Sleep, Exercise Protects from Breast Cancer

Women who exercise regularly, and get at least seven hours of sleep each night, can significantly reduce their risk of breast cancer. The combination is important. Women, who exercise without needed slumber, put themselves at higher risk. The findings come from the American Association for Cancer Research, presented at the Seventh Annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research.

According to James McClain, Ph.D., cancer prevention fellow at the National Cancer Institute and lead author of the study says, "Short duration sleep appears to have opposing effects of physical activity on several key hormonal and metabolic parameters...” Dr. McClain explains that exercise probably influences hormones and immune function, though the exact reason exercise protects from cancer is not completely understood. Lack of sleep seems to thwart the benefits of exercise when it comes to breast and other types of cancer prevention. Sleeping less than seven hours a day was found to increase overall risk of cancer.

The researchers studied 5,968 women, specifically looking at the link between a good night’s sleep and cancer risk. The participants initially responded through a survey in 1998. The women were then tracked through the Washington County Cancer Registry and Maryland State Cancer Registry. The results found a significant link between sleep, physical activity and cancer incidence. The scientists concluded, “Current findings suggest that sleep duration modifies the relationship between physical activity and all-site cancer risk among young and middle-aged women."

Unfortunately, getting a good night’s sleep isn’t always easy. Insomnia is common problem. We put off sleep to “get things done”. Estimates show that approximately 32million people in the US suffer from insomnia. (1)

Prescription medications have side effects. Some interfere with mental acuity. Finding ways to guarantee quality sleep is attainable. The health benefits should not be underestimated.

Consider the following if you suffer from insomnia, difficulty falling asleep or interrupted sleep patterns. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 182, 460 women will be diagnosed, and die from breast cancer this year.

Exercise regularly.

Avoid eating late at night

Find ways to reduce stress – take a Yoga class, practice deep breathing, or simply
listen to restful music before going to bed..

Avoid caffeine, chocolate and alcohol late at night.

Keep a regular schedule of sleep – go to bed at the same time each night.

Limit fluid intake after dinner.

Try some Chamomile tea.

Block out noise – turn off the TV.

Read a good book.

Learn to meditate.

Ask your doctor if natural sleep aids are safe for you. Melatonin, valerian, and kava are known to help.

Have a warm glass of milk, yogurt, or light protein snack before bed. It’s important to avoid fatty foods.

Stop trying to do everything. Get rid of unnecessary chores, and simply learn to slow down.

If depression contributes to insomnia, please see your doctor for help.

Try some aromatherapy –lavender oil, diffused in the bedroom, sprayed, as a bath salt, or body lotion can promote rest and relaxation.

Focus on getting adequate amounts of calcium and magnesium from food or supplements.

Ask your partner for a back massage, a wonderful way to drift off to sleep.

(1) Insomnia Statistics

Source:
Exercise and Rest Reduce Cancer Risk

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Sleep, Exercise Protects from Breast Cancer

Zoledronic Acid Found to Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes

Women, who took Zoledronic acid (a bisphosphonate) in a recent trial, were found to have a 36% reduction of breast cancer recurrence when compared to a group who did not take the drug. Zoledronic acid is currently used to treat patients with bone metastasis, and was recently approved for osteoporosis treatment in post –menopausal women. It is marketed under the names Zometa and Reclast. The benefit of administering zoledronic acid to breast cancer patients proved significant in an Austrian trial of 1803 premenopausal women who showed improvement in all events associated with it's spread and recurrence.

The anti-cancer effect of bisphosphonates has been previously studied, but results of studies have been inconsistent. Lead investigator, lead investigator Michael Gnant, MD, professor of surgery at the Medical University of Vienna and president of the Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group (ABCSG) says, “this is the first study to translate these effects into a clinical benefit”.

Comparison was made among women with early pre-menopausal breast cancer with estrogen-receptor and/or progesterone-receptor positive tumors. Five percent of the women received chemotherapy prior to surgical removal of the primary tumor. None received chemotherapy afterwards, but were treated with ovarian suppression hormone (luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone) combined with tamoxifen or Arimidex. One group also received 4 mg. of intravenous Zoledronic acid every six months for three years. After five years, the outcomes were measured.

More studies are needed before zoledronic acid receives widespread recommendations. Pre-menopausal women with hormone responsive early breast cancer, who are receiving endocrine treatment should receive the drug, a point emphasized by breast cancer expert Eric Winer, MD, from Harvard Medical School, in Boston, Massachusetts, who moderated the American Society of Clinical Oncology 44th Annual Meeting’s press conference where the study results were presented. Martine Piccart-Gebhart, MD, PhD, from the Institut Jules Bordet, in Paris, said: "This is not a practice-changing trial — yet!" There are still several questions that need to be answered, and there is a need for confirmation from other trials "before we can recommend widespread use of zolendronic acid in routine care," she said. "I am convinced that we have to wait." Dr. Piccart-Gebhart is an internationally renowned breast cancer specialist.

The study lends support that younger women with early breast cancer, who are at low or moderate risk for disease progression, may not need treatment with chemotherapy. Drugs that suppress cancer-promoting hormones in women include Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. Each works differently. Studies are ongoing to compare the benefits of giving Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, either separately or together to enhance breast cancer outcomes. The role of these drugs has remained unclear.

