Add colorectal and breast cancer to the list of malignancies caused by smoking according to new studies.
Two studies strengthen the case for the dangers of secondhand smoke for people exposed to fumes as children and as adults. According to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, some 17 cancers are now attributed to smoking. Cancer and heart disease are the major critical illnesses impacting millions of Americans yearly.
Inhaling secondhand fumes may raise a woman's odds for breast cancer or a child's lifetime risk for lung malignancies according to the studies. Another study found that long-term smokers have a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, a finding that factored into the recent decision by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) to assert that there is "sufficient" evidence to link the two, up from its previous "limited" evidence.
In preparing their reports, the researchers adjusted for other colorectal cancer risk factors, such as not getting screened, obesity, physical activity and eating a lot of red or processed meats. They noted that people who smoke are already more likely to engage in these types of behaviors.
This study followed almost 200,000 people over 13 years. According to the medical researchers, current smokers had a 27 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer and former smokers a 23 percent increased risk compared with people who had never smoked.
People who had smoked for at least half a century had the highest risk -- 38 percent higher than never smokers -- of developing colorectal cancer. People who ceased smoking before the age of 40 or who had not smoked for 31 or more years had no increased risk.
Other studies focused on the risk of secondhand smoke, or passive smoking. In one, children exposed to secondhand smoke had a higher risk of developing lung cancer as adults, researchers from institutions including the U.S. National Cancer Institute found. In another, California researchers found that adult non-smoking women who had spent long periods of time in smoking environments upped their odds of developing postmenopausal breast cancer.
The breast cancer findings were seen mostly in postmenopausal women, with a 17 percent higher risk for those who had had low exposure, a 19 percent increased risk for those with medium exposure and a 26 percent increased risk for those who had high long-term exposure over their lifetime.
The studies were published in the December issue of Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention,
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Breast Cancer Cured But Pain Survives
Nearly half of breast cancer survivors suffer from persistent pain.
According to a report in today's Journal of the American Medical Association the pain exists even two or three years following treatment. Almost 60% of the over 3,000 women surveyed experience other symptoms of nerve damage, such as numbness or tenderness, according to a study of women treated for breast cancer in 2005 and 2006.
The researchers noted that women under 40 and those who have more extensive surgery, such as a mastectomy, and radiation are the most likely to report pain. Women, they report, also have more pain if surgeons removed many of the lymph nodes in their armpits, a common place for breast cancer to spread.
Most breast cancer patients can ease their symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers. Every year nearly 700,000 American women are diagnosed with cancer according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. About one in four women are diagnosed with breast cancer and as a result of early detection and improved treatment, most survice.
While the medical experts explain that it is not always possible to prevent chronic pain, there are ways women can reduce their risk.
Women should choose doctors who perform "sentinel-node" biopsies, one of the experts writing in the Journal noted. In the procedure, surgeons remove and test one or a few key lymph node for malignant cells instead of automatically removing all of the nodes. If the sentinel node is cancer-free, surgeons leave the others in place. The procedure also reduces the risk of lymphedema, a painful swelling in the arm.
According to a report in today's Journal of the American Medical Association the pain exists even two or three years following treatment. Almost 60% of the over 3,000 women surveyed experience other symptoms of nerve damage, such as numbness or tenderness, according to a study of women treated for breast cancer in 2005 and 2006.
The researchers noted that women under 40 and those who have more extensive surgery, such as a mastectomy, and radiation are the most likely to report pain. Women, they report, also have more pain if surgeons removed many of the lymph nodes in their armpits, a common place for breast cancer to spread.
Most breast cancer patients can ease their symptoms with over-the-counter pain relievers. Every year nearly 700,000 American women are diagnosed with cancer according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. About one in four women are diagnosed with breast cancer and as a result of early detection and improved treatment, most survice.
While the medical experts explain that it is not always possible to prevent chronic pain, there are ways women can reduce their risk.
Women should choose doctors who perform "sentinel-node" biopsies, one of the experts writing in the Journal noted. In the procedure, surgeons remove and test one or a few key lymph node for malignant cells instead of automatically removing all of the nodes. If the sentinel node is cancer-free, surgeons leave the others in place. The procedure also reduces the risk of lymphedema, a painful swelling in the arm.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
High-def Colonoscopy Detects More Polyps
A high-definition (HD) colonoscopy is much more sensitive than standard colonoscopy in finding polyps that could morph into cancer.
According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic it appears that high-definition colonoscopy detects more precancerous polyps. The difference could be as much as 20 percent.
Approximately 14 million colonoscopies are performed each year according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the industry organization that tracks and reports data related to critical illnesses. Some 745,000 men were diagnosed with cancer each year, roughly 10 percent with colon cancer.
