A new study finds that tamoxifen has little impact on mortality rates for most high-risk women, with life expectancy improving only at higher breast cancer risks. The high cost of tamoxifen further reduces its utility as a cancer prevention drug in the US.
Researchers discovered that breast stem cells lack receptors for female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, resembling the aggressive 'basal' subtype of breast cancer. The findings support speculation that breast stem cells may give rise to basal tumours, which are more common in BRCA1 carriers.
A genetic variant of BARD1 has been found to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who carry the BRCA2 mutation. The study suggests that inheriting this allele may increase a woman's breast cancer risk, but for most women, the risk is only slight.
A 10-year study by U-M researchers found that women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations who underwent breast-conserving surgery and hormonal treatment had lower rates of breast cancer recurrence. Tamoxifen reduced the risk of same-breast recurrence by 58 percent, while oophorectomy lowered the risk even further.
A recent study found that breast cancer in younger black women is more likely to be an aggressive variety, with a high frequency of basal-like subtype. The study suggests that this could contribute to the higher mortality rate among young black women with breast cancer.
A study found that breast MRI screening can be cost-effective for BRCA1 mutation carriers, particularly when mammography is insensitive. Adding annual MRI from ages 35-54 is cost-effective among all BRCA1 carriers and those with high-risk due to aggressive cancer types
A study of over 156,000 post-menopausal women found that taking hydrophobic statins was associated with a 18% decreased incidence of breast cancer. However, no association was found between statin use and breast cancer risk in general. Further research is needed to confirm this finding.
Researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center found a decreased risk of breast cancer among women with breast implants. The study, which followed over 3,400 Swedish women for an average of 18 years, also showed an increased risk of lung cancer but attributed it to smoking habits.
A nationwide cohort of 3486 Swedish women who underwent cosmetic surgery for breast implants between 1965 and 1993 were followed until the end of 2002. The study found that women with implants had a reduced incidence of breast cancer and an increased incidence of lung cancer compared to the general population.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered a hormone receptor involved in breast cancer growth, finding that it can be slowed by a synthetic neuropeptide Y hormone. The study suggests that targeting this receptor may lead to more effective drug therapy for breast cancer patients.
A meta-analysis of 18 studies suggests that soy food intake is associated with a reduced breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. However, the study found insufficient evidence to support the use of soy supplements as a breast cancer preventive measure.
A meta-analysis of 18 studies found a small association between soy food intake and reduced breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. However, the data were inconsistent enough that no clear recommendation could be made for using soy supplements to prevent breast cancer.
Research suggests that Vitamin D, along with outdoor activities and diet, may lower breast cancer risk. Studies found significant reductions in breast cancer among individuals exposed to high levels of Vitamin D, particularly during adolescence.
A Mayo Clinic study found that a specific gene profile of HOXB13 and IL17BR is an independent marker of early breast cancer relapse or death in lymph node-negative breast cancer. This discovery has significant clinical implications, suggesting the potential for improved treatment outcomes for high-risk patients.
Researchers found a higher risk of developing lobular and tubular breast cancer in women taking HRT, with combined HRT increasing the risk even more. No increase in ductal breast cancer risk was observed, and some cancers were more hormone-receptive than others.
A study of 252 women found that those with higher breast volume asymmetry were more likely to develop breast cancer. The research suggests that breast asymmetry could be a reliable indicator of future breast disease and is an independent predictor of breast cancer.
The center will investigate disparities in modifiable risk factors for breast cancer, particularly among African-American women, and examine demographic, lifestyle, medical, and genetic profiles for obesity. The research aims to develop predictive models and biomarkers to improve early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Women with hereditary non-BRCA breast cancer face a significantly higher risk of developing second primary breast cancers (CBCs), with probabilities ranging from 1.9% to 27.3% over 20 years. Adjuvant hormonal therapy can lower this risk, whereas chemotherapy has no apparent effect.
A comprehensive breast cancer protein library has been established, enabling researchers to study proteins' roles in cancer development. The library's vast collection of cDNAs covers a broad spectrum of breast cancer-related genes, offering new avenues for understanding and treating the disease.
The study found that regular use of selective COX-2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of breast cancer. Daily doses of celecoxib (83% reduction) and rofecoxib (64% reduction) had a more significant impact on reducing the risk.
