Air Pollution and Increased Risk of Breast Cancer – What You Need to Know
In a new study, researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified a concerning link between living in areas with high levels of particulate air pollution and increased cases of breast cancer. That is to say, this critical research aims to shed light on the impact of environmental factors on health.
Here’s what the findings mean for you:
About the Pollution
The pollution discussed is fine particulate matter. Specifically those particles 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller (PM2.5). These tiny particles, are from sources like vehicle exhaust, combustion processes, and industrial emissions. These can be inhaled deeply into our lungs.
Increased Risk
The study found that women living in areas with higher PM2.5 levels are more likely to develop breast cancer. Specifically, the risk went up by 8% for those in areas with higher air pollution. While this might seem like a small number, it’s significant considering how common air pollution exposure is.
How Can You Check Air Quality?
The Environmental Protection Agency offers a tool called Air Now. By simply entering your zip code, you can find out the air quality, including PM2.5 levels, in your vicinity.
Why This Study is Unique
What sets this research apart is its deep dive into historical air pollution levels. In contrast, many other studies focus only on current pollution levels. Furthermore, cancers, including breast cancer, can take years to develop. Therefore, this broader view may give a clearer understanding of how past air pollution affects current health outcomes.”
Different Types of Tumors
The study discovered that PM2.5 exposure is more linked with ER+ breast cancers. These are the most commonly diagnosed tumors in U.S. women. This hints at a biological process where the particulate matter disrupts our endocrine system.
What’s Next?
This study has offered vital insights. Undoubtedly, the researchers believe there’s more to learn! Especially regarding how different kinds of PM2.5 exposures might affect breast cancer risks in various regions.
The study’s findings emphasize the importance of reducing air pollution and being aware of our environment’s potential health impacts. If you’re concerned about your risk, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional. Also, consider checking air quality in your area.
Stay connected with Breast Advocate to keep up to date with the lastest Breast Cancer News.
Important News for Breast Reconstruction Patients: CMS DIEP Flap S-Code Decision
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made a decision about how modern, muscle-preserving breast reconstruction procedures like the DIEP flap are coded for billing purposes. This decision comes after receiving valuable feedback from patients and healthcare providers on the plan to sunset the “S-codes”, emphasizing the increasing importance of the patient’s voice and patient advocacy in healthcare policy decision-making.
The CMS Decision
CMS originally planned to sunset the S codes used by surgeons and insurance companies for reimbursement of complex breast reconstruction procedures like the DIEP flap. However, they reversed course after listening to feedback from patients and healthcare providers like your doctors. “We will be maintaining HCPCS Level II codes S2066, S2067, and S2068 and will not sunset their availability on December 31, 2024.”
Why Were The Breast Reconstruction Codes Scheduled To Sunset?
CMS wanted to simplify how they label different breast reconstruction surgeries. They believed that using specific codes could help both doctors and insurance companies communicate better about these procedures. However, they now understand that the changes could have caused confusion and would limited affordable patient access to modern breast reconstruction options through insurance.
What Stays the Same?
CMS has decided not to make any S-code changes for now. The current codes that describe breast reconstruction procedures will remain in place for the time-being. This means that your access and insurance coverage for these surgeries should not be affected for the foreseeable future.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re planning to have a breast reconstruction procedure, this news means that you won’t have to worry about any sudden changes in how your insurance covers the surgery. The codes that your surgeon(s) use to bill insurance companies will also stay the same.
What Can You Do?
Keep using your voices and communicating with your doctors and healthcare providers about your breast reconstruction plans. If you have questions or concerns about insurance coverage, please be sure to ask them for guidance. They are here to help you understand your options and the potential impact of any changes in the insurance landscape that could impact your care or access to it. Patient advocacy works!
Revolutionizing Treatment for Breast Cancers: Breakthrough Study Sparks New Hope
August 15, 2023
Researchers from LSU Health (New Orleans School of Medicine), the University of Rochester and Cellestia Biotech AG (a biopharmaceutical company in Switzerland) have unveiled an innovative treatment for treatment-resistant breast cancers. Their study, published in MDPI Cancers, presents exciting findings that could transform the landscape of breast cancer treatment.
