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new Study Reports Soy can Reduce the Risk of Recurrence of Breast Cancer

admin — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 13:00:48 +0000

A study in the December 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Associan reported that soy foods which are popular in the United States can help reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence and subsequent death when eaten in moderate amounts. They also claim that it may reduce the risk of death in women with estrogen receptor-positive cancers and women taking tamoxifen.

The research, led by Dr Xiao Ou Shu, professor of medicine and cancer epidemiologist at Vanderbilt University, observed over 5,000 Chinese women between the ages of 20 and 75 who had been diagnosed with breast cancer during the 2002 to 2006 period. Information was collected on cancer diagnosis, treatment received, diet, and post-diagnosis progression. The researchers found that women with the highest soy consumption reported 32 percent lower risk of cancer recurrence and 29 percent reduced risk of death than those who consumed less than 5.3 grams of soy daily.

Harmful Effects of Breast Cancer Drugs Reported

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:27 +0000

A recent report from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reported that although three drugs (tamoxifen, raloxifene, and tibolone) reduce a woman’s chances of getting breast cancer each has potential harmful effects for those using them. More specifically all three drugs significantly reduces invasive breast cancer in midlife and older women who have not previously had breast cancer but the benefits vary depending upon the drug and the woman.
The most common side effects for the drug tamoxifen are flushing, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal discharge, itching and dryness, and for raloxifene are night sweats, hot flashes, and leg cramps, and for tibolone are vaginal bleeding. In addition, each drug carries a risk of adverse effects including increased risk of endometrial cancer, hysterectomies, and cataracts for tamoxifen compared to the other drugs; increased risk of stroke for tibolone; and increased risk of blood clots for both tamoxifen and raloxifene although it is greater with tamoxifen. More information is available at: www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov

Tips on Tamoxifen in Breast Cancer Treatment

admin — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:11:51 +0000

Tamoxifen is one of the most common conventional treatments for breast cancer after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Some of the downsides of Tamoxifen are:
1)The cancer of about 20 to 30% of all breast cancer patients are not effected by Tamoxifen (an estrogen driven drug) because their cancers are not estrogen-driven.
2)In Estrogen-driven breast cancer, Tamoxifen may not be effective if the cancer has metastasized.
3).This drug may not permanently stop cancer cells from growing, but instead puts them temporarily into a deep sleep.
4).There are many side effects to this drug and some are life threatening. Research shows that the risk of a potentially fatal lung blood clot is tripled, and the risk of a stroke, blindness, and liver dysfunction are significantly increased. Less severe side effects include hot flashes, night seats, depression, nausea and vomiting.
5) It may cause aggressive endometrial cancer in women who are using it for breast cancer.

Results of short term studies on Tamoxifen in the United States are more encouraging than longer studies carried out in Europe. For additional information and research see Pierce, Tanya Harter (2004) Outsmarting Your Cancer, Stateline, Nevada: Thoughtworks Publishing Co.

Because of these concerns be sure to discuss the pros and cons and other concerns of Tamoxifen with your physician or health care worker if it is recommended. .