Medical Bills 'Toxic' for Some Breast Cancer Patients

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 24, 2018 -- Many women living with advanced breast cancer face significant financial strains -- from paying for their care to simply covering monthly bills, a new survey finds.

Researchers found that of the more than 1,000 women they surveyed, nearly 70 percent said they were worried about the financial fallout related to their cancer. Many said they'd refused or delayed treatments, failed to pay non-medical bills, or been contacted by collection agencies.

For Younger Cancer Patients, Mastectomy vs. Breast-Conserving Surgery

FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 -- Younger breast cancer patients who have one or both breasts removed have lower levels of satisfaction and well-being than those who have breast-conserving surgery, a new study finds.

The study included 560 women diagnosed with breast cancer by age 40. Of those, 28 percent had breast-conserving surgery and 72 percent had breast removal surgery (mastectomy). Of those who had a mastectomy, 72 percent had both breasts removed (bilateral mastectomy).

Tamoxifen at a Lower Dose Might Still Prevent Breast Cancer's Return

THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 -- Tamoxifen is considered a vital weapon in the fight against breast cancer, but many women who have to take the drug struggle with its significant side effects.

Now, new research shows that a lower dose of the hormone therapy helped prevent breast cancer from returning and guarded against new cancers in women who had high-risk breast tissue.

Fewer Early Stage Breast Cancer Patients May Need Lymph Node Removal: Study

THURSDAY, Dec. 6, 2018 -- For many breast cancer patients, removal of lymph nodes in the armpit area is a common procedure, due to worries that the tumor has spread to these tissues.

But the operation can also bring the difficult long-term side effect of lymphedema, a painful arm swelling.

Healthy Lifestyle Lowers Odds of Breast Cancer's Return

FRIDAY, Dec. 7, 2018 -- There's more evidence that when a survivor of early stage breast cancer takes up healthy eating and regular exercise, the odds of the disease returning go down.

The key is sticking with such programs, said study lead author Dr. Wolfgang Janni.

For Some Women, Mammograms May Need to Begin at 30: Study

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 28, 2018 -- Women at increased risk for breast cancer should start receiving mammograms earlier than recommended, even as young as age 30, a new study contends.

Young women who have dense breasts or a family history of breast cancer appear to benefit from regular mammograms as much as women in their 40s do, researchers reported.