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Breast Cancer: Fight Now by Dr. Aaron Tabor

Pepper Compound Selectively Kills Breast Cancer Cells

Monday, 18 July 2011, 2:20 pm

The transition between a normal cell and a cancer cell, whether it be a breast cancer cell or other cancer cell, requires a delicate balance between the cells’ altered, faster metabolism and the cellular stress caused by the cells’ changed metabolism. In order to survive and thrive, cancer cells have adapted to handle the excess cellular stress. Research studies have been exploring this delicate balance between increased metabolism and the extra stress associated with it in hopes of discovering ways to tip the balance away from cell growth towards cancer cell death.

One such recent study reported that piperlongumine, a natural compound from the Indian Long Pepper, might block the ability of breast cancer (and other cancer) cells to survive this high level of cellular stress. To test the effects of piperlongumine, cancer researchers treated cancer cells in culture and in mice. Some of the findings from this study include:

Piperlongumine treatment increased the level of oxidative molecules (called reactive oxygen species) in both cancer cells and normal cells engineered to be like cancer cells and resulted in an increase in cancer cell death.
Piperlongumine had no adverse or toxic effects on normal cells.
Cancer growth in mice with transplanted tumors was suppressed by piperlongumine treatment.
In mice that spontaneously develop breast cancer, piperlongumine inhibited tumor growth and metastasis.

While a lot more research needs to be done, this study suggests that this pepper compound has the ability to tip the balance between a revved-up cell metabolism and enhanced oxidative stress toward a higher level of oxidative stress that the cancer cells could not overcome and thus could not survive. Apparently, the piperlongumine is interfering with the activity of enzymes needed to maintain the cells’ oxidative stress balance. Whether this approach to preventing and/or treating cancer will apply to all forms of cancer or whether it will work in human patients remains to be determined; however, the early results for this new form of breast cancer treatment appear promising.

To learn about other diet and lifestyle choices to reduce your breast cancer risk, read my FREE book FIGHT NOW: EAT & LIVE PROACTIVELY AGAINST BREAST CANCER. Please recommend to anyone interested in breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, and breast cancer symptoms.

Fatty Foods Might Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Friday, 15 July 2011, 2:00 pm

While the research results have been somewhat inconsistent, there appears to be a growing amount of evidence that dietary fat consumption can increase breast cancer risk. For example, one study in mice reported that a high-fat diet increased breast cancer burden and metastasis.

A breast cancer study soon to be published in the journal Nutrition and Cancer examined the relationships between different fatty foods and breast cancer risk in 17,000 women between 45 and 73 years of age. The risk of developing ER+PR+, ER-PR-, and overall breast cancers and the link to fatty foods was analyzed after 10 years of follow up. The breast cancer investigators reported…

ER+PR+ breast cancer risk was decreased by about 11% with yogurt consumption, but was increased by 10% by consuming eggs and and dried soups/sauces.
The risk for ER-PR- breast cancer was increased by 31% by the consumption of vegetable oil-based margarine and dried soups/sauces.
When all breast cancers were examined, regular milk consumption was linked to a decrease in breast cancer risk and dried soups/sauces were linked to an increase in breast cancer risk.

These are interesting results that continue to suggest that dietary fat intake might impact breast cancer risk, though different foods had different effects. While the increased risk for ER+PR+ breast cancer was relatively modest with dried soups/sauces, these foods had a more dramatic impact on ER-PR- breast cancer. The fact that these breast cancer types are very different in their hormone receptor status suggests that these high fat foods might be effecting breast cancer risk through multiple pathways or non-hormonal pathways. Previous research has suggested that the link between dietary fat and breast cancer might be the role of cholesterol in breast cancer blood vessel formation. Future research will be needed to further clarify the possible link(s) between dietary fat and breast cancer risk and to determine if some foods are linked to a greater risk for breast cancer than other foods.

Graviola Fruit Extract Might Help Fight Breast Cancer

Wednesday, 13 July 2011, 2:00 pm

The development and growth of breast cancer is stimulated by many factors including a variety of growth factors. One of these growth factors is epidermal growth factor (EGF) and some cancers overexpress the receptors for EGF. Because of the effect of growth factors on breast cancer progression, breast cancer treatments and dietary modifications that suppress or block the function of EGF receptors are an important part of our fight against breast cancer.

A collaborative breast cancer research team recently reported that an extract made from graviola fruit appears to have cancer fighting properties linked to EGF receptor function. Using both a cell culture system and an animal model of breast cancer, the researchers examined the impact of the graviola fruit extract on breast cancer cell and tumor growth.

In the cell culture system, the study investigators treated human breast cancer cells that overexpress the EGF receptor (MDA-MB-468 cells) with the graviola fruit extract. The results showed that the graviola fruit extract suppressed the presence of EGF receptors, interrupted the breast cancer cell growth cycle and induced cell death. These cancer fighting benefits of the graviola fruit extract were specifc to the breast cancer cells, since it had no effect on healthy, non-tumor breast cells.

To determine if the benefits seen in the cell culture tests translated to live animals, the researchers implanted these EGF receptor-overexpressing cells into mice and fed the mice the graviola fruit extract for 5 weeks. Consumption of the graviola fruit extract reduced the presence of the EGF receptors in breast cancer tumors by 56% and inhibited tumor growth by 32%.

Overall, these studies provide some early evidence that graviola fruit has breast cancer fighting properties. In addition to its cancer fighting benefits, the graviola fruit is an excellent source of dietary fiber and vitamin C and a good source of magnesium, potassium, and several B vitamins. Graviola fruit is also known as soursop, Brazilian pawpaw, and guanabana.

Risk Factors For Specific Breast Cancer Subtypes

Monday, 11 July 2011, 2:00 pm

Research study results have suggested that different molecular subtypes of breast cancer appear to have different specific risk factors linked to them. While these links have been explored in older, postmenopausal women extensively, less research has been done to determine breast cancer subtype-specific risk factors in younger women.

A new breast cancer research study examined the associations between breast cancer risk factors and the risk of developing specific subtypes of breast cancer in women 56 years of age or younger. For this study, 4,322 women (890 breast cancer patients and 3,422 population-based control women) were enrolled. Molecular subtypes of breast cancer were determined by analysis of the hormone receptors present. Of the 890 breast cancer cases, 51.1% were luminal A breast cancer, 27.6% were triple negative breast cancer, 13.1% were non-luminal HER-2/neu+ breast cancer, and 8.1% were luminal B breast cancer.

