Male Breast Cancer

All people, both men and women who are some of the breast tissue. During puberty, hormones, estrogen and testosterone send signals of growth for our fabrics. Estrogen helps women develop more breast tissue and men achieve an increase of testosterone, which inhibits breast development and encourages the growth of the testicles. But even if men do not develop breasts produce milk, still have a small amount of breast tissue. Those who have breast tissue is at risk of developing breast cancer.Because most men have no lobes in their breast tissue, this type of breast cancer is extremely rare in men. Occurs at a rate of two percent of all cancers of the breast ductal or lobular male.

• Paget's disease of the nipple
This cancer can start inside the nipple or below the areola and then break through the overlying skin. Paget's disease should look like a rash, but will not respond to standard treatments rash. A lump may also be associated with Paget's disease, if the patient is male or female.

Early detection saves lives of men, too
Are increasing survival rates for male breast cancer. This is due to find the disease early and giving treatment to prevent recurrence and metastasis. Male breast cancer is detected with a clinical examination, or a breast self-exam. You have a family history of breast cancer? Ask your doctor if you should have a mammogram, breast tissue to the screen. If you are worried about nothing unusual in your chest, please visit your healthcare professional.

reference: American Cancer Society. "What are the key statistics on breast cancer in men?" Male breast cancer. Last revision date: 25 September 2006. American Cancer Society. What are the key statistics on breast cancer in men?

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Melatonin and breast cancer

Emilio j. S?nchez-Barcel?, Samuel Cos, Dolores Mediavilla, Carlos Mart?nez-Campa, Alicia Gonz?lez, Carolina Alonso-Gonzalez (2005). Interaction of melatonin-estrogen in breast cancer. Journal of Research pineal 38 (4), 217-222, 2004.

Location of estrogen-signaling: a link between breast cancer and melatonin oncostatic actions. Cancer detection and prevention, Volume 30, Issue 2, pages 118-128, 2006. Cos s. r. Gonz?lez, c. Mart?nez-Campa, m. Mediavilla, c. Alonso-Gonz?lez, e. S?nchez-Barcel?.

Lissoni P, Tancini F, G, Paolorossi M, A Mandala Ardizzoia, Malugani F, et al. Chemoneuroendocrine treatment of metastatic breast cancer with persistent thrombocytopenia with weekly low-dose epirubicin plus melatonin: a phase II study. J Res pineal gland. 1999; 26 (3): 169-173.

Schernhammer and levels of urinary melatonin Hankinson s. and the risk of breast cancer. J Nat Delete this 2005; 97 (14): 1084-1087.

Medical Center of the University of Maryland. Melatonin medical reference – complementary medicine –. Revision date: 10/17/2005.

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Free wigs for cancer patients

Chemotherapy is fighting cancer, but also causes hair loss. Radiation therapy to the head can cause hair loss. And that leads us to the need for a popular head cover--a wig! A wig can cost from $ 40 to thousands of dollars. But when your budget is already strained to the cost of surgery and other treatments, even a wig $ 40 sale may seem out of reach. Fortunately, there are ways to find free wigs. Here are five places to search for a wig free during cancer treatment.

American Cancer Society
1-800-227-2345

The American Cancer Society accepts donations of wigs, which collect their banks in wig local chapters. These wigs were cleaned and kept ready for use. If you do not have any health insurance and need help, contact your local American Cancer Society and ask for information about patient services. Some of the wigs are distributed through ACS and some are delivered to local meetings look good feel better, along with coatings and cosmetics.

Cancer Consultants
1-800-813-HOPE (4673)

As part of their women, cancer, cancer consultants offers financial assistance and counselling, support groups and patient education. They also provide free breast implants and wigs for women who have lost their hair or the breast of their cancer treatment.

Breast cancer network of strength
1-800-221-2141

When the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization changed its name to Breast Cancer Network of strength, it has not changed its mission. NCBS provides wigs, prostheses and mastectomy bras to women whose budget as soon as you extend to cover the cost of these items. Contact them to find out where the nearest office of the affiliate who has a Bank of prostheses & wig. NCBS offices have often salons where women can try on items before taking them home.

Crickett's response to cancer
1-301-941-4411

This non-profit organization provides free wigs, mastectomy products, mastectomy and lymph drainage massages, facials and other beauty services, as a way to keep a woman feeling feminine and beautiful despite the loss of her hair and/or breasts. Crickett was founded in honor of Crickett Julius, who died in October of 2006, only four months after being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at the age of 39. Crickett is based in south central areas of Pennsylvania, Baltimore and Washington, DC. Carole Trone, co-founder of Crickett says, "we provide assistance for women all across the United States We mail or email a registration package and then not even order online wigs or arrange for other products or services with suppliers in the local area."

Canadian Cancer Society
1-416-961-7223

In Canada, Pantene Beautiful lengths and the Canadian Cancer Society have joined forces to encourage women to donate their hair wigs that are made and distributed to women who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment. Pantene provides the requirements for a hair donation kits, and advice on how to hold an event of haircut. Six ponytails need to create a wig, which will be given away through the Canadian Cancer Society.

Pay It Forward

When your hair has grown back and you're ready to show your curls chemo, donate the wig of a cancer support organization, so that someone else might enjoy. If you have difficulties to find a place that will donors wigs, contact your local hospital and ask if they have a cancer clinic-they may be looking for donations of items for cancer treatment. You can also donate money to registered charities that supply Parrucco women in treatment for breast cancer but can't afford the price of a wig. Get a wig flattering can help a woman feels that she looks attractive--this may raise his spirits greatly during a time when you are fighting cancer. After a wig you have served well, consider giving a new life with other survivor.

