University of Pittsburgh researchers are studying the potential use of stem cells, that come from the fat in our own bodies, for breast cancer reconstruction. Breast cancer survivors may one day be able to avoid the prospect of invasive breast surgeries. This approach uses the stem cells to regenerate tissue to develop into different specialized cell types.

When the fat-derived stem cells are injected under the skin in a rat model, the cellular combination eventually formed what the researchers describe as a mound of tissue. Dr. J. Peter Rubin, M.D., assistant professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said "The surgical options for breast reconstruction involve either the use of implants or a procedure whereby fat tissue is taken from another part of the body is shaped into the form of a breast. Neither is ideal nor without risk. The use of adipose or fat derived stem cells may represent a better solution for soft tissue reconstruction in breast cancer patients".

Dr. Rubin has been given a three year grant from the National Cancer Institute to further explore this unique approach.

Sunscreen products containing Mexoryl SX or ecamsule, an ingredient designed to block the sun's harmful UVA rays, have been sold in Canada and Europe for over ten years, but have not been available here.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the over-the-counter sale of L'Oreal Anthelios SX sunscreen product containing ecamsule to consumers in the US.

While UVB rays are known to cause sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are associated with an increased risk for basal and squamous cell cancers and melanoma skin cancer. Anthelios SX is made by the French cosmetics company L'Oreal. Mexoryl SX is owned by L'Oreal, and is only available in L'Oreal products.

Sunscreens might provide some protection from the harmful rays of the sun, and should be used when going out in the sun. Still your best bet is to shade yourself when spending any length of time in the sun and staying out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM when sun can cause the most skin damage.

Lori Fischer began making handmade dolls for her children. Soon her friends were asking for a one-of-a-kind doll of their own. Once, when a friend was suffering hair loss, she made a doll without hair -- and she included wigs and hats for the doll as accessories and gave it to her friend. She started holding doll making workshops. According to Fischer, women and their daughters, or groups of friends, have spent the day sewing, eating, and socializing in a way that has all but been forgotten.

In the fifteen years since she began making dolls, her dolls have evolved into works of art that are shown in local art galleries.

Last year, she was awarded a grant through the City of Oakland's Cultural Arts Funding Program to visit children in two hospitals for the purpose of teaching them to make hand-stitched, one-of-a-kind dolls.

The children that she works with are cancer patients at the Bone Marrow Transplant Center who are required to spend long periods of time in the hospital. Spending time making a doll takes the child's mind off the struggles and challenges they face. Each child is allowed to be expressive and create a doll that reflects individual creativity and personality.

Some of the dolls the children have made, and dolls that Fischer makes, can be seen at Dolls4ArtSake.

If you are looking for an inspirational gift for a woman newly-diagnosed with breast cancer -- or for a breast cancer survivor -- Elisa Ilana Custom Designs sells exquisitely beautiful hand-crafted one-of-a-kind jewelry. As they advertise, nothing is mass produced as each piece is carefully made by hand, one at a time in their studio, and each piece is made with the finest metals, semi-precious stones, crystals, and handmade glass and lampwork beads available. The breast cancer bracelets are made from the highest quality Swarovski crystal, sterling silver and 14 karat filled gold balls.

The Spectacular Cancer Awareness Bracelet has been featured in Vogue, In Style, W, Bon Appetit, Vanity Fair, Lucky, and Architectural Digest. The company guarantees that the jewelry is made to be sturdy and long-lasting.

Being surrounded by beautiful things and having treasured reminders of love and joy lift the spirit. I know each gift I was given carried me through the grueling days when I was struggling through cancer treatments. It wasn't always jewelry, and it never has to be jewelry, but if you are considering jewelry, when I discovered the Elisa Ilana cancer awareness jewelry collection I thought the jewelry was delightful. And very pretty.