Breast Cancer

A US study found that a commercially available artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for breast cancer screening produced more false-positives in Black patients and people with denser breasts, highlighting the importance of diverse datasets in training AI algorithms to reduce health care disparities.

Stephanie Graff, MD, concludes the discussion with thoughts on endocrine therapies in development for patients with ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer.

A large study finds that obesity and metabolic syndrome raise breast cancer mortality risk, but through different mechanisms. Metabolic syndrome is linked to a specific type of breast cancer, whereas obesity increases risk across all breast cancer subtypes.

A new study has linked racial and ethnic disparities with factors like age, income, and insurance to breast cancer treatment decline. Patients who received all treatments had better survival, highlighting the need for interventions to improve access and reduce disparities.

Disparities in health care systems around the world limit access to effective treatments for advanced breast cancer, especially for people in low- and middle-income countries and marginalized communities. Stronger health systems and social education efforts are necessary to improve outcomes for all patients.

An expert on breast cancer reviews currently available tests for ESR1 mutations and provides clinical insights on best practices for testing.

Stephanie L. Graff, MD, provides an overview of ESR1 mutations in ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer, highlighting their prevalence, clinical implications, and challenges.

Trial results from DESTINY-Breast06 indicate the effectiveness of fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki in delaying disease progression for patients with hormone receptor (HR)–positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer who had prior endocrine therapy.

The USPSTF lowered the recommended starting age for mammograms from 50 to 40 years, citing moderate benefits for early detection in this age group. Disparities persist, especially for Black women, highlighting the need for improved access to health care and social support.

The recent FDA approval of Hercessi expands access to a treatment previously burdened by high costs. Hercessi joins the 5 other biosimilars already on the market.

Melatonin showed no benefit for cancer-related fatigue or other symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancer receiving radiotherapy treatment.

Macro-Mediterranean diets for patients with high-risk breast cancer recurrence found no overall reduction, but women who adhered more closely to the diet showed potential benefit.

Young breast cancer survivors without a specific genetic mutation have a lower risk of developing second primary breast cancer within 10 years of diagnosis.

While mammograms are crucial for early detection of breast cancer and can save lives, social determinants of health and health-related social needs create barriers to access, especially for those with financial hardship, lack of transportation, or social isolation.

A recent study found a minor link between prolactin levels and the risk of developing estrogen receptor (ER)-positive or ER-negative breast cancers. However, there was no association found between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and breast cancer risk.

Breast cancer survivors face a complex landscape of challenges including lingering symptoms, anxieties about the future, identity shifts, and potential social isolation. However, the study identifies personal growth fostered by the experience, further underscoring the critical role of social support and open communication with health care providers in navigating this journey.

While offering advantages like faster recovery and high patient satisfaction, cryoablation for the treatment of early-stage breast cancer is still under investigation for effectiveness and requires further research for wider adoption.

Older adults with advanced breast cancer need personalized treatment plans considering fitness, preferences, and potential limitations for optimal outcomes and quality of life.

A large-scale study suggests increased light at night exposure is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, particularly in Asian populations and women with estrogen receptor-positive tumors (ER+).

Early research suggests ozone therapy may fight breast cancer cells and lessen adverse effects for patients undergoing treatment, but more research is necessary.

A study of patients diagnosed with early breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic found that the public health crisis did not produce significant changes in or delays treatment, despite many women presenting with palpable tumors.

Multigene assays allow for patients to receive personalized breast cancer treatment by identifying promising therapeutic targets, which could improve patient clinical outcomes in the long term and help providers better understand tumor biology.

Sisters of women with high breast cancer risk share similar risk factors, including high polygenic scores, benign breast disease history, and denser breast tissue.

Douglas K. Marks, MD, is a breast medical oncologist and director of the Clinical Trials Office, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, as well as associate professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine. As a phase 1 clinical trialist, he sees both patients with breast cancer and those who are looking to receive innovative treatments for their early-stage disease.

Swedish women with prior false-positive mammograms, particularly those aged 60 to 75 with prior biopsies and low density, show elevated breast cancer risk, necessitating closer monitoring and better screening.