Study Findings
The study focuses on two types of breast cancers: estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) and triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). These cancers can be challenging to treat due to resistance to standard therapies. The research introduces a new approach that combines an experimental oral drug with standard-of-care medications. It is effectively reversing hormone resistance and boosting treatment effectiveness.
The experimental oral drug, known as CB-103, is a product of Cellestia Biotech AG. It works by inhibiting Notch receptors, which play a vital role in transmitting information from cell surfaces to genes. Notch signaling is known to be involved in various cancers, including breast cancers. CB-103 directly targets gene regulation by Notch, setting it apart from previous drugs in the same class. This Innovative treatment approach for treatment-resistant breast cancers also comes with a more favorable safety profile compared to older drugs.
What’s next?
Senior author Lucio Miele, MD, PhD explained, “CB-103 is a next-generation, orally active, clinical-stage drug that, unlike older drugs, directly targets gene regulation by Notch and offers a much-improved toxicity profile.”
Samarpan Majumder, PhD and senior author in the study, emphasized the safety and efficacy of CB-103 in advanced malignancies. “CB-103 has been safe and well-tolerated, showing minimal gastrointestinal toxicity, unlike previous Notch inhibitors,” Dr. Majumder stated.
The study’s significance lies in its potential to overcome treatment resistance. Despite advancements in breast cancer treatment, endocrine resistance still emerges in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers. Current second-line therapies have limitations and potential toxicities, while third-line treatments are often ineffective. Triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive subtype, poses a significant challenge, affecting a significant percentage of breast cancer patients.
Plan for Clinical Trials?
“Our translational data will be serving as a foundation for planned clinical trials. We will combine CB-103 with anti-estrogen therapy in ER+ breast cancers with taxanes like taxol or docetaxel in TNBC” adds Dr. Majumder.
The collaborative study involved researchers from LSU Health New Orleans, Cellestia Biotech AG, and the University of Rochester. The research was funded by Cellestia Biotech and the Cancer Crusaders Chair at LSU Health New Orleans. With this promising breakthrough, the future of breast cancer treatment looks brighter, offering hope to patients with treatment-resistant breast cancers.
New Research Offers Hope for Breast Cancer Patients – Mortality Rates Show Steady Decline
A recent population-based study provides valuable insights into long-term breast cancer mortality rates. The research sheds light on the improving prognosis for breast cancer survivors. Advancements in treatment and care have led to increasingly better outcomes over the years.
Favorable Trend in Mortality Rates
The study analyzed data from women in England diagnosed with early invasive breast cancer between 1993 and 2015. The annual breast cancer mortality rate was the highest during the five years following diagnosis. After that, mortality showed a steady decline.
Researchers further delved into each calendar period of diagnosis 1993-1999, 2000-2004, 2005-2009, and 2010-2015. The annual breast cancer mortality rates decreased with each successive calendar period. This indicates a clear trend of improvement in breast cancer management and treatment, leading to higher chances of survival for patients diagnosed with breast cancer.
Decline in Five-Year Mortality Risk
A key finding from the study is the significant decrease in the five-year breast cancer mortality risk over time. For women diagnosed between 1993-1999, the risk was 14.4%. For those diagnosed between 2010-2015, the risk dropped significantly to 4.9%.
The researchers also considered various patient and tumor characteristics among women diagnosed in 2010-2015. They discovered that the cumulative five-year breast cancer mortality risk varied substantially based on these factors. Overall, the 5 year risk of death from breast cancer in patients with a recent diagnosis was under 3% for 62.8% of women. However, the risk remained 20% or higher for 4.6% of women.
Study Take-Aways
This study shows the substantial improvement in prognosis for women with a diagnosis of early invasive breast cancer that has been made since the 1990s. Advancements in treatment modalities are having a favorable impact.
