Breast Cancer - Original Articles

Drinking and Your Risk of Breast Cancer

A look at how alcohol triggers breast cancer growth.

Can Fasting Help Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence?

Breast cancer patients who were diagnosed when cancer was at an early stage may want to consider extending the length of time between dinner and breakfast the next morning.

Weight Gain Among Breast Cancer Survivors

Patients who have been diagnosed within the past five years and patients on statins seem to be at the greatest risk.

A New Online Tool to Determine Breast Cancer Risk

If you're a woman in your 40s, you should know about this.

The Link Between Shift Work and Cancer Risk

Shift work (working during the time when most people are asleep) may increase your risk of cancer learn what you can do about it.

Should You Exercise When Treating Cancer?

For cancer patients and survivors, exercise can help improve physical functioning, fatigue, and quality of life and may improve chances of survival.

Does Alcohol Increase Your Risk of Cancer?

Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for cancer, but the headlines may be a bit misleading.

The Perfect Fit: Choosing the Right Mastectomy Bra

You might expect bra shopping after a mastectomy to be a different experience, but it's still all about comfort and fit.

"Cold Caps" May Prevent Hair Loss From Chemo

One of the most psychologically and socially devastating side effects of chemotherapy is hair loss. Although not yet FDA-approved, cold caps have helped many women hold onto their locks.

High Cholesterol May Promote the Growth of Breast Cancer

New research from Duke University Medical Center finds a byproduct of cholesterol may be linked to the growth and spread of breast cancer. But are cholesterol-lowering drugs the answer?

Can Honeybees Detect Cancer?

Research shows bees can be trained to sniff out early-stage cancer.

10 Ways to Avoid Job Stress When You Have Cancer

While there are many benefits to working while sick, you ll still have to cope with job stress and the side effects of treatment. Here s help.

Divorce Rates Among Cancer Patients

A cancer diagnosis may raise a woman's risk of divorce. Here's why.

Consider Becoming a Platelet Donor

Many patients undergoing chemotherapy are in need of platelets. Here's how you can help.

What's Your White Blood Cell Count?

In addition to knowing your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol numbers, you should also know your white blood cell count. Here's the lifesaving reason why.

Nanomedicine: New Options for Cancer Patients

Nanometer, nanotechnology, nanomedicine. You may have come across these terms, but what do they mean? And how can they help you?

Chemo Brain: What You Need to Know

The brain fog experienced by people with cancer can be controlled. Here's what it is, and what you, or a loved one, can do about it.

Staying Headstrong During Your Fight With Cancer

Cancer is hard on your body and can impact your mind as well. Learn what you can do to gain a sense of control.

Keeping Cancer a Secret

Planning to keep your diagnosis to yourself? Read this first.

Genes and Breast Cancer: Are You at Risk?

Both breast and ovarian cancers are strongly linked to two specific genes. Learn more about what options are available for women with mutations in these genes.

Breast Cancer Surgery: What Are the Options?

Approximately 12 percent of women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime but when it comes to surgery, there's no simple formula. Here, a rundown of the most common surgeries performed after a breast cancer diagnosis.

Telling Your Kids You Have Cancer

Revealing your diagnosis to your kids can be frightening, for you as well as for them. Here are some guidelines for healthy family communication.

Chromosomal Disorders: Get the Facts

By understanding the science behind chromosomal disorders, researchers have a better chance of preventing certain genetic disorders. Here's a cheat sheet for the rest of us.

Diagnosed With Cancer? Take Care of Your Mental Health

When you're dealing with a condition such as cancer, caring for your mental health is key. Here are some helpful pointers.

Get Smart About Health Info in the Media

Here's how to understand the latest health news and what it means for your diagnosis.

Young Women Get Breast Cancer, Too

Though most cases of breast cancer occur in women over 55, thousands under the age of 40 are diagnosed each year. Find out if you're at increased risk and what you can do to protect yourself.

Why Cancer Insurance May Not Pay Off

If you were diagnosed tomorrow, would you be prepared financially? If the answer is "no," you may be tempted to invest in cancer insurance. But read this first.

Living With Cancer? 10 Healthy Habits to Follow

Don't let cancer cramp your style. These hints will help you thrive during treatment.

Are You Covered? The Case for Cancer Insurance

Think you're covered in case of cancer? You might need to think again.