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PAP Test for breast cancer

HALO Breast Pap Test EquipmentPhoto ? NeoMatrix stop before it gets started on breast cancer: abnormal breast cells does not transform a tumor at night – it starts with a cell, only – that is damaged or malfunctioning. Gradually, there are two, four, then eight abnormal cells that live in your chest. Do not feel a lump from a few cells, a mammogram or ultrasound does not reveal these cells and they could develop into breast cancer. But research shows that having abnormal cells in your fluid nipple is related to an increased risk of breast cancer. Having a breast Pap test could help find those cells and prevent the development of breast cancer.A new screening tests for breast cancer called HALO uses a non-invasive technology for suction nipple aspirate fluid out some (NAF), which is tested for cells polyps. HALO test may be able to help determine the risk of breast cancer up to seven years before a self breast examination or mammogram revealed a lump. The Halo is a screening test, not a diagnostic test. Replace not having a mammogram, breast self-exam or a clinical breast examination.Importance of Screening nipple aspirate fluid: young men and premenopausal women typically have dense breast tissue, which can hide abnormalities during mammography. Women under 40 are discouraged from having annual mammograms, to reduce their lifetime exposure to radiation and because of the high rates of inaccurate results. If young women develop breast cancer, it is generally a high-end, aggressive tumor that often requires a more aggressive treatment to be successful. Early detection of abnormal cells in the breast helps to determine more precisely the risk of breast cancer and that start being more vigilant, if necessary, about your breast health. Early Screening – right where most Breast Cancer begins: Pap smear done from your gynecologist is a simple test that screening for cervical cancer. If abnormal cells are found, a woman has no other evidence to determine its diagnosis. As the cervical Pap smear, alone takes a sample of the fluid from your nipple and screens for abnormal cells. Research shows that have abnormal cells or have, in the nipple aspirate fluid (NAF), raises the risk of developing breast cancer. Nipple aspirate fluid comes from your the milk ducts, where to start almost all (95%) of invasive breast cancer.Why is it called the Pap Test?: min Papanicolaou in 1943, Dr. and Dr. Herbert Traut has published a book titled, "Diagnosis of cancer of the uterus by vaginal smear." Pap smear, used for screening of cervical cancer, has been named for Dr. Papanicolaou, who in 1958 presented research that showed that the presence of abnormal cells in nipple aspirate fluid identified correctly women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer.Advantages of HALO Breast Pap Test: after the doctors began making annual cervical Pap smears on their patients, the mortality rate of cervical cancer has declined dramatically. The researchers hope that the Pap test will cause a major decline in breast cancer deaths from breast cancer and move the focus from "detection and treatment" to "early, accurate screening and prevention". Cost and Comfort of a health insurance provider HALO Breast Test: most don't even cover the cost of a Pap test within HALO. You can expect to spend about $ 100 of your own money for this test. Glow lasts approximately five minutes and uses a number of comfortable heat and aspiration to gather some fluids from your nipple. No needles or catheters are used, so is an invasive test. Unlike A mammogram, no compression is used. You'll get results from the laboratory approximately one week after the test. Some possible results are: not fluid: normal (non) risk for breast cancer benign nipple: may be caused by medications, infections, intraductal depigmented or pregnancy fluid containing normal cells: two times the normal risk for breast cancer fluid that contains abnormal cells: the risk of breast cancer increases by 4-5 times the normal riskActions you can take if your risk level is higher than normal: after obtaining test results, if you find that you have a greater than normal risk of developing breast cancer, you can start to take action. At higher risk does not guarantee that you will get breast cancer, but it is a call to action. Take control of these things can help reduce the risk: adopt a healthy lifestyle doesn't ignore the projections of diagnostic routines and consider rather than routine mammograms play correctly your breast self-exam and have annual clinical breast examinations talk to your doctor about drugs and minor surgical procedures that can help reduce your riskif (zSbL

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Exercise and breast cancer

You do not need to start running or Triathlon training for a boxing match to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Do regular exercise will cut down the risk of developing the disease and to prevent its return, if you are a survivor. Let's see how exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer and gives you other health benefits.

How much exercise is effective?
One hour walk to an mph from 2 to 3 step reduces the risk of a little. Three to five hours a week to walk gives you the most protection from breast cancer. You could vary from task-switching – try jogging, hiking, swimming, cycling or other activities that get you moving. Dr. Michelle Holmes brings in its breast cancer research survivor who spent 3 to 5 hours every week (or about half an hour per day) doing exercise had the best survival rates. And for the prevention of breast cancer recurrence, the American Cancer Society recommends that exercise for 30 to 45 minutes, at least five days each week.

Here's how exercise reduces the risk
Regular exercise and a diet low in fat and high in fruits and vegetables lowers the levels of estradiol and estrone, two types of estrogens. Even if women need estrogen to grow and build strong bones, overexposure of estrogen can lead to breast cancer. Eighty percent of all breast cancers are fueled by estrogen. Exercise is a natural way to reduce the levels of estrogen, and reduce other hormones and growth factors that can cause breast cells turn into cancer.

Be sedentary lifestyle increases the risk
Physical inactivity can contribute to growth in several types of cancer –-colon cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer and cancer of the oesophagus. Women who are overweight, produce and store more estrogen in their bodies of women who have a healthy low body mass index (BMI). Increased exposure to estrogen and breast cancer risk are linked, because the type of estrogen receptor positive is the most common type of breast cancer. Obese women have a greater amount of breast tissue, and is harder to detect breast cancer in women, obese than women lean. This can lead to the recognition at a later stage of the cancer when it is more difficult to treat.

Every body will benefit
Studies have shown that survivors of breast cancer status of any age or menopause may reduce the risk of recurrence and improving their survival rates. Women who have had breast cancer experienced a estrogen receptor positive benefit from exercise, because the exercise lowered estrogen levels naturally. But women who have had the hormone receptor negative breast cancer also benefited from the exercise, when it was associated with a diet with high content of fruits and vegetables. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology has reported that exercise reduced mortality from all causes in breast cancer survivors by 50%, when combined with a healthy diet. These results were real women lean and obese, although obese women had more problems sticking to a healthy diet.

Other benefits of exercise
Reduce the risk of breast cancer is just one of the advantages of doing regular exercise. Also improves mood, raise self-esteem and gives a better picture of the body. Doing your exercise improves muscle tone, strength and endurance. Exercise protects you by reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes. It can help you reduce weight, which in turn, reduces the risk of breast cancer due to obesity.

