Women with extremely high breast density are more likely to develop breast cancer, and current mammography technology may miss tumors. Researchers are working to improve breast cancer diagnosis and health outcomes for women through education and better utilization of screening methods.
Researchers found that inhibiting glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) restores sensitivity to tamoxifen in resistant breast cancer. Silencing GRP78 toxically stresses breast cancer cells, leading to cell death. Adding tamoxifen to a GRP78 inhibitor offers an effective combination, enhancing the treatment's effectiveness.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found bacterial DNA in breast tissue, even when sterile conditions are maintained. The team discovered significant differences in the breast tissue microbiome of women with and without cancer, suggesting a distinct role for the microbiome in breast cancer development.
A study of 19,158 women who underwent IVF treatment and 5,950 women starting other fertility treatments found no association between IVF and increased breast cancer risk. Women with 7 or more IVF cycles had a significantly decreased risk compared to those treated with 1-2 cycles.
A new study found that an enriched hops extract activates a chemical pathway in cells that could help prevent breast cancer. The research discovered a compound called 6-prenylnarigenin (6-PN), which increased a detoxification pathway linked to a lower risk of breast cancer.
The NCI's largest-ever study of breast cancer genetics in black women aims to identify genetic factors contributing to racial disparities in breast cancer. The study will investigate inherited genetic variations and gene expression in tumor samples.
Research from University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital found that very low mammographic breast density is associated with worse prognosis in breast cancer patients. Low density combined with high hyaluronan levels in tumors predicted poorer survival rates.
Researchers identified denosumab as a potential non-surgical option to prevent breast cancer in women with elevated genetic risk. The study showed that the drug switched off cell growth and curtailed breast cancer development in laboratory models.
Researchers have developed a new device that enables existing breast cancer imagers to provide up to six times better contrast of tumors in the breast while maintaining the same or better image quality. The Variable Angle Slant Hole Collimator reduces radiation dose to patients by half, potentially improving imaging of other organs.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine identified a promising new compound for targeting triple-negative breast cancer. UM-164 blocks the kinase c-Src and inhibits another pathway, p38, involved in this subtype. The compound had very few side effects in mice.
Researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a novel treatment option for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) by targeting vitamin D and androgen receptors. This approach showed promising results in reducing the sustainability of cancer cells, offering new hope for patients with this aggressive form of breast cancer.
A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that adolescent girls with high saturated-fat diets and low unsaturated-fat intake had higher breast densities, which may increase their risk for breast cancer later in life. The researchers analyzed data from 177 women and observed a significant association betwee...
A study of 90,000 nurses found that high fruit consumption during adolescence was associated with a 25% lower risk of breast cancer diagnosed in middle age. Increasing alcohol intake in later life was linked to a higher risk of breast cancer and heart disease.
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that DIEP flap breast reconstruction provides good long-term quality of life for women who have undergone mastectomy for breast cancer. The reconstruction method allowed patients to maintain a good QOL in the long-term, comparable to women without breast cancer.
A low-fat diet for eight years improved breast cancer survival rates and reduced mortality in postmenopausal women. The study, conducted by the Women's Health Initiative, found that a sustained low-fat diet increased survival rates among women diagnosed with breast cancer.
A multi-institution study found that nipple-sparing mastectomies are as effective as traditional mastectomy in preventing breast cancer in women with a genetic mutation called BRCA. The procedure, which preserves the nipple and surrounding skin, was found to be safe and effective in reducing breast cancer risk.
Research from Lund University found that cartilage protein COMP is linked to breast cancer development and metastasis. Women with high levels of COMP experienced increased mortality rates, suggesting the protein may serve as an indicator of aggressive breast cancer.
A large study of 43,313 women found that infertility and hormone treatment may be linked to higher breast density, a known risk factor for breast cancer. The association was strongest among women who had undergone controlled ovarian stimulation (COS), a common fertility treatment.
New research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that contralateral prophylactic mastectomy has more than tripled from 2002 to 2012, despite evidence suggesting no survival benefit over breast conservation. The majority of women undergoing CPM are at low risk for developing breast cancer in the unaffected breast.
A new study has revealed significant biological differences between male and female breast cancers, shedding light on why male patients often receive delayed diagnoses. Researchers hope this knowledge will enable better treatment choices for Male BC patients, including the use of chemotherapy and targeted agents.
