Two studies that followed breast cancer survivors for 20 years found that the type of surgery they had-lumpectomy or mastectomy-did not affect their chances of surviving the disease. Though preliminary data have suggested that chances of survival with the breast-conserving surgical option (lumpectomy) were equal to removing the entire breast (mastectomy some physicians still believed that taking out more breast tissue was better and therefore did not present the lumpectomy procedure as a valid option to their patients. According to the researchers, these new studies should assure women and physicians that lumpectomy is a safe, viable option for most patients with small breast cancers.

A new study finds that physicians often misinterpret mammogram results at community clinics, causing women to undergo unnecessary worry and additional testing. However, the same study also shows that when women return to the same facility each year for their mammogram, the chances of a correct film reading increase. Furthermore, radiologists with several years of experience interpreting mammograms tend to make fewer errors when reading films compared to younger doctors. Mammography is still the most accurate method of detecting breast cancer, according to the researchers, and women should continue receiving the exam but with the knowledge that further testing may be needed to clarify the mammogram results.

The mounting controversy concerning the true benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) continues with the release of a new study that finds that HRT users have less aggressive, more treatable breast cancer diagnoses than women who never took HRT. This finding contradicts some previous studies that have found that HRT increases breast density, thereby making it more difficult to detect breast cancer with mammography. Again, experts urge women to discuss the advantages and disadvantage of using HRT with their physicians and come to an informed decision based on their individual medical situation.

A recent study presented at a meeting of the American Heart Association found that the so-called Atkins diet of high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods helped study participants lose more weight than a traditional low-fat diet. Participants on the Atkins diet also experienced a drop in cholesterol and triglycerides, high levels of which are risk factors for heart disease. Because of confusion that the American Heart Association might be endorsing the Atkins diet, the organization has issued a statement on its position and a sharp criticism of the study results, which it says were derived from a small study size and a short follow-up period.

Though medical experts have been saying for years that neither the use of deodorants nor antiperspirants increase the risk of developing breast cancer, Internet and email rumors are still circulating to the contrary. Now, the results of the first study on the subject have been published. The findings, which did not find any link between deodorant/antiperspirant and breast cancer risk, should provide relief to women and put the rumors to rest.