Research Highlights

Researchers are working to adapt Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to detect breast cancer earlier than mammograms.
See “Measurement of Breast Tissue Viscoelasticity Using MRI,”

Early steps toward a blood test for breast cancer have succeeded.
See “Clinical Utility of Breast Cancer DNA Markers in Plasma,”

When women who have survived breast cancer act as volunteer peer counselors for women newly diagnosed with the disease, both groups of women fare better if the survivors get training, supervision, and support.
See “Does a Peer Navigator Improve Quality of Life at Diagnosis?”

Scientists are successfully using computer modeling to hunt for molecules that could be turned into drugs to treat breast cancer.
See “Computer-Aided Discovery of Novel Breast Cancer Therapeutics,”

Researchers are testing Chinese herbal extracts as treatments for breast cancer, and one showed promise when tested on mice.
See “In Vivo Effects of Chinese Herbal Extracts on Breast Cancer,”

Essiac tea, an herbal remedy some women have used as an alternative breast cancer preventive, promotes the growth of tumors in rats.
See “Evaluation of Essiac Tea to Prevent Mammary Tumors,”

Many women at high risk for breast cancer believe their risk is even higher than it actually is.
See “Tamoxifen Prevention: Is it Acceptable to Women at Risk?”

Research is confirming that chemotherapy can cause memory and concentration problems.
See “Cognitive Changes After Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer,”