A study was conducted between September 2006 and December 2007 when the Mayo Clinic in Florida was switching its six colonoscopy procedure rooms from standard colonoscopy endoscopes to high-definition endoscopes.
The findings, presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in San Diego, Calif., are not only important because a large group (2,430) of patients participated, but they resulted from the only study to date that has compared these two methods in a general clinical practice setting, among all the patients who needed a colonoscopy and with all the physicians who performed it.
An endoscope is the lighted tube inserted into the colon and rectum to look for, and remove, polyps. A high-definition endoscope uses both a high-definition video chip and HD monitors (like HD television) that increase the resolution of the image. Patients were not assigned to one scope or the other. Instead, they were placed in whatever room was available and assigned a gastroenterologist who was on duty at the time.
Researchers found that the rate of detection of adenomas -- polyps that are likely to become cancerous -- was 29 percent among patients who were scanned with high-definition endoscopes, versus 24 percent for those in which standard endoscopes were used.
The study was funded by Mayo Clinic, and the authors declare no conflict of interest nor do they endorse the products mentioned in the study.
According to researchers from the Mayo Clinic it appears that high-definition colonoscopy detects more precancerous polyps. The difference could be as much as 20 percent.
Approximately 14 million colonoscopies are performed each year according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the industry organization that tracks and reports data related to critical illnesses. Some 745,000 men were diagnosed with cancer each year, roughly 10 percent with colon cancer.
A study was conducted between September 2006 and December 2007 when the Mayo Clinic in Florida was switching its six colonoscopy procedure rooms from standard colonoscopy endoscopes to high-definition endoscopes.
The findings, presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology in San Diego, Calif., are not only important because a large group (2,430) of patients participated, but they resulted from the only study to date that has compared these two methods in a general clinical practice setting, among all the patients who needed a colonoscopy and with all the physicians who performed it.
An endoscope is the lighted tube inserted into the colon and rectum to look for, and remove, polyps. A high-definition endoscope uses both a high-definition video chip and HD monitors (like HD television) that increase the resolution of the image. Patients were not assigned to one scope or the other. Instead, they were placed in whatever room was available and assigned a gastroenterologist who was on duty at the time.
Researchers found that the rate of detection of adenomas -- polyps that are likely to become cancerous -- was 29 percent among patients who were scanned with high-definition endoscopes, versus 24 percent for those in which standard endoscopes were used.
The study was funded by Mayo Clinic, and the authors declare no conflict of interest nor do they endorse the products mentioned in the study.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Breast Cancer Hits Well Educated Women Hardest By Breast Cancer
Well-educated women are emotionally the hardest hit by breast cancer.
A study undertaken by Australia's Monash University Medical School's Women's Health Program, found that well-educated women and those who live alone are emotionally the hardest hit.
Nearly 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2010 according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the industry trade group, including almost 180,000 breast cancer cases in women. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. With improvements in detection and treatment of breast cancer, 87 per cent of women affected survive five years or more from the time of detection.
The researchers found that two years post diagnosis women with breast cancer were not more likely to be depressed but were more likely to experience a lowered sense of control over their life, and lower general health, with lessened vitality being limited to older women.
Women living alone were more likely to have a lower well being is an important finding suggesting that such women may benefit by targeted provision of social support.
The study reported that women's well being two years out from being treated for the disease was overall only modestly lower than for women in general.
Posted by Jesse Slome
For information on long-term care coverage, visit the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.
A study undertaken by Australia's Monash University Medical School's Women's Health Program, found that well-educated women and those who live alone are emotionally the hardest hit.
Nearly 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2010 according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the industry trade group, including almost 180,000 breast cancer cases in women. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. With improvements in detection and treatment of breast cancer, 87 per cent of women affected survive five years or more from the time of detection.
The researchers found that two years post diagnosis women with breast cancer were not more likely to be depressed but were more likely to experience a lowered sense of control over their life, and lower general health, with lessened vitality being limited to older women.
Women living alone were more likely to have a lower well being is an important finding suggesting that such women may benefit by targeted provision of social support.
The study reported that women's well being two years out from being treated for the disease was overall only modestly lower than for women in general.
Posted by Jesse Slome
For information on long-term care coverage, visit the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Breast Cancer Developing Earlier
Researchers noted that breast cancer may be developing in more women at younger ages.
The findings presented at the 2009 Breast Cancer Symposium, held last week in San Francisco, could potentially affect how women are screened for breast cancer.
Reserachers reported that women with a high genetic risk of developing breast cancer are being diagnosed sooner than similar women in the past. They note this may suggest that tumors are being found earlier in the younger generation.
