A new study by Swedish researchers finds that women who have undergone radiation therapy for breast cancer may be at higher risk of developing lung cancer later in life, especially if they also smoke. The study suggests that an interaction between radiation therapy and smoking may be responsible for the lung cancer cases. The risk of lung cancer was highest among women who were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50. The study underscores that need to investigate the long-term effects of cancer therapies, especially since many breast cancer patients are being diagnosed with the disease in early stages and increasing their odds of survival.

Tamoxifen is the most commonly used drug to help treat breast cancer in women with early and advanced stages of the disease. The treatment works by blocking estrogen from reaching breast cancer cells that depend on the hormone for survival. However, tamoxifen does not work in all women, and some patients become resistant to the drug. Now, researchers have discovered a chemical switch that contributes to these effects. The research may help physicians determine which women would and would not
benefit from tamoxifen before even beginning treatment.

In an attempt to rival drug treatments for high cholesterol, researchers have been investigating whether diet modification can substantially alter cholesterol levels and thereby lower heart disease risk. Soy has been touted as a heart-healthy food, but researchers have been uncertain whether all types of soy-those high and low in isoflavones-reduce cholesterol. A new study helps clear up the mystery. Researchers found that all forms of soy significantly reduce cholesterol levels in both men and women and lower systolic blood pressure in men.

A new study finds that women who are overweight during their teen years may face a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer before menopause compared to their slender peers. Weight has been a suggested risk factor for both ovarian cancer and breast cancer in several studies, though researchers still lack conclusive evidence. Interestingly, the study did not find an association between recent weight gain and ovarian cancer risk.

Though experts have known for years that a diet rich in fish provides a host of health benefits, new research explores how fish may work to reduce heart disease risk. In a study of African tribes, researchers found that tribe members who consumed large amounts of fish tended to have lower levels of a so-called obesity hormone called leptin. Leptin has been associated with high rates of cardiovascular disease. Tribe members who did not consume much meat had higher leptin levels, even though many were the same weight, had similar alcohol intake, etc. The researchers believe the study provides important clues about how fish rich diet can protect the heart.