Luminal A breast cancer tumors are positive for estrogen receptor (ER[+]), positive for progesterone receptor (PR[+]), and negative for human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER-2[-]). Study results indicated that the risk of developing luminal A breast cancers was linked to a history of benign breast disease and a family history of breast cancer. Additionally, not having any children and older age at first birth for those women who had children both increased the risk for luminal A breast cancer.

Luminal B breast cancer tumors are similar to luminal A breast cancer tumors in that they are ER[+] and PR[+]; however, luminal B tumors are often either HER-2[+] or HER-2[-] with a high number of actively dividing cells. Luminal B breast cancer tumors tend to be larger and of a poorer grade. Luminal B breast cancer risk was linked to increasing body size, but this was only seen in premenopausal women. Luminal B breast cancer risk was also increased by an earlier age at puberty and weakly increased by an older age at first birth.

HER-2[+] breast cancer tumors stain positive for HER-2 receptors, but do not contain estrogen or progesterone receptors (ER- and PR-). HER-2[+] breast cancers are often lymph node positive and many have p53 gene mutations. The risk for HER-2[+] breast cancer was weakly increased by an earlier age of puberty, not having children, and older age at first birth.

Triple negative breast cancer tumors test negative for estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2 receptors. Triple negative breast cancers tend to be aggressive and have poorer outcomes. Triple negative breast cancer risk was increased by little or no breast feeding, increasing body size (premenopausal women), and a family history of breast cancer (particularly among women younger than 45 years).

Overall, the results of this study help clarify the different risk factors linked to each molecular subtype of breast cancer and enhance our breast cancer awareness. By enhancing our breast cancer awareness and understanding what puts us at risk for breast cancer, we are all better prepared in our fight to prevent breast cancer. While some of these factors are beyond our control, there are others like breast feeding and body weight are factors over which we have control. Factors beyond our control can be used to help develop appropriate screening and prevention strategies.

Black Caraway Seed Compound Has Breast Cancer Fighting Properties

Friday, 8 July 2011, 2:00 pm

Thymoquinone is a plant chemical (phytonutrient) that is found naturally in the plant Nigella sativa, which is more commonly known as black caraway, fennel flower, nutmeg flower, blackseed or Roman coriander. Numerous research studies have suggested that thymoquinone has cancer-fighting properties, partly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

A new breast cancer research study explored the effects of thymoquinone on breast cancer cells grown in culture to better understand its breast cancer protection benefits. The breast cancer researchers reported that thymoquinone had multiple protective actions…

Thymoquinone decreased the growth of breast cancer cells in culture
Thymoquinone induced programmed cell death (apoptosis) of breast cancer cells
The ability of certain breast cancer cells to migrate and invade was reduced by treatment with thymoquinone
Thymoquinone treatment of breast cancer cells reduced the expression of genes responsible for the production of cell survival proteins.

The results of this study continue to clarify the cancer-fighting properties of thymoquinone. A previous study has suggested that the effects of this compound appear to be fairly specific to cancer cells without damaging nearby healthy cells. Overall, the research on thymoquinone as a natural cancer-fighting agent appears positive. Thymoquinone appears to be mostly present in the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant, so using black caraway seeds or seed oil in cooking is a good way to add this breast cancer-fighting compound to your diet.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Subtypes Identified

Wednesday, 6 July 2011, 2:13 pm

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by a lack of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. Because of the lack of hormone receptors, triple negative breast cancers do not respond to targeted hormone therapy or HER2 therapy. Standard therapy for TNBC remains mainly limited to surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy; however, newer therapies like PARP inhibitors are showing promise.

The current classification of triple negative breast cancer by a lack of receptors really tells us what this form of breast cancer is not, but does not tell us what it is. On-going research studies have been attempting to more clearly characterize triple negative breast cancer in hopes of developing personalized and targeted therapies for TNBC. One such study was recently published and is free to read online.

In this study researchers identified 587 TNBC cases and analyzed their gene expression profiles to better characterize the molecular subtypes of triple negative breast cancer. The researchers reported that they identified 6 TNBC molecular subtypes and that the subtypes had unique responses to treatments. These subtypes are briefly described below.

Basal-Like – two basal-like molecular subtypes were identified and called BL1 and BL2. These subtypes had elevated expressions of cell growth cycle genes and DNA damage response genes. These subtypes were primarily responsive to treatment with cisplatin.
Mesenchymal Type – two mesenchymal types, labeled M and MSL, were identified. These two molecular subtypes showed high gene expression patterns linked to growth factor pathways and to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. These subtypes were mainly responsive to dasatinib and NVP-BEZ235, a specific cell kinase inhibitor.
Immunomodulatory – one immunomodulatory (IM) subtype was identified. This subtype expresses high levels of genes associated with the immune system.
Luminal Androgen Receptor – one luminal androgen receptor (LAR) TNBC subtype was identified. This subtype was characterized by a high level of androgen receptors and it was senstive to the androgen receptor blocker bicalutamide.

These results are potentially very important and could have major implications on the development of future breast cancer treatments for triple negative breast cancer. It is clear from this study, that there are distinct forms of TNBC and that each form responds differently to treatments. Additionally, the study investigators reported that each subtype of TNBC showed different rates of relapse-free survival. These results could be an important first step in truly personalizing targeted breast cancer treatments for patients with triple negative breast cancer.

To learn about diet and lifestyle choices to reduce your breast cancer risk, read my FREE book FIGHT NOW: EAT & LIVE PROACTIVELY AGAINST BREAST CANCER. Please recommend to anyone interested in breast cancer, breast cancer treatment, and breast cancer symptoms.

Pre-Surgical Lapatinib Treatment Reduces HER2+ Breast Cancer Growth

Friday, 1 July 2011, 3:31 pm

HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancers express an excess of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Overexpression of this receptor causes the breast cancer tumors to be more aggressive, which results in greater risk for breast cancer recurrence and poorer outcomes.

Previous research has suggested that breast cancer treatments that take place between diagnosis and surgery can help improve surgical success and breast cancer outcomes. Therefore, the development of breast cancer treatments that can slow breast cancer growth during this time is an important area of research.

A recent research study explored the potential benefits of treating breast cancer patients with lapatinib, a HER2-specific breast cancer treatment. For this study, 60 breast cancer patients were treated with lapatinib for the 3 weeks between breast biopsy and surgery. Breast tissue samples after surgery were examined for differences in breast cancer growth compared to women treated with a placebo. The study investigators reported:

Cell growth decreased by about 9% in patients treated with lapatinib, while cell growth increased by 15% in placebo-treated patients.
The decrease in breast cancer cell growth was greater in estrogen receptor-negative tumors (35% decrease) than in estrogen receptor-positive tumors (12% decrease).
Breast tumor size was smaller after lapatinib treatment (18 mm) than after placebo treatment (24 mm).
Breast cancer tumor progression was only 27% on lapatinib compared to 56% growth on placebo treatment.
Lapatinib treatment resulted in a 14% partial response, while placebo treatment was associated with only a 4% partial response.

