The standard of care after lumpectomy for early-stage breast cancer typically includes whole breast radiation (WBI) to reduce the risk of local recurrence. WBI is usually delivered daily for 3–6 weeks. Several recent studies have investigated the effectiveness of accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI), which restricts the radiation to the area of the original tumor.
Triple-negative breast cancer is characterized by the lack of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 receptor. Chemotherapy is the mainstay of systemic treatment for this type of cancer. A study led by researchers in Peru found that the time to initiation of chemotherapy is important for women diagnosed with stage II-III triple-negative breast cancer.
A 2017 Gallup poll indicated that 64% of Americans now support cannabis legalization, as many are turning to cannabis to safely and effectively treat symptoms related to neurological disorders, cancer, psychological disorders, gastrointestinal disease, infectious disease, and inflammatory disease. How can one plant help with so many conditions and have so few side effects? To
HER2-positive early breast cancer patients who have cancer remaining in their breast or lymph nodes after neoadjuvant (before surgery) chemotherapy plus HER2-targeted therapy have a high risk of recurrence and death. KATHERINE is a phase III clinical trial that randomized node-positive patients of all stages who did not fully respond to chemotherapy before surgery to
Five years of endocrine therapy with an aromatase inhibitor (AI) is highly effective in reducing the risk of recurrence of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer; however, the risk continues beyond the five years of treatment. Researchers analyzed the combined results of 12 clinical trials involving 24,912 postmenopausal women with estrogen-receptor-positive disease to determine if there is a
Many people are unaware of how difficult it is to answer social greetings when one is in crisis. They ask “how are you” mechanically, without thinking. I’ve done that in the past. Before my experience of cancer painfully opened my eyes to the stress of social greetings. I suddenly became one of many struggling everyday
Tamoxifen is often used to prevent recurrence of hormonally driven breast cancer after surgery; however, it can cause significant side effects that adversely affect the quality of life of patients. It has previously been thought that a lower dose of tamoxifen (5 mg) might be as effective as the standard dose (20 mg), but with
Approximately 10% of breast cancers are due to an inherited genetic mutation. Not all women are referred for genetic testing following a breast cancer diagnosis. This is because many doctors follow the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, which recommend testing only those individuals who meet specific high-risk criteria. However, a new study suggests that current
Our on-site Boutique is a hidden gem in the Bay Area as it provides hundreds of wigs, hats, scarves, bras, breast prostheses and swimsuits at absolutely no cost! All of these supplies are graciously donated and our trained staff and volunteers are on hand to assist with any fittings to see what you like. After
Exercise and rehabilitation play an integral role in helping patients return to work and regular activities after cancer treatment. In May 2018, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) issued formal guidelines recommending exercise as an integral part of cancer treatment. They join organizations such as the Academy of Oncology Physical Therapy, the Academy College
