What if you have dense breasts and a family history of breast cancer, but a lifetime risk score of less than 20? The primary goal of the Be Aware Foundation is to inspire women to follow early detection guidelines. As reported in previous issues of Ask the Doctor, starting screening mammography at age 40 years [...] 
The mammography controversy continues. In a recent publication from the prestigious British Medical Journal (Dec. 8 2011), it was concluded that screening mammography provides only a 15% mortality reduction from breast cancer. These findings are consistent with a controversial report from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). (See Reference: Good News) The study [...]
A recent report in JAMA, a premier medical journal, described the largest study to date on the issue of alcohol consumption and the risk of developing breast cancer.¹ The report examined 2.4 million person-years of follow-up. During the period of evaluation, 7,690 cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed making this the most robust study [...]
The California legislature has recently passed a bill requiring imaging centers to notify women if they are found to have dense breasts on their mammograms, and requires them to inform women that an increase in density makes it more difficult to detect cancers. The bill now goes to Governor Jerry Brown for consideration. Similar legislation [...]
Why you must “Be Aware” of your Personal Risk of Getting Breast Cancer: The concept of breast cancer risk assessment is undergoing a major evolution. Our increasing understanding of the issue of individualized risk analysis makes it imperative that every woman has a clear understanding of her personal risks of getting breast cancer. It was [...]
In this issue of “Ask the Doctor” I would like to explain how a diet rich in unrefined grains (like Chia and Flax Seeds, wheat, rye, and many others) has the potential to reduce breast cancer risk, improve endurance, and promote weight reduction. (Click here for source). I will also explain how the sustained energy [...]
Just a brief history of my own personal journey to find a diet that works for me. Heart disease runs in my family. From early childhood I was taught to avoid cholesterol which was thought to be the primary causal agent for heart disease. To minimize my fat intake I switched to a high carbohydrate [...]
A recent study found that the estrogen blocking drug Aromasin, which is the trade name for Exemestane, reduces the risk of breast cancer by 65% in high risk women. This is great news for women with strong family histories of breast cancer or high risk biopsies. Prior to this study the choices for risk reduction [...]
This month “Ask the Doctor” addresses an important but largely unrecognized health issue: cell phones and the risk of breast cancer in young women. The concern is based on my own personal observations, new scientific studies on how cell phones may alter cell metabolism, and a new public warning from the chairman of the prestigious [...]
The NCI (National Cancer Institute) has recently issued a statement that breast density is one of the biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer. Although there has been long-term speculation that increased breast density is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, it has been only in the past few years that researchers have been [...]