Latest news with #BRCA1
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ryne Sandberg dies after metastatic prostate cancer battle: What is it and who is at risk
Baseball legend Ryne Sandberg has passed away at 65, with his family by his side at home. Fans across the world are mourning the loss of the Hall of Fame second baseman, best known for his incredible years with the Chicago Cubs. He wasn't just a star on the field he was one of the most respected players in baseball history. Back in January 2024, Sandberg revealed he had been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer. He went through chemotherapy and radiation and by August, there was a moment of hope—he shared that he was cancer-free. But sadly, that didn't last. On December 10, he shared in a heartfelt Instagram post that the cancer had come back and spread to other organs. Even then, Ryne stayed positive and focused on spending meaningful time with his loved ones. What is Metastatic Prostate Cancer? It's prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body. That could mean the bones, lymph nodes, liver, or even lungs. It's also called advanced or stage 4 prostate cancer. It's more serious and tougher to treat than early-stage prostate cancer. Possible symptoms include: Unexplained weight loss Pain or burning while peeing Blood in urine or semen (less common) Nausea, vomiting Worsening pain—especially in bones, if it's spread there Who's most at risk for metastatic prostate cancer? Like with most health conditions, some people are at higher risk than others when it comes to metastatic prostate cancer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo Let's break down the main risk factors you should know about. Age is a big one. Prostate cancer becomes much more common as men get older—especially after age 50. Most cases are found in men aged 65 and up, which is why doctors encourage regular checkups starting in your 50s or even earlier if you're high risk. Race and ethnicity matter, too. Black men, especially in the U.S., face a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Not only are they more likely to be diagnosed, but the disease also tends to be more aggressive and more advanced by the time it's caught. That makes early detection even more important in this group. Family history plays a big role. If your dad, brother, or son has had prostate cancer, your risk goes up. Certain inherited gene mutations—like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which you might've heard about in connection with breast cancer—can also increase your chances. Obesity is another factor. Being overweight doesn't just increase your general health risks—it can also make prostate cancer more aggressive. Obese men are also more likely to experience a recurrence of cancer after treatment. Smoking might be part of the picture, too. While it's not the biggest risk factor, some studies suggest that men who smoke may have a higher chance of developing advanced prostate cancer or having it come back after treatment. Then there are genetic conditions, like Lynch syndrome or BRCA mutations. If these run in your family, they could bump up your risk as well. Chemical exposure is one of the lesser-known risks. Men who've had high exposure to pesticides or certain industrial chemicals like cadmium may have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer, though more research is still being done. Missing regular screenings is a major problem. If you skip those routine PSA tests or doctor visits, prostate cancer may not be caught until it's already advanced. There are also some additional factors being studied—like diets super high in calcium, taller height, higher birth weight, and a lack of exercise. The evidence isn't rock solid yet, but it's worth keeping in mind.
Medscape
4 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Fast Five Quiz: Assessing Early Breast Cancer
Breast cancer screening, prevention, and management decisions are made on the basis of several factors related to family history, patient history, and, if a diagnosis of breast cancer is made, tumor type. Upon diagnosis, the determination of risk for recurrence and prognosis, as well as patient disease stage, health, and preferences, informs management strategies regarding neoadjuvant treatment, breast-conserving surgery, the type of radiation therapy used, if any, and whether adjuvant treatment should be initiated. Do you know the key aspects of risk assessment and their implications in early breast cancer? Test your knowledge with this quick quiz. Although all breast cancer types might recur despite early diagnosis and treatment, those defined as triple-negative breast cancer are considered high-risk for recurrence. Patients with this subtype usually have a