(Image source: TargetWoman)

 

BY ANTHONY MARTINEZ

This week has seen several studies published about breast cancer that yield insight into the disease and treatment. First, a new study shows using a bone-strengthening drug reduces the risk of death for breast cancer patients by 37 percent.

Global Medical News interviewed the researcher, who says the treatment works by making bones a less welcome environment for cancer cells.

 

“The exciting thing about this it that treatment lasts for three years only, and we are now out at seven years within follow up and we still see a persistent benefit. … Zoledronic acid treatment changes the microenvironment in the bone marrow, which is the harbor where dormant tumor micromatastesis will go.”

Any promising result is good news, but especially so in light of a new survey on women taking aromatase inhibitors -- which decrease the amounts of estrogen women produce -- to treat their disease. The survey found the side effects were so severe, many patients stopped their treatments without telling their doctors.

“It found 36% stopped their medication because of symptoms such as joint pain, hot flushes, weight gain and nausea. … As a result of the side effects, 10% of the women had stopped taking the drug within two years. A further 26% had stopped by four years.”

New studies this week also examined the environmental factors that might up the risk of breast cancer. It turns out fatty foods, cigarettes, and alcohol trump other potential risks, like pollutants and food additives.

USA Today reports, another big driver of cancer -- obesity.

 

“Obesity after age 60 boosted breast cancer risk by 55 percent … To put this in perspective, while 15 of 100 obese women, at the most, would get breast cancer, fewer than 10 of 100 women in the general population would be expected to get breast cancer.”

 

Another study linked diabetes with breast cancer risk, and yet another linked high-starch diets with higher rates of recurrence. The Institute of Medicine boils this new info down to simple health advice.

 

ABC has their suggestions.

 

“First, get X-rays only when needed. Avoid all unnecessary medical radiation. If possible, refrain from taking a combination of estrogen progestin menopausal hormone therapy. Limit alcohol assumption. Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly.”