Breast cancer’s genetic causes provide clues for new therapeutic targets

UNC Lineberger scientists lead cancer genome analysis of breast cancer — Team identifies genetic causes and similarity to ovarian cancer – The researchers, including a large group from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, reported their study about genetic characterization of 800 breast tumors, finding some of the genetic causes of the most common forms of breast cancer, providing clues for new therapeutic targets, and identifying a molecular similarity between one sub-type of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Six hours or less of sleep per night linked to aggressive breast cancer

Lack of sleep found to be a new risk factor for aggressive breast cancers — First-of-its-kind study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment – Lack of sleep is linked to more aggressive breast cancers, according to new findings published in the August issue of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment by physician-scientists from University Hospitals Case Medical Center’s Seidman Cancer Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University.

Breast cancer charity Komen overstated screening benefits

Breast cancer charity under fire for overstating the benefits of screening — Experts challenge ‘pink ribbon’ creator for misusing statistics to generate false hope – Professors Lisa Schwartz and Steven Woloshin of the Center for Medicine and the Media at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice argue that last year’s breast cancer awareness month campaign by Susan G Komen for the Cure “overstates the benefit of mammography and ignores harms altogether.”

Breast cancer reoperation after breast conserving surgery

1 in 5 women with breast cancer has a reoperation after breast conserving surgery — And more needs to be done to inform them about this risk – One in five women with breast cancer who opt for breast conserving surgery rather than a mastectomy have a reoperation. This information on the risk of reoperation should help women in making the decision about whether to undergo breast conserving surgery or mastectomy.

Exercise may reduce breast cancer risk

Exercise, even mild physical activity, may reduce breast cancer risk – A new analysis done by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers has found that physical activity ? either mild or intense and before or after menopause ? may reduce breast cancer risk, but substantial weight gain may negate these benefits. The findings indicate that women can reduce their breast cancer risk by exercising and maintaining their weight.

Breast cancer risk can be reduced by avoiding unnecessary CT scan

Breast cancer risk can be lowered by avoiding unnecessary medical imaging — UCSF analysis of IOM report on environmental causes of breast cancer suggests there is at least 1 way women can reduce risk – A report issued by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) last December reviewed all the available scientific data compiled to date about potential environmental risks of breast cancer?factors such as pesticides, beauty products, household chemicals, and the plastics used to make water bottles.

Hormone therapy recommendations to be updated

Task Force Examines Evidence to Update Hormone Therapy Recommendations – Evidence of significant adverse events led the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to issue recommendations against using estrogen plus progestin in 2002 and estrogen alone in 2005 to prevent chronic conditions.

Vigorous physical activity reduced psoriasis in women

Vigorous physical activity associated with reduced risk of psoriasis – A study of U.S. women suggests that vigorous physical activity may be associated with a reduced risk of psoriasis. Psoriasis is an immunologic disorder characterized by systemic inflammation and scaling of the skin.

Moderate weight loss reduces breast cancer risk

Study finds moderate weight loss reduces levels of sex hormones linked to breast cancer risk – Even a moderate amount of weight loss can significantly reduce levels of circulating estrogens that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, revealed by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

Whole genome breast cancer study launched by Mayo Clinic USA

Mayo Clinic launches whole genome breast cancer study – The Breast Cancer Genome Guided Therapy Study (BEAUTY Project) will help physicians tailor chemotherapy to breast cancer patients based on their individual genomes and the genomes of their tumors.

Health Newstrack