A new trial found that full-dose radiotherapy to the whole breast is not necessary for women with low-risk early breast cancer. The study showed very low rates of local recurrence and minimal side effects across all treatment groups, suggesting that partial breast radiotherapy may be sufficient for many patients.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation associated with a high risk of breast cancer in the Chinese ethnic population. The RECQL mutation was found to be present in 0.54% of Southern Chinese women, suggesting it may be an important factor in genetic screening for women with a family history of breast cancer.
A large-scale study found no link between physical activity and breast density, contradicting previous findings. Women with high breast density are still at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, but lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet can lower their risk.
EPFL scientists have developed an animal model for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer that faithfully captures the disease. The new model has been tested on human breast tissue in a pre-clinical context, providing crucial factors such as hormone action and molecular responses to therapies.
A study of 120,000 women found five genetic variants affecting breast cancer risk, which alter how cells respond to oestrogen. The variants are associated with changes in the expression of genes involved in oestrogen regulation, potentially leading to new breast cancer preventions.
Researchers found that omega-3 supplementation reduced breast density in postmenopausal women with a body mass index above 29, bordering on obesity. The study suggests that DHA alone may be preferentially protective in these individuals, offering an example of personalized approach to breast cancer prevention.
Rates of BRCA testing have increased among young women with breast cancer, with 87% reporting testing within a year after diagnosis. The high frequency is attributed to comprehensive genetic counseling services available at cancer centers.
A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that a higher dietary fiber intake during adolescence and young adulthood may lower breast cancer risk. The researchers analyzed data from 90,534 women and found a significant inverse association between fiber intake and breast cancer incidence.
A new study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that lipofilling, a technique using the patient's own fat cells for breast reconstruction, does not increase the risk of recurrent breast cancer. The study analyzed over 1,000 cases and compared rates of recurrent or new breast cancers with and without lipofilling.
Researchers found epigenetic alterations in normal breast tissue adjacent to cancer, marking susceptible precursor cells. These changes were associated with poorer prognosis and decreased survivorship from the disease. The study aims to decode how breast cancer develops and understand risk factors.
A large study of over 20,600 breast cancer survivors found that those who quit smoking after diagnosis had a significantly lower risk of death from breast cancer. Quitting smoking led to a 33% reduction in mortality rate, with the highest risks observed among long-term smokers and former smokers.
A comprehensive modeling study found that breast cancer screening with digital mammography poses only a small risk of radiation-induced breast cancer for most women. However, the research showed increased risk for women with large breasts or breast implants. The study suggests biennial screening from ages 50 to 74 may be the safest opt...
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine identified a metastasis suppressor gene called serum deprivation response (SDPR), which plays a role in breast cancer progression. Over-expression of SDPR reduces the incidence of metastatic disease in models of aggressive, metastatic breast cancer cells.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have created a clinically relevant mouse model of human breast cancer, bearing resemblance to the most prevalent form of breast cancer. The model, '184AA3,' will enable testing of therapies for aggressive ER+ breast cancers and studying the biology and etiology of luminal cancers.
A phase 1 clinical trial found that enzalutamide is active and well-tolerated alone and with fulvestrant in patients with advanced breast cancer. The study supports a larger trial of the combination, building on promising preclinical data and targeting androgen receptors in breast cancer.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers finds no link between breast density and breast cancer risk, instead attributing increased cancer to age and body fat. The study suggests that women with dense breasts may be younger and leaner, reducing their risk of breast cancer.
A new study suggests that breast density alone is not a significant risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The study found no significant difference in breast density between breast cancer patients and control groups.
A new breast cancer risk-prediction model for Hispanic women has been developed using data from the San Francisco Bay Area Breast Cancer Study. The model incorporates factors such as age at first full-term pregnancy, age at first menstrual period, history of benign breast disease, and family history of breast cancer to estimate risk.
Breast cancer incidence rates have increased among African American women, converging with those of white women. The rise is attributed to ER positive breast cancers and may reflect rising obesity rates. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages and have poorer survival rates due to lack of access to timely treatment.
Regular physical activity can help women at high risk of breast cancer delay drastic measures by reducing estrogen-sensitive breast tissue. Women who engage in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise per day for five days a week may experience a 10% drop in estrogen-sensitive breast tissue over 100 minutes of exercise.
