Why do African Americans have a greater risk of ER/PR negative breast cancer? What's the minimum amount of exercise needed to improve survival? How can music help cancer patients? Today's top news stories address these questions.
Childbirth and breastfeeding linked to the risk of ER/PR negative breast cancer in African Americans
Recent research has revealed a higher incidence of estrogen receptor (ER) negative and progesterone receptor (PR) negative breast cancer subtypes among African Americans. (A May 12 study in Clinical Cancer Research found a "2-fold greater frequency".)
Yesterday, a Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention study, covered by the Los Angeles Times and US News and World Report, asked, "Why?"
The answer may relate to childbearing and breastfeeding. Comparing pathology reports to Black Women's Health Study questionnaires, researchers found that African American women who gave birth to more children were more likely to develop ER/PR negative breast cancer, and had a reduced risk of ER/PR positive cancer. However, among women who breastfed, having more children was "no longer associated" with a higher incidence of ER/PR negative cancer, and the reduced risk of ER/PR positive cancer remained. The authors conclude that the higher incidence of ER/PR negative breast cancer in African Americans may be explained in part by a higher number of childbirths and lower prevalence of breastfeeding relative to Caucasians. "Increased breastfeeding may lead to a reduction in the incidence of this breast cancer subtype."
15 minutes of exercise a day reduces cancer risk and improves survival
Can just 15 minutes of exercise a day reduce cancer risk and improve survival? According to an August 16 study from Taiwan in The Lancet, yes. The study and a Reuters news story may be found on the exercise page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
The study explored the minimum amount of exercise needed to reduce mortality and increase life expectancy for all people, healthy or not. It found that compared to inactive people, those who had 15 minutes of moderate exercise a day had a 14% reduced risk of all-cause mortality and a 3 year longer life expectancy. According to the Reuters story, "Daily exercise was also linked to a lower incidence of cancer, and appeared to reduce cancer-related deaths in one person in ten."
More exercise was associated with more benefit. Every additional 15 minutes of daily exercise beyond the minimum reduced all-cause mortality by 4% and all-cancer mortality by 1%.
Music therapy reduces pain and anxiety for cancer patients
It seems obvious that music can be comforting to cancer patients. Are there any scientifically proven benefits? An August 10 Cochrane Library study reviewed the recent research on music therapy for cancer patients. Music was found to have beneficial effects on anxiety, pain, mood and quality of life. It may have "a small effect" on heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure. The evidence did not support a benefit on fatigue or physical status.
According to Reuters, "it is not entirely clear" what type of music therapy helps patients most. Debra Burns, a music therapist, said she suspects that visits with a music therapist help more than listening to CDs.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer news and research highlights. Until then, all the latest news and research on any breast cancer test, treatment option or complementary therapy may be found on the treatment pages of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
Showing posts with label breast cancer exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast cancer exercise. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Breast Cancer News (8/10): Exercise, Avastin and Soy
In today's breast cancer news update, we'll share the latest media headlines on exercise, Avastin and soy. As always, links to the news stories discussed below may be found on the treatment pages of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
The New York Times: "The Benefits of Exercise After Cancer"
Yesterday, The New York Times shared a recent report on the benefits of exercise during and after cancer treatment. In the report, "The importance of physical activity for people living with and beyond cancer:
A concise evidence review," Macmillan Cancer Support (UK) reviewed 60 studies on exercise during and after cancer treatment. Exercise was found to reduce the risk of breast-cancer mortality and recurrence. It also improved physical function, fatigue, well-being, body composition and bone health. For women with advanced breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, exercise affected quality of life and fatigue. The Macmillan Cancer Support webpage is full of additional information on physical activity for cancer patients and healthcare providers.
