A recent study suggests that women who are overweight prior to a
diagnosis of breast cancer, or those who gain weight during reatment, are at an increased risk of having their breast cancer return and are more likely to die from the disease, compared to women of a healthy weight. While past studies have examined the issues of weight and breast cancer, this study of over 5,200 nurses is one of the first to separate smokers from non-smokers. The researchers estimate that 60% of women gain weight during breast cancer treatment, often as the result of treatments such as chemotherapy, and encourage physicians and patients to pay careful attention to the issue of weight to increase the chances of a successful treatment.

A new report published by the State of California finds that secondhand smoke may increase the risk of breast cancer, particularly in pre-menopausal women. The finding contradicts some previous studies which have not found an association between secondhand smoke and breast cancer, and consequently, the report's finding has become controversial. However, the researchers say that past studies have not taken into account the timing of exposure to secondhand smoke, which appears most
harmful in younger women.

Mammography is a special type of x-ray imaging used to create detailed images of the breast. It is estimated that 48 million mammograms are performed each year in the United States. This article explains all aspects of mammography - screening versus diagnostic mammography, how mammography is performed, breast compression, minimizing pain and discomfort, and a host of other issues.

Surgery is the most common form of breast cancer treatment. Mastectomy is a type of surgery in which the breast is completely removed. Many times, some or all of the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes are also removed to check to see if they contain cancer cells. This article explains how a mastectomy is performed and addresses several key topics related to the procedure including breast reconstruction, exercise after
mastectomy, phantom breast pain and other side effects.