significant risk for disease recurrence. Hormone receptor (HR)-positive tumors, which express estrogen receptors (ERs) and/or progesterone receptors (PRs), are generally defined as luminal-like, typically less aggressive, and having a more favorable prognosis. HER2-positive breast tumors are biologically aggressive tumors, but recurrence outcomes have dramatically improved with anti-HER2-targeted therapies. Learn more about breast cancer risk factors. On average, individuals harboring a germline BRCA1 mutation have up to a 72% risk of developing breast cancer by age 80 years; for those with a germline BRCA2 mutation, the risk is up to 69%. Because of the high lifetime risk for breast cancer in individuals with germline BRCA mutations, both US and European guidelines recommend considering prophylactic surgery, such as double mastectomy. Learn more about BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. According to the European Society for Medical Oncology, decisions about adding chemotherapy to adjuvant endocrine therapy are individualized on the basis of patient and disease factors, including results of genomic assays. Data have shown that most cases of small ER-positive, PR-positive, HER2-negative, or node-negative breast cancer generally have a good prognosis with endocrine therapy alone and usually do not require adjuvant chemotherapy. Although assessment of response to neoadjuvant endocrine therapy or chemotherapy is generally used in the setting of locally advanced breast cancer (particularly when the size and/or location of the tumor preclude breast-conserving surgery), patients with very small, early, HER2-negative, HR-positive cancer types are usually treated with surgery first, followed by radiation therapy and consideration of adjuvant therapy with an endocrine regimen, chemotherapy, or both. Ki-67 is an indirect measure of cell proliferation. Although a high Ki-67 score is often considered a marker for a poorer prognosis in early breast cancer, it cannot predict the benefit of chemotherapy as a single measure owing to many limitations. Learn more about breast cancer treatments. The risk for recurrence of a HER2-positive tumor is generally dependent on tumor size, the presence of positive axillary lymph nodes, tumor grade, and other histologic and patient factors. Before the development of effective anti-HER2 therapies, such as trastuzumab, novel anti-HER2 TKIs, or antibody-drug conjugates, HER2 positivity was associated with poor prognosis. The degree of HER2 positivity (ie, immunohistochemistry [IHC] 2+/fluorescence in situ hybridization amplified vs IHC 3+) is generally not correlated with recurrence risk, although it might be associated with greater responsiveness to anti-HER2-targeted therapies. Patients with early-stage, HER2-positive tumors with clinically positive lymph nodes are usually candidates for neoadjuvant systemic treatment with chemotherapy and pertuzumab plus trastuzumab. Age alone usually does not indicate if a patient may be considered for neoadjuvant systemic treatment, but data have shown that younger age (≤ 50 years) has been linked to disease recurrence in this population "across all treatments." The number of live births before age 40 years alone usually does not indicate if a patient may be considered for neoadjuvant systemic treatment as well. Learn more about family history and genetic risk factors for breast cancer. A diagnostic companion test for germline BRCA status is needed to select patients for PARP inhibitors in many countries. Such status can help determine how certain patients will respond to this treatment, as patients with germline BRCA mutations tend to have heightened sensitivity to PARP inhibitors and other DNA-damaging agents. Further, detecting these mutations in select patients and treating them with PARP inhibitors has been shown to improve progression-free and distant-disease-free survival, and they have become "a crucial treatment for breast cancer with BRCA mutations." For example, in 2022, the European Medicines Agency and the US FDA approved adjuvant olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, for the treatment of patients with deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA mutation and a diagnosis of HER2-negative, high-risk, early-stage breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy. Ki-67 measurement, MRI findings alone, and a diagnostic companion test for ERBB2 (HER2) are usually not required when selecting adjuvant therapy with a PARP inhibitor in this setting. Learn more about PARP inhibitors for breast cancer. Editor's Note: This article was created using several editorial tools, including generative AI models, as part of the process. Human review and editing of this content were performed prior to publication.