About 5 percent to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be connected to a genetic mutation that is also linked to ovarian cancer. Women with the mutations, known as BRCA1 or BRCA2, have an increased risk of developing breast tumors the scientists noted. Over a lifetime, 60 percent of these women will develop the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. By comparison, 12 percent of women in the general population will develop breast cancer.
Women who have the genetic mutation are advised to be screened for breast cancer starting when they are 25. The same they note is true for women whose mothers or aunts have the genetic mutation. A Mammography and MRI are now recommended for these women.
Some 1.4 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer last year according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. About 26 percent of cases diagnosed in women are breast cancer.
In the new study, the researchers examined the medical records of women with the genetic mutation who took part in the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's clinical cancer genetics program. The median age of diagnosis in the newer generation was 42, but 47 in the older women. The study authors report that this is worrisome because it could mean that the cancer is developing earlier.
The findings the researchers noted are concerning and could have implications on the screening and genetic counseling of these women.
The findings presented at the 2009 Breast Cancer Symposium, held last week in San Francisco, could potentially affect how women are screened for breast cancer.
Reserachers reported that women with a high genetic risk of developing breast cancer are being diagnosed sooner than similar women in the past. They note this may suggest that tumors are being found earlier in the younger generation.
About 5 percent to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be connected to a genetic mutation that is also linked to ovarian cancer. Women with the mutations, known as BRCA1 or BRCA2, have an increased risk of developing breast tumors the scientists noted. Over a lifetime, 60 percent of these women will develop the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. By comparison, 12 percent of women in the general population will develop breast cancer.
Women who have the genetic mutation are advised to be screened for breast cancer starting when they are 25. The same they note is true for women whose mothers or aunts have the genetic mutation. A Mammography and MRI are now recommended for these women.
Some 1.4 million Americans were diagnosed with cancer last year according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. About 26 percent of cases diagnosed in women are breast cancer.
In the new study, the researchers examined the medical records of women with the genetic mutation who took part in the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's clinical cancer genetics program. The median age of diagnosis in the newer generation was 42, but 47 in the older women. The study authors report that this is worrisome because it could mean that the cancer is developing earlier.
The findings the researchers noted are concerning and could have implications on the screening and genetic counseling of these women.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Breast Tenderness Linked To Elevated Cancer Risk
October 16, 2009. Women who developed new-onset breast tenderness after starting estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy were at significantly higher risk for developing breast cancer. This compared to women on the combination therapy who didn't experience such tenderness.
Breat cancer is the most common cancer among women according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. Some 692,000 women were diagnosed with cancer last year; about 26 percent with breast cancer.
According to researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA they are not certain why breast tenderness indicates increased cancer risk among women on the combination therapy.
The researchers based their findings by examining data on more than 16,000 participants in the Women's Health Initiative estrogen-plus- progestin clinical trial. They speculated that it may be because the hormone therapy is causing breast-tissue cells to multiply more rapidly, which causes breast tenderness and at the same time indicates increased cancer risk.
The UCLA research, published in the Oct. 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, compared the daily use of oral conjugated equine estrogens (0.625 mg) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg), or CEE+MPA, with the daily use of a placebo pill.
Of the participants in the trial, over 8,500 took estrogen plus progestin and just over 8,100 were given placebos. Participants underwent mammography and clinical breast exams at the start of the trial and annually thereafter. Self-reported breast tenderness was assessed at the beginning of the trial and one year later, and invasive breast cancer over the next 5.6 years was confirmed by medical record review.
Women on the combination therapy who did not have breast tenderness at the trial's inception were found to have a threefold greater risk of developing tenderness at the one-year mark, compared with participants who were assigned placebos (36.1 percent vs. 11.8 percent). Among the women who did report breast tenderness at the beginning, the risk at one-year was about 1.26 times that of their counterparts on placebos.
Of the women who reported new-onset breast tenderness, 76.3 percent had been on the combination therapy.
Women in the combination therapy group who did not have breast tenderness at the outset but experienced new-onset tenderness at the first annual follow-up had a 48 percent higher risk of invasive breast cancer than their counterparts on combination therapy who did not have breast tenderness at the first-year follow-up.
Breat cancer is the most common cancer among women according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. Some 692,000 women were diagnosed with cancer last year; about 26 percent with breast cancer.
According to researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA they are not certain why breast tenderness indicates increased cancer risk among women on the combination therapy.
The researchers based their findings by examining data on more than 16,000 participants in the Women's Health Initiative estrogen-plus- progestin clinical trial. They speculated that it may be because the hormone therapy is causing breast-tissue cells to multiply more rapidly, which causes breast tenderness and at the same time indicates increased cancer risk.
The UCLA research, published in the Oct. 12 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine, compared the daily use of oral conjugated equine estrogens (0.625 mg) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg), or CEE+MPA, with the daily use of a placebo pill.
