Cancer, Colon Cancer, Gastroenterology, Microbiology, Oncology

Scientists Link a Single Type of Bacteria to Colorectal Cancer

“It sounds scary, but this is good information to have,” said Susan Bullman, Ph.D., of Fred Hutch Cancer Center, who co-led the study. “Microbes are manipulatable—you can target them. So [as] we see that this microbe is getting to tumors and may be contributing actively to disease progression, we can harness that information and think about how to prevent that.”

Biotechnology, Cancer, Colon Cancer, Laboratory Medicine

By looking for fragments of DNA that have escaped from tumors into the bloodstream, or circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), doctors may be able to identify which of their patients with colorectal cancer need chemotherapy after surgery.

Breast Cancer, Cancer

‘I’m not going to be cured’. How breast cancer awareness and support sidelines people with metastatic disease

There have been incredible advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in recent years. And stories about celebrities who have “beaten” breast cancer continue to be a source of inspiration for many people. However, this emphasis on fighting, beating and surviving cancer shuts out the voices of those who will not survive. That is, the many people diagnosed with incurable, life-limiting metastatic breast cancer.

Stress Fibers and Microtubules in Human Breast Cancer Cells. Created by Christina Stuelten, Carole Parent, 2011
Breast Cancer, Cancer, Prevention

What to Know About Metastatic Breast Cancer

When cancer cells break away from a tumor, they can travel to other parts of the body. Metastatic breast cancer happens when cancer that began in the breast spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, such as nearby lymph nodes, bones, liver, and lungs. It is also different than other stages of breast cancer, as it means you will likely have breast cancer for the rest of your life.

Breast Cancer, Mammography, Radiology

Study Adds to Debate about Mammography in Older Women

Studies have shown that routine screening mammography does reduce breast cancer deaths in women aged 40 to 75. But screening also comes with downsides, which include the risk of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. A new study suggests that the risk of overdiagnosis with routine screening mammography is substantial for women in their 70s and older.