These results clearly show that breast cancer treatment with lapatinib during the 3 weeks between diagnosis and surgical treatment is an effective way to slow tumor growth. This is an important finding because slowing tumor growth before surgery can help improve surgical success. This, of course, can lead to decreased changes of breast cancer recurrence and might lead to better overall outcomes. Additional studies with larger numbers of breast cancer patients appear to be planned to confirm these initial results.

Obesity May Increase Breast Cancer Risk Via Inflammatory Pathways

Wednesday, 29 June 2011, 1:34 pm

Obesity is now considered a major contributor to several chronic health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer among others. Initial research exploring the link between obesity and breast cancer suggested that the production of estrogen from fat tissue was one of the main factors linking obesity to breast cancer. However, estrogen production is not the only pathway linking obesity to breast cancer. A growing body of evidence implicates inflammation as a major contributor to breast cancer development.

Previous research has identified ‘crown-like structures’ (dying fat cells surrounded by immune cells) in the fat tissue of human beings and in the mammary glands of obese mice. In addition to the presence of these crown-like structures in the mouse mammary glands, the researchers observed increased activation of the inflammation process and higher levels of aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen production.

To determine if these observations in mice were also present in women, these breast cancer researchers obtained breast tissue from 30 women who had breast surgery. Analysis of the breast tissue samples showed:

14 of the 30 women (47%) had these crown-like structures in their breast tissue samples
As body mass index became greater, so did the severity of the breast inflammation
Breast inflammation was also increased with increasing fat cell size
In the overweight and obese women in the study, aromatase levels and activity were elevated

These study results continue to confirm the link between obesity and breast cancer as well as providing additional detail on the relationships between obesity, inflammation, estrogen production, and breast cancer. Based on these results, the study investigators suggest that in overweight and obese women, chronic tissue inflammation is stimulated, which increases aromatase activity. An increase in aromatase activity can then lead to increased estrogen production.

Overall, this new information outlines some of the biological processes that link obesity to increased breast cancer risk. Developing a better understanding of these processes might lead to better and earlier breast cancer prevention strategies. However, it is also important to realize that this research also re-emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight in our fight against breast cancer.

Resveratrol Blocks Breast Cancer Progression In Culture

Monday, 27 June 2011, 3:39 pm

Breast cancer progression and metastasis requires a change in breast tissue cells from a normal epithelial form to a mesenchymal, connective tissue-like form. A number of factors are involved in this mesenchymal transition and various growth factors have been implicated in this key step of breast cancer progression. Therefore, finding ways to block the mesenchymal transition and prevent the growth and metastasis of breast cancer is an important area of research.

New breast cancer research suggests that resveratrol, a natural antioxidant found in red grapes, might be able to block growth factor-induced breast cancer progression. For this cell culture study, investigators cultured MCF-7 breast cancer cells and treated them with epidermal growth factor (EGF) and treated them with EGF + resveratrol. Treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with EGF caused the breast cancer cells to change their physical appearance similar to what is seen during the mesenchymal transition. Additionally, mesenchymal markers increased in these cells after EGF treatment and the cells developed the ability to migrate, confirming the ability of this growth factor to promote breast cancer progression.

Co-treatment of breast cancer cells with EGF + resveratrol blocked the effect of EGF on breast cancer cells. Resveratrol treatment prevented the breast cancer cells from undergoing the mesenchymal transition and blocked the ability of the breast cancer cells to migrate after EGF treatment. These beneficial effects of resveratrol were mediated by its ability to block the EGF activation of a specific cellular pathway called ERK 1/2.

This is an interesting study that adds to the growing amount of evidence for the health benefits of resveratrol. While resveratrol has developed a well-deserved reputation as a phytonutrient with health benefits, most of these benefits to date have been related to heart health. However, this study and other emerging evidence suggest that resveratrol has breast cancer fighting properties as well. While more research will need to be done to see if these cell culture studies translate to benefits in people, the early evidence is promising. Red grapes, red grape juice, peanuts, and some berries are good sources of resveratrol, so adding resveratrol to your diet is not only easy, but healthy.

Are Beta-Blockers Useful In The Fight Against Breast Cancer?

Wednesday, 22 June 2011, 3:20 pm

In a previous blog I discussed the results of a new study, which indicated that blood pressure medications alter the risk for breast cancer recurrence. While the ACE inhibitors increased the risk for recurrence, the beta-blockers decreased this risk and blunted the effect of the ACE inhibitors. Two new studies published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology continue to explore the possible cancer-fighting benefits of beta blockers.

In the first breast cancer study, researchers investigated the link between using beta blockers with breast cancer survival in patients treated with chemotherapy. For this study, breast cancer patients taking beta blockers (102 patients) were compared to patients not taking beta blockers (1,311 patients). Differences in overall survival and relapse-free survival were assessed. After making adjustments for multiple factors, use of beta blockers improved the chances of relapse-free survival by nearly 50%, but did not improve the chances of overall survival. The benefits were even greater in triple negative breast cancer patients. Triple negative breast cancer patients taking beta blockers showed a 70% increased chance of relapse-free survival.

The second breast cancer study compared the potential benefits of two different beta-blockers, propranolol (a beta 1 and beta 2 blocker) and atenolol (a beta 1 blocker). For this study, information on breast cancer stage and beta blocker use was collected and compared to women not taking a beta blocker. The results of this study showed that the beta 1 blocker, atenolol, had no effect on the risk of local tumor invasion nor on the risk of metastatic breast cancer. In contrast, women using propranolol were about 75% less likely to be diagnosed with local tumor invasion and about 80% less likely to have lymph node involvement or metastases. Additionally, breast cancer – specific mortality was reduced in propranolol users.

These two studies provide some interesting insight into the possible benefits of beta blockers in the fight against breast cancer. Beta blocker use improved the chances of relapse-free survival in all breast cancer patients, but this benefit was even better in triple negative breast cancer patients. Furthermore, these studies show that not all beta blockers are the same when it comes to the fight against breast cancer. It appears from the second study that beta blockers that work through the beta 2 pathway are more effective at reducing the breast cancer progression and improving survival than beta blockers that use the beta 1 pathway. These early studies show the possible usefulness of beta blockers in our fight against breast cancer.