Sky News
5 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Thousands of cancer cases could be prevented with more breast removal surgeries, study suggests
Thousands of cancer cases could potentially be prevented if more women were offered breast removal surgery, according to a study. A mastectomy is offered to some people who already have breast cancer, but research suggests about 6,500 cases could be prevented each year if more preventative procedures were done. Risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM) are currently only an option for women with the BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 genes. But the study says people with other genes - including ATM, CHEK2, RAD51C, RAD51D - might benefit if they also have other high-risk factors. These include family history of the disease, whether they breast fed, mammogram density and the number of children they've had. Researchers suggest that if all women 30 to 55 with a risk of 35% or more could be identified - and they all then had RRM - an estimated 6,538 cases could be prevented each year. That equates to about 11% of the 59,000 UK women diagnosed annually. The economic evaluation by Queen Mary University of London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) said it would be a cost effective strategy. It added that women carrying one of the other genes linked to breast cancer could potentially be found by "cascade testing", in which tests are offered to family members. One of the authors said it was the first time a risk factor for offering RRM had been defined. "Our results could have significant clinical implications to expand access to mastectomy beyond those patients with known genetic susceptibility in high penetrance genes - BRCA1/ BRCA2/ PALB2 - who are traditionally offered this," said Professor Ranjit Manchanda, professor of gynaecological oncology at Queen Mary. "We recommend that more research is carried out to evaluate the acceptability, uptake, and long-term outcomes of RRM among this group," he added. Louise Grimsdell, Breast Cancer Now senior clinical nurse specialist, stressed that women should consider all options - not just surgery. "While this modelling provides valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of risk-reducing mastectomy for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer, each individual must be offered all risk-management options that are suitable for them," she said. "Choosing to have risk-reducing surgery is a complex and deeply personal decision that comes with emotional and physical implications," added Ms Grimsdell. "So, it's vital women can consider all their options, including screening and risk-reducing medications, and are supported by their clinician to make an informed decision that's right for them. "It's also crucial that the unacceptably long waits that far too many women who chose risk-reducing surgery are facing are urgently tackled."
North Wales Chronicle
5 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Thousands of cancer cases could be prevented with more breast removal surgeries
Breast removal surgery, also known as a mastectomy, is offered to treat breast cancer in some women. It can also be offered to women who are deemed to be high risk of the disease to prevent them from getting it in the first place. A study has found that if more women were given preventative mastectomies, then about 6,500 cases of breast cancer could be prevented each year. Risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM) are currently only offered to women with the BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 genes, experts said. But the new analysis suggests that some women with other genes linked to a higher risk of breast cancer – including ATM, CHEK2, RAD51C, RAD51D – who may also be at higher risk due to a number of other factors may benefit from RRM if they are assessed as having a high risk of disease. These other factors can include a family history of breast cancer, the number of children they have had, whether or not they breast fed and mammogram density. Women in the UK have an 11% chance of developing breast cancer across their lifetime. Medics can calculate a woman's risk of breast cancer using tools which combine the effect of various risk factors. This is your breast check reminder! Learn the signs and symptoms of breast — Breast Cancer Now (@BreastCancerNow) May 6, 2025 Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) found that if health officials could identify all women aged 30 to 55 who have a 35% or higher risk of breast cancer, and they all went on to have RRM, then an estimated 6,538 breast cancer cases could be prevented in the UK each year. This is the equivalent of around 11% of the 59,000 women in the UK who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The academics point out that women who have one of the other genes linked to breast cancer, who may be at high risk of disease, could potentially be found by a mechanism called 'cascade testing' – where genetic tests are offered to family members of women who have been found to have these different genes linked to breast cancer. The economic evaluation study, published in the journal JAMA Oncology, concludes: 'Undergoing RRM appears cost-effective for women at 30-55 years with a lifetime BC-risk 35% (or more). 'The results could have significant clinical implications to expand access to RRM beyond BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 pathogenic variant carriers.' Corresponding author on the paper, Professor Ranjit Manchanda, professor of gynaecological oncology at Queen Mary and consultant gynaecological oncologist, said: 'We for the first time define the risk at which we should offer RRM. 'Our results could have significant clinical implications to expand access to mastectomy beyond those patients with known genetic susceptibility in high penetrance genes- BRCA1/ BRCA2/ PALB2 – who are traditionally offered this. 'This could potentially prevent can potentially prevent (around) 6500 breast cancer cases annually in UK women. 'We recommend that more research is carried out to evaluate the acceptability, uptake, and long-term outcomes of RRM among this group'. Dr Rosa Legood, associate professor in health economics at LSHTM, added: 'Undergoing RRM is cost-effective for women (aged) 30 to 55-years with a lifetime breast cancer risk of 35% or more. 'These results can support additional management options for personalised breast cancer risk prediction enabling more women at increased risk to access prevention.' Women deemed to be at high risk of breast cancer can also be offered regular screening and medication. Louise Grimsdell, Breast Cancer Now senior clinical nurse specialist, said: 'While this modelling provides valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of risk-reducing mastectomy for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer, each individual must be offered all risk-management options that are suitable for them. 'Choosing to have risk-reducing surgery is a complex and deeply personal decision that comes with emotional and physical implications. 'So, it's vital women can consider all their options, including screening and risk-reducing medications, and are supported by their clinician to make an informed decision that's right for them. 'It's also crucial that the unacceptably long waits that far too many women who chose risk-reducing surgery are facing are urgently tackled.'