Abstract; http://www.abstract.asco.org/AbstView_55_35897.html
Sources: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/575394?sssdmh=dm1.356379&src=nldne
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/treatment/breast/aromatase-inhibitors0307 ◦

Zoledronic Acid Found to Improve Breast Cancer Outcomes

Healthy Women Faced with Breast Removal Option Based on Gene Testing

Women,who carry the gene mutation BRCA, may be faced with the decision of having mastectomy to avoid developing breast cancer. According to Dutch researchers, presenting at the 6th European Breast Cancer Conference in Berlin, Germany, women who carry the BRCA gene mutation have an estimated 85% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Surgical breast removal, or mastectomy, reportedly reduces that risk to less than 1%. Previous studies have shown that the risk of cancer could be reduced by 3%.

Two hundred fifty one women who carried the BRCA mutation were studied. Two types of BRCA mutation pre-dispose a woman to breast cancer, BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. Two thirds of the women in the study carried the BRCA 1 mutation, the rest BRCA 2. The women had either one, or both breasts removed. One woman developed cancer in the incompletely removed breast tissue that extends under the armpit, but is disease free six years later.

The benefits, according to Reinie Kaas, MD, from the surgical department of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, in Amsterdam: We can safely state that continued follow-up, which can be costly and stressful for the patient, is not warranted in patients who have had prophylactic mastectomy.” She emphasizes that “"healthcare services should not press women to make this choice simply to reduce costs."

It is estimated that half of women who carry the gene mutation have opted for mastectomy. Those who do not opt for surgery receive annual mammograms, perform monthly self-exams, see their doctor twice a year and undergo MRI’s for surveillance. Even with the increased screening, most tumors develop so fast that 25% -35% of women already have tumors that are more than 2cm. in diameter.

The surgery involves removal of breast tissue, while sparing the overlying skin. Breast impantation is performed immediately, making the procedure at least cosmetically appealing.

The decision for gene testing alone is bound to be a difficult one for many women, but in reality, knowledge of your risk factors is only the beginning. If you do have the gene variant that puts you at high risk, you will be faced with another difficult decision.

If you have a first-degree relative who has had breast cancer, you are at greater risk. Other factors that increase your risk, according to the National Cancer Institute, include:

Age—The risk of breast and ovarian cancers increases with age. Most breast and ovarian cancers occur in women over the age of 50. Women with an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene often develop breast or ovarian cancer before age 50.

History — Women who have already had breast cancer are at increased risk of developing breast cancer again, or of developing ovarian cancer. Women who have had colon cancer also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Hormonal Influences — Estrogen is naturally produced by the body and stimulates the normal growth of breast tissue. It is suspected that excess estrogen may contribute to breast cancer risk because of its natural role in stimulating breast cell growth. Women who had their first menstrual period before the age of 12 or experienced menopause after age 55 have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, as do women who had their first child after age 30. Each of these factors increases the amount of time a woman’s body is exposed to estrogen. Removal of a woman’s ovaries, which produce estrogen, reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Birth Control Pills (Oral Contraceptives) - Most studies show a slight increase or no change in breast cancer risk in women taking birth control pills. Some studies suggest that a woman who has taken birth control pills for a long period of time, and began taking them at an early age or before her first pregnancy, has a small increase in her risk for developing breast cancer. In contrast, taking birth control pills may decrease a woman’s risk of ovarian cancer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy - A woman’s risk for developing breast cancer may be increased by hormone replacement therapy (HRT), especially when it is used for a long period of time. Doctors may prescribe HRT to reduce the discomfort from symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. Some evidence suggests that women who use HRT after menopause may also have a slightly increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. HRT may have positive health effects as well, such as lowering a woman’s risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. These protective effects diminish after a woman discontinues therapy. The risks and benefits of HRT should be carefully considered by a woman and her health care provider.

Dietary Fat - Although early studies suggested a possible association between a high-fat diet and increased breast cancer risk, more recent studies have been inconclusive. It is not yet known whether a diet low in fat will lower breast cancer risk.

Physical Activity - Studies of the relationship between physical activity and breast cancer have had mixed results. However, some studies suggest that regular exercise, particularly in women age 40 and younger, may decrease breast cancer risk.

Alcohol - Alcohol use may increase breast cancer risk, but no biological mechanism for the relationship between alcohol and breast cancer risk has been established.

Environmental Factors - Exposure of the breast to ionizing radiation, such as radiation therapy for Hodgkin’s disease or other disorders, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, especially when the exposure occurred at a young age. Evidence for the effect of occupational, environmental, or chemical exposures on breast cancer risk is limited. For example, there is some evidence to suggest that organochlorine residues in the environment, such as those from insecticides, might be associated with an increase in breast cancer risk. However, the significance of this evidence has been debated. Scientific research is currently in progress to study the effects of various environmental factors on breast cancer risk.

If you are considering genetic testing, it’s recommended that you speak with a professional genetic testing counselor, doctor or other health care worker. To find a professional, you can contact the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) at 1–800–4–CANCER (1–800–422–6237).

6th European Breast Cancer Conference (EBCC): Abstracts 18 and 109. Presented April 16, 2008.

Related: - The Deepest Cut. The author of a new memoir talks about her decision to have her breasts removed to lower her cancer risk, and her desire to be a mother. ◦

Healthy Women Faced with Breast Removal Option Based on Gene Testing