Bottom line
If you are trying to prevent breast cancer or recover from treatment, exercise extends survival. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can improve your overall health and psychological benefits as well. Find an exercise or a program that can stick with, or visit your local gym and a-class – this is your chance to take that class of belly dancing or learn Zumba. Undertake to maintain and improve your health to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Sources:

American Cancer Society. Exercise can improve survival of breast cancer. Updated: 2005/05/25.

Journal of the American Medical Association (vol. 293, no. 20: 2479-2484). Michelle Holmes, MD, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and women's Hospital in Boston.

Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 25, no. 17 (June 10): pp., 2007 2345-2351. John p. Pierce, et al, increased survival after breast cancer in women physically active with fruits vegetables high suction regardless of obesity.

Journal of Clinical Oncology, vol. 25, no. 17 (June 10): pp., 2007 2335-2337. Rachel Ballard-Barbash. Is the whole greater than the sum of parts? The promise of combining diet and physical activity to improve the results of cancer.

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Breast Cancer Symptoms

symptoms: the physical signs of a disease

Why you need to know the symptoms of breast cancer
Breast cancer starts in a cell, which divides and multiplies to an unguarded speed. A small clump of tumor cells are too small to be heard, so that the first stages of breast cancer usually have no symptoms. Cancer can be detected by a mammogram before you can feel a lump, why annual mammography screening is so important. Some benign breast conditions may seem like cancer, so it's good to know the difference, and get a health professional check out lumps of concern.

Understanding symptoms
The classic symptom for breast cancer is found a lump in the breast or armpit. An aggressive type of this disease, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), grows in nests or sheets of tumor cells that invade the skin and may look like a rash. Making your monthly breast self-exam (BSE) is a great way to familiarize yourself with the texture of your breasts, cyclical changes, size and condition of the skin. Early detection is the best way to protect your health and improve your chances of survival. Please see your doctor or nurse for a clinical breast examination (CBE) If you have a question about a change in your breasts.

The symptoms you may see or hear

Symptoms seen on chest Imaging Some symptoms of breast cancer (metastatic) advanced
Phase 4, or metastatic breast cancer is the most advanced stage of this disease. Metastatic breast cancer is defined as having spread beyond the breast and armpit lymph nodes to other parts of the body. pain (bone metastases), shortness of breath (lung metastases) descent headaches of appetite (liver Metastases) unintended weight loss (liver Metastases), neurological pain or weakness (may be cerebral metastasis) of bone Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) – Aggressive and unusual symptoms
A type of breast cancer that does not appear in lumps called inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). This aggressive tumor grows in sheets instead of lumps and invades surrounding skin, much like a rash. It will not respond to antibiotics and topical creams or should be treated very quickly. Symptoms: a sudden increase of the mature size (like a cup of dimensions in a couple of days) itching of the skin of the breast that is continuous and not relieved by pills or creams a color change of the breast skin, resulting in pink, red, or areas of dark colour of the breast is too warm to the touch, or more difficult or unusual pain usually solid, which occurs outside the regular cycle sometimes a change in the skin, similar to the skin to skin ulcers a chest orange (later IBC) Symptoms of breast cancer recurrence
Recurrence of breast cancer is classified as a local, regional, and distant. A distant recurrence is the same as the breast cancer (metastatic) advanced. A local recurrence is cancer that has returned after treatment, or close to the original location of the tumor. Can often be effectively treated. Regional recurrence can be in the muscles of the chest wall, or lymph nodes located below your sternum, just above the clavicle and around the neck.

Local symptoms of recurrence: a small lump or a rash in scar excision, on or under the skin regional recurrence of symptoms: swollen lymph node in the armpit that where cancer was previously removed swollen lymph nodes above the collarbone or sides of the neck, a new tumor is not an occurrence
A new tumor appears and you have a health condition different from the original breast cancer, it was not deemed a recurrence. Is called a new primary and can occur in a different area of the breast that originally was affected, or in the opposite breast. A new cancer is diagnosed and treated independently from the original tumor.

Subscribe to free e-course for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients.

Source:
National Institutes of Health. Medline Plus. Breast cancer. Symptoms. Updated: 4/3/2007

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Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Sources:

American Cancer Society. Stubborn shape of breast cancer linked to age, race, ethnicity. Last update: 13/04/2007.

Cancer. Volume 109, Issue 9, pages 1721-1728. Published Online: 26 March 2007. Descriptive analysis of estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, progesterone receptor (PR)-negative HER2 negative breast cancer and invasive, the so-called triple-negative phenotype. Parise Katrina r. Bauer, MS, Monica Brown, PhD, Rosemary d. Cress, Dr, Carol a., PhD, Vincent Caggiano, MD.

SABCS 2007: improve outcomes in advanced and metastatic breast cancer treatment optimization of breast cancer "Triple negative". Eric P. Winer, MD, Erica L. Mayer, MD, MPH.

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Breast cancer on a mammogram

Dark areas are the normal adipose breast tissue. Lighter areas are denser fabric. The white area is the most dense, indicating a tumor (cancer). Breast Cancer tumor on MammogramNational Cancer Institute Description: shown is a mammogram of a grease with a breast cancer clear, indicated by an arrow in the lower right corner.

A cancerous tumor in the breast is a mass of breast tissue that is growing abnormally, uncontrolled. The tumour may invade surrounding tissues or cells shed into the bloodstream or lymphatic.

Source:

Dr. Dwight Kaufman. Diagnosis: cancer: Mammography (obvious) National Cancer Institute. February 1994.

If (zSbL

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Age of cancer: we can reliably estimate and apply this knowledge? -Cancer Network

In their article, Patrone et al. use a modified version of Collins ' right to estimate the age of colorectal cancer, lung and breast cancer. Bill Collins, who claims that the likelihood of recurrence of a tumor is equal to the patient's age at diagnosis more than 9 months, has been applied mainly to pediatric cancers, tumours in particular embryonic.[1.2] the results of applying the law of Collins ' of these tumors were reasonable, although exceptions have been reported and the law is not applicable to all types of cancer.[3.4] its use in adults as used in this document is therefore unique.