Living With Cancer? How to Help Others Help You

After disclosing your cancer diagnosis, you may find friends and family behaving differently toward you. Here's how to put an end to the awkwardness.

Breast Cancer and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Nearly one in four women who receive a diagnosis of breast cancer will also develop this second condition. Learn more about the connection.

4 Types of Breast Cancer

By understanding the subtle differences between breast cancers, scientists are on the path to personalizing breast cancer treatment.

Find the Best Cancer Treatment Facility

Identifying the right treatment place for you is an essential ingredient in your cancer treatment plan.

The Downside of Chemotherapy

Despite widespread use for cancer treatment, chemotherapy (or chemo) does have its downsides.

Harness Your Immune System to Fight Cancer

Your body's own immune system is a germ-fighting machine. Scientists see promise in directing these powers toward eradicating cancer. Here's how.

Understand the Different Types of Breast Cancer

A diagnosis of breast cancer is not as straightforward as you might imagine (or hope). There are several different types of breast cancer, some more serious than others. Get the facts.

Are Our Own Killer Immune Cells the Key to Curing Cancer?

Anti-CD47 is an antibody, which is a protein that is part of the immune system and helps destroy harmful invaders. In test tube studies and experiments with mice, anti-CD47 shrank tumors and helped to prevent them from spreading.

Is Thermography a Good Option for Breast Cancer Screening?

This physiological test reads the infrared heat radiating from the surface of the breast. Could it be a replacement for mammography?

When Healthy People Get Cancer

We all know someone who develops cancer despite appearing healthy in every way. Why does it happen?

False-Positive Mammogram Results

It happens. It's scary. Here's what you need to know about when a mammogram shows an abnormal area that looks like cancer but is not.

The Gray Line Between Breast Cancer and Abnormal Cells

Determining what should be treated aggressively and what would do better to watch and wait is not always clear-cut. Understand the debate around ductal carcinoma in situ or DCIS.

Cosmetics, Parabens, and Cancer: What Are the Facts?

If you re confused about the potential link between parabens and cancer, you re not alone. Get the facts.

Health by the Numbers: Breast Cancer

Breast cancer death rates have been declining, thanks to increased prevention and improved treatments. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.

Health by the Numbers: Cancer

If detected early, many forms of cancer can be successfully treated. Here's a look at the disease by the numbers.

IUD Pros and Cons

Popular in the 80s, this form of birth control is making a comeback. Here's what to consider.

Cancer Vaccine Progress

Scientists are at work on a vaccine that would prevent the development of cancer cells in the body. Get the update.

What Are Today's Mammogram Guidelines?

What do the guidelines from the United States Preventive Task Force mean for you?

Are Cancers New Species?

While it s long been accepted that cancer is caused by mutated genes, some experts now put stock in a different belief.

Marijuana for Cancer Care

This drug seems to offer relief from pain, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and loss of appetite, which are common side effects of cancer and cancer treatments. And there are other possible benefits as well.

5 Exams That Could Save Your Life

These simple tests can help detect common health conditions before they escalate.

The 10 Best Reasons to Quit Smoking

Many people successfully kick the habit, and you can too. Here, the top 10 benefits of smoke-free living.

15 Ways to Help Prevent Breast Cancer

There is no guaranteed protection against breast cancer, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk.

A Year of Living Less Dangerously

Keeping up with all your health screenings may seem daunting, but this list can get you started on a year of healthy living.

How to Decode Cancer Statistics

Understanding terms like "disease-free survival rate," "progression-free survival rate," and "5-year survival rate" can help you evaluate treatment options and assess the reliability of the information you obtain.

Personalized Cancer Treatment, A Promising Future

Predictive models and biomarkers are two of the ways cancer medicine is becoming ever more specific. Learn about what they do and get the oncologist-recommended questions related to personalized treatment.

Mammograms vs. Treatment: What's Working?

Mammograms save lives. Or do they? Breast cancer deaths have declined over the past two decades. Is this due to routine screenings or better treatment techniques?

Cancer Support Groups: Why and How They Help

One study found that support groups improved cancer survivors' mood, pain, symptom control, and social functioning. Here's what to consider in order to find a support group that works for you.

Men Get Breast Cancer, Too

Many men may find this to be startling news, but breast cancer doesn't happen only in women. Although men don't have breasts in the sense that women do, they do have breast tissue and enough of it to make breast cancer possible.

