Since there are so many types, cancer isn't an "it" but a "them." And the semantics of our "war on cancer" mislead us into considering cancer as just one disease. But in reality, just one type — breast cancer — is composed of 10 different sub-types, each of which might require different treatments.
breast cancer
Recent research has made some progress in finding an effective treatment for triple negative breast cancer — specifically, cancers that don't have either growth factor or hormone receptors. These are the most difficult to treat successfully, since there are no targeted therapies for them.
In a study of younger women with breast cancer, more and more are deciding to get tested for the BRCA mutation, which they should be getting. Some of them decided not to get tested and just opt for mastectomy, but this is unnecessary in general.
When should women at average risk for breast cancer start mammography screenings? Should they start at 40, or is it better to wait until 50? The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has weighed in, concluding that "cancer mortality is generally reduced" with screening. But other issues need answers.
New reports on breast cancer treatments are coming to the fore. One report finds that too many women are still receiving total mastectomies, when lumpectomy would suffice. Other reports show that no time should be wasted between the diagnosis of breast cancer and surgical and chemotherapy treatments.
A recent Huffington Post op-ed by a female MD demanded "the truth" about mammograms, so that women could best help themselves. Well, there's no truth yet: the data continue to be evaluated and medical societies continue to make the best guesses they can. So, women should learn what they can and discuss the options with their physician.
Say you're a woman having a screening mammogram and the radiologist finds something suspicious. But it turns out to be a so-called "false-positive," and not any type of cancer. So you're off the hook. Right? Maybe not, because a new study says that result might have implications for developing cancer at a later time.
If the American Cancer Society recommends mammograms every two years for normal-risk women over age 55, does that mean they only care about money?
A recurring, ridiculous but hard-to-kill myth is that some bras can lead to breast cancer. Not true! But, Gwyneth's site, GOOP, is helping to promulgate this nonsense. A science blogger, Jen Gunter, attempts to debunk, and we shall help.
One of the toughest decisions currently facing women involves breast cancer screening. When should mammograms begin, and should self-exams or clinical exams by a health provider be embraced? A leading group just posted new guidelines, shedding new light on this important issue.
A recent New York Times op-ed called for universal testing for the BRCA genes among women of Jewish descent, whose ancestry is from eastern Europe. The frighteningly high rate of BRCA positivity and the dire prognosis of such carriers are cited as the primary reasons.
According to a new study, not all breast cancer patients need to undergo chemotherapy. Researchers reached this conclusion through a large study that analyzed the specific genes in each women's tumor. It's a big step forward for personalized medicine and high-value care.