As an organization that serves young women affected by breast cancer, we make sure to keep up with the latest news, so we know what our women face when it comes to treatment and beyond. In this blog series, we will share the previous month’s news that we feel is most interesting and relevant.
Feb. 1: Working outdoors over many years is linked to a lower risk of breast cancer in women after the age of 50, according to new research. Outdoor workers are exposed to more sunlight, boosting their levels of vitamin D, which may protect against the disease. Read more in Science Daily HERE.
Feb. 11: Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines can cause lymph nodes to swell, particularly those in the armpit on the side where the shot was received, according to experts. This swelling may show up during mammography screening, but is nothing to be concerned about. Read more in this WebMD article HERE or go to hereforthegirls.org and watch our recent expert panel discussion on the vaccine and breast health.
Feb. 12: COVID-19 has impacted cancer patients in many ways - not only do patients in treatment often have worse outcomes if they become infected, but also those who are beyond treatment can face worse outcomes if infected as well. Treatments and screenings for cancers are also being delayed, adding another layer of concern for those facing a cancer diagnosis. Read an analysis of the virus's impacts on cancer in an NBC News article HERE.
Feb. 22: A new study shows that breast cancer death rates have increased in women under age 40. This reverses a trend in breast cancer mortality rate decreases over the past decade. The rise is attributed mainly to an increase in Stage 4 breast cancer in younger women. Read more in THIS article in Healthline, or in THIS more in-depth article in the Washington Post (note: the Washington Post is only accessible to subscribers).
Feb. 24: A new campaign from the Alcohol Research Group (ARG) in California, called the #DrinkLessForYourBreasts initiative, seeks to educate women about the risks of consuming alcohol and urges them to consider the impact drinking alcohol can have on their health. Consuming alcohol increases the risks of getting breast cancer. Read more in Healthline HERE.