New research has found that using progestogen-only birth control pills slightly raises the risk of breast cancer, similar to the risk associated with pills containing both progestogen and estrogen. A study published in PLOS Medicine on March 21 showed that after five years of use, both types of contraceptives led to a 20% to 30% increased risk of breast cancer.
Estrogen
Beyond Hot Flashes: How Menopause Impacts Women’s Heart Health
Women entering their late 40s and early 50s may be unaware that their risk for cardiovascular disease is increasing, despite the hallmark symptoms of menopause,
Vitamin D and estradiol help guard against heart disease, stroke, and diabetes in postmenopausal women
Vitamin D and estrogen have already shown well-documented results in improving bone health in women. A new study from China suggests that this same combination
53 approved drugs that may block Ebola infection
Study identifies 53 approved drugs that may block Ebola infection — Compounds may keep virus from entering cells; may accelerate drug development – Researchers found 53 existing drugs that may keep the Ebola virus from entering human cells, a key step in the process of infection. Among the better known drug types shown to hinder infection by an Ebola virus model: several cancer drugs, antihistamines and antibiotics.
Computer algorithm may predict breast cancer type
Researchers turn to machines to identify breast cancer type – Researchers have created a computer algorithm that successfully predicts whether estrogen is sending signals to cancer cells to grow into tumours in the breast. By finding this hormone receptor, known as estrogen receptor positive, physicians can prescribe anti-estrogen drug therapies, improving patient outcomes.
High cholesterol may lead to breast cancer in post menopausal women
High cholesterol fuels the growth and spread of breast cancer – A byproduct of cholesterol functions like the hormone estrogen to fuel the growth and spread of the most common types of breast cancers, revealed researchers. They also found that anti-cholesterol drugs such as statins appear to diminish the effect of this estrogen-like molecule.
Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer may increase kidney injury risk
Use of ADT For Treatment of Prostate Cancer Linked With Increased Risk of Kidney Injury – Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for nonmetastatic prostate cancer was associated with a significantly increased risk of acute kidney injury, according to a study that included more than 10,000 men published in JAMA.
Biennial screening mammography for woman ages 50 to 74 years
Study examines outcomes of screening mammography for age, breast density, hormone therapy – Woman ages 50 to 74 years who undergo biennial screenings have a similar risk of advanced-stage disease and a lower cumulative risk of false-positive results than those who get mammograms annually, according to a study that compared the benefits and harms of the frequency of screening mammography to age, breast density and postmenopausal use of hormone therapy (HT).
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.
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.