Preliminary results of a large European clinical trial find that the drug tamoxifen (brand name, Nolvadex) reduces the risk of breast cancer by one-third among women at high risk of the disease. The trial results are consistent with findings from a large U.S. clinical trial, although the amount of the risk reduction was found to be slightly lower in the European trial (30% reduced risk of breast cancer with tamoxifen versus
49% in the U.S. trial). However, the lead researcher of the European trial warned that these trial results do not suggest that the benefits of tamoxifen outweigh the risks for healthy women at high breast cancer risk. The trial found the increased risk of blood clots to be the most serious potential side effect of tamoxifen.

A new study finds that breast positioning is key when detecting breast cancer with mammography. Researchers evaluated several factors including positioning, breast compression, contrast, and exposure, and found that positioning most directly affects the overall image quality, and therefore the detection of breast cancer, on a mammogram. In the study, physicians were significantly more likely to miss breast cancer on a mammogram image if the breast was improperly or poorly positioned during
the exam. Experts say the study underscores the need for good
communication and cooperation between patients and mammography
technologists to help ensure a high-quality mammogram.

Upon analyzing new data on breast cancer prevention strategies, a panel of cancer experts recommended that physicians discuss the benefits of the drug tamoxifen with patients at high-risk for breast cancer. However, the panel concluded that women at average or low risk for breast cancer should not take tamoxifen because, in many cases, the benefits of the drug do not outweigh the potential risks. The panel also found that the osteoporosis drug raloxifene (brand name, Evista) shows benefit in preventing breast cancer in high-risk women. However, the panel said that further data are needed before raloxifene can be recommended for breast cancer prevention.

Though surveys show that many women believe birth control pills cause breast cancer, a new study of over 9,000 women finds that oral contraception does not increase breast cancer risk in women who have taken "the Pill" in the past. Over 45 million women have used oral contraceptives at some point in their lives, and an estimated 10 million women between the ages of 15 and 44 take them today. Experts say the study provides strong evidence that past oral contraceptive use has no significant effect on a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

Another small study shows that a diet rich in soy can help prevent breast cancer. The latest study, which involved researchers from the National University of Singapore, Cancer Research U.K. and the U.S. National Cancer Institute, found that women who consumed large amounts of soy had less suspicious breast density patterns on their mammograms that put them at a lower risk of developing breast cancer, compared to women who did not eat an abundance of soy. Though much research is still
needed to better understand the effects of soy on breast cancer risk, this latest study provides more promising data that soy may help protect against the disease.