Bloomberg: "Roche Seeks ‘Middle Ground’ in U.S. Appeal of Avastin Breast Cancer Ruling"
The Avastin (bevacizumab) regulatory saga continues. According to a story in Bloomberg, Roche has appealed the recent FDA withdrawal of approval of Avastin for metastatic breast cancer with a "middle ground proposal." Roche asked the FDA to allow patients with advanced, aggressive cancer with few treatment options to use Avastin with Taxol (paclitaxel). The proposal includes an offer to provide doctors with a "risk-evaluation strategy" and additional information on Avastin effectiveness and risks. Roche also plans a 480 patient follow-up trial. Trial failure would trigger an "immediate voluntary withdrawal of Avastin for breast cancer." The trial is to include a test of a protein biomarker (VEGF-A) to identify patients who may benefit from Avastin.
The Los Angeles Times: "Study indicates soy won't fight bone loss after menopause"
After breast cancer treatment, some women turn to natural remedies, such as soy, for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and bone loss. According to a story in yesterday's Los Angeles Times, a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found that soy tablets do not reduce bone loss in post-menopausal women. Further, the women who took soy experienced more hot flashes and constipation. The women in the study were not breast cancer survivors, but the effects of soy on menopausal symptoms should still apply.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer news and research updates from LATESTBreastCancer.com.
The New York Times: "The Benefits of Exercise After Cancer"
Yesterday, The New York Times shared a recent report on the benefits of exercise during and after cancer treatment. In the report, "The importance of physical activity for people living with and beyond cancer:
A concise evidence review," Macmillan Cancer Support (UK) reviewed 60 studies on exercise during and after cancer treatment. Exercise was found to reduce the risk of breast-cancer mortality and recurrence. It also improved physical function, fatigue, well-being, body composition and bone health. For women with advanced breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, exercise affected quality of life and fatigue. The Macmillan Cancer Support webpage is full of additional information on physical activity for cancer patients and healthcare providers.
Bloomberg: "Roche Seeks ‘Middle Ground’ in U.S. Appeal of Avastin Breast Cancer Ruling"
The Avastin (bevacizumab) regulatory saga continues. According to a story in Bloomberg, Roche has appealed the recent FDA withdrawal of approval of Avastin for metastatic breast cancer with a "middle ground proposal." Roche asked the FDA to allow patients with advanced, aggressive cancer with few treatment options to use Avastin with Taxol (paclitaxel). The proposal includes an offer to provide doctors with a "risk-evaluation strategy" and additional information on Avastin effectiveness and risks. Roche also plans a 480 patient follow-up trial. Trial failure would trigger an "immediate voluntary withdrawal of Avastin for breast cancer." The trial is to include a test of a protein biomarker (VEGF-A) to identify patients who may benefit from Avastin.
The Los Angeles Times: "Study indicates soy won't fight bone loss after menopause"
After breast cancer treatment, some women turn to natural remedies, such as soy, for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and bone loss. According to a story in yesterday's Los Angeles Times, a recent study in the Archives of Internal Medicine has found that soy tablets do not reduce bone loss in post-menopausal women. Further, the women who took soy experienced more hot flashes and constipation. The women in the study were not breast cancer survivors, but the effects of soy on menopausal symptoms should still apply.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer news and research updates from LATESTBreastCancer.com.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Breast Cancer News (8/2): Vitamin D and Exercise
There's more to breast cancer care than surgery, radiation and drugs. Complementary therapies and lifestyle choices can affect risk, recovery and quality of life. It's an aspect of prevention and care that women can control. Today we'll look at the latest breast cancer research on vitamin D and exercise.
Vitamin D for breast cancer side effects, risk and prognosis
The vitamin D page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website is full of links to news and research on breast cancer side effects, risk and prognosis. Today, we'll discuss the most recent studies.
Vitamin D for aromatase inhibitor muscle and joint pain
A June 21 study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that high doses of vitamin D reduced the muscle and joint pain associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy. On July 26, Washington University in St. Louis released a detailed written news story and video about the study.
Does exposure to solar vitamin D decrease breast cancer risk?
