Breast Cancer Archive

Over-the-counter menopause test kits detect levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in a urine sample. But FSH levels can be high just before ovulation as well as when menopause is approaching, making test results ambiguous.

Osteopenia and osteoporosis both involve a decline in bone density. Osteoporosis is more severe, significantly increasing the risk of fractures. Both conditions can be diagnosed with DEXA scanning, which measures calcium and other minerals in bone.

A 2024 study found that in women who had a breast cancer diagnosis in only one breast, the odds of dying from breast cancer didn't change if they had the other breast removed as a precaution.

A 2024 study suggested that women with perinatal depression, which can occur during or just after pregnancy, have significantly higher risks of developing later cardiovascular disease.

A new type of nonhormonal medication to prevent hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause, Veozah, was approved by the FDA in 2023. An ad for the drug has useful information, but some key questions are not answered.

Abnormal Pap test results don't always indicate cervical cancer. Most abnormal findings result from the presence of human papillomavirus, or HPV. Typically, the next step is a colposcopy, a test that enables the doctor to look closely at areas that appear abnormal.

Dozens of over-the-counter supplements are marketed to women in the menopause transition that purportedly help relieve bothersome symptoms such as hot flashes, low libido, brain fog, or mood shifts. But because these products don't require FDA approval or rigorous testing, women should be wary about their effectiveness. Women who consider menopause supplements should avoid blended products, stop taking them if they experience side effects, and try healthy lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight control to allay symptoms.

A 2024 study suggests that having one or more tattoos may raise a person's risk of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.

Of the cancer screening tests for men, tests for colon cancer has the strongest evidence for benefit. Men who opt in for prostate cancer screening may have more options beyond PSA blood testing to more accurately identify aggressive cancers. Other screening tests such as full body scans have not been shown to improve outcomes.