Study : Acupuncture may ease breast cancer treatment side effects

Most relevant for: People considering acupuncture for managing breast cancer treatment symptoms.

Acupuncture can ease some symptoms of breast cancer treatment. Multiple studies found that acupuncture is a safe and effective strategy to manage certain symptoms but also called for more rigorous research on the topic. (Posted 9/28/22)

Update : FDA reports on new cancers linked to breast implants

Most relevant for: People with breast implants

New cancers have been found in women with both textured and smooth implants that are filled with either saline or silicone. These cancers are extremely rare. The FDA has reported cases of a type of skin cancer and blood cancers in the scar tissue that forms around breast implants. The newly reported lymphomas are different from the previously reported breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). (Posted 9/27/22)

Study : Expanding Medicaid reduced racial disparities among people with metastatic breast cancer

Most relevant for: People diagnosed with de novo stage 4 breast cancer and people who live in states that have not expanded Medicaid.

The Affordable Care Act allowed more people to access insurance through Medicaid. This study found the expansion of care improved survival and decreased mortality among people of color with de novo stage 4 (stage 4 at the time of initial diagnosis) breast cancer.  (Posted 9/13/2022)

Study : Physical activity may decrease fatigue associated with cancer treatment

Most relevant for: Cancer patients who are experiencing fatigue related to cancer or its treatment.

Many cancer survivors experience fatigue during and after they complete treatment. This study looked at the effect of home-based physical activity on fatigue in cancer survivors. It also looked at whether frequent counseling encouraged people to start and continue their exercise routines.  (Posted 8/1/22)

Study : A win for some patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer

Most relevant for: People with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer

A drug used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer improved survival in people with metastatic breast cancers that were previously considered HER2-negative. These results change practice guidelines for metastatic breast cancer and reclassify HER2 tumor marker status as “HER2-low” to guide treatment. (Posted 7/18/22)

Update: On 08/05/2022 the FDA approved Enhertu to treat people with metastatic, HER2-low breast cancer who have received prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting or who developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing chemotherapy. Enhertu is also approved for treatment of people with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who progressed after prior anti-HER2 treatment. 

Study : The hidden financial burden of treating cancer care symptoms

Most relevant for: People who are experiencing side effects due to cancer treatment or cancer.

Drugs commonly used to treat symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment side effects can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket for patients, depending on what drugs are used. (Posted 6/29/2022)

Study : Do artificial sweeteners increase the risk of cancer?

Most relevant for: People who consume artificial sweeteners

A large study of adults in France suggests that artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of certain cancers. (posted 6/21/2022)

Article : Breast cancer risk for transgender men with inherited mutations

Most relevant for: Transgender men with an inherited mutation

There is little information related to the risks and treatment options for transgender men and nonbinary people who are at high-risk for breast cancer due to an inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. We review an expert viewpoint on the implications of a BRCA mutation for transgender men undergoing breast removal as part of their gender-affirming care plan. (posted 5/19/22)

Study : Increasing melatonin use raises concerns

Most relevant for: people who take or consider taking melatonin to help with sleep.

Adult use of melatonin as a sleep aid has increased even though its benefits and risks are not well understood. This study looked at trends in melatonin use over the last 19 years. (Posted 4/14/2022)

Study : New tool to predict breast cancer risk for Black women

Most relevant for: Black women in the U.S.

An important part of making decisions about breast cancer screening and prevention is knowing your breast cancer risk. Specific tools are used to identify people who would benefit from early and/or additional screening and chemoprevention or those who would most benefit from genetic counseling and testing. Because these tools were developed using data mostly from white women, they are unable to predict cancer risk as well for Black women. To begin to address these gaps, researchers developed a new tool specifically designed to predict breast cancer risk for Black women. This tool has been shown to work well, especially for younger Black women. (posted 3/22/2022)