These findings will reassure most women treated for early stage breast cancer that they are likely to become long term survivors. They can also be used to identify and further study the groups of women for whom the risk of breast cancer mortality remains substantial.
Early Detection Remains Crucial
The great news is that the overall outlook for breast cancer outcomes continues to improve. However, this study also underscores the importance of early detection to ensure diagnosis occurs at the earliest stage possible.
How Weight (BMI) Impacts Breast Cancer Risk in BRCA Mutation Carriers
Individuals with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations put people at a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. A recent research article by Bhardwaj et al., sheds light on the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on breast cancer risk for BRCA mutation carriers.
Obesity, (having a BMI of 30 or higher), is a known risk factor for breast cancer among women in the general population after menopause. However, for women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, the relationship between BMI and breast cancer risk has been unclear due to conflicting findings in previous studies.
How a High BMI impacts Breast Tissue
In the study, researchers investigated the impact of BMI on the breast tissue of BRCA mutation carriers. They found a positive correlation between BMI and DNA damage in normal breast epithelial cells in high BMI individuals. In other words, a higher BMI increases DNA damage, potentially also increases the risk of breast cancer.
The researchers further explored the mechanisms behind this link. They discovered that obesity-associated factors, such as estrogen biosynthesis, are activated in the breast adipose microenvironment of BRCA mutation carriers. These alterations affected neighboring breast epithelial cells, contributing to increased DNA damage.
Benefit of Estrogen Therapy
Estrogen, a hormone known to play a significant role in breast cancer development, is influenced by obesity-associated factors. In breast tissue explants cultured from BRCA mutation carriers, blocking estrogen biosynthesis or estrogen receptor activity reduced DNA damage. This suggests that targeting estrogen may have a protective effect against breast cancer in this higher-risk population.
Potential Targeted Therapies
The study also explored the impact of other obesity-associated factors, such as leptin and insulin. These factors increase DNA damage in BRCA heterozygous epithelial cells. However, inhibiting the signaling of these factors with specific interventions decreased DNA damage. This opens up potential avenues for reducing breast cancer risk in BRCA mutation carriers through targeted therapies.
To strengthen their findings, the researchers conducted experiments on mice. They found that increased adiposity (body fat) was associated with mammary gland DNA damage and increased tumor development, further supporting the connection between BMI and breast cancer risk.
The results of this study support the link between elevated BMI and breast cancer development in BRCA mutation carriers. Therefore, maintaining a healthy body weight is particularly important for reducing breast cancer risk in this population. Additionally, pharmacologically targeting estrogen or metabolic dysfunction may offer possible preventive strategies.
This study brings us valuable insights into reducing breast cancer risk for individuals with BRCA mutations. By maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding processed foods, and exploring targeted interventions, BRCA mutation carriers can take proactive steps towards better breast health.
Latest Breast Cancer Trial News from ASCO 2023
We have gathered the most important breast cancer trial updates from the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2023 meeting last month. Here are some of the most significant developments:
CDK4/6 Inhibitors
Several trials have shown promising results for CDK4/6 inhibitors. One trial called NATALEE found that ribociclib can reduce the risk of cancer recurring in patients with early-stage HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer. Another trial, called monarchE, showed that abemaciclib, when combined with hormonal therapy, can benefit breast cancer patients over a wide age range. However, it’s important for older patients to be cautious when considering these treatments due to the potential side effects. The SONIA trial suggests that CDK4/6 inhibitors may not always be the best first-line treatment; it is therefore very important to consider individual patient factors.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
Exciting progress is being made with antibody-drug conjugates. These are substances that consist of a monoclonal antibody that is chemically linked to a drug. One study focused on sacituzumab govitecan (SG), which appears to be both effective and safe in treating metastatic HR-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer, especially for patients with limited treatment options. Another study explored a new ADC called HER3-T-DXd. This targets HER3, a protein that is overexpressed in approximately 30% to 50% of breast cancers. This treatment shows promise for patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive or triple-negative metastatic breast cancer who have already received multiple treatments.
