Although alcohol is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer, it may be more strongly linked with lobular breast cancer than with ductal breast cancer. These results were published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Research suggests that each 10 gram (slightly less than one drink)... Continue Reading

A recent study of menopausal hormone therapy and risk of breast cancer reported that risk may vary by body weight and the type of hormone therapy. These results were published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, & Prevention. As women reach menopause and beyond, more than 80% will experience symptoms... Continue Reading

Postmenopausal women who consume a traditional Mediterranean diet may have a lower risk for breast cancer, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. A traditional Mediterranean diet—one that is rich in fish, olive oil, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes... Continue Reading

Early-stage breast cancer patients without evidence of cancer in their sentinel lymph node who did not have additional lymph nodes removed report fewer side effects to the arm and breast than patients who undergo additional lymph node removal. These findings were recently published in the Journal of... Continue Reading

Postmenopausal women with high breast density are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer, according to the results of a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] This risk increases with the use of hormone therapy. Breast density refers to the extent of glandular and connective... Continue Reading

The Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has voted 12 to one that Avastin® (bevacizumab) in combination with paclitaxel should no longer be approved for initial therapy for metastatic HER2-negative breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer refers... Continue Reading

Among postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, use of an aromatase inhibitor at some point in the course of adjuvant (post-surgery) treatment results in a lower risk of cancer recurrence than use of tamoxifen only. Based on these results, updated guidelines from the American... Continue Reading

Previously treated advanced breast and ovarian cancer patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation may benefit from treatment with the oral investigational drug olaparib. These findings were recently published in the journal The Lancet.[1],[2] Although most ovarian cancer patients initially respond to... Continue Reading

More older Americans are undergoing screening for colon cancer, but the rates for breast cancer screening remain the same, according to a government report released on July 6, 2010.[1] The best “treatmentâ€� of cancer is preventing its occurrence in the first place or detecting it early when it may... Continue Reading

Men who carry the BRCA2 genetic mutation have a 7.1% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70 and an 8.6% chance of developing the disease by age 80, according to the results of a study published early online in the Journal of Medical Genetics.[1] Inherited mutations in two genes—BRCA1 and BRCA2—have... Continue Reading

A recent study suggests that regular use of fish oil supplements may reduce the risk of breast cancer. These findings were published in the journal of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.[1] Dietary supplements are a booming business—Americans are spending approximately $25 billion a year... Continue Reading

Less than half of early-stage breast cancer patients with hormone-sensitive disease completed the full dose and schedule of their hormonal therapy treatment. These findings were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.[1] The majority of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive. These... Continue Reading