Researchers are investigating delivering chemotherapy drugs directly to breast ducts to treat early breast cancer. Studies in rats and mice show promising results, with tumors shrinking or disappearing after treatment. The procedure aims to minimize disfigurement and spare normal tissues.
Researchers found alphaB-crystallin protein promotes uncontrolled growth in breast cancer cells, suggesting it as a molecular marker for aggressive breast cancer. The study identified a key pathway activated by alphaB-crystallin and found drug inhibitors block its effects, paving the way for new targeted therapies.
A new study found that radiotherapy significantly reduces breast cancer mortality and local recurrence rates, particularly in women with lymph node involvement. Radiotherapy can improve long-term survival, especially for those with a history of breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.
A large study found an increased risk of second cancers in various sites, including connective tissue and myeloid leukemia, after breast cancer diagnosis. Treatment for breast cancer and shared genetic or environmental factors are thought to contribute to this risk.
Researchers at UC Davis found breast CT images to be equivalent and potentially better than standard mammography for detecting breast cancer. The technology requires no breast compression and uses similar radiation doses as mammography.
A follow-up study to the NSABP Breast Cancer Prevention Trial confirms tamoxifen's effectiveness in reducing invasive and noninvasive breast cancer risk. The study found a 43% reduction in invasive breast cancer risk and a 37% reduction in noninvasive breast cancer risk.
A study found that relatives of women with bilateral breast cancer and a normal CHEK2 gene are at a 23.8% risk by age 80, while those with the faulty variant have a 58.8% risk. Testing for the CHEK2*1100delC mutation in women with family history could be useful for predicting personal risks.
Researchers analyzed data from 79,994 women to evaluate associations of statins, lipid-lowering drugs, and serum cholesterol levels with breast cancer. No link was found between these factors and breast cancer risk.
The HERA study found that Herceptin reduces the risk of cancer coming back by 52% and death by 33% in early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer. The results provide new hope for women with this aggressive form of breast cancer, offering improved survival rates.
A new one-week radiation treatment for breast cancer patients has shown promising results, with no patient recurrence after 48 months and 80% of women experiencing good-to-excellent cosmetic outcomes. The treatment uses MammoSite brachytherapy to deliver high doses of radiation to the surrounding tumor area.
For patients with early-stage breast cancer, MRI improves treatment selection by identifying additional cancer in the breast that may require wider removal of tissue or mastectomy. Breast MRI can help radiation oncologists identify suitable candidates for accelerated partial breast irradiation.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that breast conservation surgery followed by radiation therapy can lead to favorable cosmetic results in patients with implanted breasts. The study challenged previous reports of poor outcomes.
The consensus panel recommends minimizing open surgical biopsies in favor of minimally invasive needle breast biopsies, which can help reduce complications and costs. They also suggest using sentinel lymph node biopsy and MRI for accurate staging and diagnosis.
The Mayo Clinic Cancer Center will lead a multidisciplinary team in translational research projects addressing breast cancer causes, prediction, and treatment. The SPORE grant aims to improve survival and quality of life for women with breast cancer.
A recent study has identified a molecular pathway linked to breast cancer recurrence, suggesting that the transcriptional repressor Snail may play a role in progression. Genetic screening of human breast cancer samples revealed that high levels of Snail expression predict decreased relapse-free survival.
Researchers have identified two ADAMTS genes, ADAMTS8 and ADAMTS15, that can help predict disease outcome in breast cancer patients. The study reveals four categories of risk based on gene activity levels, with those in the highest risk category three times more likely to experience recurrence.
Researchers at The Breakthrough Toby Robins Breast Cancer Research Centre discovered the Scaramanga gene, which regulates early breast development and influences nipple number and position. This breakthrough may help understand normal breast formation and connect it to breast cancer.
A gene called TRPS-1 is over-expressed in 90% of breast cancers, making it a potential target for cancer vaccines. Researchers are exploring its role and developing immunotherapy approaches to treat breast cancer.
Researchers found a link between certain benign breast lesions and increased risk of breast cancer, particularly proliferative and atypical types. Women with non-proliferative forms had no increased risk as long as they didn't have a strong family history.
A study analyzing over 180,000 breast cancer cases found that inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) accounts for about 2% of all breast cancers. Women diagnosed with IBC tend to be younger and have poorer survival rates compared to other types of breast cancer.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a therapy that removes immune system blockages without harming the immune system, boosting its natural ability to reject breast cancer. T-regulatory cells play a disease-promoting role in breast cancer, and blocking them boosts natural immunity.