Sequential ADC Treatments
Researchers are also studying the order in which ADC treatments should be given to breast cancer patients. By optimizing the treatment sequence, they hope to minimize resistance and improve outcomes. Different ADCs are being evaluated in specific sequences to understand their benefits and effectiveness.
Other Noteworthy Breast Cancer Trial News
The PHERGAIN trial introduces a novel approach that uses early PET scans to determine if HER2-positive breast cancer patients can avoid chemotherapy. The X-7/7 study suggests a new strategy for oral chemotherapy using capecitabine, which reduces side effects while maintaining similar survival rates. Additionally, the CAPItello-291 trial provides updates on the effectiveness and manageable side effects of capivasertib, a potential new AKT inhibitor. AKT receptors regulate the hallmarks of cancer, including tumor growth, survival and the invasiveness of tumor cells.
The ASCO 2023 meeting showcased significant advancements in breast cancer clinical trials and shed light on several potential new treatment options. We will continue to closely follow these trials and provide you with the latest updates as they are released. In the meantime, you can also access the top oncology research from ASCO meetings here.
Encouraging Rise in Breast Cancer Survival Rates
A recent study published in Nature shows breast cancer survival rates have improved significantly over the past few decades. Women diagnosed since 2010 have a much lower risk of dying than those diagnosed in the 1990s. Thanks to advancements in medical research, improved screening methods, and more effective treatments, patients now have a significantly higher chance of surviving after a breast cancer diagnosis. Research shows that the number of women who die from their disease has decreased by two-thirds. This progress represents a transformative shift in the work against breast cancer, offering some hope and renewed optimism to patients and their loved ones.
Early Detection: The Power of Screening
One of the primary factors contributing to the increase in breast cancer survival rates is early detection. Regular mammograms and other screening methods allow the identification of breast cancer at its earliest stages, often before symptoms even arise. Early detection allows for prompt intervention and treatment, leading to higher survival rates.
Awareness campaigns and education initiatives also play a vital role in encouraging women to have regular screenings, leading to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes. According to Naser Turabi, director of evidence and implementation at Cancer Research UK (CRUK) in London, the decline in the mortality rate wasn’t unexpected. “Research is incredibly important to determine the success of treatments,” he says, and this study will help people to make better-informed decisions about their treatment.
Advancements in Treatment: Targeted Therapies and Precision Medicine
Significant advancements in treatment options have revolutionized breast cancer care. Targeted therapies, such as hormone therapy, HER2-targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are designed to attack specific characteristics of cancer cells. This maximizes the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing side effects. Additionally, chemotherapy regimens and radiation therapy have become more precise and tailored to individual patients. This limits damage to healthy cells as much as possible and improves overall treatment outcomes. Surgical techniques have also advanced, with improved breast-conserving surgeries and reconstructive options also available to patients.
Collaborative Efforts
The collaborative efforts of researchers, healthcare professionals, and patient advocacy organizations have further propelled progress in breast cancer survival rates. Increased funding for research has led to breakthrough discoveries in understanding the biology of breast cancer, allowing for the development of innovative treatments.
“Involving patients was crucial to the study,” according to Carolyn Taylor, lead author of the study and an oncologist at the University of Oxford, UK. To direct their research, the scientists appointed two patient representatives. “They looked at the analyses and gave comments and suggestions throughout the study. And they helped us to interpret the results in the way that patients can understand.”
Improved coordination and multidisciplinary approaches among healthcare teams have enhanced the quality of care provided to patients, ensuring that they receive comprehensive treatment plans tailored to their specific needs.
A Brighter Future
While there is still much work to be done, the significant increase in breast cancer survival rates represents a remarkable achievement in the field of oncology. It highlights the power of early detection, improved treatments, and the tireless dedication of researchers and healthcare professionals. As we continue to advance in our understanding of breast cancer and refine treatment approaches, there is hope for an even brighter future: a future where breast cancer becomes a manageable and survivable disease for all.
AI May More Accurately Predict Breast Cancer Risk
Early detection plays a crucial role in improving breast cancer survival rates and treatment outcomes. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into radiologic imaging, like mammograms and MRIs, is revolutionizing breast cancer diagnosis.