Of the participants in the trial, over 8,500 took estrogen plus progestin and just over 8,100 were given placebos. Participants underwent mammography and clinical breast exams at the start of the trial and annually thereafter. Self-reported breast tenderness was assessed at the beginning of the trial and one year later, and invasive breast cancer over the next 5.6 years was confirmed by medical record review.
Women on the combination therapy who did not have breast tenderness at the trial's inception were found to have a threefold greater risk of developing tenderness at the one-year mark, compared with participants who were assigned placebos (36.1 percent vs. 11.8 percent). Among the women who did report breast tenderness at the beginning, the risk at one-year was about 1.26 times that of their counterparts on placebos.
Of the women who reported new-onset breast tenderness, 76.3 percent had been on the combination therapy.
Women in the combination therapy group who did not have breast tenderness at the outset but experienced new-onset tenderness at the first annual follow-up had a 48 percent higher risk of invasive breast cancer than their counterparts on combination therapy who did not have breast tenderness at the first-year follow-up.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Green Tea May Curb Some Cancers
October 15, 2009. Drinking green tea may lower your risk of developing certain blood cancers.
According to a study by Japanese researchers noted that it may take at least 5 cups a day to reduce the risk.
Drinking green tea has been associated with lower risk of dying and heart disease deaths, medical experts have reported. The just-released study notes that drinking green tea may have a favorable effect "for particular cancers."
Researchers gathered information on the diets and green tea drinking habits of a large group of Japanese adults aged 40 to 79 years old. They followed the group for development of blood and "lymph system" cancers. The lymph system is a major component of the body's immune system.
Some 40,000 men and women who participated in the study had no previous history of cancer. During 9 years of follow up, 157 blood, bone marrow, and lymph system cancers developed in the study group.
The researchers found that the overall risk for blood cancers was 42 percent lower among study participants who drank 5 or more, versus 1 or fewer, cups of green tea daily. Drinking 5 or more cups of green tea daily was also associated with 48 percent lower risk for lymph system cancers.
These associations held up in analyses that allowed for age, gender, education, smoking status and history, alcohol use, and fish and soybean consumption. The report appears in the American Journal of Epidemiology, September 15, 2009.
These associations held up in analyses that allowed for age, gender, education, smoking status and history, alcohol use, and fish and soybean consumption. The report appears in the American Journal of Epidemiology, September 15, 2009.
Posted by Jesse Slome
American Association for Critical Illness Insurance
According to a study by Japanese researchers noted that it may take at least 5 cups a day to reduce the risk.
Drinking green tea has been associated with lower risk of dying and heart disease deaths, medical experts have reported. The just-released study notes that drinking green tea may have a favorable effect "for particular cancers."
Researchers gathered information on the diets and green tea drinking habits of a large group of Japanese adults aged 40 to 79 years old. They followed the group for development of blood and "lymph system" cancers. The lymph system is a major component of the body's immune system.
Some 40,000 men and women who participated in the study had no previous history of cancer. During 9 years of follow up, 157 blood, bone marrow, and lymph system cancers developed in the study group.
The researchers found that the overall risk for blood cancers was 42 percent lower among study participants who drank 5 or more, versus 1 or fewer, cups of green tea daily. Drinking 5 or more cups of green tea daily was also associated with 48 percent lower risk for lymph system cancers.
These associations held up in analyses that allowed for age, gender, education, smoking status and history, alcohol use, and fish and soybean consumption. The report appears in the American Journal of Epidemiology, September 15, 2009.
October 15, 2009. Drinking green tea may lower your risk of developing certain blood cancers.
According to a study by Japanese researchers noted that it may take at least 5 cups a day to reduce the risk.
Drinking green tea has been associated with lower risk of dying and heart disease deaths, medical experts have reported. The just-released study notes that drinking green tea may have a favorable effect "for particular cancers."
Researchers gathered information on the diets and green tea drinking habits of a large group of Japanese adults aged 40 to 79 years old. They followed the group for development of blood and "lymph system" cancers. The lymph system is a major component of the body's immune system.
Some 40,000 men and women who participated in the study had no previous history of cancer. During 9 years of follow up, 157 blood, bone marrow, and lymph system cancers developed in the study group.
The researchers found that the overall risk for blood cancers was 42 percent lower among study participants who drank 5 or more, versus 1 or fewer, cups of green tea daily. Drinking 5 or more cups of green tea daily was also associated with 48 percent lower risk for lymph system cancers.
These associations held up in analyses that allowed for age, gender, education, smoking status and history, alcohol use, and fish and soybean consumption. The report appears in the American Journal of Epidemiology, September 15, 2009.
