Demystifying the Mammogram Controversy

The U.S. Preventive Services Tasks Force caused national uproar in November 2009 when it recommended fewer mammograms for women.

HER2+ Breast Cancers Recur More Often

Recent studies may give reason for doctors to presribe Herceptin for HER2-positive breast tumors smaller than 6mm.

Obesity = Increased Risk of Cancer

A new report estimates excess body fat is responsible for 105,000 cancers every year in the United States, including 17% of all breast cancers.

A Cancer Cure on your Spice Shelf?

Many cultures have long believed in the medicinal qualities of curcumin, the main component in the common cooking spice, turmeric. Now research is showing it has real cancer-fighting abilities.

Shortened Breast Radiation Therapy May be as Effective as Traditional 5-7 Weeks

A shortened, more intensive course of radiation given to the whole breast has shown favorable results, indicating it may be as effective as the traditional 5-7 week treatment plan.

Advancing Cancer Knowledge Through Garden Weeds?

A common weed could hold the key to advanced research on cell division and longevity, according to a NIH-sponsored study published in the journal "Molecular Cell."

A Reverse Prescription: Lift Weights to Improve Lymphedema

Recent clinical trial shows weight training is not only safe for most women with lymphedema, it can also improve their symptoms.

Researchers Map Metastatic Tumor DNA

New discovery decodes DNA of metastatic tumors, finding 5 new mutations and determining a "roadmap" for further study.

Treating Bone Loss in Breast Cancer Survivors

Research finds bone loss can be treated in breast cancer patients with a comprehensive regimen that includes osteoporosis drugs and other treatments.

Oral Contraceptives Increase Risk of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Study links oral contraceptive use to a particularly aggressive type of breast cancer.

Left Untreated, Does Breast Cancer Disappear?

Intriguing study of women in four Norwegian countries suggests some breast cancers disappear on their own, without surgeries or treatment.

Rx: Get Up and Move Throughout Your Life to Reduce Risk

Routine exercise became standard of care for heart patients when it was discovered to prevent fatal heart attacks. Now it is proving as valuable in the fight against breast cancer.

Alcohol: Is Any Amount Safe?

Despite the much touted benefits of drinking alcohol in moderation, experts agree there is an undeniable link between alcohol and cancer, particularly breast cancer.

Important Stem Cell Discovery Announced

Scientists in Australia have discovered that basal breast cancers -- one of the most aggressive types -- begin in the cells lining the mammary glands, not in breast stem cells.

Could Vitamin-A Derivative Stop Growth of Cancer Cells?

A new study from researchers at the University of Chicago asserts that the powerful compound retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, can restore a healthy balance to cell processes, inhibiting the growth of cancerous breast cells.

Upcoming Clinical Trial Tests New Drug Combination

The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) announces a clinical trial to evaluate a new drug combination for breast cancer. The new drug could potentially block blood vessel growth and stop certain proteins from helping cancer cells grow.

Landmark Report Says Many Breast Cancers Preventable

A recent policy report by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research suggests that good nutrition and exercise could prevent 38% of breast cancer in the U.S.

Two New Surgical Procedures Relieve Symptoms of Lymphedema

posted July 10, 2009 - Two new microsurgical procedures may effectively decrease the fluid build-up and greatly reduce symptoms associated with lymphedema.

New Drug Patch Eases Chemotherapy

posted July 2, 2009 - The FDA has approved Sancuso, a five-day patch that fights nausea from cancer chemotherapy.

New Report Could Change the Way Early Breast Cancer Is Treated

posted June 19, 2009 - An international panel of experts has proposed a different approach to choosing the best way to treat early breast cancer.

More Women with Unilateral DCIS are Choosing Mastectomy

posted June 12, 2009 - More women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in one breast are choosing to have both breasts removed. Fourteen percent made that decision in 2005, compared to only 4% in 1998.

Family History Raises Risk Regardless of BRCA Status

posted June 5, 2009 - Recent Canadian research finds even if a woman has no known BRCA gene mutation, if she has a significant family history of breast cancer, she has a 30-40% lifetime risk of developing the disease -- four times that of the general population.

Chemotherapy During Pregnancy Doesn't Harm Baby

posted June 1, 2009 - New research shows that pregnant women who have breast cancer can be treated successfully without harming their babies. Article available at TheBreastCareSite.com.

Mayo Clinic Researchers Say Triple Drug Combination is Promising Option

from PRNewswire -- Combining two chemotherapy drugs with trastuzumab (Herceptin) to treat women who have metastatic HER2+ breast cancer may offer physicians another choice in their treatment options.