BPA Plastic: 7 Safety Steps

Keeping safe from toxic chemicals is no easy task these days. Here are practical steps you can take to minimize exposure.

Extending the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy

When a patient becomes resistant to chemotherapy, it becomes a much less effective treatment option. Now, scientists are working on ways to extend the effectiveness of anticancer drugs.

Update on Stem Cells: Potential for a Cure?

Cancer scientists are slowly but surely making potentially promising discoveries in stem cell research and the breakthroughs could be significant.

Breast Cancer and Family Risk Factors

Although advancing age and being a woman are the two most significant risk factors for breast cancer, a family history also raises your risk of developing breast cancer and developing it at a younger age.

Chemo and Heart Failure

One chemo side effect is the potential to increase patients' risk for heart failure, particularly in those who already have heart disease. Here's what you should know and what you can do.

Full-Body Scans: Too Much of a Good Thing?

What could be the downsides of potentially detecting cancer or another serious disease before it advances to a more-difficult-to-treat stage? Well, 150 times more radiation than a chest x-ray, for one thing.

Dense Breasts and Breast Cancer: A Connection?

Here, answers to your most pressing questions about dense breasts.

3-D Mammograms: Pros and Cons

The new technique of 3-D mammograms, or digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), overlays 3-D optical mammogram images with x-ray images.

A Really Good Reason to Floss

Researchers have found that women are 11 times more likely to develop this serious condition if they are missing teeth or have gum disease. What's the connection?

Aromatherapy for Cancer Symptoms

Could it be the smell of relief? Here's how to use essential oils to address pain and anxiety associated with cancer treatment and recovery.

Health Concerns: How to Keep Family Updated

The Web offers many options for staying connected and keeping loved ones updated on your or your family member's health issues. These methods are fast, easy, and efficient, and you'll know your support network is right there with you as a part of your journey.

Medical Update: Lymph Node Removal for Breast Cancer

New advances may make lymph node removal more targeted and less the norm.

Frequently Ignored Cancer Symptoms

Many people only discover they have cancer when something turns up on an x-ray, ultrasound, or other routine test. Unfortunately, the disease may then be in its later (and more difficult-to-treat) stages.

Diagnosing Breast Cancer: Risk Factors and Early Detection

Why are self-breast exams less in favor, and what options do you have now for detecting breast cancer?

Radiation Risks

No cancer treatment is risk free and sometimes the side effects don't manifest until many years after treatment.

Today's Cancer Trends

If you're wondering whether cancer rates are going up or down, here are a few highlights from the most recent update from the National Cancer Institute.

Does Aspirin Prevent Cancer?

While cancer researchers have often come to conflicting conclusions in their studies, to date the results are encouraging.

How to Make End-of-Life Decisions

It's important to take control and define the type of medical care we want, or don't want, at the end of our life.

Breast Reconstruction

What are your options following the removal of a breast?

Breast Pain: What it Could Mean

Aches and pains in breasts are common and usually no cause for alarm. For some women, however, sore breasts are a sign that something more serious is going on.

Do Antiperspirants Cause Breast Cancer?

After extensive studies to determine whether this concern is founded, the National Cancer Institute and American Cancer Society have come to a conclusion.

Celebrate Being a Cancer Survivor

From the moment you are diagnosed with cancer, you become a survivor. And you are in good company. In 2010, the number of people in the U.S. living with cancer exceeded 11 million.

Coping With Your Cancer Diagnosis

As difficult as a cancer diagnosis is, you can cope with it. Here are a few of the things you should do first after learning you have cancer.

Breath Tests for Cancer

Preliminary studies using breath tests to identify patients with cancer may provide another option for doctors. So far, results show promise for detecting at least two types of cancers.

Palliative Cancer Care versus Hospice Cancer Care

You may be familiar with hospice, which supports people with life-limiting illnesses. However, you may not be as familiar with palliative care, a related concept that is invaluable to people with cancer or other serious illnesses.

Pain Relievers and Cancer Risk

Is it possible that certain widely-used pain relievers may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment?

DHEA Supplements: Do They Work?

Produced naturally by our bodies, the hormone DHEA has been touted as the key to longevity. And some people have begun to supplement their bodies' own DHEA with a synthetic version of the hormone. But are they effective?

Can Fish Oil Really Prevent Cancer?