Posted by Jesse Slome
American Association for Critical Illness Insurance
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Women With Breast Cancer Have Low Vitamin D Levels
October 11, 2009. Women with breast cancer are likely to have low levels of vitamin D, which could contribute to decreased bone mass and greater risk of fractures.
The finding comes from scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center who recommend women should be given high doses of vitamin D. The U.S. Institute of Medicine suggests that blood levels nearing 32 nanograms per milliliter are adequate.
Vitamin D, obtained from milk, fortified cereals and exposure to sunlight, is well known to play an essential role in cell growth, in boosting the body's immune system and in strengthening bones. In a study of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, nearly 70 percent had low levels of vitamin D in their blood, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Breast Cancer Symposium in San Francisco.
The analysis showed women with late-stage disease and non-Caucasian women had even lower levels. Scientists analyzed vitamin D levels in each woman. They found the average level was 27 nanograms per milliliter. More than two-thirds of the women had vitamin deficiency.
Weekly supplementation with high doses of vitamin D -- 50,000 international units or more -- improved the levels, according to the researchers. Previous studies have shown that nearly half of all men and women are deficient in the nutrient, with vitamin D levels below 32 nanograms per milliliter. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include muscle pain, low energy and fatigue, lowered immunity, symptoms of depression and sleep irregularities.
Some 692,000 American women are diagnosed annually with cancer in the United States according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the national trade group. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting 26 percent of women diagnosed with the illness.
The finding comes from scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center who recommend women should be given high doses of vitamin D. The U.S. Institute of Medicine suggests that blood levels nearing 32 nanograms per milliliter are adequate.
Vitamin D, obtained from milk, fortified cereals and exposure to sunlight, is well known to play an essential role in cell growth, in boosting the body's immune system and in strengthening bones. In a study of women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, nearly 70 percent had low levels of vitamin D in their blood, according to a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology's Breast Cancer Symposium in San Francisco.
The analysis showed women with late-stage disease and non-Caucasian women had even lower levels. Scientists analyzed vitamin D levels in each woman. They found the average level was 27 nanograms per milliliter. More than two-thirds of the women had vitamin deficiency.
Weekly supplementation with high doses of vitamin D -- 50,000 international units or more -- improved the levels, according to the researchers. Previous studies have shown that nearly half of all men and women are deficient in the nutrient, with vitamin D levels below 32 nanograms per milliliter. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency include muscle pain, low energy and fatigue, lowered immunity, symptoms of depression and sleep irregularities.
Some 692,000 American women are diagnosed annually with cancer in the United States according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the national trade group. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting 26 percent of women diagnosed with the illness.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Vigorous Exercise Associated With Reduced Breast Cancer Risk
October 8, 2009. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there's good news for post-menopausal women. Engaging in moderate to vigorous exercise may result in a reduced risk of breast cancer.
Nearly 700,000 American women are diagnosed with cancer according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. About one quarter (26%) have breast cancer recognized as the most common cancer affecting U.S. women,
Researchers writing the open access journal BMC Cancer investigated the link between breast cancer and exercise. According to the international team of researchers headed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, this new study is one of the first prospective investigations to look at the importance of various intensities of exercise at different stages in an individual's life.
Over 110,000 post menopausal women were asked to rate their level of physical activity at ages 15-18, 19-29, 35-39, and in the past 10 years. It was found, over 6.6 years of follow up, that women who engaged in more than 7 hours per week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise for the last ten years were 16% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who were inactive.
No link was observed between breast cancer risk and physical activity in women who were active at a younger age. The findings could help inform the mechanisms of the physical activity-breast cancer relationship.
Nearly 700,000 American women are diagnosed with cancer according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. About one quarter (26%) have breast cancer recognized as the most common cancer affecting U.S. women,
Researchers writing the open access journal BMC Cancer investigated the link between breast cancer and exercise. According to the international team of researchers headed by the U.S. National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, this new study is one of the first prospective investigations to look at the importance of various intensities of exercise at different stages in an individual's life.
Over 110,000 post menopausal women were asked to rate their level of physical activity at ages 15-18, 19-29, 35-39, and in the past 10 years. It was found, over 6.6 years of follow up, that women who engaged in more than 7 hours per week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise for the last ten years were 16% less likely to develop breast cancer than those who were inactive.
No link was observed between breast cancer risk and physical activity in women who were active at a younger age. The findings could help inform the mechanisms of the physical activity-breast cancer relationship.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
New Test Assesses Individual Breast Cancer Risk
October 7, 2009. Some 692,000 American women are diagnosed with cancer according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. About one quarter (26%) have breast cancer.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a new report notes that analyzing individual breast tissue for specific structural characteristics may more precisely determine a woman's risk for developing breast cancer.
