Incredible Breast Cancer Breakthroughs - Nana Johnson 2nd Period

Researchers have found that breast cancer can be treated better after fully diagnosing the patient specifically based on their genetics. Breast cancer was once considered to be one disease, but researchers have now found that there are at lease 10 subtypes of breast cancer with their own genetic signature. A new pill has been found prevent breast cancer for women who are at an increased risk by interfering with estrogen’s effects on breast tissue. For women with an average risk of breast cancer, potential side effects such as blood clots outweigh the benefits. The first drug for early-staged breast cancer, Perjeta, was recommended by the FDA . Doctors hope that if used during the earliest stages of breast cancer, the tumors will shrink, making them easier to remove or helping to avoid mastectomies. There are now 3D mammograms which were found to be 17% better than the traditional 2D x-rays. A new ultrasound system can help tell which lumps are malignant, reducing the need for biopsies. Researchers found that a vaccination helped prevent breast cancer in mice, which will soon be tested on women who had highly aggressive triple negative breast cancer. 

Its very reassuring for me to read about all the new discoveries researchers have been making about this disease. Too many of us know/have known someone who has dealt/is dealing with breast cancer. There are so many methods researchers are trying, and each one is closer to the “cure”. All the technology and research developments that we currently have, in comparison to twenty years ago, will significantly help in the future. Because of the research, there are many more ways of prevention and early signs that will help so many people. I think this article is missing another part of this disease, though. It doesn’t mention breast cancer in men, and I still think that it needs to be known by more people that men can also get breast cancer. We mostly associate breast cancer awareness with women because its rare in men, but it doesn’t mean its non-existent. Perhaps because its so rare, men don’t usually get genetic testing for it the same way women do. The more tests we do, though, the less of a problem it will become in the future.

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/incredible-breast-cancer-breakthroughs