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
Thousands of cancer cases could be prevented with more breast removal surgeries
Breast removal surgery, also known as a mastectomy, is offered to treat breast cancer in some women. It can also be offered to women who are deemed to be high risk of the disease to prevent them from getting it in the first place. A study has found that if more women were given preventative mastectomies, then about 6,500 cases of breast cancer could be prevented each year. Risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM) are currently only offered to women with the BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 genes, experts said. But the new analysis suggests that some women with other genes linked to a higher risk of breast cancer – including ATM, CHEK2, RAD51C, RAD51D – who may also be at higher risk due to a number of other factors may benefit from RRM if they are assessed as having a high risk of disease. These other factors can include a family history of breast cancer, the number of children they have had, whether or not they breast fed and mammogram density. Women in the UK have an 11% chance of developing breast cancer across their lifetime. Medics can calculate a woman's risk of breast cancer using tools which combine the effect of various risk factors. This is your breast check reminder! Learn the signs and symptoms of breast — Breast Cancer Now (@BreastCancerNow) May 6, 2025 Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) found that if health officials could identify all women aged 30 to 55 who have a 35% or higher risk of breast cancer, and they all went on to have RRM, then an estimated 6,538 breast cancer cases could be prevented in the UK each year. This is the equivalent of around 11% of the 59,000 women in the UK who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The academics point out that women who have one of the other genes linked to breast cancer, who may be at high risk of disease, could potentially be found by a mechanism called 'cascade testing' – where genetic tests are offered to family members of women who have been found to have these different genes linked to breast cancer. The economic evaluation study, published in the journal JAMA Oncology, concludes: 'Undergoing RRM appears cost-effective for women at 30-55 years with a lifetime BC-risk 35% (or more). 'The results could have significant clinical implications to expand access to RRM beyond BRCA1/BRCA2/PALB2 pathogenic variant carriers.' Corresponding author on the paper, Professor Ranjit Manchanda, professor of gynaecological oncology at Queen Mary and consultant gynaecological oncologist, said: 'We for the first time define the risk at which we should offer RRM. 'Our results could have significant clinical implications to expand access to mastectomy beyond those patients with known genetic susceptibility in high penetrance genes- BRCA1/ BRCA2/ PALB2 – who are traditionally offered this. 'This could potentially prevent can potentially prevent (around) 6500 breast cancer cases annually in UK women. 'We recommend that more research is carried out to evaluate the acceptability, uptake, and long-term outcomes of RRM among this group'. Dr Rosa Legood, associate professor in health economics at LSHTM, added: 'Undergoing RRM is cost-effective for women (aged) 30 to 55-years with a lifetime breast cancer risk of 35% or more. 'These results can support additional management options for personalised breast cancer risk prediction enabling more women at increased risk to access prevention.' Women deemed to be at high risk of breast cancer can also be offered regular screening and medication. Louise Grimsdell, Breast Cancer Now senior clinical nurse specialist, said: 'While this modelling provides valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of risk-reducing mastectomy for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer, each individual must be offered all risk-management options that are suitable for them. 'Choosing to have risk-reducing surgery is a complex and deeply personal decision that comes with emotional and physical implications. 'So, it's vital women can consider all their options, including screening and risk-reducing medications, and are supported by their clinician to make an informed decision that's right for them. 'It's also crucial that the unacceptably long waits that far too many women who chose risk-reducing surgery are facing are urgently tackled.'