Reporting in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers report that the more acini a woman has and the larger her breast lobules, the higher the chance she will get breast cancer. Acini, the medical experts note, refers to a cluster of cells that in this instance are the sacs that produce milk.
Currently, factors such as family history of breast cancer, number of pregnancies and age at first pregnancy are helpful in predicting how often breast cancer will arise in a larger population. But, reserachers note, these same tools are poor indicators of individual risk.
Other than family history and genetics, the best tool experts have to predict individual breast cancer risk is the Gail model, which takes into account age and number of previous biopsies, as well as family history and pregnancy history. But, the authors of the report note that the Gail model is "only slightly better than chance alone.
Breast cancer originates in the breast lobules. The lobules are supposed to disappear as a woman ages, reducing her breast cancer risk, but this doesn't always happen. The researchers tissue from women with breast cancer (as well as earlier tissue samples taken before they developed the cancer). The more acini per lobule a woman had and the larger the lobule, the higher her risk for developing breast cancer, the researchers found. This new technique proved more accurate than the Gail model.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a new report notes that analyzing individual breast tissue for specific structural characteristics may more precisely determine a woman's risk for developing breast cancer.
Reporting in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, researchers report that the more acini a woman has and the larger her breast lobules, the higher the chance she will get breast cancer. Acini, the medical experts note, refers to a cluster of cells that in this instance are the sacs that produce milk.
Currently, factors such as family history of breast cancer, number of pregnancies and age at first pregnancy are helpful in predicting how often breast cancer will arise in a larger population. But, reserachers note, these same tools are poor indicators of individual risk.
Other than family history and genetics, the best tool experts have to predict individual breast cancer risk is the Gail model, which takes into account age and number of previous biopsies, as well as family history and pregnancy history. But, the authors of the report note that the Gail model is "only slightly better than chance alone.
Breast cancer originates in the breast lobules. The lobules are supposed to disappear as a woman ages, reducing her breast cancer risk, but this doesn't always happen. The researchers tissue from women with breast cancer (as well as earlier tissue samples taken before they developed the cancer). The more acini per lobule a woman had and the larger the lobule, the higher her risk for developing breast cancer, the researchers found. This new technique proved more accurate than the Gail model.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Protect Yourself From Breast Cancer
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when survivors, advocates, and health organizations work to raise awareness of the progress being made in fighting this disease – and the ways women can protect themselves.
According to medical experts, since 1990, more and more women have been surviving breast cancer, largely because of early detection through mammography and improvements in treatment.
Despite the progress, some 1.4 million American women will be diagnosed with cancer according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. Breast cancer accounts for 26 percent of cancer in women and is still the second leading cause of cancer death exceeded only by lung cancer. Mammograms can find breast cancers earlier, when they are easier to treat and the chances of survival are higher.
That's why the American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms and breast exams for women 40 and older.
Medical specialists also recommend eating a healthy diet to help control weight, since being overweight or obese may raise breast cancer risk. Get regular physical activity.
The American Cancer Society recommends 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week. Forty-five to 60 minutes a day is even better for reducing breast cancer risk. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than 1 drink per day.
Alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. And perhaps most important, be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts or have any other concerns. That conversation could save your life doctors note.
According to medical experts, since 1990, more and more women have been surviving breast cancer, largely because of early detection through mammography and improvements in treatment.
Despite the progress, some 1.4 million American women will be diagnosed with cancer according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. Breast cancer accounts for 26 percent of cancer in women and is still the second leading cause of cancer death exceeded only by lung cancer. Mammograms can find breast cancers earlier, when they are easier to treat and the chances of survival are higher.
That's why the American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms and breast exams for women 40 and older.
Medical specialists also recommend eating a healthy diet to help control weight, since being overweight or obese may raise breast cancer risk. Get regular physical activity.
The American Cancer Society recommends 30 minutes a day, 5 or more days a week. Forty-five to 60 minutes a day is even better for reducing breast cancer risk. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink to no more than 1 drink per day.
Alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. And perhaps most important, be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts or have any other concerns. That conversation could save your life doctors note.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Asian Spice Could Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
An estimated six million women in the United States currently use hormone replacement therapy to treat the symptoms of menopause.
Taking a combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy has increased their risk of developing progestin-accelerated breast tumors note medical experts. According to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance nearly 700,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with cancer this year and over one-quarter will have breast cancer.
University of Missouri researchers have found that curcumin, a popular Indian spice derived from the turmeric root, could reduce the cancer risk for women after exposure to hormone replacement therapy.
