Health News

New Findings on Pelvic Radiation
Endometrial cancer develops in the lining of the uterus. It’s the most common gynecologic cancer in women, and thankfully has a very high survival rate. Recently, researchers looked at the long-term effects of two different types of radiation therapy used to treat the disease.
The Genetics of Menopause
Women who have mutations in the BRCA genes are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Research has suggested that women with these altered genes may also have problems conceiving children and that they go through menopause earlier than women without the defective genes.
Going the Distance for Breast Cancer
Travel in rural North Dakota and Minnesota — especially during the winter — is difficult. One medical student in North Dakota was curious to learn if travel distances impacted breast cancer screenings, diagnosis and treatment.
Viral Differences in Cervical Cancer
Most, if not all, cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are 40 different types of this virus. HPV types linked to cervical cancer may be different in women of different races.
Walking Away From Cancer Rx Stiffness
After primary treatment, many breast cancer patients are given medicine to keep the disease from returning. Medicines called aromatase inhibitors block the production of estrogen, the hormone that feeds most breast cancers. Side effects of these medications can include joint pain and stiffness.
Life After Breast Cancer for Young Women
Being diagnosed with breast cancer at any age can be difficult. Several studies have suggested that breast cancer affects women under the age of 50 deeply because the disease can have an impact on fertility, appearance and sexuality.
Breast Cancer Rx Linked to Heart Failure
Roughly one in four breast cancers has too much of a protein called HER2, which makes the cancer grow faster. The medication Herceptin (trastuzumab) targets the HER2 protein to help breast cancer patients live longer. But this medication may be linked to heart problems.
Why Breast Cancer Takes Young Women So Quickly
Breast cancer doesn’t just strike older women. Although rare, girls as young as 15 have been diagnosed with this cancer. Unfortunately, it's well-known that the disease tends to be more lethal in young women than it is in older women. Scientists recently looked into what might be behind this phenomenon.
The Pill and Cancer Risks
Women who carry mutations in the BRCA genes have higher risks for both breast and ovarian cancer. One way to reduce these risks is to have both their ovaries and breasts surgically removed. A new analysis looked at another possible way — birth control pills.
The Weight of Surviving Breast Cancer
Being overweight or obese can increase one’s odds for a number of diseases, including cancer. But it's not only weight that can affect cancer risk; ethnicity may play a role as well.