Recent studies on vitamin D from sun exposure and breast cancer risk are contradictory. On one hand, a June 6 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology determined that exposure to solar vitamin D during adolescence resulted in a lower risk of breast cancer. A June 28 article on the UK National Health Service Choices website provides a detailed analysis of the study.
On the other end of the spectrum, (no pun intended), the findings of a July 23 study in the European Journal of Cancer "contradict that vitamin D production through extensive sun exposure has any protective effect on internal cancer but emphasise the increased risk for skin cancer." In that study, the risk of breast and other internal cancers was calculated for Swedish women with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is typically associated with extensive sun exposure. The authors found that women with BCC had an increased risk of other forms of cancer, including breast cancer, prior to the BCC diagnosis.
Why are study results inconsistent? The answer may be that people are genetically different. Much as tamoxifen only treats hormone receptor positive breast cancer, vitamin D may only reduce risk in those with specific genetic characteristics. A June 21 study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention evaluated whether genetic variations might explain why vitamin D is associated with breast cancer risk reduction in some but not others. The study concluded, "Variation in vitamin D-related genotypes may help to explain inconsistent results from previous epidemiologic studies and may lead to targeted prevention strategies."
Serum vitamin D levels and breast cancer prognosis
Recent studies suggest that low serum (blood) levels of vitamin D at diagnosis may be associated with a worse prognosis.
A July 26 Breast Cancer Research study found that low concentrations of serum vitamin D before the start of chemotherapy "may be associated with poorer overall survival and distant disease-free survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients." In the study, 1,295 German postmenopausal breast cancer patients were followed a median of 5.8 years after diagnosis.
Back on April 29, US News and World Report covered a similar study which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. In that study, "[r]esearchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center found an association between low vitamin D levels (less than 32 milligrams per milliliter of blood) and poor scores on every major biological marker used to predict a breast cancer patient's outcome."
Exercise and breast cancer side effects and survival
Exercise to reduce side effects
Most of the links on the exercise page of our website associate exercise with the reduction of breast cancer treatment side effects for survivors.
A recent Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine study found that core stability exercise and massage reduced "fatigue, tension and depression and improved vigor and muscle strength" for breast cancer survivors.
A July 11 study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise concluded that resistance training alone improved physical self esteem, which is based on conditioning, attractiveness and strength. Aerobic exercise improved physical conditioning. However, a combination aerobic and resistance program did not improve physical self esteem any greater than single modality programs.
Additional studies on exercise and breast cancer side effects were discussed in the July 7 issue of our blog.
Exercise to improve survival
We know there is evidence that exercise can improve quality of life for survivors, but does exercise after diagnosis affect breast cancer survival? The findings of a July 27 study in Cancer Prevention Research "suggest that exercise after breast cancer diagnosis may improve overall and disease-free survival." This is an exciting area of research that we will be sure to follow.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer research news highlights. Until then, please check our website for the latest news and research on other breast cancer complementary therapies and lifestyle options.
Vitamin D for breast cancer side effects, risk and prognosis
The vitamin D page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website is full of links to news and research on breast cancer side effects, risk and prognosis. Today, we'll discuss the most recent studies.
Vitamin D for aromatase inhibitor muscle and joint pain
A June 21 study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found that high doses of vitamin D reduced the muscle and joint pain associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy. On July 26, Washington University in St. Louis released a detailed written news story and video about the study.
Does exposure to solar vitamin D decrease breast cancer risk?
Recent studies on vitamin D from sun exposure and breast cancer risk are contradictory. On one hand, a June 6 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology determined that exposure to solar vitamin D during adolescence resulted in a lower risk of breast cancer. A June 28 article on the UK National Health Service Choices website provides a detailed analysis of the study.