The current study is based on the assumption of a constant growth of the cancer after surgery, that the authors admit is a potential limitation. Bias may also have been introduced into the patient selection "only surgery", especially those from retrospective studies, although the impact of this probably is diminished by the fact that older studies used were in most cases (probably from a time when there was less use of multimodal therapy that currently there is no). Finally, there is heterogeneity in tumor recurrence time based on the remaining burden after resection and intensity of follow-up. Some of these concerns are addressed by the use of mainly authors and prospective studies finding no difference between the rate of recurrence in retrospective studies and saw that in future studies, despite the differences in absolute terms.

Despite these limitations, the study concept is novel and extremely interesting. Still, the application of the results remains unclear. From the point of view of medical care, knowing the "age" of a tumor is unlikely to change management. The patient receives a new diagnosis of cancer, while this knowledge may relieve the anxiety about the emergency treatment, it may exacerbate the anxiety of the variety "what if". For example, a patient who has just said that his cancer is probably 5 to 6 years may berate herself with thoughts along the lines of "if only he had or hadn't done x then it would be in this situation right now."

One potential application of the results of the study, from the medical point of view is that you can perform a retrospective review of patient's contact with the health system during the period of the estimated age of his tumor. There were subtle physical exam or imaging findings that could be attributed to the patient's tumor reliably and applied to future patients to facilitate earlier diagnoses and, hopefully, a more favourable outcome? However, a less positive side of this potential application in our current environment of medicolegal is the possibility of increased risk of litigation due to perceived negligence (e.g., "Doctor X lost my Cancer 3 years ago").

As stated earlier, the conclusions of this article are based on the assumption of a constant growth rate of breast cancer after surgery and as a result, patients treated with chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or radiation were excluded because of the potential of these therapies to alter the kinetics of growth. While the need for internal validity study estimating the age of a given cancer, this patient population limitation makes it difficult to use the results to determine the prognosis or longevity of postoperative follow-up after resection except in patients treated with surgery only. For all three cancers selected for this study (breast, lung and colon-rectum), a significant number of patients being treated with hormone therapy, radiation or chemotherapy adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. It would be interesting to know the growth rates in these settings, and be able to provide a reasonable interval after which the recurrence is highly unlikely. We can then adapt the intensity of our follow-up accordingly. However, I imagine that these would be difficult to estimate given responses varied multimodal therapy of tumours.

Patrone et al. conclude that "age" typical of a tumor at diagnosis is about 5-6 years, while for lung and rectal cancer is 3-4 years, based on the time of occurrence in most patients. For these and many other types of cancer, the current standard is run fairly intensive clinical follow-up to the first 5 years after the first round of treatment. Subsequently, if there is no evidence of the disease recurring, cautiously consider the patient recovered and decrease the intensity of our vigilance. This period of five years neatly aligns with the time observed in this study. While this is reassuring, does not change the current paradigm.

Finally, the authors cite perhaps lead a similar analysis resected metastatic lesions and make inferences about their "age" than for the primary tumor. This knowledge would be extremely valuable to guide clinical decision making, especially now when increasingly aggressive metastasectomies are executed. Once again, however, this analysis would be difficult to interpret given our current multimodal therapeutic and unpredictable effects on tumor growth kinetics.

Overall, this book presents a concept interesting, exciting, but it is uncertain how the authors best results can be exploited.

financial reporting : the author has no significant financial interests or other relationships with producers of goods or supplier of any of the services referred to in this article.

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Breast implants linked to cancer rare but serious-Gather.com

The Food and Drug Administration is warning against breast implants and is investigating a possible link between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma.  U.s. health regulators that women who have saline or silicone gel implants may be an increased risk for a rare and serious cancer.

The concerns are investigated by the FDA for 34 cases nationally and 60 cases worldwide ALCL have been reported since 1997. Although there have always been warnings of a possible connection breast implants and breast cancer, it is a pity that we had to wait so long for this disease other connected to be studied.

According to an article on MSNBC, FDA believes the prostheses are still safe in General, but the data suggest that the cancer can develop a scar capsule near the plant.  ALCL objectives of the immune system, and the FDA is asking health workers to report any confirmed cases of this type of cancer found in patients with breast implants.

This is certainly frightening news for those who already have breast implants, and this writer wonders whether it will be because of a break in women who are currently seeking to get breast implants.

Photo: Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

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Dr. Susan love breast cancer and lesbian: OP-ED-SheWired

Whenever I speak to a specific event for lesbians, this is the first question that inevitably I am asked to respond: is it true that lesbians are more at risk of getting cancer of the breast?
The root of this issue of dates back to 1993 and a lesbian cancer researcher that lesbians could be--two-three times more likely to develop breast cancer than women heterosexual. This was due primarily to three risk factors of breast cancer that seemed to be more prevalent among lesbians: drinking alcohol, overweight and not being pregnant.
At the time, there was virtually no research on breast cancer and lesbians. And this is really what the researcher Suzanne Haynes, was trying to draw attention — the need to study this group of women. The good thing is that, as a result of its work, these studies are now being made. The bad thing is that this situation has led to the news that screamed "1 in 3 lesbians get breast cancer" and a great fear and concern.

Dr. Love and his army of women

There is nothing to be lesbian, per se, that puts you at greater risk of developing breast cancer. But some of the factors identified in the community that Haynes lesbian lifestyle were and remain a problem. However, there are things you can do to solve them:
• Studies have shown that being overweight not only puts you at greater risk of getting breast cancer, but being less likely to survive the disease. So if you're overweight, make this the year you decide to do something to eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise more. It is not necessary to run a marathon. Just start walking around the block a few times instead of sitting down to watch TV.

• Drinking more beverage a day just isn't good for you — for many reasons. We all know that lesbians tend to meet in bars. But just because you're in a bar, doesn't mean you have to drink alcohol. Start looking for a non-alcoholic drink with one alternate.

more information on next page ...