The results of the study showed that women could potentially take curcumin to protect themselves from developing progestin-accelerated tumors, researchers noted. In the study, researchers found that curcumin delayed the first appearance, decreased incidence and reduced multiplicity of progestin-accelerated tumors in an animal model.
Taking a combined estrogen and progestin hormone replacement therapy has increased their risk of developing progestin-accelerated breast tumors note medical experts. According to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance nearly 700,000 U.S. women will be diagnosed with cancer this year and over one-quarter will have breast cancer.
University of Missouri researchers have found that curcumin, a popular Indian spice derived from the turmeric root, could reduce the cancer risk for women after exposure to hormone replacement therapy.
The results of the study showed that women could potentially take curcumin to protect themselves from developing progestin-accelerated tumors, researchers noted. In the study, researchers found that curcumin delayed the first appearance, decreased incidence and reduced multiplicity of progestin-accelerated tumors in an animal model.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Breast Cancer Rates Drop 2 Percent Annually
Fewer women in the United States are dying from breast cancer, but disparities in death rates still exist according to a new study.
Deaths from breast cancer have dropped more than two percent each year since 1990 according to a report, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2009-2010, released by the American Cancer Society.
In 2009, some 192,370 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, accounting for more than one in four cancers diagnosed according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the national trade organization.
As a result of improved treatments and increased mammography screening rates, the breast cancer death rate continues to decrease in U.S. women. The death rate from breast cancer peaked in 1989, and rates have dropped nearly 30 percent. According to the researchers some 130,000 lives were saved.
Medical experts note the survival rate could be increased further. Among uninsured women, only 30 percent had a mammogram during the past two years, compared with about 70 percent of insured women. If breast cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent, but if you catch it late the survival rate is only 24 percent.
Some 40,170 women will die from breast cancer this year. Only lung cancer kills more women. From 2002 to 2003, there was sharp decline in breast cancer rates, particularly for women aged 50 to 69. This reflects the drop in hormone replacement therapy by menopausal and postmenopausal women that began in 2002. Breast cancer rates have remained about the same since 2003.
From 1997 to 2006, breast cancer deaths dropped by 1.9 percent a year among white and Hispanic women, 1.6 percent a year among black women, and 0.6 percent annually among Asian-American and Pacific Islander women. Black women still have a 40 percent higher death rate from breast cancer than white women, Death rates have stayed the same for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Deaths from breast cancer have dropped more than two percent each year since 1990 according to a report, Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2009-2010, released by the American Cancer Society.
In 2009, some 192,370 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, accounting for more than one in four cancers diagnosed according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance, the national trade organization.
As a result of improved treatments and increased mammography screening rates, the breast cancer death rate continues to decrease in U.S. women. The death rate from breast cancer peaked in 1989, and rates have dropped nearly 30 percent. According to the researchers some 130,000 lives were saved.
Medical experts note the survival rate could be increased further. Among uninsured women, only 30 percent had a mammogram during the past two years, compared with about 70 percent of insured women. If breast cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent, but if you catch it late the survival rate is only 24 percent.
Some 40,170 women will die from breast cancer this year. Only lung cancer kills more women. From 2002 to 2003, there was sharp decline in breast cancer rates, particularly for women aged 50 to 69. This reflects the drop in hormone replacement therapy by menopausal and postmenopausal women that began in 2002. Breast cancer rates have remained about the same since 2003.
From 1997 to 2006, breast cancer deaths dropped by 1.9 percent a year among white and Hispanic women, 1.6 percent a year among black women, and 0.6 percent annually among Asian-American and Pacific Islander women. Black women still have a 40 percent higher death rate from breast cancer than white women, Death rates have stayed the same for American Indians and Alaska Natives.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Hispanic Americans Have Lower Cancer Risk
Hispanic (Latino) Americans are less likely than non-Hispanic whites to develop and die from all cancers combined as well as the four most common cancers (female breast, prostate, colorectal, and lung) according to a new report.
However, Hispanics have higher rates of several cancers related to infections (stomach, liver, and cervix) and are more likely to have cancer detected at a later stage.
The findings come from the latest edition of Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanics/Latinos. Hispanic Americans comprise the largest, fastest-growing, and youngest minority in the United States. An estimated 98,900 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Hispanic/Latinos in 2009. Prostate is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, while breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cancer in both men and women.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. More than 1.44 million Americans had a diagnosis of cancer in 2008 and some 565,000 died. According to the National Institutes of Health, cancer cost the United States an estimated $228 billion in medical costs in 2008.
An estimated 18,800 Hispanics are expected to die from cancer in 2009; the top two causes of cancer death among men are lung and colorectal cancer, while breast and lung cancer are the top two in women.