On the other end of the spectrum, (no pun intended), the findings of a July 23 study in the European Journal of Cancer "contradict that vitamin D production through extensive sun exposure has any protective effect on internal cancer but emphasise the increased risk for skin cancer." In that study, the risk of breast and other internal cancers was calculated for Swedish women with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), which is typically associated with extensive sun exposure. The authors found that women with BCC had an increased risk of other forms of cancer, including breast cancer, prior to the BCC diagnosis.
Why are study results inconsistent? The answer may be that people are genetically different. Much as tamoxifen only treats hormone receptor positive breast cancer, vitamin D may only reduce risk in those with specific genetic characteristics. A June 21 study in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention evaluated whether genetic variations might explain why vitamin D is associated with breast cancer risk reduction in some but not others. The study concluded, "Variation in vitamin D-related genotypes may help to explain inconsistent results from previous epidemiologic studies and may lead to targeted prevention strategies."
Serum vitamin D levels and breast cancer prognosis
Recent studies suggest that low serum (blood) levels of vitamin D at diagnosis may be associated with a worse prognosis.
A July 26 Breast Cancer Research study found that low concentrations of serum vitamin D before the start of chemotherapy "may be associated with poorer overall survival and distant disease-free survival in postmenopausal breast cancer patients." In the study, 1,295 German postmenopausal breast cancer patients were followed a median of 5.8 years after diagnosis.
Back on April 29, US News and World Report covered a similar study which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. In that study, "[r]esearchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center found an association between low vitamin D levels (less than 32 milligrams per milliliter of blood) and poor scores on every major biological marker used to predict a breast cancer patient's outcome."
Exercise and breast cancer side effects and survival
Exercise to reduce side effects
Most of the links on the exercise page of our website associate exercise with the reduction of breast cancer treatment side effects for survivors.
A recent Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine study found that core stability exercise and massage reduced "fatigue, tension and depression and improved vigor and muscle strength" for breast cancer survivors.
A July 11 study in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise concluded that resistance training alone improved physical self esteem, which is based on conditioning, attractiveness and strength. Aerobic exercise improved physical conditioning. However, a combination aerobic and resistance program did not improve physical self esteem any greater than single modality programs.
Additional studies on exercise and breast cancer side effects were discussed in the July 7 issue of our blog.
Exercise to improve survival
We know there is evidence that exercise can improve quality of life for survivors, but does exercise after diagnosis affect breast cancer survival? The findings of a July 27 study in Cancer Prevention Research "suggest that exercise after breast cancer diagnosis may improve overall and disease-free survival." This is an exciting area of research that we will be sure to follow.
Please check back tomorrow for more breast cancer research news highlights. Until then, please check our website for the latest news and research on other breast cancer complementary therapies and lifestyle options.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The Breast Cancer News Update: July 7
Today in breast cancer news, we'll highlight the latest news and research on exercise for breast cancer treatment side effects. As always, all news and research can be found on the exercise page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
Exercise mitigates common breast cancer treatment side effects
A July 2 review in Breast Cancer (Tokyo, Japan) examined the recent research on exercise. According to the authors,
Interestingly, the authors noted that future research may examine the influence of exercise on the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment.
Individualized exercise and counseling programs have a greater impact on quality of life than group-based programs
A July 1 study in Psychooncology compared the quality of life benefits of individual-based exercise and counseling and group-based exercise and counseling to the usual standard of care. It was a small, early study, but "preliminary results" suggest that a combined exercise and counseling program was feasible and acceptable to breast cancer survivors. Although both the individual and group-based plans improved quality of life, only the individual plan made a statistically significant difference when compared to no intervention at all.
Physical therapy and massage reduces pain and pressure hypersensitivity
A June 23 Clinical Journal of Pain study from Spain found that an 8-week program of physical therapy based strengthening exercise and massage reduced neck and shoulder pain and "widespread pressure hyperalgesia," or hypersensitivity, in breast cancer survivors.