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Breast Cancer Stem Cell Targets-Cancer Network

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ONCOLOGY.Vol. 25No. 1COMMENTARY Breast Cancer Stem Cell TargetsThe Federici et al Article Reviewed [READ ARTICLE]By Wendy A. Woodward, MD, PhD1 |January 22, 20111 Department of Radiation Oncology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas

The publication of the landmark paper by Al-Hajj et al, which demonstrated that breast cancer cells capable of tumor outgrowth when transplanted into the cleared mammary fatpad of immunocompromised mice could be prospectively identified using cell surface markers,[1] galvanized the cancer stem cell debate among breast cancer researchers and launched an exponential increase in papers exploring “breast cancer stem cells.” In this issue of ONCOLOGY, Federici et al review this explosion of literature in a clear and concise article that, like all broad reviews of rapidly expanding, highly debated fields, is greatly constrained by the need for brevity.

The dramatic discourse that was launched by Al-Hajj’s work, which suggested that solid tumors such as breast cancer could be completely recapitulated by only a small fraction of the tumor cells, was initially dominated by the stem cell purists’ demand for clear and rigorous definitions of cancer stem cells. Ideally, in every report, each system, surrogate, tissue, or cell line studied was to be interrogated for the hallmarks of cancer stem cells: self-renewal, multipotency, and quiescence. Inevitably, however, the demonstration, in a small number of reports adhering to these standards, that markers and culture techniques can identify or enrich for self-renewing “cancer stem cells,”[2, 3] has led to surrogates, such as those described by Federici et al—eg, mammosphere formation or aldehyde dehydrogenase activity—being equated to cancer stem cells in the absence of functional studies to complement this work. In addition, properties well studied in normal hematopoietic stem cell biology and in hematologic cancer stem cell biology have been assumed to be relevant to solid tumor stem cells, in many cases in the absence of comparable solid tumor data. Thus, perhaps the greatest omissions in the breast cancer stem cell reviews to date, including those by this author (WAW) have been the failure to separate the rigorous work incorporating functional cancer stem cell assays from those relying primarily on marker studies, and the failure to fairly reflect the limitations and complexities of the current literature.

It is clear that the percentage of cancer stem cells identified in a tumor can be highly variable—a function of the technique used to transplant the cells[4]—and it is conceivable that the absence of appropriate microenvironmental signals from the host limits tumor initiation to only a few cells in this artificial condition.[5] While some studies in syngeneic mouse models in which the host microenvironment is intact have demonstrated that the capacity to re-initiate the tumor is indeed limited to a small population of prospectively identifiable cells,[6] it remains to be seen whether this is true across all syngeneic mammary tumor models—and even harder to prove, across any or all in situ human tumors. Concordance between findings in syngeneic mouse models and human tumor xenografts is reassuring, however. In a novel study with parallel findings in both systems, Atkinson et al have recently demonstrated the proof in principle that sub-lethal radiation alone can shrink the tumors but enrich for the resistant tumor-initiating cells in both p53 null mammary tumors and triple negative human xenografts. In contrast, the combination of hyperthermia and radiation simultaneously decreases both the tumor bulk and the tumor-initiating capacity.[7] Rigorous therapy-based studies in multiple models, such as this report by Atkinson et al, suggest that the potential caveats regarding anti–cancer stem cell therapies, including the possibility of dedifferentiation by differentiated cells to replace targeted cancer stem cells, may not be insurmountable obstacles.

Ultimately, proving the value of cancer stem cell studies will require clinical data demonstrating that targeting cancer stem cells improves breast cancer survival. If the biology of normal stem cells teaches us something about the biology of cancer that leads to more cures, it will not matter whether the cells are stem cells, progenitors, tumor-initiators, or self-renewing cells. For now, though, it remains unclear whether breast cancer stem cell targets represent the heart of the beast or just something at which to aim.

Financial Disclosure: The author has no significant financial interest or other relationship with the manufacturers of any products or providers of any service mentioned in this article.

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This commentary refers to the following articleBreast Cancer Stem Cells: A New Target for Therapy

References

1. Al-Hajj M, Wicha MS, Benito-Hernandez A, et al. Prospective identification of tumorigenic breast cancer cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100:3983-8.

2. Dontu G, Abdallah WM, Foley JM, et al. In vitro propagation and transcriptional profiling of human mammary stem/progenitor cells. Genes Dev. 2003;17:1253-70.

3. Ginestier C, Hur MH, Charafe-Jauffret E, et al. ALDH1 is a marker of normal and malignant human mammary stem cells and a predictor of poor clinical outcome. Cell Stem Cell. 2007;1:555-67.

4. Quintana E, Shackleton M, Sabel MS, et al. Efficient tumour formation by single human melanoma cells. Nature. 2008;456:593-8.

5. Rosen JM, Jordan CT. The increasing complexity of the cancer stem cell paradigm. Science. 2009;324:1670-3.

6. Zhang M, Behbod F, Atkinson RL, et al. Identification of tumor-initiating cells in a p53-null mouse model of breast cancer. Cancer Res. 2008;68:4674-82.

7. Atkinson RL, Zhang M, Diagaradjane P, et al. Thermal enhancement with optically activated gold nanoshells sensitizes breast cancer stem cells to radiation therapy. Sci Transl Med.2:55ra79.

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FDA to remove Avastin from arsenal for metastatic breast cancer

Patients who have tumors in lung, brain, kidneys and colon cancer can still get treatments Avastin, but the Food and Drug Administration decided that they will withdraw their approval of the drug for use in metastatic breast cancer: oncologists would still be able to prescribe Avastin to treat metastatic breast cancer, but because the FDA can change its status, health insurance does not cover the cost. Patients would give the possibility to pay $ 8000 a month out of pocket for Avastin-a real strain on any budget-but particularly hard on those who have already spent some previous drugs, surgeries and treatments to try to extend their lives for some of these patients with breast cancer, Avastin was the last chance. drug maker-Genentech-FDA decision appeal denying practically treating certain patients of metastatic breast cancer, while the action is pending, and whether a hearing takes place, the State of Avastin remains unchanged. which means that patients who are currently ongoing Avastin should stay tuned and keep track of updates on this issue.

