New state laws recommending supplemental screening tests for women with dense breast tissue resulted in modestly boosted cancer detection rates, specifically increased breast ultrasound and cancer detection rates
A new study found that digital mammography is associated with a lower likelihood of high-density breast tissue compared to digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) or synthetic mammography. This could have implications for personalized screening and recommendations for supplemental screening.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that free fatty acids in the blood promote proliferation and growth of breast cancer cells in obese women. The study suggests a potential link between obesity and an increased risk of ER-positive breast cancer after menopause.
US breast cancer patients experience significant economic burdens due to treatment side effects like lymphedema. Patients advocate for policy changes and institutional adaptations to address these challenges. Recommendations include improved insurance coverage, expanded support services, and enhanced financial assistance.
A large-scale study validated four widely used breast cancer risk models, finding that family-history-based models outperform non-family-history based models. The study's findings suggest that all women would benefit from risk assessment involving detailed family histories.
A six-decade-long study found that all women exposed to high levels of DDT are at increased risk for breast cancer before age 54, with the timing of cancer risk depending on when they were first exposed. Women exposed in infancy and early childhood were most likely to develop premenopausal breast cancer.
A recent study found that hundreds of thousands of US women's lives have been saved by mammography and improvements in breast cancer treatment since 1989. The study estimates that cumulative breast cancer deaths averted ranged from 384,000 to 614,500 over the past three decades.
A new study published in HeartRhythm found that women with breast cancer have an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation within three years following their cancer diagnosis compared to other women of the same age. The risk is higher for younger patients, with more than doubled incidence in those under sixty years old.
A study found that breast cancers diagnosed in young women within 10 years of giving birth are more likely to metastasize than those diagnosed less recently or not at all. The risk is highest among women up to 10 years postpartum and is most pronounced in stage I or II breast cancer.
A new study of over 25,000 women from the Women's Health Initiative trials found that those experiencing persistent vasomotor symptoms are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. The study also identified other risk factors, including high body mass index and current alcohol use.
Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 breast cancer patients and identified seven clusters of patients based on their immune evasion mechanisms. This study provides a better understanding of how breast cancer hides from the immune system, allowing oncologists to develop more personalized treatment options.
Women who have given birth experience a lower risk of breast cancer, but this protective effect may not begin until as many as 30 years after the last pregnancy. A new study found that breast cancer risk increases in the years following childbirth, with the highest risk about five years later.
Researchers found that breastfeeding and family history of breast cancer had no impact on the increased risk. Risk peaked five years after childbirth, with a 80% higher risk compared to childfree women, but decreased by age 50. The study could inform screening decisions and prevention strategies.
A study found that younger breast cancer patients who underwent mastectomy reported lower breast satisfaction and poorer psychosocial and sexual well-being compared to those who had breast-conserving surgery. The researchers also found similar physical function across all groups.
A study of 561 young women with breast cancer found that those who underwent mastectomy scored lower in quality of life measures, including satisfaction with appearance, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being. Breast-conserving surgery was associated with better outcomes, regardless of whether one or both breasts were removed.
Recent studies at SABCS 2018 highlight radiation therapy's efficacy in treating breast cancer, with trials refining treatments to provide more options for patients. Accelerated partial breast irradiation has been shown to be non-inferior to traditional whole breast irradiation.
The study found that accelerated partial breast irradiation (PBI) was not statistically superior to whole breast irradiation (WBI) in preventing ipsilateral breast tumor recurrence. However, PBI showed promise as a less burdensome treatment option for some women, with smaller differences in relapse-free interval and grade 3 toxicity.
Researchers at SWOG share findings from three studies on breast cancer subtypes, treatment response, and recurrence. The studies used existing trial data to identify subsets of patients and tumors with distinct characteristics, which can inform treatment decisions.
Researchers are testing Precision Breast IORT, which uses advanced imaging to tailor radiation treatment and potentially improve outcomes for patients with early-stage breast cancer. The study aims to evaluate the technique's effectiveness in reducing breast cancer recurrence rates and immune-dampening effects.
A study of genetic variants found that morning preference reduces the risk of breast cancer by 40-48% compared to evening types. Increased sleep duration and insomnia were associated with a 20% increased risk of breast cancer.