Inconsistency in breast cancer exercise studies
While these studies are interesting and helpful to the extent that they demonstrate the positive effects of exercise, from a scientific standpoint, they may be difficult to replicate at home or in future studies. Basically, we don't always know the "dose" of exercise. What specifically did the patients do, for how long and how often?
A June 10 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine addressed this problem. None of the 29 studies reviewed by the authors "applied all principles of exercise training" or "reported all components of the exercise prescription." The authors concluded that "[i]ncomplete reporting of the exercise prescription and adherence to the prescription limits the reproducibility of the intervention, and the ability to determine the dose of exercise received by participants."
Today, we've highlighted some of the latest research on exercise for breast cancer treatment side effects. For news and studies on exercise to reduce breast cancer risk, please visit the exercise page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
Exercise mitigates common breast cancer treatment side effects
A July 2 review in Breast Cancer (Tokyo, Japan) examined the recent research on exercise. According to the authors,
Overall, current research evidence indicates that regular participation in physical activity after breast cancer diagnosis may mitigate common side effects of breast cancer adjuvant therapy, including fatigue, depression, impaired quality of life, decreased muscular strength, decreased aerobic capacity, and weight gain.
Interestingly, the authors noted that future research may examine the influence of exercise on the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment.
Individualized exercise and counseling programs have a greater impact on quality of life than group-based programs
A July 1 study in Psychooncology compared the quality of life benefits of individual-based exercise and counseling and group-based exercise and counseling to the usual standard of care. It was a small, early study, but "preliminary results" suggest that a combined exercise and counseling program was feasible and acceptable to breast cancer survivors. Although both the individual and group-based plans improved quality of life, only the individual plan made a statistically significant difference when compared to no intervention at all.
Physical therapy and massage reduces pain and pressure hypersensitivity
A June 23 Clinical Journal of Pain study from Spain found that an 8-week program of physical therapy based strengthening exercise and massage reduced neck and shoulder pain and "widespread pressure hyperalgesia," or hypersensitivity, in breast cancer survivors.
Inconsistency in breast cancer exercise studies
While these studies are interesting and helpful to the extent that they demonstrate the positive effects of exercise, from a scientific standpoint, they may be difficult to replicate at home or in future studies. Basically, we don't always know the "dose" of exercise. What specifically did the patients do, for how long and how often?
A June 10 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine addressed this problem. None of the 29 studies reviewed by the authors "applied all principles of exercise training" or "reported all components of the exercise prescription." The authors concluded that "[i]ncomplete reporting of the exercise prescription and adherence to the prescription limits the reproducibility of the intervention, and the ability to determine the dose of exercise received by participants."
Today, we've highlighted some of the latest research on exercise for breast cancer treatment side effects. For news and studies on exercise to reduce breast cancer risk, please visit the exercise page of the LATESTBreastCancer.com website.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Breast Cancer News Update: Complementary Therapies
Today is the last day of May. At the end of the month, I like to step back and look at the "big picture." For those of us who follow breast cancer news and research daily, one study at a time, it can be easy to lose sight of it. At LATESTBreastCancer.com, we organize news and research by test or treatment option. The "big picture" in news and research for each option can be found on its page of our website.
This month, in our Complementary Therapies and Lifestyle sections, there were breast cancer research developments involving yoga, diet, Vitamin D and exercise.
Yoga
Two studies confirmed the benefits of yoga for breast cancer patients.
According to a May 3, 2011 story in Cure Today (Reuters), even starting classes years after diagnosis can be beneficial. Female cancer patients who attended weekly yoga and meditation classes for eight weeks had a better quality of life than those who did not. The patients in the study had been diagnosed an average of four years before. Although the study was small, it was randomised, which adds scientific value.
On May 19, 2011, Medical News Today covered an MD Anderson study which found that patients who took yoga while undergoing radiation therapy experienced improved physical functioning, better general health and lower stress hormone levels than those who participated in simple stretching. Those on yoga were also "better able to find meaning in their cancer experience."