A new test predicts whether breast cancer will spread to the brain by analyzing high activity in a particular gene called alpha beta-crystallin. Women with aggressive forms of breast cancer are three times more likely to develop secondary brain tumors if they test positive.
The American Cancer Society recommends starting annual mammography screening at age 45 for average-risk women. Women between 40-44 can choose to begin annual screening. Clinical breast examination is no longer recommended due to lack of clear evidence on its effectiveness in detecting breast cancer.
A study of over 869 pre-teen girls found that those from families with a history of breast cancer or genetic mutations did not show increased signs of anxiety and depression. However, they did express more worry about breast cancer, suggesting a potential benefit of early education about risk.
Breast cancer researcher Dr Michalak aims to understand how normal and cancerous cells develop in the breast to identify suspicious tumors and develop better treatments. Her study focuses on epigenetic modifiers, which can influence DNA behavior, and may hold clues to preventing tumor spread.
The Columbia Mailman School and Columbia University Medical Center site will focus on prevention and expand the study of risk factors that precede breast cancer. The researchers aim to understand the role of genetic and environmental factors in modifying breast cancer risk.
Researchers at the University of Manchester and Nottingham are developing a gel that mimics human breast tissue, enabling the growth of breast cell models in the lab. This will help understand the influence of the breast matrix on breast cancer progression, potentially leading to new approaches to prevention and treatment.
Researchers discovered genetic alterations in healthy breast cells associated with an increased risk of non-familial breast cancer. These findings can be used for future improvements in diagnostics to identify women at high risk before the tumor forms.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have discovered a potential new approach to overcome hormone therapy resistance in ER+ breast cancer by targeting breast cancer stem cells driven by NOTCH4. This approach shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for patients with hormone therapy-resistant breast cancer.
Two studies suggest alternative prevention strategies may render surgery unnecessary for women at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Researchers identify a new target to decrease breast cancer risk by blocking the effects of RANKL with OPG.
Researchers at OU and Mercy Hospital OKC are developing two new short-term breast cancer risk prediction approaches to increase detection of breast MRI screenings. They aim to identify high-risk women with mammography-occult cancers and reduce repeated negative MRI screenings among those with elevated risk.
A study of over 100,000 women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) found that the 20-year breast cancer-specific death rate was 3.3 percent, higher for women under 35 and black women compared to non-Hispanic white women. Preventing ipsilateral invasive recurrence did not reduce mortality from breast cancer, according to researchers.
Researchers developed a faster method for classifying benign and malignant human breast tissues using fresh samples. This automated method eliminates the need for time-consuming tissue preparation and specialist assessment, potentially improving breast cancer management in developing countries.
A new approach to breast cancer surgery and reconstruction combines nipple-sparing mastectomy with immediate single-stage implant (SSI) breast reconstruction. This combined procedure, also known as the 'one and done' approach, offers important psychological benefits for patients, including an immediate return to normal body image.
Two classes of inexpensive generic drugs, aromatase inhibitors and bisphosphonates, have been shown to improve survival prospects for postmenopausal women with early breast cancer. The combination of the two types of drug may also increase benefits while decreasing some side-effects.
A study found that additional radiation to lymph nodes reduces breast cancer recurrence, but does not increase overall survival. The treatment was associated with limited toxicity and is recommended for women with axillary node-positive or high-risk node-negative breast cancer.
A recent study published in Nature has revealed that adding the female hormone progesterone to treatment could benefit around half of all breast cancer patients. The research, led by Cancer Research UK, showed how the progesterone receptor 'talks' to oestrogen receptors in breast cancer cells, ultimately slowing down tumour growth.
Researchers will investigate the function of MED1 and its pathways in cancer stem cell formation of HER2-driven tumors, with the goal of intervening for possible cancer therapy. They aim to develop new therapies targeting MED1 and HER2 for patients with HER2 and estrogen receptor positive breast cancer.
A study found that increased screening mammography was associated with more diagnoses of small breast cancers, but not significant changes in mortality or larger cancer incidence, suggesting overdiagnosis
Women who attend breast cancer screening between ages 50-69 have a 40% reduced risk of dying from breast cancer. Regular screening is also associated with a 23% risk reduction, resulting in approximately eight deaths prevented per 1,000 women regularly attending screening.
A new large study finds that women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and have a family history of the disease face no worse of a prognosis after treatment than other women with breast cancer. Successful treatment for breast cancer is just as likely in young patients with a family history of breast cancer, as in those without.