A great deal of attention is being paid to the benefits and harms produced by both screening tests and treatments for various types of cancer. The microscope has been turned on radiation therapy (radiotherapy) being used with older breast cancer patients.

BRCA genes aren't the only menacing genes in the breast cancer equation. No, there's a syndicate of criminal molecules that hijack normal DNA repair and create the havoc that is breast cancer. Researchers have nabbed another culprit gene.

People who've had chemotherapy often complain of " chemobrain ," that's characterized by poorer memory and slower thinking. A recently released study has found for some women who had a specific chemotherapy regimen, chemobrain is real and long lasting.

When a woman should begin receiving breast cancer screening mammography has been a hotly contested issue over the last several years. A new study suggests that 40 - not 50 - is the age to start having mammograms

Radiation therapy following breast cancer surgery is common, because it's clinically proven to help kill any remaining cancer cells in the area. A recent laboratory study discovered this powerful energy empowers other cancer cells as well.

Women recovering from breast cancer are often haunted by hot flashes, night sweats and other delightful symptoms of menopause. A surprising solution, normally associated with mental wellness, has been found to help.

Women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer are sometimes prescribed medications that block estrogen, the hormone that drives the most breast malignancies. One such drug is Aromasin ( exemestane ), which new studies show lowers more than cancer risks.

The risk of developing breast cancer increases as a woman ages. The risk of breast cancer returning also increases with age. And increasing age also increases the risk of dying from breast cancer.

Women who have had a mastectomy for their breast cancer treatment, have several options when it comes to reconstructive surgery. When they have received radiation as part of their treatment, the dynamics change somewhat.

Imagine you've been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, but instead of chemotherapy, you're given four shots. This Twilight Zone-sounding scenario is on the horizon.