The Mediterranean Diet
A UK study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found "no strong association" between breast cancer risk and the consumption of a Mediterranean-type diet. In premenopausal women, there was a "nonsignificant" reduction in risk associated with increasing adherence to the diet.
Vitamin D
A May 11 study in Breast Cancer Research found no association between serum Vitamin D levels and breast cancer risk in a predominantly premenopausal population.
However, a March 8 study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment revealed that Vitamin D deficiencies were common in women with breast cancer and associated with reduced spinal bone mineral density.
Also for breast cancer patients, low serum Vitamin D levels have previously been associated with more aggressive cancers or worse prognoses. An April 29 news story from the University of Rochester Medical Center, a December 14, 2010 Annals of Surgical Oncology study and a January 1, 2011 PLoS One study all found low serum Vitamin D levels to have prognostic value for patients.
Exercise
According to a May 9 story in The Telegraph, about 20,000 British women could avoid breast cancer each year by exercising for a half hour a day, limiting alcohol to one drink a day and by losing weight.
Finally, it's not often that I find a research abstract amusing. A May 20 study in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship examined barriers to exercise among cancer survivors. Cancer survivors reported that they were "too busy" or had "no willpower" to exercise regularly. The researchers concluded that the "knowledge concerning these barriers" to exercise "may be helpful" in designing "physical activity interventions."
Doesn't it seem likely that anyone who doesn't exercise regularly may also report that they are "too busy" or have "no willpower?" Maybe someone will design a case-control study to confirm.
Please check back tomorrow for more daily breast cancer news updates.
This month, in our Complementary Therapies and Lifestyle sections, there were breast cancer research developments involving yoga, diet, Vitamin D and exercise.
Yoga
Two studies confirmed the benefits of yoga for breast cancer patients.
According to a May 3, 2011 story in Cure Today (Reuters), even starting classes years after diagnosis can be beneficial. Female cancer patients who attended weekly yoga and meditation classes for eight weeks had a better quality of life than those who did not. The patients in the study had been diagnosed an average of four years before. Although the study was small, it was randomised, which adds scientific value.
On May 19, 2011, Medical News Today covered an MD Anderson study which found that patients who took yoga while undergoing radiation therapy experienced improved physical functioning, better general health and lower stress hormone levels than those who participated in simple stretching. Those on yoga were also "better able to find meaning in their cancer experience."
The Mediterranean Diet
A UK study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found "no strong association" between breast cancer risk and the consumption of a Mediterranean-type diet. In premenopausal women, there was a "nonsignificant" reduction in risk associated with increasing adherence to the diet.
Vitamin D
A May 11 study in Breast Cancer Research found no association between serum Vitamin D levels and breast cancer risk in a predominantly premenopausal population.
However, a March 8 study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment revealed that Vitamin D deficiencies were common in women with breast cancer and associated with reduced spinal bone mineral density.
Also for breast cancer patients, low serum Vitamin D levels have previously been associated with more aggressive cancers or worse prognoses. An April 29 news story from the University of Rochester Medical Center, a December 14, 2010 Annals of Surgical Oncology study and a January 1, 2011 PLoS One study all found low serum Vitamin D levels to have prognostic value for patients.
Exercise
According to a May 9 story in The Telegraph, about 20,000 British women could avoid breast cancer each year by exercising for a half hour a day, limiting alcohol to one drink a day and by losing weight.
Finally, it's not often that I find a research abstract amusing. A May 20 study in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship examined barriers to exercise among cancer survivors. Cancer survivors reported that they were "too busy" or had "no willpower" to exercise regularly. The researchers concluded that the "knowledge concerning these barriers" to exercise "may be helpful" in designing "physical activity interventions."
Doesn't it seem likely that anyone who doesn't exercise regularly may also report that they are "too busy" or have "no willpower?" Maybe someone will design a case-control study to confirm.
Please check back tomorrow for more daily breast cancer news updates.
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