Women carrying rare breast cancer variants are more likely to develop interval breast cancers, which are often aggressive and lethal. The study found that these women have a higher risk of death from breast cancer compared to those with common mutations.
Researchers found that common genetic variations can significantly increase breast cancer risk for female pediatric cancer survivors, with a two-fold higher risk compared to average survivors. The collective effect of these variations is comparable to having a high-risk mutation in breast cancer predisposition genes.
A study of female childhood cancer survivors found that genetic profiling can identify high-risk individuals for subsequent breast cancer. Polygenic determinants and rare mutations significantly contribute to breast cancer risk, with a notable age-specific association in younger women.
A Phase III clinical trial shows that combining immunotherapy with chemotherapy improves progression-free and overall survival for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The study's results establish a new standard of care in PD-L1+ patients and provide hope for those diagnosed with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
A large study found that drugs approved for women's breast cancer are also effective and well-tolerated in men. Men with metastatic breast cancer received similar treatments to women, including hormonal therapy and chemotherapy, with similar outcomes.
A new statistical method estimates the short- and long-term risk of recurrence for hormone receptor-positive and HR-negative breast cancers in US women. The study found that while HR-positive breast cancer has a lower risk of progression to metastatic disease soon after diagnosis, the risk persists for several years.
The Society of Breast Imaging has partnered with Oxford University Press to launch the Journal of Breast Imaging, providing a platform for high-quality, evidence-based content on breast imaging. The journal aims to advance the field of breast imaging, improving patient care and outcomes.
Three leading researchers, Ian Smith, Ann Partridge, and Zena Werb, receive top honors for their groundbreaking work on breast cancer treatment and research. Their contributions have propelled advances in breast cancer science and medicine, saving countless lives from the disease.
A new study suggests targeting collagen XIII could suppress breast cancer metastasis by enhancing anoikis resistance in cancer cells. Researchers found that collagen XIII expression is significantly higher in cancerous human breast tissue and necessary for metastasis in mouse models.
A study published in CANCER found that weight loss in postmenopausal women is associated with a 12% lower risk of invasive breast cancer. Women who lost 5% of their body weight had a lower risk, while those who gained weight had an increased incidence of triple negative breast cancer.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center identified the enzyme cyclophilin A as a potential target for treating breast cancer. By inhibiting this enzyme, they were able to slow or halt the growth of breast cancer cells. The discovery builds on previous work and holds promise for rapid development of novel therapies.
Researchers identified genetic mutations associated with increased risk of breast cancer in Nigerian women. The study found that nearly half of patients were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis.
A new study has identified specific genes, including BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, and RAD51D, that are associated with an increased risk for triple-negative breast cancer. The study suggests potential revisions to guidelines for genetic testing and may lead to better prevention strategies.
A Mayo Clinic research team has identified specific genes associated with an increased risk for developing triple-negative breast cancer. Alternations in BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 and RAD51D genes were linked to a high risk for this subtype of breast cancer, while mutations in BRIP1 and RAD51C genes showed a moderate risk.
A new clinical trial has found that 92.9% of women with two or three sites of cancer in a single breast can undergo breast-conserving surgery, replacing mastectomy as the preferred treatment option for this condition.
A large international study found that high body fat in young women reduces breast cancer risk before menopause. Researchers discovered a 12-23% decrease in breast cancer risk for every five-unit increase in BMI, with strongest effects seen in the 18-24 age group.
Women with mammographically dense breast tissue have higher recall and biopsy rates, as well as increased odds of screen-detected and interval breast cancer. The study supports automated measurements as a future standard for breast density classification.
Research suggests that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with reduced risk of premenopausal breast cancer. The analysis found an inverse association between breast cancer risk and BMI for women between ages 18 and 54, with the strongest link in early adulthood.
A large-scale study found that higher body fat is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. The study, published in JAMA Oncology, analyzed data from over 758,000 women under the age of 55 and found that as BMI increased, breast cancer risk decreased, particularly among younger women.
Breast cancer patients aged 70 and over in England have a higher risk of mortality due to reduced surgical intervention compared to other countries. Patients with stage three breast cancer in England are also more likely to not receive surgery, which has been linked to poorer survival rates.