In a recent study, artificial intelligence (AI) outperformed the standard clinical model for predicting the five-year risk for developing breast cancer.
AI Study of Screening Mammograms
Lead investigator, Dr. Vignesh Arasu, used data from screening mammograms at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California in 2016 that showed no visible evidence of cancer. “We selected from the entire year of screening mammograms performed in 2016, so our study population is representative of communities in Northern California.”
Five different artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms were used to generate risk scores for developing breast cancer over the five-year period using the 2016 screening mammograms. The risk scores were then compared to the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) clinical risk score as well as to one another.
“All five AI algorithms performed better than the risk model for predicting breast cancer risk at 0 to 5 years,” Dr. Arasu said. “This strong predictive performance over the five-year period suggests AI is identifying both missed cancers and breast tissue features that help predict future cancer development. Something in mammograms allows us to track breast cancer risk. This is the ‘black box’ of AI.”
Advancements in AI for Breast Cancer Diagnosis
AI technology has made significant strides in recent years, bringing a paradigm shift in the field of breast cancer detection.
- Mammograms: AI-based systems can analyze mammographic images and assist radiologists in detecting early-stage abnormalities.
- Breast MRI: AI algorithms can analyze MRI images to identify suspicious areas, helping radiologists pinpoint potential cancerous lesions more accurately. By combining the power of AI with radiologic testing, medical professionals can achieve comprehensive and reliable breast cancer diagnosis.
Benefits of using AI
The integration of AI in breast cancer diagnosis offers numerous benefits:
- AI algorithms can assist in reducing false negatives and false positives, which are a persistent challenge in conventional mammography.
- AI can significantly enhance the efficiency and speed of breast cancer detection.
- AI can help bridge the expertise gap in breast cancer diagnosis.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
While AI brings tremendous promise, it also raises important challenges and ethical considerations.
One critical challenge is the need for robust and diverse datasets to train AI algorithms effectively. Transparency and interpretability of AI algorithms are also crucial. Understanding the decision-making process of AI systems is vital for radiologists and patients to trust and validate the results.
We must also address issues surrounding patient privacy and data security. AI systems require access to extensive patient data, including medical records and imaging studies, which must be protected to safeguard patient confidentiality.
Striving for Better Patient Outcomes
AI algorithms can provide radiologists with powerful tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed in diagnosing breast cancer lesions. By reducing false negatives and false positives, AI can also improve sensitivity and specificity, leading to better patient outcomes.
New Resource To Help Patients Understand Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recently updated its patient guidelines for Inflammatory Breast Cancer. NCCN guidelines provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services.
What is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)?
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer where cancer cells block lymphatic channels in the breast skin. This causes the breast to look red and swollen, and feel warm or hot to the touch, hence the term “inflammatory”. In the US, inflammatory breast cancer accounts for 1-6% of all breast cancer cases in the United States. The disease tends to be diagnosed earlier in life and more often in women with African ancestry.
“A diagnosis of inflammatory breast cancer can be terrifying for the patient as well as their family. Most people don’t know there are different types of breast cancer and need specific information that is designed for patients to help them understand that treatment will be somewhat different and why that’s important,” said Ginny Mason RN, BSN, Executive Director, Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Foundation and IBC Patient.
Symptoms and Signs of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
The symptoms of IBC can be striking but sometimes start out as a subtle difference from the normal appearance of the breast. However, IBC progresses quickly (over the course of days to a few weeks) and very early on can break away from the initial tumor site and invade local lymphatic and blood vessels. Early diagnosis is therefore particularly important with this type of breast cancer.
Symptoms of IBC include:
- A feeling of breast heaviness
- The breast being warmer than usual to the touch
- Persistent itching
- Breast tenderness or pain
- A feeling of milk being let down (not during breast-feeding). Liquid may leak out of the breast and then crust over.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your physician straight away.
The appearance of the breast can be very different from other types of breast cancer:
- IBC causes a swollen breast (can become 2-3 times the normal size). This can be a rapid change.
