Low income breast cancer patients skipping hormonal therapy

Low-income breast cancer patients skipping hormonal therapy, increasing their risks – Many low-income women are failing to take the hormonal therapy prescribed as part of their breast cancer treatment, possibly lowering their survival rates, according to a study led by a researcher in the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Hormone therapy reduces woman’s risk of colorectal cancer by 40%

Hormone therapy offers potential protective effect against colon cancer in older women – In a large study, a national team of researchers led by Mayo Clinic scientists observed that self-reported use of hormone therapy was associated with a significantly lower colorectal cancer risk. However, the mechanisms for the apparent protective association are still unclear.

Aggressive breast cancer risk higher for black women

Risk of aggressive breast cancer subtype 3 times higher for black women – Lifestyle, age and weight have all been considered as risk factors for breast cancer. Now a study published in the open access journal Breast Cancer Research has found that even taking these factors into consideration, black women face three times the risk of developing an aggressive ‘triple negative tumour’ compared to women of other racial backgrounds.

New genomic test to personalize breast cancer treatment

One in eight women in the United States will receive a diagnosis of breast cancer in their lifetime, and it is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Now a new test will help physicians determine the best possible treatment for each patient. – A set of 50 genes can be used to reliably identify the four known types of breast cancer, according to research conducted at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and collaborating institutions.

Preventive mastectomy decision for breast cancer patient

New research helps predict which breast cancer patients may benefit from preventive mastectomy of opposite breast – A preventive procedure to remove the unaffected breast in breast cancer patients with disease in one breast may only be necessary in patients who have high-risk features as assessed by examining the patient’s medical history and pathology of the breast cancer, according to researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Physical activity reduces breast cancer risk after menopause

Reduced breast cancer risk: Physical activity after menopause pays off – Several studies had previously suggested that regular physical exercise reduces the breast cancer risk of women. However, it had been unknowned just how much exercise women should take in which period in life in order to benefit from this protective effect.

Hormone therapy HRT may shrink brain

Hormone therapy linked to brain shrinkage, but not lesions – Two new studies show that hormone therapy for women is linked to brain shrinkage, but not to the small brain lesions that are the first sign of cerebrovascular disease.

Obesity linked to ovarian cancer risk

Study links obese women are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with women of normal weight. – A new epidemiological study has found that among women who have never used menopausal hormone therapy, obese women are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer compared with women of normal weight.

Endosulfan use prohibited in New Zealand

The Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) in New Zealand ruled that endosulfan would be banned from use as an insecticide on crops and turf. – Endosulfan – a chemical used as an insecticide on crops and turf – use prohibited in New Zealand.

Healthy diet may cut risk of breast cancer recurrence

Diet loaded with fruits, vegetables and fiber may cut risk of breast cancer recurrence in women without hot flashes. – A secondary analysis of a large, multicenter clinical trial has shown that a diet loaded with fruits, vegetables and fiber and somewhat lower in fat compared to standard federal dietary recommendations cuts the risk of recurrence in a subgroup of early-stage breast cancer survivors ? women who didn’t have hot flashes ? by approximately 31 percent.

Health Newstrack