Major Breast Cancer Discoveries of 2013

By Vera Viner

Written on December 26, 2013

January 1, 2014 is coming. It’s right around the corner. We are all awaiting a new year full of joy, hope, and wonder. However, before 2014 comes, we must put a close to this year. In 2013, we have seen significant breast cancer developments among the scientific community.

First, it is important to explain the importance of exercise as a method for breast cancer prevention. In 2013, we have come closer to understanding why physical activity is tied to lowering breast cancer risk. According to the Huffington Post, exercise changes how our body reacts with estrogen, which has often been a fuel for breast cancer.

Recently, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have shown that cancer-fighting foods are a reality. Vegetable consumption was found to lower the risk of ER-negative breast cancer, which is found in at least 15 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Also, carotenoids found in fruits and vegetables have been linked with a lower risk of the same type of breast cancer.

In 2013, a better cancer screening tool has also been designed. Digital breast tomosynthesis is a 3-dimensional type of digital mammography capable of finding invasive cancers in women with high breast tissue density.  Some experts believe that the use of 3-D imaging will increase as the technology becomes more widely available throughout the coming years.

On top of this new invention, one study shows that women with small ER-positive breast tumors may benefit from one high-dose of radiation instead of six weeks of smaller doses after surgery. This has caused less risk to the tissues surrounding the heart and lungs.

For the Breast Health and Healing Foundation, one of the biggest news of 2013 that has brought joy to our hearts is Cleveland Clinic announcing that it has gathered enough funds to begin Phase I clinical trials on the preventive breast cancer vaccine. As of now, we are all awaiting FDA approval to begin human clinical trials.

If you’d like to learn more fascinating information about the Cleveland Clinic vaccine and any major breast cancer developments, please sign up to receive our newsletter! You can sign up here: http://breasthealthandhealing.org/im-in/.