A lower-fat diet was linked to increased breast cancer overall survival among postmenopausal women, although the increase may be partly due to better survival from other causes. The study found modest increases in vegetable, fruit, and grain intake in the lower-fat group.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that the FDA-approved drug decitabine may be effective in treating triple-negative breast cancer. The study identified a subset of patients who could benefit from this therapy based on the presence of certain critical proteins.
Researchers have discovered that an enzyme called UGT8 drives the progression of basal-like breast cancer, but found that zoledronic acid inhibits UGT8 and prevents its spread. The drug may offer a new hope for treating this aggressive form of breast cancer, which is largely untreatable.
A study by UCSF and Mayo Clinic found that automated breast-density evaluation is as accurate as subjective evaluation done by radiologists in predicting breast cancer risk. Women with dense breasts are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced-stage breast cancers.
Researchers developed a new method for early and accurate breast cancer screening using electronic nose gas sensors and GC-MS analysis, achieving 95% average accuracy in detecting breast cancer biomarkers from breath samples. Urine samples also yielded 85% average accuracy with this technology.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center identified a protein strongly linked to metastatic breast cancer and its growth. High levels of ZMYND8 correlate with poor survival rates in breast cancer patients.
Women with breast implants are more likely to have detectable cancers at a smaller size compared to those without implants. The study found that screening mammograms may be less effective in detecting cancers in breasts with implants.
New results from IMPORT LOW trial show women treated with partial or reduced breast radiotherapy report fewer side-effects, including less change in breast appearance. The study found that over half of patients did not experience moderate or marked side-effects at any point.
Researchers found that targeted drug treatment before surgery can safely treat women with aggressive tumours using breast-conserving surgery, sparing patients from extensive surgery. This approach resulted in fewer long-term side-effects and improved quality of life for a significant proportion of patients.
Breast cancer experts are urging men to participate in clinical trials to discover better treatment options. The research highlights the benefits of targeted treatments, such as reducing radical surgery and improving cosmetic results for men with breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are developing a small drug molecule that can block JAG1, a cell surface protein found on triple-negative breast cancer cells. The new therapy aims to reduce tumor growth and metastasis, with fewer side effects than aggressive chemotherapy or radiation.
Researchers found that polygenic risk scores, which were originally developed to predict first breast cancer risk, can also quantify the risk of a second breast cancer in BRCA carriers. This technology has been shown to be effective in predicting the risk of a second breast cancer in women with high-risk BRCA gene mutations.
Researchers found elevated mir-24-3p in breast cancer patients destined to metastasize despite best available therapy. High expression of mir-24-3p correlated with poor survival rate and specific gene expression signature in TCGA.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne identified 24 previously unknown epigenetic changes that alter a woman's risk of breast cancer and can be passed down through generations. These changes, related to DNA methylation, were found in only approximately 20% of women with familial breast cancer who underwent genetic testing.
Researchers identified a new survival pathway in cancer stem cells that fuels the growth and spread of triple-negative breast cancer. The study suggests targeting this pathway may lead to new treatments for women with this aggressive subtype of breast cancer.
Researchers at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center have identified a new genetic change in the estrogen receptor that contributes to therapy resistance in ER-positive breast cancer. The presence of ESR1 fusion proteins in treatment-resistant breast cancer may lead to improved treatments for this form of the disease.
Research found that women with estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer had an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight compared to those with other types. The study also showed a lower birth rate among breast cancer survivors, with only about 8% having children by 10 years after diagnosis.
A nationwide population-based study analyzed over 120,000 women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, finding that only 14.7% required additional biopsies during follow-up care. The study's findings will help physicians counsel patients about breast cancer recurrence rates and the need for future biopsies.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have found that macrophages express insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) 1 and 2, which support breast cancer metastasis. The study suggests a significant reduction in tumour cell growth and lung metastasis when IGFs are blocked with paclitaxel.
A USC study suggests that regular exercise can lower breast cancer survivors' risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer recurrence. Exercise helps reduce inflammation, improves heart health, and increases good cholesterol levels.