- Red skin discoloration. Skin redness, or even a bruised (blue/purple) appearance is common with IBC (involving a third or more of the breast).
- Peau d’orange skin appearance (like an orange)
- Ridging
- Inverted or flattening of the nipple
- Skin thickening
- Swollen lymph nodes may also be present under the arm, near the collarbone, or in both places.
A palpable breast lump may or may not be found with IBC. IBC is frequently not felt and frequently missed on mammography, which is why patients should not ignore the other symptoms if a lump is not found. More sensitive imaging methods such as MRI can highlight IBC in women who have “clear” mammograms or who have highly dense breasts that show up as white on a mammogram.
New IBC Guidelines for Patients
The NCCN patient guidelines offer important information so people understand the latest treatments and their options. The new IBC guidelines for patients explain details of the typical course of treatment: systematic therapy (chemo) to shrink the tumor, surgery to remove the affected breast and axillary lymph nodes, and radiation therapy. In many cases, patients may unfortunately have advanced or even metastatic disease by the time of their diagnosis, often because the initial subtle symptoms and signs have been ignored.
“Having easy access to the NCCN patient guidelines empowers people to advocate for themselves when making tough decisions,” added Mason.
With prompt diagnosis and treatment, inflammatory breast cancer is a treatable condition, and the number of long-term survivors is steadily increasing. Learn more about IBC here.
CMS Hearing To Reconsider DIEP flap Breast Reconstruction S Code
Changes to a specialized insurance code (known as the “S-Code”) are limiting patient access to highly specialized, “natural” breast reconstruction procedures that use the patient’s own tissue instead of implants. Access to DIEP flap surgery, which is the gold standard muscle-preserving procedure, is being hit particularly hard.
Breast implants and are the most commonly used method of breast reconstruction in the US. However, implants can leak or rupture, have high re-operation rates, and can also be associated with Breast Implant Illness (BII), and malignancies such as Anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL). Ensuring patients have access to breast implant alternatives under insurance is therefore a priority.
WHAT IS THE “S-CODE”?
The DIEP flap and other advanced, modern microsurgical breast reconstruction procedures (like the GAP flap, stacked flaps) currently have unique billing codes in the US, known as “S-codes”. These specialized codes allow US plastic surgeons to bill insurance plans for these more complex procedures that require additional training and expertise.
CMS CODING CHANGES
In 2019, CMS combined all microsurgical breast reconstruction procedures together under one code (CPT 19364). In January 2021, following a request from a major insurance company, CMS made the further decision to eliminate the S-codes. These codes will sunset on December 31, 2024. After that date, surgeons performing DIEP flap surgery will only be able to bill insurance plans using the same code as the older, less sophisticated free TRAM flap.
Despite the S-codes still being in effect until December 31, 2024, a handful of insurance plans have already declared their intent to stop covering DIEP flap surgery under the S-code. Some have temporarily back-tracked due to patient backlash, but insurance companies will likely continue down this path once the codes sunset. As a result, it is possible that only the most wealthy of American patients will have access to these modern surgeries after December 2024.
A MASSIVE WIN FOR PATIENT ADVOCACY
Thankfully, following immense public pressure and feedback, CMS recently announced they are holding a hearing on June 1, 2023 to reconsider these breast reconstruction coding changes. You can see the full CMS meeting agenda for the June 1, 2023 hearing here.
CMS wants to hear about the obstacles patients are facing in getting access to DIEP flap surgery. Please sign up to attend the hearing and share your comments – use this link to register (enter agenda item #1).
You can also email your thoughts and any experiences you’re comfortable in sharing ahead of the meeting to HCPCS@cms.hhs.gov. Please speak from the heart and explain why you feel it is crucial to preserve full patient access through insurance, and the right to choose any reconstructive option after a mastectomy, including advanced muscle-preserving procedures like the DIEP flap. Please feel free to personalize and edit this letter, or borrow snippets as you see fit.
Every voice helps. Please take this opportunity to have your voice heard!