The Food and Drug Administration Avastin were rushed through the approval process two years ago, such as drugs, it seemed that the best new targeted therapy, when used with Taxol (paclitaxel). In Europe, the combination of Avastin and Taxol is used for the treatment of first-line metastatic breast cancer. European Medicines Agency (EMA) stated that "the benefits of this combination outweigh its risks, and that this combination remains a valuable treatment option for patients with metastatic breast cancer."But the FDA U.S. granted initial approval on condition that they say it was not satisfied. The FDA requested that Avastin be put through more clinical studies to see if it would live until follow-up studies were initial results.XML facts, but the FDA says that Avastin benefits somewhat limited shall not exceed its risks and side effects. basis for subsequent studies, Avastin did not inhibit tumor growth by enough to make it useful for patients to tolerate the side effects, without benefit of increased life expectancy. In English, the FDA says that Avastin ? doesn't slow down and make cancer patients live longer without also doing them harm by serious side effects-and talking about patients who have already survived a battery of previous surgeries, chemotherapies and other treatments.

Not all cases of metastatic breast cancer are the same, so that every patient can answer a different treatment. While there are genetic tests that can help predict which tumors will respond to specific drugs, such evidence does not yet cover all types of cancer. head-on some patients believe that Avastin is in possession of their cancer at Bay, giving them more time with their families also some doctors, such as Eric p. Winer, Director of Breast Oncology Center at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, they say, "this is not a drug useless by any means. There is almost certainly a group of women who get a great benefit. "Fran Visco, National Breast Cancer Coalition disagrees, saying:" the FDA should never endorse Avastin for breast cancer to begin with. we see no evidence of benefit, but we see evidence of evil. "Visco is alluding to the possible effects of Avastin, which may include internal bleeding, perforation of the colon, blood clots and heart failure.

But some suggest that the fight on Avastin is about money. Genentech pays $ 5.8 billion each year for the drug, 855 million, of which comes from use in treatment of breast cancer may not sell if Genentech's blockbuster drug for patients with breast cancer, which is a strong share of income has been pulled out. no wonder they call on the FDA decision! It is not only about altruistic motives, even if maker of Avastin patient assistance-that they cap to $ 57,000 per year for low-income women., which is approximately 7 treatments for patients, for patients with metastatic breast cancer year. more, you may need to be properly treated with Avastin.

Others argue that the real controversy is actually who gets to decide what medicines you may be treated with? does the FDA-a government agency that has the task of protecting patients and adjusting costs-get to decide? do drug companies that spend on research, development and marketing of their products to offer their medications to someone who might be able to afford them? or your oncologist becomes the final arbitor of what can and cannot be dealt with-second or less your insurance-if you-will help cover the cost?

The Komen Foundation has made a statement on the issue, saying that they hope to any patients who actually are benefiting from Avastin will continue to be covered by their insurance company for its use. this critical question back-that will benefit from Avastin ?, and how we expect those patients are? "We urge Genentech/Roche to continue research into a biomarker for Avastin determine which women can benefit from the drug. We are in favour of the drug development process and I hope that manufacturers will continue to develop drugs for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. We succeed only in the search for new therapies for cancer, bringing new drugs to the clinic, "said Elizabeth Thompson, President of Komen for the cure.

What's your take on the controversy Avastin? Leave a comment right here.

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Vegas firefighter given worker's Comp for breast cancer

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Nevada Supreme Court Rules Benzene Exposure Caused Firefighter's Breast Cancer

Robin Lawson was just doing her job as a firefighter in Las Vegas when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Firefighters use benzene as well as polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in their work saving people and property. Lawson's oncologist Dr. Noel Rowan feels that exposure to benzene in the line of work caused her cancer, and said that she should be given by Worker's Compensation, "Sin City."

Lawson started work as a firefighter in 1992, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and received treatment for at least eight months. Her cancer recurred in 2004 and she was treated with a double trained Dr. Rowan gave his professional opinion that benzene exposure caused her cancer and therefore qualified her for Workman's Comp, a benefit for which she applied in 2004. Las Vegas city government did not withhold health insurance benefits from Lawson, I know her treatments were paid for and her time away from work was covered ... But the city's legal advisers denied her claim to further payment in the form of Workmen's Comp Her case went before the Nevada Supreme Court and they ruled in her favor, giving as their decision that Lawson's cancer was work-related.

Benzene is known to be carcinogenic, but studies linking breast cancer and benzene are few and results are not conclusive. Scientists have not done formal research targeting breast cancer and benzene link. The American Cancer Society reports that benzene is a known carcinogen and may cause fluid forms of cancers such as leukemia, multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, as well as bone marrow disorders like myelodysplacia It certainly isn't a chemical that you'd want to consume or inhale, because it is a solvent used in various industries such as shoe manufacture, oil refining, commercial printing, and the rubber industry. But you have more risk of benzene exposure from a more everyday source: cigarette smoke and secondhand tobacco smoke. In America, smoking accounts for almost half of all benzene exposure nationwide.

Now that you know that, don't lawyer up and head to court to file a worker's comp claim if you were diagnosed with breast cancer while working a particular job. Robin Lawson's case for Workman's Compensation may not set a precedent If it did, then everybody who has ever worked with a coworker who smoked could have just as good at homes. Perhaps Lawson was exposed to benzene-either through firefighting chemicals or through exposure to tobacco smoke. We may never know what caused her breast cancer, just as we may never know what causes the 90% of all cases of breast cancer that are not related to the genetic mutation BRCA. It seems to me that the Nevada Supreme Court-who are not oncology scientists can't declare the causes of breast cancer based on one person's claim .so this case won't guarantee worker's comp payments to other men or women who are exposed to carcinogenic chemicals on the job. Like many other things that go on in Las Vegas, this case will be one of those things that happens here, stays here. "

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How should your oncologist say, "you have breast cancer"

I was 46, with no family history of breast or ovarian cancer, when I found a suspicious lump. breast kept hoping that it was benign, despite all the signs and symptoms, but the day came when my husband and I met the oncologist examination room to get my results. final pathology, this man was a Diagnostician excellent, well respected by his peers, with a great practice and many diplomas. impressive he bustled into the room, still flipping through my chart, and without looking up, he said, "Hello" and then, while still reading from certain newspapers, launched in my diagnosis. "you low grade ductal carcinoma infiltrated surrounded by invasive and you are young, so it will take at least four rounds of chemotherapy."As he spoke, I tried to translate his words in English, as well as to absorb the shock of hearing that I had a carcinoma or breast cancer. the effort required in this product tears, but since this man didn't even look at me, I kept my tears from spilling out my husband was taking notes and sitting next to me, it comes with its own feelings-that his mother had died of breast cancer before she turned 50. be brave lasted me until we walked and sitting in the car, where I cried so hard I couldn't see straight talk or. the oncologist never said anything close to, "I'm sorry.