A study found that DCIS tumours tend to occur in areas of mammographically dense breast tissue, with locations correlating strongly with the area of highest average percent density. The findings suggest that some aspect of dense tissue directly influences the carcinogenic process.
A new study found that long-term daily use of aspirin was associated with an increased risk of ER/PR-negative breast cancer, while long-term daily use of ibuprofen was linked to a higher risk of nonlocalized breast cancer. Regular NSAID use was not associated with breast cancer risk.
Research found that premenopausal women with higher birth weights (above 8.5 pounds) and those who were not breastfed as infants have an almost two-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer. Breastfeeding during infancy was found to be protective against breast cancer in these high-risk groups.
A large collaborative analysis of early breast cancer trials found that standard treatments such as chemotherapy and hormonal therapy can halve the 15-year risk of death from breast cancer. The study included data from 145,000 women with early breast cancer in 194 randomised trials.
The breast CT scanner developed at UC Davis has reached clinical testing and shows promise in detecting breast tumors earlier than mammography. The technology requires no breast compression and takes images of virtual slices to provide a detailed view of breast tissues.
Research investigates associations between male breast cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, and genetic variants in DNA repair genes. Ionizing radiation exposure is linked to higher male breast cancer incidence among atomic bomb survivors, while HPV detection is strongly associated with HIV status. Genetic polymorphisms in DN...
A new study found that racial and ethnic differences in breast cancer rates can be largely explained by the distribution of risk factors, except in African American women. Among those diagnosed with breast cancer, African American women are more likely to have advanced-stage disease, larger tumors, and estrogen receptor-negative disease.
Researchers found that postmenopausal breast cancer survivors have a higher risk of bone fractures, with 68.6 excess fractures per 10,000 person-years compared to the general population. The study also identified factors associated with increased fracture risk, including age, ethnicity, and depression.
A recent study found that only 1 in 4 minority women under 40 have documented family history of breast cancer. The research highlights the need for primary care providers to ask about breast cancer histories, as disparities were observed between minority and white women.
A study by American College of Radiology found MRI to be useful in assessing suspected breast cancer patients, detecting additional cancers not visible on mammography or sonography. The use of computer-assisted diagnosis improved accuracy and led to recommended mastectomies for some patients.
Researchers found that women with primary hypothyroidism had a 61 percent lower risk of developing invasive breast cancer and those newly diagnosed were 57 percent less likely to have the condition. Women with both conditions tended to be older when diagnosed with a less aggressive, indolent disease.
A study found that women with primary hypothyroidism had a 61% lower risk of developing invasive breast cancer. Women with breast cancer were also less likely to have hypothyroidism compared to healthy women, and those with the condition were diagnosed with earlier stage disease.
The research found that active Stat5 suppressed invasive tumor cell activities and aggregated breast cancer cells into clusters resembling healthy cells. Loss of Stat5 stimulated invasion, supporting its potential as a biomarker to predict risk and outcome in early-stage breast cancer patients.
A study of 61,688 women found that adding clinical breast examination to mammography screening detected an additional 25 cancers, but also led to false positive reports and increased biopsies in women with dense breasts
The new technique uses gamma camera technology to detect smaller breast lesions and improve cancer diagnosis, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. The study found a high sensitivity rate of 86% for detecting small breast tumors, outperforming conventional gamma cameras.
Women with breast implants after mastectomy have a lower mortality rate from breast cancer compared to those without implants, suggesting that breast implants may improve survival. The study of over 4,000 women found that implant recipients had a 12.4% mortality rate, half that of non-implant recipients.
A study found breast MRI had a high sensitivity of 88.1% for detecting breast cancer, but moderate specificity of 67.7%. The imaging modality did not significantly improve outcomes for patients with mammographically or clinically suspicious lesions.
An international trial found that breast MRI significantly detected more cancers than mammography in high-risk young women with dense breast tissue. The study recommended MRI as a supplement to mammography for this group, improving cancer detection and potentially reducing mortality rates.
The study found that raloxifene reduced invasive breast cancer incidence by 59% and ER-positive invasive breast cancer by 66%, leading to a 66% and 76% reduction in these cancers after 8 years. No effect on ER-negative or non-invasive cancers was observed.