Breast Cancer Archive

A 2025 study suggests that adjusting the intensity of breast cancer screening based on individual risk factors is as effective as annual mammograms.

Mammogram screening guidelines for women 74 and older vary considerably. Randomized, controlled clinical trials have not examined the implications of screening mammograms in women 70 and older, and treating tumors unlikely to reduce life expectancy can harm women.

Itchiness of the breasts or nipples isn't common, but can signal conditions both harmless and serious. Minor reasons for itchiness across the bra area include eczema, psoriasis, exposure to soaps or detergents, trapped moisture, and pregnancy and breastfeeding. More serious causes include infections, breast surgery, radiation treatment, and certain rare forms of breast cancer. Any skin changes on the breast that don't improve over weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.

More than 10 million of the nation's 19 million cancer survivors are women, 80% of whom are 60 or older. Cancer survivors going through menopause may not be able to use systemic hormone therapy if their cancer was hormone-driven, but other measures can provide symptom relief. These include various medications and lifestyle modifications such as cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, acupuncture, and regular exercise. Some women who can't use systemic hormone therapy may still try vaginal estrogen to ease vaginal dryness, some urinary symptoms, or painful sex.

A 2025 study suggests that even a single session of resistance training or high-intensity interval training increases levels of certain proteins that can inhibit breast cancer cell growth, potentially contributing to a lower risk of recurrence.

A 2025 study suggests that consuming more olive oil may lower women's risk of developing breast cancer, especially certain more aggressive types.

Breast cancer risk assessment scores can enable clinicians to estimate a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer over the next five years, as well as her lifetime risk. The tools ask users about myriad factors that influence breast cancer risk. But risk calculators don't necessarily provide the kind of precision and insight some women seek. A risk score can't tell a woman for certain whether she will or won't develop breast cancer. Risk calculators typically also don't determine when or how often most women should seek mammograms.