This week, the Breast Cancer Symposium in San Antonio-SABCS-will meet people from all over the world for its 33rd year. hear technical documents, Discover the clinical and surgical, chemical progress in the war against breast cancer. experts, pharmaceutical companies, patients and patient advocates participate in search of hope, help and the opportunity to network with others in their field. some will try to profit, while others offer support services one plenary speaker., Professor Daniel Ariely, will talk about how doctors and patients interact and influence treatment choices by that interaction that make. patients before his speech, he is taking a survey of oncologists, asking them how they give to patients bad news. Dr. Ariely is James b. Duke Distinguished Professor of psychology and behavioral Economics at Duke University who specializes in ways that we make decisions that find that although we can feel in control when we must take a decision, we often irrational, that is not always bad.

Oncologists are not usually trained in communication techniques. spend years learning as much as possible on cancer in all its aspects-scientific, but unless they were already great communicators, they always hand out the bad news of a diagnosis of breast cancer in a way that helps their patients cope with the emotional impact and fallout that often occurs, so I'm curious to see how how you want to an oncologist to talk with you about your diagnosis and comprehensive take home my poll, and if my replies are not for you, make up your or leave a comment to explain. There are no wrong answers-we all have different communication styles and different expectations from our doctors ... Let me know how you want to hear the bad news.

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Toilet flushing-low risk of breast cancer

Next time you have a hot flash, try to enjoy it. researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported that have symptoms of menopause-a sign of low estrogen levels can be a sign of low risk for breast cancer: is the female hormone estrogen, which provides the fuel for 80% of all breast cancers. many treatments for breast cancer, including chemotherapy and follow-up drugs such as Tamoxifen and Aromasin, are designed to reduce the amount of circulating estrogen in your body, thus depriving the tumor cells from hormone that keeps growing low estrogen naturally having levels can be annoying, but seems to provide a defense against breast cancer.

This study was published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and prevention, and involved 1000 women aged 55 to 74, who had been diagnosed with breast cancer. that an additional 1,000 women of the same age group were also recruited-women who had never had breast cancer. that each participant has been the subject of the inquiry about the severity and frequency of its symptoms. menopause women classified as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disorders and depression along a scale, and then the researchers analyzed data, along with their medical history.

In this study, women who reported frequent heavy hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia and seems to have a 40-50% lower risk of developing Invasive ductal Carcinoma or Invasive lobular Carcinoma-two very common breast cancer diagnoses. When flashes occurred with severity level more than a few times per day, these symptoms were associated with fewer cases of cancer, estrogen-receptor positive.

Keep in mind that the risk of breast cancer increases with age-a fact that seems to contradict the findings from this research, but this is only one study, the researchers said: ' This is the first studio to report that women menopause symptoms have substantially reduced the risk of breast cancer and the severity of hot flashes is also inversely associated with risk. ' several more studies should be able to repeat the data before it can be decisive.

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SABCS: aromatase inhibitors expensive, many breast cancer patients Quit

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Aromasin Pills
Photo Karl D. Stephan

If your aromatase inhibitors cost more than $ 30 for copayment, would you stop taking them after treatment for estrogen-sensitive breast cancer? Dr. Dawn l. Hershman has studied the habits of younger and older women who were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer-the most treatable type of breast cancer-and she reports that the youngest and the oldest patients quit taking hormonal therapy soon after primary treatment ends. Money appears to be one reason that many patients don't continue taking Aromasin or Tamoxifen their, especially if their prescription copays are over $ 30.

"We were surprised to see that so many young women stopped treatment early, despite the fact that the therapy has a proven track record of reducing breast cancer recurrence," said Dr. Hershman. The majority of breast cancers-about 80%-are fueled by estrogen. Hormonal therapies such as Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulators and aromatase inhibitors are prescribed to be taken for 5 years after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have been completed. "These drugs keep the levels of circulating estrogen lower than your body normally makes-know your body becomes a less cancer-friendly environment, discouraging cancer's return.

Dr. Hershman reported the findings of her study at the 33rd annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS). She grouped the copayment amounts into $ 30, between $ 30 and $ 89.99, $ 90 or more. Patients with 90-day co-payments paid from $ 0 to $ 893.49 for refills. Many women over retirement age stopped paying for aromatase inhibitors when their copays went over $ 30-some of these patients may be on limited incomes, and have to budget carefully. "Some women between the ages of 40 and 64 kept refilling their prescriptions until copays hit $ 90-these may be women who are raising children, juggling careers and family life, as well as assisting elderly parents.

Dr. Alfred Neugut said that Hershman's study is the first to show how high copays do have an impact on such a crucial drug where mortality can be so directly at stake. "Dr. Hershman said, "When we have highly effective medications available, we need to try to set limits on potential barriers to use like co-payments."While I agree that having consistent costs for medications, prescriptions and making available to everyone who needs them, I think there's more to this issue than money.

I can remember starting Tamoxifen "when I was 47-I was worried about the potential for cataracts and endometrial cancer that might occur as a result of taking this drug. My fertility had already been sacrificed to chemotherapy, one breast had been removed, and now I faced five years of chemically-induced hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low libido, fatigue, and the general feeling that recovery was taking much too long! However, when the side effects of Tamoxifen got to be too much, I remembered how bad I felt during chemo, and since I was determined not to require treatment again, I kept popping those little white pills. Two years into Tamoxifen, I begged my oncologist to switch me to Aromasin-I had transitioned into natural menopause-and I made the switch. Well, I still had hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and low libido-but less worry about cataracts and endometrial cancer.

