Detrás de los titulares sobre el cáncer

Estudio: La ampliación del acceso a la cobertura de Medicaid estipulada en la Ley sobre la atención médica asequible está vinculada con la reducción de la mortalidad por cáncer

In 2014 the Affordable Care Act expanded Medicaid coverage. How did this affect healthcare for cancer patients? This study shows that deaths from breast, colorectal and lung cancer are lower in states that chose to expand Medicaid compared to states that did not. Early diagnosis was linked to lower death rates. This suggests that increased healthcare access may lead to earlier cancer detection and better outcomes, including lower mortality. (3/31/2021)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Directrices: El mejor momento para realizarse mamografías después de recibir la vacuna contra el COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccines work by helping the immune system destroy the virus. Lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system. COVID-19 vaccines may cause temporary swelling in some lymph nodes, which may look suspicious on a mammogram.  The Society for Breast Imaging and other professional organizations have released recommendations for the timing of mammograms after COVID-19 vaccines.  (3/30/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Estudio: Respuestas de pacientes y sus experiencias de “quedarse planas”

Some patients with early-stage breast cancer or those considering risk-reducing surgery may choose mastectomy without reconstruction. This is often referred to as “going flat.” The results of this study suggest that surgeons play a significant role in supporting a patient’s decision to go flat. (3/23/2021)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Estudio: Forma en la que el índice de masa corporal (IMC) puede afectar el efecto favorable del consumo de aspirina en la protección contra el cáncer colorrectal y de ovario

This study looked at the impact of daily aspirin use on the risk for many types of cancers and whether this effect can be modified by risk factors such as obesity, smoking, physical inactivity or a family history of cancer. Daily aspirin use: 

• lowered the risk for colorectal cancer, but this effect was lost as Body Mass Index (BMI) increased.
• lowered the risk of ovarian cancer risk among obese women.
• offered little or no protection against breast, endometrial or advanced prostate cancer.

(posted 3/19/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Estudio: ¿Pueden las pruebas de diagnóstico identificar a más pacientes con cáncer de mama que pueden omitir la quimioterapia sin correr riesgos?

Two studies presented at the December 2020 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium looked at how tumor testing can identify patients who may benefit the most and the least from chemotherapy. (3/4/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Actualización: La FDA aprueba Orgovyx, la primera hormonoterapia por vía oral en su tipo, para tratar el cáncer de próstata avanzado

In December 2020, the FDA approved Orgovyx to treat advanced prostate cancer. The findings were based on the HERO clinical trial of more than 900 men. Data from this trial showed the new therapy was safer than standard androgen deprivation treatment for men with advanced prostate cancer and risk of cardiovascular disease. (2/18/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Estudio: La lactancia materna como factor para disminuir el riesgo de cáncer de ovario en mujeres con mutaciones en el BRCA

Data from a large-scale study suggests that breastfeeding may protect against ovarian cancer in women with inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. (1/28/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Estudio: Cuál es la experiencia que tienen los pacientes que padecen cáncer de mama con la hormonoterapia

Side effects from hormone therapy are a common reason that many men and women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer stop treatment early. Some people never start hormone therapy. This study asked patients about their experiences with hormone (or endocrine) therapy. The results suggest that there may be ways to improve the number of patients who stick with therapy. Patients need better ways to manage hormone therapy-related side effects. (1/19/21)

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Actualización: La FDA aprueba un nuevo medicamento para diagnóstico por imágenes para detectar la diseminación del cáncer de próstata

On December 1, 2020 the FDA approved a new type of imaging technology to confirm the spread of newly diagnosed prostate cancer that is suspected to be metastatic. The approval also includes use for confirming suspected recurrence in men who have rising PSA after treatment. The approval is based on two clinical trials that showed this new technique to be safe and consistent in accurately detecting cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland. (1/7/21)

THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED on 5/10/2022:  On March 23, 2022 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new drug called Pluvicto to treat patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. ON the same day, the FDA also approved a new imaging drug called Locametz (a brand of Gallium 68 PSMA-11) for identification of those patients who would benefit from treatment with Pluvicto. Read about the FDA approval of Pluvicto and Locametz here.

Este artículo está disponible en español.

Actualización: Orientación más sólida sobre la seguridad de los implantes de seno

The FDA has updated reported cases of breast implant-associated cancer and breast implant illness. Included in this update is approval of a questionnaire that asks about quality of life and satisfaction with breast implants. (10/20/20). Note: On October 27, 2021 the FDA announced stronger guidance on breast implant safety.