Excess Body Weight Increases Chances of Dying From Breast Cancer

Monday, 20 June 2011, 3:19 pm

It is clear that obesity is linked to an increased chance of developing breast cancer and recent studies are also now suggesting that excess body weight might increase a breast cancer patient’s odds of dying from breast cancer. However, this relationship between body weight and breast cancer mortality needs more clarification in regards to different forms of breast cancer, stage of disease, and more.

Data from a new breast cancer research study that examined the specific aspects of the relationship between body weight and breast cancer mortality was presented at the recent annual meeting of the Endocrine Society. For this study, investigators recruited nearly 4,000 women who took part in the California Teachers Study and who were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between 1995 and 2006. Study volunteers reported their height and weight at the start of the study and their weight when they were 18 years of age. Analysis of the link between body mass index (BMI) and breast cancer mortality showed:

Obesity (a BMI of at least 30) at the start of the study (near the time of breast cancer diagnosis) increased the risk of dying from breast cancer by 69%
Obesity at the the start of the study in breast cancer patients with regional or distant disease increased the risk of dying from breast cancer by 91%
The link between a high baseline BMI and the risk of death from breast cancer was only seen in patients with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer and was not seen in patients with estrogen receptor negative breast cancer.
Being overweight (BMI from 25 to 29) at the age of 18 years was linked to a 69% increased risk of dying from breast cancer.
Being overweight at 18 years of age tripled the risk of dying among the patients with estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer.

This large study continues to confirm the link between body weight and breast cancer mortality. This new study goes further and shows that being obese near the time of breast cancer diagnosis increased the risk of breast cancer metastasis and increased the risk of dying from estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. Interestingly, this link between body weight at the start of the study and risk of death from breast cancer was not seen for estrogen receptor negative breast cancer. This might be due to the generally higher levels of estrogen in overweight breast cancer patients.

Furthermore, this new study shows that being overweight early in one’s life can also lead to an increased risk of dying from breast cancer. This clearly shows the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight throughout life. Thus, developing healthy diet and exercise habits throughout life are important for breast cancer prevention and survival.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) Increases Future Breast Cancer Risk

Friday, 17 June 2011, 1:52 pm

Depending on what you read, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is either a pre-cancer condition that can become breast cancer in the future or is the earliest form of breast cancer. In either case, DCIS increases a woman’s risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the future. However, the amount of risk appears to be unclear and depends upon how the DCIS is treated.

A new breast cancer research study analyzed the risk of developing future invasive breast cancer in a group of 3,167 Norwegian women diagnosed with DCIS. The women enrolled in the study were diagnosed with DCIS between 1993 and 2007 and were followed for several years. Analysis of the risk for developing future invasive breast cancer showed:

Overall, DCIS patients had an 11.2% risk of developing any breast cancer and a 9.4% risk of developing invasive breast cancer within a 10-year period. This put DCIS patients at 5 times the risk of the general population.
DCIS patients treated with mastectomy had a 3.8% risk of developing a future breast cancer within 10 years.
DCIS patients treated with breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) had 9.8% risk of developing a future breast cancer.
Breast cancer mortality of DCIS patients within the 10-year period was 2.5%, which was about 4 times the risk faced by the general population.

This new breast cancer study continues to confirm that ductal carcinoma in situ increases the risk of future breast cancers. For women diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, it is important to discuss treatment options with their doctors in order to determine what is best for their particular situation and the level of risk with which they are comfortable. Additionally, it is important for DCIS patients to develop a specific screening strategy as a more intensive screening regimen will be important for catching any future breast cancer developments as early as possible.

Low Carb, High Protein Diet Might Reduce Breast Cancer Incidence

Wednesday, 15 June 2011, 2:11 pm

We make diet and lifestyle choices every day that effect our risk for breast cancer as well as other cancers. Choosing specific foods to add to our diet or limiting other foods can reduce breast cancer risk. Similarly, choosing to follow a healthier eating pattern like the Mediterranean dietary pattern rather than sticking with our typical Western dietary pattern can reduce our breast cancer risk.

Because there is research to suggest that cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, utilize glucose more than healthy cells, some researchers hypothesize that a low carbohydrate diet might reduce cancer risk. A new research study in mice explored the potential benefits of a low carbohydrate diet on cancer development.

In the first part of the study, researchers implanted mice with mouse tumors and human tumors and then fed them one of two diets. The control diet was a typical Western diet characterized by high amounts of carbohydrates and low amounts of protein. The test diet was low in carbohydrates and high in protein, though it contained the same amount of calories as the Western diet. The cancer researchers reported that tumor growth was substantially lower in mice fed a low-carb, high-protein diet compared to tumor growth in mice fed a Westernized diet. Additionally, benefits of the low-carb, high-protein diet were enhanced by treatment of the mice with an anti-cancer drug and an anti-inflammatory drug.

In the second part of the study, mice genetically engineered to be susceptible to HER-2/neu-induced breast cancer were fed these same two diets. Nearly 50% of these mice fed the Western diet developed breast cancer within a year. In contrast, none of these HER-2/neu susceptible mice developed breast cancer by one year of age. More than 50% of the mice fed the low-carb, high-protein diet in this part of the study reached or exceeded their normal life span, while only 1 mouse fed a Westernized diet lived a full life span.

These are fascinating study results suggesting that a diet low in carbohydrates and high in protein might help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers and might slow tumor growth if they do develop. Additional research will need to be done to see if and how this might translate to people. According to the new 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 45-65% of our calorie consumption should come from carbohydrates, 10-35% should come from protein, and 20-35% should come from fat. While it remains important to remain within these guidelines, they provide flexibility in the amounts we choose to eat. This makes it possible to decrease carbohydrate intake and increase protein intake while still meeting our dietary needs for both of these macronutrients. When increasing protein intake, aim for healthier options including fish, poultry, beans, and lean cuts of red meat.

Magnesium Reduces Hot Flashes in Breast Cancer Patients

Monday, 13 June 2011, 2:15 pm

Hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause are common among breast cancer patients. These hot flashes are the result of breast cancer treatments with tamoxifen and raloxifene that block estrogen action, aromatase inhibitors that inhibit estrogen production, and chemotherapy. The hot flashes and other menopause symptoms experienced by breast cancer patients can be quite severe; however, normal treatment for menopause symptoms, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is generally not recommended for breast cancer survivors. While other drugs for the treatment of hot flashes like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and anti-depressants have been shown to somewhat helpful, treatments with fewer side effects are still desired.

