We talked to the experts to find out the latest developments in breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Here’s what we learned.

Better Treatment and Detection Options

For women in the early stages “The biggest news in breast cancer is the use of Herceptin (Trastuzumab) for women with early breast cancer,” says Caroline Hinestrona, Executive Vice-President of Programs and Planning at the National Breast Cancer Coalition. Four studies showed that the recurrence of breast cancer was almost half among women who had taken Herceptin with chemotherapy. “That was really amazing news—we hadn’t seen that kind of reduction in the risk of recurrence in decades.”

When breast cancer has spread Some encouraging news also came out recently on another treatment, called Avastin (Bevacizumab), says Hinestrona. “In a study of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer—which is cancer that has spread and causes the most deaths—Avastin doubled the delay of the time of progression.

An ultra-sensitive breast cancer test Early testing of a new blood test to detect breast cancer found that it’s 200-1,000 times more sensitive that existing tests, according to a study led by a scientist at University College London. Since mammography is less sensitive, especially for younger women, better blood testing may help women get diagnosed earlier.

Research on Risk Factors

Chemicals and breast cancer Certain household products may boost a woman’s risk of breast cancer, according to a study conducted by scientists from Indiana University School of Medicine and the University of California at Berkeley. High concentrations of the chemical bisphenol A (BPA), found in many products made of plastic, such as bottles, CDs, DVDs and food containers, may stimulate cancer cells. While it was thought that BPA was rendered harmless once it entered the body, this new study found that it may retain cancer-causing properties. Don’t chuck your CD collection yet, however. “I don’t think the general population should be alarmed by this—especially premenopausal women,” says researcher Theodore Widlanski. “The groups that probably should be aware of this concern are women who have had, do have, or are strongly at risk for breast cancer.”  

X-Rays may play a role for some For women genetically predisposed to breast cancer, exposure to chest X-Rays appears to heighten their risk of developing the disease, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Women who carried the BRCA mutations and were exposed to chest X-Rays before age 20 had more than four times the risk of developing breast cancer.

Smoking may trigger tumor development Inhaling the 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke may turn normal breast cells cancerous by blocking their ability to repair themselves, say University of Florida scientists. And more good reason to never start smoking: A recent Norwegian study of more than 100,000 women found that compared to newer smokers, women who smoked as teenagers and continued to smoke for at least 20 years were at increased risk for breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Pass the olive oil Olive oil may help combat breast cancer according to researchers at Northwestern University in Chicago. They found that oleic acid, the main monounsaturated fatty acid in olive oil, was effective in killing a cancer gene that’s responsible for 25 to 30 percent of all breast cancers. It also improved the effectiveness of the drug Herceptin, which is being used for the treatment of breast cancer.

Choose cancer-fighters A little parsley might help too: in an Italian study, researchers found that for every 0.5mg of flavones eaten each day, a woman’s breast cancer risk decreased by 13 percent. Cancer-fighting flavones are found in lemons, bell peppers, parsley and thyme.

Don’t miss other articles about breast cancer information, including how to assess your risk and ways to show support.

Check out great healthy recipes that the whole family will love.