But now we find out that aromatase inhibitors may raise your risk of heart disease as well as lower your bone density That news came from another paper presented at SABCS. Yet more research shows that some of the side effects of hormonal therapy can be moderated by taking additional therapies such as venlafaxine (Effexor) or clonidine (Catapres)-both of which proved very helpful in women with hot flashes. "You may already know that bone density can be helped by taking a bisphosphonate such as Fosamax or Actonel, and if you're menopausal, you are at greater risk for osteoporosis.

What this all comes down to seems to be this: staying alive after cancer is expensive. You may finish your primary treatment and be happy just to have survived Then you start hormonal therapy, and run into more side effects. "So you wind up taking-and paying for-one or more additional prescriptions to help you stay on your Aromasin or Tamoxifen. That might be three daily pills you didn't budget for, and didn't know you might need. The overall package of pills, side effects, and increasing copayments would put anybody off, even more so when we're facing 5 years of therapy.

I agree with Dr. Hershman when she says that there needs to be lower barriers and greater access to life-saving drugs and medical care. But I also hope that more effective and efficient drugs can be developed to treat breast cancer as well as prevent its return. Developing those drugs will be costly, but keeping patients alive-with a high quality of life-is beyond price.

What do you think-is the financial cost of staying on hormonal therapy the main reason you would stop taking the drugs? Or do other issues like side effects have more of an impact on your decision to quit this type of therapy? Please leave a comment.

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Bif Naked Breast Cancer Becomes Motivational Speaker

BIF Naked
Photo Getty Images/Frazer

BIF Naked says women should "feel your boobs, basically" so that they may be aware of their breast health. Canadian punk rock singer-songwriter found a lump breast while doing a breast self-exam, not long after his wedding. biopsy revealed breast cancer for the musician then 36-year old.

BIF Naked is more back-recovered from 13 months of treatments for breast cancer. naked joined Bureau of a speaker and since then, he talked about a day of awareness for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and more recently for Cancer Agency now 39 of British Columbia, Bif Naked tells his story of survivor, share how it's done through a Lumpectomy, chemo and radiation with Herceptin. has developed a blood clot, a staph infection, hair loss and severe fatigue, but kept going, even writing songs while resting in bed. writing in his blog, he said, "Yeah ...I was pretty nervous and self-conscious about my stuff Word this week ... mainly because I wanted to simply do a good job. "Apparently Bif Naked did a great job, because Dr. Frances Wong BC Cancer Agency later said that "takes the fear of people and recalls the importance of being aware of their body of people."

Canadian punk rocker kept busy despite surgery, chemotherapy and radiation-with all effects side operator has put together a new album, a promise and released in May 2009, about a year and a half after his diagnosis. his last CD was titled Superbeautifulmonster and was followed by a two-year world tour .BIF-born Beth Torbert in India-was placed for adoption and raised by American missionaries in the end the family moved to Canada, where he attended college and began his music career. nude sports quite a collection of tattoos-tattoo and says that her favorite says "Survivor." I think that expresses so much about you that is important and telling. Bif Naked is a survivor in many ways, summarized in his FaceBook page, "is not in my being to let anything stop me."

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PARP inhibitor shows promise Iniparib for Triple negative breast cancer

BINDI (Triple Negative Breast Cancer) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that does not always respond to standard treatments., often affects young women, can spread quickly and require aggressive treatment to check that PARP inhibitors. cancer can be added to chemotherapy for breast cancer, to prevent cancer cells repair themselves that iniparib is a PARP inhibitor that did well in phase 1 and 2 clinical studies, the shrinking of some tumors and holds the disease at bay. Iniparib organic, targeted therapy, increases overall survival of nearly five months-opening a window of hope for many patients.

Before you rush and get your oncologist Iniparib, remember that a phase 3 clinical trial must be done-and must be successful before the Food and Drug Administration would approve for eligible patients. Iniparib phase 2 study was done at 20 sites with approximately 400 participants. Iniparib was given with chemotherapy for patients with breast, ovarian, cervical, lung and brain tumors.

About half of patients in clinical trials with metastatic Triple negative tumor have been treated with Gemcitabine, carboplatin and iniparib-the rest of the study participants were given chemotherapy alone of the phase 2 Iniparib study for patients with brain metastases and BINDI are still open to new participants. how many medicines chemo, iniparib has side effects, which may include fatigue, nausea and anaemia. Triple negative breast cancer takes its name from its negative properties: BINDI diagnostic tests of estrogen, progesterone receptors and HER2 and affects only 15-20% of all patients with breast cancer.

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Breast Cancer victim Mobile Apps support for patients

How about a breast cancer support group that fits in the Palm of your hand? that is what many applications of breast cancer to become new target. these apps can be found all over the internet, offering everything from tape Pink wallpaper for your smartphone for a full guide diagnosis. some applications of breast cancer can guide you through a breast self-exam and help you consider what type of breast lumps may have other apps Help you plan a healthy meal, designed to help you heal from treatments of breast cancer more general health apps help you keep track of your test results, full blood count (CBC), appointments, scheduling of pill, or keep up with news alerts of breast cancer.

Yes, there is an application for health fitness routine, favorite books and magazines, your drug list, and also games to pass the time these useful applications are cheap-any price from free to $ 5.00-and can be used on an electronic device of choice: If you use an iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry, Android, or other smartphone, you probably already have some apps, but how to choose the right ones? you ask around, around the web and try to understand what runs on your device and as expected. some applications of health might work brilliantly, while others may disappoint.

Do you have an app that was really useful? write a review on it and submit for publication on About.com. you can read some guidelines and find links to a variety of opportunities to review our Patient Empowerment site. If you want to write a review of an app of breast cancer, check out this presentation form. your review could really help others who are trying to just the app cancer or breast health right!

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