The number of breast cancer cases in the United States appears to be declining, according to the results of a newly published study. Researchers found that between 2002 and 2003, 7% fewer women were diagnosed with breast cancer. The sharpest decline was found among women between the ages of 50 and 69; 12% fewer women in this age group were diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers believe that the decreased use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) could be behind the decline in
diagnoses.

A recent study finds that younger women who are diagnosed with ovarian cancer may be more likely to survive the disease than older women. In the study, women under age 30 were most likely to survive five years after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer while women over age 60 were the least likely to survive. The researchers are unsure of the reason for this finding. The study results differ from breast cancer; where young women tend to be diagnosed with more aggressive forms of breast cancer
for which their chances of survival are lower.

Radiation therapy (or radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to stop cancer cells from growing and dividing. The treatment is often used to destroy any remaining breast cancer cells in the breast, chest wall, or axilla (underarm) area after breast cancer surgery. Occasionally, radiation therapy is used before surgery to shrink the size of a tumor. This article explains how radiation therapy works, possible side effects, and new developments.

To treat breast cancer effectively, a number of medical professionals with a variety of specialties are needed. Depending on the patient's situation, the following physicians and medical professionals may be involved during the diagnostic and treatment processes: family practitioner, gynecologist or OB/GYN, radiologist, oncologist, oncology nurse specialist, oncology social worker, surgeon, radiation therapy oncologist, radiation therapy technologist, radiation therapy physicist,
pathologist, and reconstructive/plastic surgeon. This article describes the role each of these persons have with breast cancer patients.