A new pilot study explored the possible effectiveness of magnesium supplementation for hot flash reduction in breast cancer patients. For this small pilot study, investigators recruited 25 breast cancer patients who were experiencing at least 14 hot flashes per week and asked them to take 400 milligrams of magnesium oxide every day for 4 weeks. The breast cancer patients were allowed to increase their magnesium supplementation to 800 mg per day if they felt it was necessary. The results of the study showed:

17 of the 25 breast cancer patients increased their magnesium dose to 800 mg per day.
Hot flashes were reduced by about 41% from about 52 hot flashes per week on average to an average of 28 hot flashes per week.
Hot flash score was reduced by 50% from a score of about 110 to a score of about 48.
14 of the breast cancer patients experienced a reduction in hot flash score of more than 50%.
76% of the breast cancer patients (19 of 25) showed as least a 25% decrease in hot flash score.
Other menopause symptoms including fatigue, sweating, and distress were also reduced by magnesium supplementation.
Reported side effects were considered minor and included one case of headaches, one case of nausea, and 2 cases of diarrhea.

These are surprisingly excellent results for simple supplementation with magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to our good health. It is important for bone health and numerous cellular processes. The recommended daily allowance for magnesium is between 300 – 400 mg per day depending on a person’s age and sex. Therefore the initial dose used in this pilot study was about 100% of the recommended daily value. However, most of the breast cancer patients needed to elevate their magnesium supplementation to 800 mg per day or 2 times as much as needed to meet our nutritional needs. While magnesium intake from foods does not cause any side effects, magnesium supplements can cause nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and more. If you want to learn more about the health benefits of magnesium and food sources of magnesium, the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements has an in-depth Magnesium Factsheet.

Breast Cancer Prevention With Exemestane

Friday, 10 June 2011, 12:40 pm

Eliminating (or at least significantly reducing) the chances that a person gets breast cancer is the ultimate goal of breast cancer research. In addition to adopting a healthier lifestyle, women at high risk for developing breast cancer have the option of taking breast cancer prevention drugs. Currently, there are only two drugs, tamoxifen and raloxifene, that have been approved for the prevention of breast cancer. However, neither of these breast cancer prevention drugs are well-accepted by women at high risk for breast cancer due to their undesireable side effects. Therefore, there remains a push for the development of better breast cancer prevention drugs. The most promising breast cancer prevention to date might be exemestane, an aromatase inhibitor.

The results of a large clinical trial on the benefits of exemestane for breast cancer prevention were recently published (free to download) in the New England Journal of Medicine and suggest that this aromatase inhibitor might be a better option than tamoxifen or raloxifene for breast cancer prevention.

In this new breast cancer study, 4,560 postmenopausal women from around the world who were at an elevated risk for breast cancer were randomly assigned to receive a placebo pill or a pill containing 25 milligrams of exemestane. Development of breast cancer and rates of side effects were measured during a 3-year follow-up period. The study investigators reported…

Exemestane reduced the incidence of invasive breast cancer by 65% compared to the control group.
Incidence of invasive plus non-invasive breast cancers was reduced by 53% in the exemestane group compared to the placebo group.
The risk for developing lesions that might later develop into breast cancer (lobular carcinoma in situ, atypical ductal hyperplasia, and atypical lobular hyperplasia) was reduced by 64%
Serious side effects like cardiovascular events, fractures, and abnormal liver function were not increased by exemestane use compared to the placebo group.
Exemestane use did result in more common occurrences of arthritis and menopausal symptoms.

Overall, this is a very positive study for exemestane in regards to its effectiveness for breast cancer prevention and in regards to its safety profile. Not only did exemestane use reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, but it reduced the risk of developing breast lesions that put women at greater risk for developing breast cancer in the future. The safety profile described in this paper suggests that exemestane might be a better option for some women than either tamoxifen or raloxifene. Nonetheless, longer studies will probably need to be done before exemestane can be approved for breast cancer prevention use and even then it remains uncertain if it will be accepted any better than the two currently approved breast cancer drugs.

Racing For A Breast Cancer Cure

Wednesday, 8 June 2011, 12:43 pm

Breast cancer awareness is an important part of our fight against breast cancer. The more we know about breast cancer and the impact it has on both breast cancer patients and their loved ones, the better our chances of achieving our final goal of breast cancer prevention.

As a part of increasing breast cancer awareness, I thought you would enjoy the story told by Blake Koch and his mother in the videos below…

Angie & Blake’s Inspirational Story – “The Journey” from Justin Machacek on Vimeo.

Dietary Behaviors Of Our Youth Do Not Meet Cancer Prevention Guidelines

Monday, 6 June 2011, 2:50 pm

It is clear from the scientific literature as well as from the guidelines published by key cancer prevention organizations that diet and lifestyle are an important part of preventing cancer, including breast cancer. According to the 2003 Health Information National Trends Survey, about 50% of Americans overall are aware that a healthy diet can reduce cancer risk. Despite this, several studies have shown that a large proportion of American adults do not follow cancer prevention guidelines. It is also thought that following these key cancer prevention guidelines throughout life can reduce our children’s lifetime risk for developing cancer.

A new research study (free to download) examined how closely the diets of American youth aligned with current key cancer prevention guidelines. In order to make the comparison, the researchers collected data from multiple health survey databases including the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Key cancer prevention guidelines were collected from a number of highly respected cancer prevention organizations including the American Cancer Society, the American Institute for Cancer Research, the International Agency for Research on Cancer as well as several other health organizations. The key diet-related cancer prevention guidelines and how well the diets of American youths meets these guidelines are briefly outlined below.

Dietary Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

Eat 5 or more servings (about 400 grams or 14 ounces) of a variety of fruits and vegetables daily
Consume whole grain products in preference to refined grains and aim for about 3 or more ounce-equivalents per day.
Maintain a healthy body weight through life and aim for the lower half of one’s healthy body weight range.
Limit consumption of red and processed meats to less than 18 ounces (500 grams) per week.
Choose meats that are low in fat.
Limit consumption of refined carbohydrates; reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and foods.
Limit consumption of energy-dense foods and avoid ‘fast’ foods whenever possible.
Reduce salt intake by eating fewer salty foods and fewer processed foods high in salt content.
Adults should limit alcohol consumption to 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women. Children and adolescents should not consume any alcohol.

Dietary Habits of American Youth

Fruit & Vegetable Intake – According to the NHANES survey, only 6.2% of teens met fruit consumption recommendations, only 2.2% met vegetable consumption recommendations and less then 1% met both recommendations. According to the YRBS survey, the percent of students who consumed recommend daily amounts decreased from 1999 to 2005 and remained steady from 2005 to 2009 at about 22%.
Whole Grains – Available survey data suggests that only 3.4% of teens meet recommendations for whole grain consumption.
Healthy Body Weight – The prevalence of obesity in teens has increased from only 5% in 1970 to 18% in 2007-2008. Data from 2009 showed that 12% of high school students were obese and another 16% were overweight.
Energy-Dense Foods – the low rate of youth consuming recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables suggests that they are over-consuming energy-dense foods, which are low in nutrients.
Refined Sugars – one survey reported that 30% of high school students had consumed a soda at least one time per day for the 7 days before the survey was conducted.
Salt Intake – Data from the 2005-2005 NHANES showed that teen boys were consuming nearly 4,300 mg of sodium per day and teen girls were consuming about 3,000 mg per day, way above the recommended amount of 2,300 mg/day.

It is clear from this analysis of recommendations versus behaviors that American youth are a long way from meeting dietary cancer prevention guidelines. A big part of reducing cancer, including breast cancer, risk starts with adopting healthy behaviors early in life and maintaining them throughout life. We are clearly not convincing our youth to develop healthy eating habits and are therefore putting them at risk later in life for cancer as well as other health conditions. An earlier study reported that following cancer prevention guidelines also reduces the risk for heart disease and reduces the risk for premature death due to all causes. It is imperative that we do a better job of guiding American youth to better dietary habits. The current initiative to improve school lunches is a good step in the right direction, but I believe we can do more.

Yoga Improves Quality of Life After Radiation Therapy

Friday, 3 June 2011, 1:26 pm

Just last week we talked about many of the links between stress and breast cancer. There appears to be clear evidence that stress, particularly stressful early life events, increases breast cancer risk. Additionally, research results show that stress reduces the quality of life in breast cancer survivors and can worsen breast cancer outcomes. This clearly suggests that reducing stress is an important part of the new lifestyle that breast cancer patients need to adopt. There are many ways we can reduce the stress in our lives, but new research suggests that yoga has many benefits for breast cancer survivors.

In this new study from the MD Anderson Cancer Center, investigators asked 163 breast cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy to take part in a study where they would be assigned to one of three groups. One group took yoga classes for one hour three days a week during their 6 weeks of radiation therapy. A second group took simple stretching classes and a third group received no yoga or stretching instruction. Breast cancer patients were asked about several aspects of their quality of life including fatigue, daily functioning, mood and more at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Additionally, the main stress hormone, cortisol, was measured at these time points. The results of this study outlined some of the benefits of yogo for breast cancer patients…

Patients receiving instruction in yoga and in simple stretching exercises showed a substantial decrease in fatigue.
At each time point assessed, breast cancer patients in the yoga group reported more improved physical functioning and general health than patients in the stretching and no instruction groups.
Breast cancer patients taking yoga classes were more likely to perceive positive life changes from their breast cancer experience.
Yoga instruction resulted in a greater decrease in cortisol than either simple stretching or no instruction.

This is a truly interesting study that demonstrates the potential benefits of yoga for breast cancer patients. Considering the importance of reducing stress in breast cancer patients, yoga might have an important role in breast cancer patients’ treatment strategy. While simple stretching exercises appeared to have some benefits in regards to reducing cancer-associated fatigue, the benefits of yoga extended beyond the benefits of simple stretching exercises. The study investigators attribute these additional benefits of yoga to the mind-body interactions that are an essential part of yoga, things like yogic breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques. Since the breast cancer patients instructed in yoga showed a clear decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, it is apparent that yoga has biological effects that can benefit breast cancer patients.

Genistein Derivatives Inhibit Breast Cancer Cell Growth In Culture

Wednesday, 1 June 2011, 5:41 pm

Over the last couple of years several research studies have been published outlining the possible cancer-fighting benefits of adding soy to our diets. Consumption of soy foods has been reported to reduce breast cancer risk and to reduce the risk for breast cancer recurrence. Many of these benefits are thought to be due to the cellular actions of the soy isoflavones, particularly genistein. As one might expect, this has lead to an increase in research into the possible benefits of synthetically derived soy isoflavones.

One new breast cancer research study explored the effect of seven different synthetic derivatives of the soy isoflavone genistein on breast cancer cells grown in culture. For this breast cancer research experiment, investigators cultured 3 different types of estrogen receptor-positive (ER[+]) breast cancer cells and treated them for 96 hours with different concentrations of the synthetic genistein derivatives (called MA-6, MA-8, MA-11, MA-19, MA-20, MA-21, and MA-22). The study investigators reported that three of the seven genistein derivatives (MA-6, MA-8, and MA-19) showed cancer-fighting benefits in breast cancer cell cultures. These genistein derivatives induced programmed cell death, inhibited the expression of ER-alpha, and increased the ratio of ER-beta to ER-alpha. These changes were similar to effects observed when the breast cancer cells were treated with natural genistein; however, much lower doses were needed when the synthetic genistein compounds were used compared to when natural genistein was used.

Each of these changes represent a breast cancer-fighting benefit against ER[+] breast cancers. Since ER[+] breast cancers rely on the presence of ER-alpha for continued growth, the ability of genistein and its synthetic derivatives to reduce the presence of ER[+] and enhance the presence of ER-beta, which has been reported to have protective benefits, continues to support it’s cancer fighting benefits. While a lot more research will need to be done to prove the effectiveness and safety of these synthetic genistein derivatives for use in people, natural genistein can be added to one’s diet by simply consuming everyday soy foods like tofu, soy milk, soy protein bars and shakes, and more.

Changes in Sleep Patterns Effect Breast Cancer Survivors’ Quality Of Life

Friday, 27 May 2011, 1:47 pm

Studies have reported that many breast cancer patients suffer from a variety of sleep disturbances including having difficulty getting to sleep, waking up in the middle of the night, or waking up earlier in the mornings. While this can clearly lead to a decrease in sleep duration, it has also been shown that it can lead to an increase in daytime napping and an overall increase in sleep time. These changes in sleep duration have been linked to a number of factors, like fatigue, depression, and anxiety, that can decrease a breast cancer survivor’s quality of life.

