3-D mamograms may soon be the standard for breast cancer screening

Researchers at Yale University have recently completed an analysis of breast cancer patients receiving 3-D mammograms, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).  From 2015-2017, DBT rose from 13% to 43%, and "evidence suggests [it] may improve cancer detection rates and reduce false positive results." 


To read more about these findings, click here.

Radiation treatment for lung cancer may increase risk of heart attack

A new study conducted at the Brigham and Woman's Hospital in Boston shows a correlation between radiation treatment for lung cancer and the risk of a heart attack or heart failure in the patient.  According to senior study author Dr. Raymond Mak, a thoracic radiation oncologist at Brigham and Woman's Hospital, radiation is considered the only viable treatment for lung cancer, however, "one in 10 patients [being treated] for this type of cancer will go on to have a heart attack or other major cardiac event." While Mak and his research team are investigating ways of lowering the radiation dosage to reduce heart complications from the radiation treatment, additional steps towards lung cancer prevention (smoking remains the number one cause) is also needed.


To read more about this study, click here.

Testicular cancer treatment unlikely to trigger birth defects

New research conducted at Lund University in Sweden indicates that young men undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment for testicular cancer does not pose an increased risk of fathering children with birth defects.


According to lead researcher Yahia Al-Jebari, the Swedish study, conducted on 2400 fathers between 1994-2014 showed only "a slightly raised risk to children of these fathers, but this was only very small and was not associated with treatment given."


To read more about this study, click here.


Source mentioned: Al-Jebari Y et al. Cancer therapy and risk of congenital malformations in children fathered by men treated for testicular germ-cell cancer: A nationwide register study. PLoS Med. 2019 Jun 4; 16)6): e1002816.