Breast Cancer News You Can Use

To help you stay on top of the latest breast cancer-related research and findings, Breast Cancer Network of Strength brings you News You Can Use, a monthly summary of some of the latest on breast cancer research and studies. We welcome your feedback; please send e-mail to contact@networkofstrength.org.

March 2010

Large analysis finds that breast cancer patients who take aspirin reduce their risk of breast cancer spread and death by nearly half
An analysis of data from the Nurse’s Health Study shows for the first time that women who have completed treatment for early-stage breast cancer and who take aspirin have a nearly 50 percent reduced risk of breast cancer death and a similar reduction in the risk of metastasis.  The findings were reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Digital mammography delivers significantly less radiation than conventional mammography
Data from one of the largest mammography trials in history demonstrates that overall the radiation dose associated with digital mammography averages 22 percent lower than that of conventional film mammography, and that the reduction could be greater in women with larger and denser breasts, according to a study in the American Journal of Roentgenology.

Preventive mastectomy doesn’t benefit most
Breast cancer patients are increasingly having preventive surgery to remove the unaffected breast, but a new study conducted at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center suggests that it's not beneficial for the vast majority of women who undergo it.

Shorter course of radiation effective and safe for some women with early-stage breast cancer
Giving radiation therapy in fewer but larger doses may be an alternative to standard radiation therapy for some women with early-stage breast cancer.  A trial testing this approach found that the regimen did not increase long-term toxicities and resulted in rates of survival and local recurrence similar to those seen with standard radiation therapy.  The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Pumping iron
In the past, doctors advised breast cancer survivors with lymphedema to avoid heavy lifting because of the possibility of infection and symptom flare-ups.  But a study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, shows that weight-lifting may actually be beneficial and help reduce lymphedema symptoms, not exacerbate them. 

Hypnosis can help control pain among women with metastatic breast cancer
Hypnosis can help alleviate the pain and suffering experienced by women being treated for breast cancer, according to a study at the University at Buffalo School of Social Work.

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