Breast Cancer

Study: Dairy milk may slightly raise breast cancer risk

Debate continues about whether consuming soy or dairy products increases breast cancer risk. This study looked at a large number of women and found no link between soy and breast cancer risk. The study did find that postmenopausal women who drank dairy milk have a small increase in breast cancer risk. (09/04/20)

Study: Among women with breast cancer, who should have genetic testing for an inherited mutation?

Which breast cancer patients should consider genetic testing? Knowing whether you have an inherited mutation may inform the decisions you and your healthcare provider make about treatment. But it can also increase stress and anxiety. This XRAY reviews a study of how different guidelines affect genetic testing recommendations for people with breast cancer. (8/27/20)

Study: Insulin resistance linked to differences in breast cancer survival between Black and White women

Black women are more likely to die from breast cancer compared to White women. More Black women have a condition called insulin resistance than White women.  This study found that insulin resistance might be one of the reasons that Black women are more likely than White women to die from breast cancer. Additional research is needed to see if lowering insulin levels will improve breast cancer survival in Black women. (07/30/20)

Study: Healthy romantic relationships may decrease stress and inflammation for breast cancer survivors

Satisfying romantic relationships may improve outcomes for women with breast cancer. In a new study, women who were more satisfied with their romantic relationships experienced less stress and lower inflammation. This study suggests that decreasing stress may be beneficial for breast cancer survivors. (7/25/20)

Study: Promising research using a PARP inhibitor to treat metastatic breast cancer in people with an inherited PALB2 mutation or a tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2

Early results of a small study showed that women with metastatic breast cancer and an inherited  mutation in PALB2 or an acquired tumor mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 benefitted from the PARP inhibitor olaparib (Lynparza). (6/18/20)

Study: What is the risk for a new breast cancer diagnosis in the other breast for women with a BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 mutation?

For women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, knowing their risk of breast cancer in the other (contralateral) breast can help them make decisions about surgery and screening. This study shows that women with an inherited mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2 or TP53 have an increased risk for contralateral breast cancer. This risk is highest in women with a TP53 mutation. (6/6/20)

Update: FDA approves tucatinib (Tukysa) for metastatic Her2-positive breast cancer

The FDA has approved the use of tucatinib (Tukysa) in combination with chemotherapy as a treatment for people with metastatic Her2-positive breast cancer. This  approval includes treatment of people whose breast cancer has spread to the brain. (4/29/20)

Update: FDA approves new treatment for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer

The FDA approved the use of sacituzumab govitecan-hizy (Trodelvy), a treatment drug for people with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer who have received at least two prior therapies for metastatic disease. (4/27/20)

Personal Story: Improving the quality of life for people with metastatic breast cancer

A Washington Post article described the cancer experience of a young woman living with metastatic breast cancer. It also highlights how integrative medicine and palliative care, including acupuncture, massage, yoga, pain management, mental health therapy and nutrition can improve quality of life for people with metastatic cancer. (3/10/20)

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Study: Can taking dietary supplements during chemotherapy do more harm than good?

It's common for people to take dietary supplements after being diagnosed with cancer; however, they may reduce how well chemotherapy works. A new study suggests that some dietary supplements may cause more harm than benefit for breast cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. (3/4/20)