Potential causes of changes in sleep duration and the impact of changes in sleep duration on certain aspects of the quality of life of breast cancer survivors were the focus of a new breast cancer research study. For this study, information on sleep duration, breast cancer treatments, and multiple aspects of quality of life was collected from 572 breast cancer survivors and analyzed. The results of this study showed that:

About 25% of the breast cancer survivors reported sleep duration changes that were either temporary (~6%), late-occurring (~14%), or sustained (~6%) changes in the amount of time they slept.
Compared to before their breast cancer diagnosis, about 12% of breast cancer survivors reported sleeping less than normal 6 months after diagnosis and about 20% reported sleeping less than normal 30 months after diagnosis.
A similar pattern was observed for over sleeping with about 18% of survivors reporting over-sleeping 6 months after diagnosis and about 27% sleeping more than normal 30 months after diagnosis.
Breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy were about 2.6 times as likely to experience changes in the amount of time they slept.
Gaining weight after breast cancer diagnosis nearly doubled the risk of changes in sleep duration.
Sustained changes in the amount of sleep the breast cancer survivors received resulted in substantially greater feelings of fatigue and decreased vitality as well as possible decreases in other aspects of quality of life such as social functioning, mental health, and bodily pain.

This is an interesting study that clearly points out the importance of breast cancer patients getting their normal amount of sleep whenever possible. While the effect of chemotherapy on sleep duration problems is not something breast cancer survivors have much control over, preventing weight gain after diagnosis is one factor over which breast cancer survivor’s can have some control. It is rather surprising to see the link between weight gain and sleep problems; however, this also might be related to chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy has been shown to cause weight gain in breast cancer patients. These are important factors to keep in mind when planning a survivorship strategy. Preventing weight gain after a breast cancer diagnosis has multiple benefits and based on this study that includes less sleep problems and a subsequently better quality of life. Knowing that chemotherapy and weight gain can cause these sleep disturbance issues, whether separately or together, is an important first step to maintaining a better quality of life for breast cancer survivors.

Stress Increases Breast Cancer Risk in Many Ways

Wednesday, 25 May 2011, 2:38 pm

Numerous studies have suggested that there is a link between stress and breast cancer. For example, high levels of stress have been reported to increase breast cancer metastasis and increase breast cancer risk. In contrast, decreasing stress has been reported to increase survival after breast cancer recurrence.

The full picture of how stress effects breast cancer has been difficult to piece together. However, a new review paper on stress and breast cancer was recently published and is free to download. A brief summary of some of the more interesting and important points regarding the relationship between stress and breast cancer are outlined below.

Types of Stress

Studies on long-term stress like caregiving stress, work-related stress, or everyday stress are inconsistent and suggest that there is only a weak to modest effect of chronic stress on breast cancer risk.
Stress related to life events (loss of a significant other, death of a friend or relative, etc) appears to show a more consistent and stronger link to increased breast cancer risk.

Timing of Stress

Studies have reported that stress-inducing life events that occur early in life are more strongly linked to increased breast cancer risk.
This appears to be particularly true for stressful life events that take place during our childhood and teenage years.

Biology of Stress & Breast Cancer

One of the main reasons that exposure to stress increases breast cancer risk is that the main stress hormone, cortisol, has important and necessary functions in the development of breast tissues at various life stages.
Prolonged exposure to stress leads to prolonged exposure of breast tissues to cortisol, which can results in the over-activation of various biological processes at inappropriate times.
This over-exposure to cortisol appears to lead to a number of actions such as blocking the removal of genetically damaged cells, stimulating invasiveness, suppressing the ability of the immune system to detect tumor cells, and reducing the ability of DNA repair.

It is clear from this review paper that stress plays a very important role in breast cancer risk, development, and progression. The timing of stress-inducing events and the types of stress all appear to play role in the level of breast cancer risk, though it appears that a person’s own susceptibility to stress modulates this risk. Based on this comprehensive overview, finding ways to reduce stress, particularly during stressful events in our lives, is an important part of our fight against breast cancer.

Eating Well-Done Red Meat Might Increase Breast Cancer Risk

Monday, 23 May 2011, 2:15 pm

The impact of red meat consumption on breast cancer risk has been a contentious and highly debated topic. The scientific literature on the effects of eating red meat on breast cancer risk remains rather inconsistent; however, a number of studies suggest that eating red meat increases a person’s risk for breast cancer. This appears to be due to at least a couple of things; the formation of carcinogens when red meat is cooked at a high temperature and a possible link between animal product consumption and increased steroid levels.

Information from the Nashville Breast Health Study was analyzed recently in order to examine the possible relationship between eating red meat and breast cancer risk. Breast cancer researchers collected information on red meat intake, including amounts consumed, cooking methods, and doneness levels, from almost 2,400 breast cancer patients and 1,700 healthy women. Analysis of the data showed that:

High levels of red meat consumption were strongly linked to an increased risk for breast cancer.
Eating large amounts of well-done red meat increased breast cancer risk by 50% on average compared to low levels of red meat intake.
The link between eating red meat and breast cancer risk was slightly stronger in postmenopausal women than in premenopausal women.
Meat-derived chemicals that can cause DNA changes were also shown to increase breast cancer risk, but only among postmenopausal women.

The results of this newest study on the possible link between red meat consumption and breast cancer risk clearly suggests that eating large amounts of red meat, particularly when cooked well done, increases breast cancer risk. This increased breast cancer risk appears greatest in postmenopausal women. While this does not mean that you can’t eat red meat, it does suggest that you should make wise decisions regarding how much red meat you eat and how you prepare your food. According to the American Cancer Society, we should eat more fish, poultry, and beans and limit our intake of beef and pork. Fish, poultry, and beans are all excellent sources of protein and have a much lower saturated fat content. If you choose to eat red meat, it is a good idea to cook at lower temperatures to reduce the formation of cancer causing chemicals or cook red meat by methods other than frying or grilling such as broiling or baking. The easiest way to reduce your red meat intake is to eat the appropriate serving size (3 – 4 ounces) instead of the 12-16 ounces many of us eat at a sitting.

Consistent Multivitamin Use Might Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes

Friday, 20 May 2011, 2:42 pm

There has been a lot of debate in both the medical community and the popular press about the use of multivitamins for helping to reduce breast cancer risk, reducing risk for breast cancer recurrence, and improving breast cancer outcomes. This debate has arisen due to inconsistent results in the published scientific literature with some studies showing positive benefits of regularly taking multivitamins and other studies showing no significant benefits. These inconsistencies likely are due in part to differences in the multivitamins taken, study designs and more. One recent study that I discussed earlier reported that breast cancer patients taking multivitamins during their breast cancer treatment and/or during the first 6 months after breast cancer diagnosis had a lower risk for recurrence and mortality.

