesn’t Work

Myth: Breast Self Exam Doesn’t Work

Reality: Breast Self Exams Can Be Lifesaving!

Until recently, all women were encouraged to do monthly breast self-exams (BSE) starting at age 21. However, new guidelines from the Komen Foundation and the American Cancer society state that women do not need to do self-exam, but should be “self-aware” and report any change to their doctor. Just how a woman becomes “self-aware” without some form of training is not explained.

These new recommendations have created a great deal of confusion. Women are asking, “Why the change in guidelines”? After all, the reality is that women who do BSE with confidence are capable of detecting small and potentially […]

By | July 2, 2017|Categories: Breast Cancer Screening, Cancer Research|0 Comments
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Breast Cancer Risk Reduction

A recent report by Carlo La Vecchia, head of the department of epidemiology at the University of Milan, indicated that if women were to eat less and exercise more, their risk of developing breast cancer would be reduced by as much as 30 percent. Their findings, which are in general agreement with multiple other studies, indicate that regular, vigorous exercise and maintenance of normal weight are associated with significant reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. This is a very important finding and deserves the attention it is receiving.  It is common for both physicians and patients to blame cancer diagnoses on unavoidable influences, such as family history, or some yet to be identified environmental factor, such as DDT or Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR).

Thinking of breast cancer as a disease that may be influenced by our behavior is a positive way of dealing with the issue.  Since being a woman is the single biggest risk factor for developing breast cancer, and the average life­time risk for a woman is one in eight, all women should be aware of the things they can do to lower their  risk.  The […]

By | June 26, 2017|Categories: Breast Cancer, Breast Conditions, Breastlink Thrive|1 Comment
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Beginning Breast Cancer Screening at 50 Misses 20 Percent of Cancers

Delaying breast cancer screening until age 50 misses 20 percent of breast cancers, according to a study published by the American Journal of Roentgenology. The study examined 32,762 mammograms from women aged 40-79, as well as their prognosis and attendant risk factors. Of that group, 808 women received biopsies and 224 were diagnosed with breast cancer. Though the majority of breast cancers were found in women over 50, 18.8 percent were found in women 40-49.

Breast Cancer Controversy

This finding contradicts the breast cancer screening guidelines issued by the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF), a government panel that recommends medical practices to doctors and healthcare groups. In 2016, they […]

By | June 13, 2017|Categories: 40 not 50, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Screening, Cancer News|0 Comments
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What About Breast Cancer in Men?

Although male breast cancer is rarely discussed, it is not exceedingly rare. On average, for every hundred females diagnosed with breast cancer, there will be one male diagnosed with breast cancer. Approximately 2,000 cases of male breast cancer are diagnosed yearly in the USA, compared to approximately 200,000 cases of female breast cancer diagnosed per year. The incidence of male breast cancer is increasing in the USA, probably because of increasing life expectancy.

Male breast cancer can occur over a wide range of ages, but are most common in the 60’s and 70’s, and are rare before the age of 50. Male breast cancer typically presents as lumps, but on occasion […]

By | June 1, 2017|Categories: Breast Cancer Screening, Male Breast Cancer|0 Comments
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What Age To Stop Mammographic Screening

One question that I commonly hear from my patients is “At what age can a woman stop having a screening mammogram?” Although there is not a simple answer to this question, there is now enough information about this subject for a woman to make an informed decision about herself or her aging relatives.

First, let’s start with the good news. Multiple well-designed scientific studies have demonstrated a 30-40 percent reduction in breast cancer mortality in women who do yearly mammograms. Things will get even better in the future as we move more towards aggressively screening high-risk women and women with dense breasts. Most of the information on the value of screening […]

By | May 20, 2017|Categories: 40 not 50, Breast Cancer Screening|0 Comments
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Nuts: One of the World’s Healthiest Food

What’s the healthiest food? Most people say broccoli or kale, but the real answer is nuts. Even though they’re small, they provide a concentrated dose of vitamins and nutrients that help combat a number of chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and even cancer. Studies have shown that people who eat nuts more than twice a week live longer, healthier lives than those who don’t, and the more you eat the longer you live. If you don’t eat nuts, you should start, and if you do eat them, you should start eating more.

Why Nuts Are So Healthy

Nuts contain high concentrations of fiber, acids, minerals, vitamins, and healthy […]

By | October 9, 2016|Categories: Breastlink Thrive, Nutrition|0 Comments
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BPA & It’s Effects

In recent years, more and more people have become more conscious about the foods they eat. Everyone expects their food to be healthy and safe for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, food packaging may be harboring hidden chemicals that many would like to avoid. One of the most well-known is the toxic chemical known as bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical is found almost everywhere, especially in common household products like water bottles and tin cans. A new report released by the Breast Cancer Fund found that 67% of nearly 200 food cans samples tested positive for BPA, a well-known hormone disruptor. Hormone disruptors are chemicals that, at certain doses, can […]

By | May 3, 2016|Categories: Breast Cancer Risks, Breastlink Thrive, Nutrition|Tags: |0 Comments
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A Lifesaving Story from Joan Lunden

How a screening breast ultrasound exam may have saved the life of Joan Lunden, a former co-host of Good Morning America.

The topic of breast density has been a hot topic in America. 18 states, including California, have enacted laws mandating women be informed if a screening mammogram reveals dense breast tissue. If you would like to learn more about breast density, please visit our website, breastdensityinfo.com or contact one of our centers.

Joan Lunden’s Story

Joan Lunden returned to Good Morning America on June 24, 2014 to share she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Not only did she hear the words every women dreads to […]

By | July 23, 2014|Categories: Breast Cancer Screening, Breastlink Thrive|0 Comments
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New Hope, New Challenges for OC Women

Since Angelina Jolie shared her story with the world there has been much discussion about breast cancer and measures to prevent or early detect breast cancer. Sometimes it takes someone who is in the public eye to bring important medical issues to light. Although the Angelina story has proven to be very effective in making the public aware that surgery can reduce the risk of breast cancer in women who have inherited the breast cancer gene, in reality, only a small percent of women carry this mutation.

In April 2013 a new California law (SB-1358) went into effect that impacted risk assessment efforts in approximately half of all women receiving mammograms in Orange […]

By | April 7, 2014|Categories: Breast Cancer Screening|Tags: |0 Comments
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Authors

Breastlink
John Link, M.D.
John West, M.D.
Nancy Link, R.D.N.
Nimmi Kapoor M.D.
Tchaiko Parris, M.D., Ph.D.

Disclaimer

All information provided by Breastlink on this blog is of a general nature and is not intended to be and cannot substitute medical treatment or personal advice. The information is intended only for general purposes. Many patients have different needs, reactions or forms of treatment. If you have questions regarding your own or a loved one’s treatment or care you must consult with your own physician or seek the guidance of a treating physician.

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