This supplement has a big reputation, but what do the studies show when it comes to cancer prevention?

Should You Ever Postpone Chemotherapy?

If you've been diagnosed with cancer, you probably want to start -and complete -treatment as soon as possible. However, there are times when physicians will postpone chemotherapy.

Could Cleaning Products Increase Your Risk of Cancer?

One study stated that women with the highest self-reported use of household cleaning products had twice the risk of developing breast cancer. What should you do?

Breast Lumps: Myths vs. Facts

The oft-cited but confusing statistic that one out of eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime creates a lot of understandable anxiety among women. The fear of finding a lump, even if it's not cancerous, just adds to the stress. Here are a few of the common myths about breast lumps.

7 Mammogram Guideline Questions Answered

In late 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) created a brouhaha among cancer organizations, physicians, women's advocacy groups, and patients when it released its updated mammography screening recommendations. Here are the highlights from these guidelines.

The Benefits of Yoga for Cancer Survivors

Yoga shows great promise for providing relief, which is great news for the millions of cancer survivors in the U.S.

7 Ways to Prevent Dosing Errors With Chemotherapy

Despite safety precautions and the diligence of healthcare providers, sometimes physicians and nurses make medication errors.

Is Sweating a Sign of Cancer?

Although it may seem to be a odd symptom, unusual sweating may be a sign of cancer.

Coping With Sleep Loss After Chemotherapy

Sleep disturbances are common in people who have cancer, especially those undergoing chemotherapy, which makes a challenging situation even more difficult.

Multivitamins and Breast Cancer Risk

Do multivitamins help prevent cancer? Or do they contribute to the risks? Find out here.

The Truth About False Positives for Cancer

A positive result on a cancer screening test means you have cancer, right? Not necessarily.

Celebrities Who Battled Cancer and Won

Cancer is an equal-opportunity disease. It strikes Olympic athletes, celebrities, and people who hold some of the highest positions in government. Happily, many famous cancer victims are also long-time cancer survivors.

3 Lifestyle Risks for Breast Cancer Recurrence

You can significantly reduce your risk for breast cancer recurrence by addressing three lifestyle-related risk factors: being overweight, smoking, and drinking excess alcohol.

Aspirin and Breast Cancer Survival

An easy way to help prevent breast cancer and increase survival in breast cancer patients may be as close as your medicine cabinet. Two new studies add to the growing body of evidence that aspirin could possibly play a role inhibiting the development and recurrence of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer and Depression: Two Habits That Help

Unfortunately, there is a link between breast cancer and depression. In fact, about 25 percent of women with breast cancer suffer from significant depression.

Mangoes May Ward off Colon and Breast Cancer

Studies suggest the mango may be effective in preventing the growth of colon cancer cells. An added benefit? It may ward off breast cancer, too.

How to Test for Cancer at Home

With all the emphasis on early cancer screening, it s no surprise that at-home screening tests are becoming widely available. However, just because you can screen yourself for some cancers, does that mean you should?

Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients

Massages are a great way to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper yourself. However, did you know massage also has therapeutic benefits for cancer patients?

Breast Cancer Myths Debunked

Misconceptions about breast cancer are widespread. Here are a few of the most common breast cancer myths and the truth behind them.

Milk Thistle for Chemotherapy-Induced Liver Damage

Researchers have found that milk thistle may prevent or reduce chemotherapy-induced liver damage.

Soy and Breast Cancer

Does soy prevent breast cancer or does it contribute to breast cancer? Find out here.

Sex Your Way to a Healthier Heart

Sex has innumerable benefits, and growing evidence is proving that improved heart health is one of them.

7 Common Cancer-Causing Agents

Americans are exposed to about 100,000 chemicals daily, and scientists have linked at least 220 of them to the development of cancer.

Alcohol Linked to Breast Cancer Recurrence

Women who have survived breast cancer are understandably concerned that they will develop a second breast cancer. However, recent research shows that by limiting their alcohol consumption, breast cancer survivors significantly reduce their risk recurrence.

Weight Lifting May Help Breast Cancer Survivors

Hitting the weights most likely wouldn't be the first thing you'd do after breast cancer treatment. Oddly enough, however, experts say that this may be just what you need.