Another new breast cancer study examined the impact of multivitamin use at different times relative to breast cancer diagnosis on breast cancer outcomes. For this breast cancer research study, investigators enrolled over 2,200 women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer between 1997 and 2000. On average, the women in the study were enrolled in the study about 2 years after their diagnosis. The study investigators collected information from the volunteers on their multivitamin use both before and after their breast cancer diagnosis and on breast cancer outcomes. The relationship between multivitamin use and breast cancer outcomes was analyzed and showed:

54% of the study volunteers reported using multivitamins before their breast cancer diagnosis, while 72% reported using multivitamins after their breast cancer diagnosis.
Compared to never using multivitamins, using multivitamins after diagnosis only was not linked to any of the outcomes measured (recurrence, breast cancer mortality, or total mortality).
In contrast, regular use of multivitamins starting before breast cancer diagnosis and continuing after diagnosis was linked to a modest 24% reduced risk of breast cancer recurrence and a 21% reduced risk of overall mortality.
The benefits of regular use of multivitamins was observed for both women treated with radiation and women treated with radiation and chemotherapy.
Overall survival was greatest in women who took multivitamins regularly both before and after their breast cancer diagnosis and who ate more fruits and vegetables and were more physically active.

This study continues to add to the debate about the possible importance of both multivitamin use and overall healthy lifestyles for enhancing breast cancer outcomes. While this newest study did not confirm the earlier study I discussed where multivitamin use after breast cancer diagnosis improved breast cancer outcomes, this study reported that breast cancer outcomes were improved by consistent multivitamin use starting before breast cancer was ever diagnosed. Additionally, this study continues to confirm that leading an overall healthy lifestyle including plenty of exercise, consumption of plenty of fruits and vegetables, and regular use of multivitamins has the potential to reduce one’s chance for breast cancer recurrence and improve survival. While there are clearly some things beyond our control when it comes to our risk for breast cancer, it is important to modify the things we can change in order to reduce our personal breast cancer risk.

Breast Density Change Predicts Breast Cancer Risk Reduction In Response To Tamoxifen

Wednesday, 18 May 2011, 2:08 pm

Many breast cancer research studies have shown that the anti-estrogen drug tamoxifen reduces breast cancer risk, which is why tamoxifen is one of only two approved breast cancer prevention drugs on the market. Tamoxifen has also been shown to reduce breast density as assessed by mammograms (i.e. mammographic breast density). Combined, this suggests that tamoxifen, at least in part, reduces breast cancer risk by reducing breast density. However, it is uncertain whether this is true in all women or whether some women benefit more than others from taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer.

A new breast cancer study recruited women who had taken part in the International Breast Cancer Intervention Study in order to assess the impact of tamoxifen use on mammogram breast density measures and subsequent breast cancer risk. For this study, breast cancer researchers analyzed data from 123 breast cancer patients and 942 healthy women without breast cancer. The results of this analysis showed that:

46% of the women taking tamoxifen had a 10% or greater reduction in breast density as measured at their 12-18-month mammogram.
Compared to women in the control group, women taking tamoxifen who showed a 10% or greater reduction in breast density had a 63% reduced risk of developing breast cancer.
Women taking tamoxifen who had less than a 10% reduction in breast density did not see a reduction in breast cancer risk.

These results have some rather intriguing implications. The approval of tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention was based on studies showing that taking tamoxifen for 5 years reduced the incidence of ER[+] invasive breast cancers, ductal carcinoma in situ, and lobular carcinoma in situ in women at high risk for breast cancer. Therefore, tamoxifen is generally prescribed for at least 5 years when given to prevent breast cancer. While tamoxifen has been approved for the prevention of ER[+] breast cancer, this study suggests that the benefit derived from taking tamoxifen to prevent breast cancer may depend partly on tamoxifen’s ability to reduce mammographic breast density. According to this new study, women who did not experience a reduction in breast density of at least 10% after taking tamoxifen for 12 – 18 months also did not see a reduction in breast cancer risk. This makes one ask whether these women should continue taking tamoxifen for breast cancer prevention. This is an important question that probably can’t be answered without further research. It would be interesting to follow up this study with a larger study of longer duration. If similar results were observed in such a longer study, then using mammograms to measure the effect of tamoxifen on breast density after 12 – 18 months might suggest that women not seeing a reduction in breast density at this time might want to consider stopping tamoxifen use for breast cancer prevention. A longer study is needed to confirm these results because it is possible that tamoxifen might be working through multiple pathways besides reducing mammographic breast density and these other pathways might not come into play until after taking tamoxifen for a couple of years.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Kill Cultured Breast Cancer Cells

Monday, 16 May 2011, 3:08 pm

We hear a lot about dietary fat, either in regards to limiting it as much as possible or only eating the right kinds of dietary fat. It is clear that we need some fat in our diet in order to fully meet our nutritional needs; however, numerous studies have shown the importance of choosing the right kinds of fats in the right amounts. Polyunsaturated fats, which include the omega-3 fats, are one of the healthiest fats we can choose. These fats have been reported to have a number of nutritional and health benefits. In fact, research studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA might decrease breast cancer risk, enhance breast cancer outcomes, and enhance chemotherapy benefits.

Research studies, including one newly published study (free to download), continue to examine the benefits and actions of these dietary fats on breast cancer. In this new breast cancer study, investigators examined the effect of EPA and DHA, the two main omega-3 fatty acids, on cultured beast cancer cells. Changes in cell growth, cell death, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors, and more were analyzed after treating two types of breast cancer cells with these omega-3 fats. The researchers indicated that:

Both EPA and DHA induced programmed cell death in both breast cancer cell types. In contrast, treatment with arachidonic acid, an omega-6 polyunsaturated fat, did not cause breast cancer cell death.
Both EPA and DHA reduced the production of the Bcl-2 protein, a protein that acts to protect breast cancer cells from dying.
EPA and DHA also both suppressed the activation of EGF receptors, suggesting that these omega-3 fatty acids can help fight breast cancer development associated with this growth factor.

This new study examining the possible benefits of omega-3 fats for breast cancer confirms previous studies showing that these two omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA) have breast cancer fighting benefits. Each of these omega-3 fats appear to fight breast cancer in multiple ways. According to this latest study, EPA and DHA are incorporated directly into the breast cancer cell membranes where they they are able to induce cell death, block cell protection mechanisms, and possibly reduce the effect of growth factors on breast cancer cell growth. Overall, this and earlier studies continue to point out the importance of adding omega-3 fats to our diets. These fats are found abundantly in fatty fish like salmon, halibut, and tuna, which make good, healthy choices to add to your regular diet if you are looking to increase your dietary consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.

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