To be diagnosed with Breast Cancer can be a woman’s worst nightmare and since it is one of the most dangerous diseases contracted by women, physicians and doctors have taken numerous steps to research the causes of breast cancer and also how to prevent, detect and treat this deadly disease.
Starting with the causes of breast cancer, there are plenty of studies and research conducted that helps find the causes of breast cancer. One famous study conducted in the US, known as the Sister Study, studied 50,000 women for nearly 10 years to gather information about their genes, way of life and other factors that may cause breast cancer. Similarly, there are other studies done such as the Breast and Prostate Cancer and Hormone-related Gene Variants Cohort Consortium, also known as the BPC3 Study.
With respect to breast cancer prevention, a number of approaches to the chemoprevention of breast cancer are under research analysis. Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) is one such approach and is believed to be more effective than Tamoxifen and at the same time have relatively less or no side effects. It is believed to be effective in preventing recurrence or reappearance in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer as well as in preventing estrogen-dependant breast cancers.
Other drugs such as Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Retinoids are also being continuously researched and tested and have been found to be effective in preventing estrogen-receptor negative breast cancer.
When it comes to detection, continuous research is underway to improve early breast cancer detection through mammography, along with other radiological methods. It has been found that digital mammograms are more effective and benefiting than film mammograms, when it comes to dealing with those women who have denser breasts and are less than 50 years of age, or who are pre- or peri-menopausal. It has also been studied that MRI scans would prove beneficial in detecting cancer in the opposite breast. According to research scientists, the earlier the diagnosis of the second breast cancer, the easier it will be to make treatment decisions, with lesser rounds of surgery.
With respect to breast cancer treatment, it has been found that rational therapeutics may have greater efficiency and are more effective than conventional chemotherapy, along with lesser side effects. It has also been proved that improvements in chemotherapy have significantly improved the chances of survival for those patients with lymph node-positive cancers.
Research has also revealed that eating fresh, healthy food along with continuous exercise helps alleviate the risks of breast cancer occurrence and recurrence. Research studies also state that not only the physical aspect, but the psychological aspect (i.e. keeping the breast cancer victim mentally and emotionally strong) too is important in the quick recovery of the breast cancer patient.
In addition to those stated above, continuous research and investigations are being conducted to find ways by which breast cancer patients and their families could detect, prevent and treat the occurrence and recurrence of breast cancer.
SUMMARY:
This article explains the latest research and investigations that are being followed by doctors, scientists and physicians on breast cancer causes, breast cancer detection, prevention and treatment. |