Turmeric for Breast Cancer Risk

There's good news for post-menopausal women who are at high risk for developing certain types of breast cancers. Researchers say a common spice may protect against some breast cancers. Even better, this ingredient is probably already in your kitchen pantry.

Breast Cancer: Could You Be "Over" Diagnosed?

Mammograms save lives. This is the prevailing message from the medical community to women about breast cancer screening. But is it the right message?

Mammograms: Traditional Versus Digital

Until recently, the traditional mammogram was the gold standard for breast cancer screening. Today, digital mammograms are also an option. Which is better?

Share Your Story. Become a Health Hero.

Have you or a loved one survived a life-threatening disease? Are you currently struggling with depression, chronic pain, heart disease, or other health-related condition? Have you gone to extraordinary lengths to help someone in a health crisis? If so, we want to hear from you!

The Great Mammogram Debate

When it comes to rules about getting mammograms, who's right?

Sex after Breast Cancer

Emotions run high after recovering from breast cancer and rightfully so. Here, a guide to coping with changes in body image and treatment-related sexual problems.

Diabetes and the Increased Risk of Breast Cancer

Study sheds new light on the diabetes and breast cancer link.

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging for Breast Cancer

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging, or thermography, may be the best breast cancer screening tool you ve never heard of.

The Five Deadliest Cancers

Here s a look at the five deadliest cancers and the factors that may increase your risk.

What You May Not Know About Breast Cancer

You check for lumps on your own, dutifully visit the gynecologist, and never forget to schedule a mammogram. But do you know as much about breast cancer as you could or should?

Will Soy Help or Harm You?

See how far the benefits of this disease-fighting protein can go besides promoting bone health and rich nutrition.

Breast Cancer and Antidepressants

Numerous studies over the past seven years have produced conflicting results as to whether certain antidepressants reduce the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a drug women with breast cancer often take.

Breast Cancer Prevention: 5 Things You Can Do Today

With so many women being diagnosed with breast cancer every year, it may seem inevitable that you or someone you know will get it. The good news is there are many things you can do to help prevent the disease.

Why Mastectomies are on the Rise

After 20 years of treating breast cancer with less invasive techniques such as a lumpectomy, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction. Now, many women are opting to have both breasts removed after they develop cancer in one breast. If you are facing breast cancer, here s what you should know.

The Link Between Heart Disease and Cancer

How are these most feared diseases related?

Antioxidants for Breast Cancer

Can you utilize the power of antioxidants for breast cancer treatment?

Exercise and Breast Cancer

You know exercise is good for your heart, but did you know it also plays an important role in preventing and treating breast cancer?

Does Alcohol Affect Your Risk of Cancer?

Reducing your alcohol consumption reduces your risk of developing cancer.

Celebrities with Cancer

Those who stand in the limelight also stand up to and for cancer.

Genetic Screening: Discovering Your Cancer Risk

Are you at higher risk for cancer because of your genes?

How to Perform a Self Breast Exam

A simple monthly routine can help reduce your of dying from cancer.

Exercise Decreases Your Breast Cancer Risk

As if the list of reasons to exercise weren't already long enough. Now, there's another compelling reason to hit the track, the treadmill, or the trail.

New Genetic Tests for Women

Gene research continues to shed light on breast cancer, skin cancer, and other major health conditions.

The 5 Biggest Medical Breakthroughs of 2008-2009

Each year we hear of the latest in medical innovations. Although these improvements amaze us at times, the majority of Americans will never come in contact with the latest breakthroughs or so you think.

Report Card: Health of the Nation

While medical advancements are constantly being made, Americans continue to fall behind on some basic health measures.

Cancer Treatment: Myths vs. Facts

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it's important to know the facts. Read on as we separate fact from fiction.

Help Protect Yourself Against Breast Cancer

Find out how you can reduce your risk of acquiring this disease.

6 Reasons Why Beer Can Be Good For You

When consumed in moderation, this age-old brew can impart a host of health benefits.

The 3 Scariest Mistakes That Doctors Make

Simple screw-ups are a part of life, but in medicine, these mistakes can be fatal. Learn how to protect yourself.

Breast Cancer Treatments 101

Working with your doctor to choose the appropriate treatments may help increase your chances of long-term survival.

Cancer: How Close Are We to a Cure?

The outlook for people diagnosed with cancer has improved significantly, but when will we find a cure?

Easing the Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Follow these tips to minimize nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and hair loss.

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