Between 1997 and 2006, cancer incidence rates decreased among Hispanics by 1.3% per year in men and 0.6% per year in women, compared to decreases of 0.8% per year and 0.4% per year in non-Hispanic white men and women, respectively.
During the same time period, cancer death rates among Hispanics decreased by 2.2% per year in men and 1.2% per year in women, compared to decreases in non-Hispanic whites of 1.5% per year in men and 0.9% per year in women.
The report also finds that compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic/Latino Americans have a later stage of diagnosis for many cancers, including breast and melanoma and have generally similar 5-year survival, except for melanoma, for which survival rates are lower in Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white men (79% versus 87%) and women (88% versus 92%).
However, Hispanics have higher rates of several cancers related to infections (stomach, liver, and cervix) and are more likely to have cancer detected at a later stage.
The findings come from the latest edition of Cancer Facts & Figures for Hispanics/Latinos. Hispanic Americans comprise the largest, fastest-growing, and youngest minority in the United States. An estimated 98,900 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in Hispanic/Latinos in 2009. Prostate is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, while breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Colorectal cancer is the second-most common cancer in both men and women.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, exceeded only by heart disease according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance. More than 1.44 million Americans had a diagnosis of cancer in 2008 and some 565,000 died. According to the National Institutes of Health, cancer cost the United States an estimated $228 billion in medical costs in 2008.
An estimated 18,800 Hispanics are expected to die from cancer in 2009; the top two causes of cancer death among men are lung and colorectal cancer, while breast and lung cancer are the top two in women.
Between 1997 and 2006, cancer incidence rates decreased among Hispanics by 1.3% per year in men and 0.6% per year in women, compared to decreases of 0.8% per year and 0.4% per year in non-Hispanic white men and women, respectively.
During the same time period, cancer death rates among Hispanics decreased by 2.2% per year in men and 1.2% per year in women, compared to decreases in non-Hispanic whites of 1.5% per year in men and 0.9% per year in women.
The report also finds that compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanic/Latino Americans have a later stage of diagnosis for many cancers, including breast and melanoma and have generally similar 5-year survival, except for melanoma, for which survival rates are lower in Hispanic compared to non-Hispanic white men (79% versus 87%) and women (88% versus 92%).
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
One Million More Women Will Survive Breast Cancer
More women are surviving breast cancer in situ according to a report in the current issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association is welcome news for millions of American women. There were 610,171 in situ survivors in 2005 and researchers expect that by 2016 the number will exceed one million.
Breast cancer in situ now accounts for 20 percent of newly diagnosed breast cancers. It is the early stage of the disease, when it is still confined to the layer of cells in the ducts or lobules of the breasts. Cancer is one of the three primary critical illnesses that strikes Americans resulting in billions of dollars of lost productivity and medical expenses according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison explained that while there were 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States in 2005, the number of breast cancer in situ survivors was unknown.
Women with breast cancer in situ are four times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer compared with the general population, the researchers explained. The scientists study found that women with ductal breast cancer in situ, one of the more common forms, were more than five times more likely to be survivors compared with women diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in situ.
The researchers also reported that more white women survived than black women and women from other ethnic groups. "Current epidemiologic evidence regarding predictors of subsequent invasive breast cancer after breast cancer in situ is limited," the researchers noted in their report. "Guidelines are necessary to help the increasing number of breast cancer in situ survivors choose the best treatment and lifestyle strategies while still maintaining high quality of life."
SOURCES: Barbara A. Brenner, executive director, Breast Cancer Action, San Francisco; Aug. 26, 2009, Journal of the American Medical Association
Breast cancer in situ now accounts for 20 percent of newly diagnosed breast cancers. It is the early stage of the disease, when it is still confined to the layer of cells in the ducts or lobules of the breasts. Cancer is one of the three primary critical illnesses that strikes Americans resulting in billions of dollars of lost productivity and medical expenses according to the American Association for Critical Illness Insurance.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison explained that while there were 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States in 2005, the number of breast cancer in situ survivors was unknown.
Women with breast cancer in situ are four times more likely to develop invasive breast cancer compared with the general population, the researchers explained. The scientists study found that women with ductal breast cancer in situ, one of the more common forms, were more than five times more likely to be survivors compared with women diagnosed with lobular breast cancer in situ.
The researchers also reported that more white women survived than black women and women from other ethnic groups. "Current epidemiologic evidence regarding predictors of subsequent invasive breast cancer after breast cancer in situ is limited," the researchers noted in their report. "Guidelines are necessary to help the increasing number of breast cancer in situ survivors choose the best treatment and lifestyle strategies while still maintaining high quality of life."
SOURCES: Barbara A. Brenner, executive director, Breast Cancer Action, San Francisco; Aug. 26, 2009, Journal of the American Medical Association
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