Major Scientific Breakthroughs that Bring Hope for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer remains to be the most common type of cancer in women worldwide. In the UK, it affects one in 8 women, according to Cancer Research UK. Despite these, there has been a major progress in the treatment, management and prevention of this life-threatening disease.
Last Tuesday was officially the start of the Breast Cancer Month. In line with this, let’s take a look at some of the major breakthroughs in this particular field of research.
The right diet could help cut the risk of cancer.
Scientists at Harvard School of Public Health has found a link between vegetable consumption and a lower risk of oestrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative) breast cancer, an aggressive type of cancer that constitutes 15-20 per cent of women with breast cancer. Another study carried out by the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee revealed that women who had higher levels of carotenoids – antioxidant naturally found in fruits and vegetables, had lower risks of ER-negative cancer. They also found that a cup of berries may reduce the number of ER-positive tumours – the type of cancer that affects 70 per cent of cancer sufferers.
Exercise is equally important.
Exercising is good for overall health but it also has protective benefits from breast cancer. In a new study by the University of Minnesota, exercise appears to change the way the body handles oestrogen, of which high levels could fuel breast cancer. Another research by the University of North Carolina revealed that even just a few hours of physical activity could lower the risk of breast cancer. And the more people work out, the greater the benefits were. This research, which has looked into nearly 30 studies, has shown that women, who exercise at a moderate to vigorous level for 3-4 hours a week, may reduce breast cancer risk by 30 to 40 per cent.
A healthy lifestyle is a MUST.
Positive lifestyle changes have been shown in numerous studies to help cut the risk of breast cancer, even in high-risk women. To reduce the risk of breast cancer (and other types of cancer), people are advised to quit smoking, limit their alcohol intake, avoid weight gain, be physically active, limit the dose and duration of hormone therapy, eat healthy, manage stress, and avoid overexposure to radiation and environmental pollutants.
Breast density is an important risk factor.
Another risk factor that scientists have recently found is dense breast tissue. According to Dr Karla Kerlikowske from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), women with dense breasts have an increased risk of cancer by at least two-folds. That’s because dense tissues tend to have more types of cells that could possibly promote cancer. It is also harder to see tumours through a mammogram. Digital mammography is a better way to detect cell abnormalities on women with dense breast tissues.
There’s a better technique to detect breast cancer.
Scientists have finally developed a 3-D version of digital mammography called digital breast tomosynthesis. This high-tech tool can detect more invasive cancers than its 2-D counterpart as it produces a more complete image, especially on women with dense breast tissue.
There’s also a new way to check if cancer has remained.
Scientists have also developed a new device called MarginProbe that can be used to assess whether the cells on areas where tumours have been removed are hard or soft. Cancer cells tend to be harder because they contain more collagen. This helps surgeons to remove additional tissues right there, instead of having the patient return for more surgery at a later date.
Medications have improved.
Before, chemotherapy drugs target the cancerous cells, along with the healthy cells. But scientists were able to develop a new drug called Kadcyla that delivers chemo straight to the cancer cells but spares the healthy ones. In the US, the Food & Drug Administration has recently approved the phase II pivotal trial for the DigniCap, a cap worn during chemotherapy that helps reduce hair loss.
Quality sleep is important.
It’s not enough that you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. According to the study by Queen’s University, women need to have consistent sleep cycles, at least five nights per week to not increase their risk of breast cancer. In their research, which was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, maintaining a consistent sleep cycle is critical for hormone balance.
Don’t forget to de-stress.
Stress is often called a ‘silent killer’ because it what it does. Chronic stress may activate cancer because of its ability to trigger inflammation. It is difficult to live a stress-free life. Nevertheless, it is highly possible to reduce its effects on health. Exercise, meditation, deep breathing – these are just a few of the many techniques that are proven to help manage stress.
Breast cancer may be difficult to beat. But with the increasing awareness about the disease, there’s a big hope that more sufferers will be able to successfully get through it.
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