Breast Cancer

Article : Genetic testing and the future of medicine

Most relevant for: People interested in genetic testing.

An article published in Katie Couric Media discusses genetic testing and how it can impact health. The author talked with Dr. Robert Steiner, a doctor who specializes in genetics. He talked about genetic testing and how the results can affect health and change lives. (posted 9/28/23)

Article : Promising drug for cancer treatment begins clinical trials

Most relevant for: People with solid tumors.

Researchers at City of Hope are testing a new type of cancer treatment drug. When tested in animals and cells taken from human cancers, this new drug prevented the growth of many types of cancer. Initial clinical trials in people have just started. (Posted 9/7/23)

Topic : Sex and intimacy after breast cancer

Most relevant for: People with breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer in sexual or intimate relationships and their partners

A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect relationships with romantic partners. This review highlights two studies that looked at how people with breast cancer and their partners are affected, how they cope, how best to communicate with each other and how to talk with healthcare providers about concerns related to cancer and sexuality. (Posted 8/8/23)

Study : Progestin birth control may slightly increase breast cancer risk

Most relevant for: People who are using or have recently used birth control containing only the hormone progestin

Different types of birth control carry different cancer risks. Birth control using the hormone progestin slightly increases the risk of breast cancer during use and for a few years after use. (Posted 7/10/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Breast cancer disparities among the LGBTQ+ community

Most relevant for: People belonging to the LGBTQ+ community

This study looked at differences in breast cancer treatment outcomes among people from the LGBTQ+ community.  (Posted 6/28/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Guideline : What is breast density and why does it matter?

Most relevant for: People who have mammograms

New FDA guidelines for mammograms will go into effect by September 2024. Current FDA guidance requires hospitals and breast centers to give people information about their breast density with their mammogram results. By September 2024, mammogram providers will need to relay to patients who have dense breast that they should discuss the need for additional imaging. This article provides an overview of what breast density means and why it matters. (Posted 6/8/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Topic : Impact of new laws on cancer treatment during pregnancy

Most relevant for: People who have cancer who are pregnant

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that abortion is no longer a protected right under the Constitution.  This landmark decision leaves regulation of abortion to the states. Cancer treatment during pregnancy may now be impacted in states that have abortion bans or limitations. (Posted 5/31/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Article : A food lover’s decision to remove her stomach highlights difficult decisions around cancer risk

Most relevant for: People with a CDH1 mutation or a family history of stomach cancer

National Public Radio reporter Sáša Woodruff shares her story of learning about her CDH1 mutation and making a decision about risk-reducing surgery. Mutations in the CDH1 gene significantly increase a person’s risk of stomach and breast cancers. Woodruff’s personal essay describes the psychological challenge of making decisions about risk-reducing surgeries and draws attention to a lesser-known mutation linked to hereditary cancer. (Posted 5/17/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Breast cancer outcomes improved with CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment

Most relevant for: People with HR-positive HER2-negative advanced breast cancer

A study showed that people with metastatic breast cancer who took an oral drug known as a CDK4/6 inhibitor combined with hormone therapy did better than people who took hormone therapy alone. The drug combination improved the length of time before cancer worsened or returned. After six years of treatment, people who took this drug combination lived longer compared to those who took hormone therapy alone. (Posted 4/5/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Study : Weight may affect breast cancer risk in women with an inherited BRCA mutation

Most relevant for: People with an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 concerned about their breast cancer risk

A study that looked at normal breast cells from women with an inherited BRCA mutation found more DNA damage among women who were overweight (based on a measurement known as body mass index) than those who were not overweight. The results suggest that maintaining a lower weight may reduce breast cancer among this high-risk population. (Posted 3/30/23)

Este artículo está disponible en español.