Should You Get Tested for the 'Breast Cancer Genes'?

TUESDAY, Feb. 19, 2019 -- Women who have specific mutations in genes known as BRCA are at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Now, an influential expert panel reaffirms that certain women should be screened for the genes.

The draft recommendation comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, whose advisories often guide physician practice and insurance coverage. The guidelines -- which restate a 2013 advisory -- encourage genetic testing only for women with either a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or an ethnicity or ancestry associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

Acupressure Is Good Medicine for Breast Cancer Survivors

THURSDAY, Jan. 24, 2019 -- Breast cancer survivors struggling with common, lasting symptoms stemming from their treatments may find relief in self-applied acupressure, new research suggests.

For survivors with fatigue, self-acupressure improved related issues such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties more than usual care, the scientists found.

Mammograms Helped Save Up to 600,000 U.S. Lives Since 1989: Study

MONDAY, Feb. 11, 2019 -- Widespread mammography screening and big advances in breast cancer treatment have saved hundreds of thousands of American women's lives since 1989, a new study estimates.

Researchers tracked 1990-2015 U.S. data on breast cancer deaths, along with general data, on women aged 40 to 84. They found the number of breast cancer deaths prevented during that time ranged anywhere from 305,000 to more than 483,000, depending on different approaches to interpreting the data.

Medical Bills 'Toxic' for Some Breast Cancer Patients

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 24, 2018 -- Many women living with advanced breast cancer face significant financial strains -- from paying for their care to simply covering monthly bills, a new survey finds.

Researchers found that of the more than 1,000 women they surveyed, nearly 70 percent said they were worried about the financial fallout related to their cancer. Many said they'd refused or delayed treatments, failed to pay non-medical bills, or been contacted by collection agencies.

For Younger Cancer Patients, Mastectomy vs. Breast-Conserving Surgery

FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 -- Younger breast cancer patients who have one or both breasts removed have lower levels of satisfaction and well-being than those who have breast-conserving surgery, a new study finds.

The study included 560 women diagnosed with breast cancer by age 40. Of those, 28 percent had breast-conserving surgery and 72 percent had breast removal surgery (mastectomy). Of those who had a mastectomy, 72 percent had both breasts removed (bilateral mastectomy).

Tamoxifen at a Lower Dose Might Still Prevent Breast Cancer's Return

THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 -- Tamoxifen is considered a vital weapon in the fight against breast cancer, but many women who have to take the drug struggle with its significant side effects.

Now, new research shows that a lower dose of the hormone therapy helped prevent breast cancer from returning and guarded against new cancers in women who had high-risk breast tissue.