29 October 2015 We’ve all seen the headlines noting a “blockbuster” or “groundbreaking” new drug for cancer treatment. It can be very difficult to sort out whether or not the hype is indicated. A study published in JAMA Oncology evaluated how news articles described new cancer medications. They evaluated the use of the superlative terms “breakthrough”, “game changer”, “miracle”, “cure”,…
Read more25 October 2015 The American Cancer Society has issued new guidelines for screening mammography, and they are sparking a lot of discussion. Previous guidelines, which have been in place since 2003, have recommended: Annual mammography beginning at age 40 and continuing for as long as a woman is in good health Clinical breast exam (CBE) [exam by a physician] about every 3…
Read more15 October 2015 A recent study has noted that African American and Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer. Drs. Lu Chen and Christopher Lee published their findings, Racial Disparities in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment by Hormone Receptor and Her2 Status, in a recent issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and…
Read more14 October 2015 The discussion on whether or not DCIS is cancer, and how best to treat it, continues. A study published recently in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Dr. Lawrence Solin and colleagues evaluated the risk of developing an invasive cancer if radiation therapy was not performed after lumpectomy for DCIS. This was a prospective non-randomized trial. Patients were enrolled from…
Read more6 October 2015 As we’ve learned more about tumor biology, and as our treatments have improved, the question of whether or not early detection is still important has been raised. Tumor stage has historically been the most important factor in determining overall prognosis. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the survival rates. As we’ve gained a better understand the various breast cancer…
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