Women diagnosed with breast cancer who have vitamin D deficiencies are more likely to have poorer outcomes compared to those with normal vitamin D levels, according to the results of a new study. Specifically, the researchers found that breast cancer patients without enough vitamin D were more likely to be diagnosed with higher grade tumors. They were also more likely to experience a recurrence of breast cancer or die from the disease, compared to women with normal vitamin D levels. The research suggests that getting enough vitamin D in the diet may be important to fighting breast cancer.

A protein called mammastatin is being studied to determine whether it can help predict which women are likely to develop breast cancer. First identified in 1986, mammastatin is thought to be produced naturally by breast cells. Research has shown that the mammastatin protein may be absent or present in lower than average levels in breast cancer patients. A company called Abviva recently obtain a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office as the exclusive licensee of the diagnostic uses for Mammastatin.

Magnetic resonance breast imaging (MRI, MR) has been approved by U.S. FDAsince 1991 for use as a supplemental tool, in addition to mammography, to help diagnose breast cancer. Breast MRI is an excellent problem-solving technology. It is often used to investigate breast concerns first detected with mammography, physical exam, or other imaging exams. This article provides detailed information and images of breast MRI.

Most women who develop cervical cancer tend to have one or more identifiable factors that increase their risk for the disease. Some risk factors can be changed (such as smoking and diet) while others cannot be changed (such as age and race). In addition, there are certain symptoms that can be associated with cervical cancer, though some women with early stages of the disease do not have any symptoms, which is why it is important for women 18 years of age and older to receive Pap tests to screen for the disease This article provides information on cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms.