Woman's World

5 Simple Breast Cancer Prevention Tips—Plus a Surprising GLP-1 Twist

Rachel Cosma — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 15:49:02 +0000

About one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, according to BreastCancer.org. “Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cause of cancer death worldwide, although survival continues to improve in many countries,” reveals Hope Rugo, MD, medical oncologist with City of Hope. And while there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it completely, you can reduce your risk with a few simple lifestyle changes. Here, the simple breast cancer prevention strategies experts recommend.

5 breast cancer prevention strategies backed by science

To help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, give these smart strategies a try—in addition to keeping up with regular breast cancer screenings, of course.

Savor veggie chili

Chili season is here, and your next batch can help ward off cancer when you pack it full of legumes. Research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has shown that a plant-based diet rich in beans and legumes such as lentils can reduce the incidence of a number of cancers, including breast. Polyphenols in lentils help regulate estrogen in the body, a hormone that often feeds breast cancer growth. If you must add meat, opt for chicken or turkey—red meat has been linked to higher breast cancer risk. Eat one to three half-cup servings each week to get the benefit.

Enjoy mocktail hour

Swapping wine for alcohol-free mocktails can cut your breast cancer risk by at least 10 percent, according to multiple studies. Alcohol breaks down to acetaldehyde, which damages DNA, while also increasing inflammation and altering hormone levels. “Epidemiologic studies suggest that regular alcohol intake increases the risk of breast cancer, perhaps due to increased estrogen storage and increased weight,” says Dr. Rugo. Still prefer wine or beer? Non-alcoholic versions of those drinks are available too.

Cut the lights

Have a habit of sleeping with the TV or a nightlight on? Artificial light can impact your sleep cycle, which a study in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology has shown could increase breast cancer risk. Nighttime disruptions impede production of melatonin—a sleep hormone that helps inhibit breast cancer growth—while also hampering the immune system. A better bet when it comes to breast cancer prevention: Switch off all electronics before bed and use blackout shades or an eye mask.

Go leaf peeping

Hiking the woods or even taking a neighborhood stroll to see fall foliage could help protect your breast health, as a study in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment found staying physically active helps curb cancer risk. “Exercise improves overall health and may reduce the risk of a number of illnesses including breast cancer,” confirms Dr. Rugo. “This may be due to reducing inflammation as well as improving weight and cardiovascular health.”

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days a week as part of your breast cancer prevention strategy. Tip: Need a little motivation to get moving? Download a podcast you only listen to while exercising, then slip on a pair of comfortable headphones like (Skullcandy Crusher 720 Headphones) and cue up the latest episode while you walk.

Breast cancer prevention bonus: Could GLP-1s curb your risk?

New research has shown a link between GLP-1 weight loss drugs and a reduction in breast cancer risk. “GLP-1 agonists have a number of beneficial effects,” Dr. Rugo says. “There is increasing data that use might decrease the risk of breast cancer and a number of other medical conditions.” That said, more research is still needed to confirm the connection.

A version of this story appears in the October 12, 2026, issue of Woman’s World.

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

More Young Adults Are Getting Colon Cancer. Doctors Say Don’t Ignore These Signs

Hanna Wickes — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 01:58:59 +0000

Colorectal cancer is no longer a disease that mostly strikes people in their 60s and 70s. It has quietly become the leading cause of cancer deaths in Americans under 50, and doctors still cannot fully explain why cases in young adults keep climbing.

“We are seeing a clear uptick in colorectal cancer in younger generations,” Haddon Pantel, MD, a colorectal surgeon at Yale Medicine, told Yale Medicine. The shift has forced a rewrite of screening guidelines and left researchers scrambling to identify the culprit.

How much colorectal cancer is rising in young adults

The numbers are striking. A 2023 report from the American Cancer Society found that 20% of colorectal cancer diagnoses in 2019 were in patients under 55, roughly double the rate seen in 1995. Rates of advanced disease have climbed about 3% each year in people younger than 50.

A 2026 American Cancer Society study published in JAMA found that overall cancer mortality in Americans under 50 dropped 44% between 1990 and 2023. Colorectal cancer defied that trend, rising 1.1% every year since 2005. The disease moved from the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in that age group to the first.

“We’re still seeing the trend, so it wasn’t temporary,” said Dr. Vikram Reddy, a Yale Medicine colorectal surgeon who was among the first to spot the pattern about 15 years ago.

Why doctors still don’t know what’s causing it

There is no confirmed explanation. Researchers have pointed to a familiar list of associated factors. Sedentary lifestyles, being overweight or obese, smoking and heavy alcohol use are all under scrutiny, along with diets low in fiber and diets high in fat or processed meats. Environmental exposures are also being investigated.

Genetics were an early suspect, but the evidence hasn’t lined up. Lynch Syndrome, the most common inherited condition tied to colorectal cancer, usually produces tumors on the right side of the colon. That is not the pattern doctors are seeing in these younger patients. Reddy said many of the young people diagnosed at Yale have sporadic cancers with no identifiable genetic syndrome.

“There may be other genes associated with predisposition for colorectal cancer that have yet to be discovered,” Jessica DiGiovanna, MS, a licensed certified genetics counselor with the Smilow Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, told Yale Medicine. Scientists have mapped only about a third of the roughly 20,000 human genes.

Environmental influences are the current leading theory. “What’s alarming is that we don’t know what’s causing it. Right now, we think environmental influences are underlying the rise in incidence,” Sonia Kupfer, MD, a gastroenterologist and director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic, told UChicago Medicine.

Why colorectal cancer is often caught too late

Colon and rectal cancers frequently develop without any symptoms, so patients often have no idea anything is wrong until the disease is advanced. When symptoms do appear, they can look like less serious issues such as hemorrhoids.

Screening avoidance makes the problem worse. Many people skip colonoscopies because of the required bowel prep. Stool-based tests and an FDA-approved blood test called Shield by Guardant Health offer easier options, but any positive result still requires a follow-up colonoscopy. Kupfer noted that colonoscopy remains the only test that can both detect and remove precancerous polyps while also identifying cancer early.

Who faces the highest risk

Family history matters. Anyone with a personal history of polyps or a close relative who has had colorectal cancer faces elevated risk. Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis also raise the odds, because chronic inflammation encourages abnormal growths.

“People need to talk to their families. Even if your mom had a non-cancerous polyp at age 40, you need to start screening for colorectal cancer younger [than 45],” Rebecca Siegel told NBC News.

Symptoms deserve attention at any age. Changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding are common warning signs, along with abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. Any of these should prompt a conversation with a doctor regardless of how young the patient is.

What the current screening guidelines say

The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends regular screening starting at age 45, lowered from 50 in 2021. Higher-risk patients may need to start earlier and screen more often. According to the CDC, routine screening could prevent one in three colorectal cancer deaths.

Researchers at Yale and elsewhere are working to identify new genes that could predict risk, while molecular tumor profiling helps guide treatment once cancer is found. Advocates are also pushing to lower the recommended screening age again.

What doctors want you to do

The message from specialists is simple. Don’t wait.

“If anyone has any change in their bowel habits, if they have any bleeding, even if they think it’s a hemorrhoid, and it doesn’t go away, just get a colonoscopy,” Reddy told Yale Medicine.

Kupfer echoed the point. “It’s not impossible for people in their 30s to get colon cancer. The best advice we can give is to not ignore any symptoms. If you notice blood in your stool, don’t just assume it’s hemorrhoids, talk to your doctor.”

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Skin Cancer Is the Most Common Cancer in the U.S. Here’s How Families Can Protect Their Skin

Hanna Wickes — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 02:08:54 +0000

Skin cancer deaths are climbing, and the divide between who catches disease early and who doesn’t often comes down to habits set at home. Men are dying from melanoma at roughly twice the rate of women, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, and much of that gap is preventable when families protect themselves together.

Melanoma has a high cure rate when caught early. The trouble is that too many people, especially men, miss the early window. Building sun-safe habits across the whole household, including partners, kids and older relatives, is one of the most effective ways to close that gap.

Why men face a higher skin cancer risk

Men aged 15 to 39 are 55% more likely to die of melanoma than women in the same age group, per the Skin Cancer Foundation. Men under 49 have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer, and most U.S. melanoma diagnoses involve white men over age 55.

Several factors drive the gap. Men come in for skin checks less often, and they often wait longer between spotting something unusual and seeing a doctor. Melanoma also tends to appear in hard-to-see places on men, like the back of the torso or the scalp.

“Men are, at the baseline, less likely to see a doctor, potentially delaying care. In Washington, melanoma incidence and mortality are highest among white men over age 50,” S. Max Vale, MD, a dermatologist at UW Medicine Primary Care at South Lake Union, told Right as Rain by UW Medicine.

Vale also pointed to a knowledge gap. “Men may know less about skin cancer and, compared to women, have less engagement in preventive health behaviors. Beauty and health campaigns that emphasize sunscreen often preferentially target female consumers, as well,” he said.

A 2016 report from the American Academy of Dermatology Association found only 54% of men knew that a base tan offers no protection from harmful UV rays, compared with 70% of women.

What every family can do to prevent skin cancer

Prevention starts at home, and the same rules work for kids, teens and adults.

Wear sunscreen year-round, not only in summer. Keep a bottle by the door as a reminder.
Skip tanning beds entirely. Just one session raises the risk of skin cancer, and using a tanning bed before age 35 raises melanoma risk by 75%.
Wear sun-protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, especially for outdoor workers or frequent outdoor enthusiasts.
Stay out of direct sunlight during peak UV hours, roughly 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Check the UV index before heading out. When the UVI climbs above 6, sun damage risk rises sharply. Forecasts are available at Accuweather.com.
Remember that windows block UVB rays but not UVA rays, which still contribute to skin cancer and aging at home, at work and in the car.

How to do a skin self-exam as a household

Regular self-exams remain the best way to catch skin cancer early, when treatment is simplest. Vale recommends doing them consistently through the year, not only in warmer months.

Partners play a critical role in checking the back, scalp and ears, all areas with heavy sun exposure that are hard to see on your own. Teach kids early to notice the spots on their skin and flag any changes. Monthly self-exams paired with annual full-skin exams from a dermatologist give every family member the best shot at early detection.

Why the age 50 mark matters

After 50, men become more likely than women to develop melanoma, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, and that risk climbs with age. Biological differences may contribute. Men have thicker skin with more elastin and collagen, and lower estrogen levels than women.

“Higher estrogen levels are associated with a better immune response to melanoma and melanoma survival. Men tend to have lower estrogen levels than women,” Vale said.

Whatever the biology, the behavioral gap is fixable. Households that share sunscreen habits, watch each other’s backs and treat skin checks as routine can flip the odds in their favor.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

4 Skin Cancer Prevention Tips Dermatologists Swear by for Summer—and Beyond

Rachel Cosma — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:00:10 +0000

Summer days at the beach, pool or in the garden can lead to accidental sunburn if we’re not careful, which may increase the odds of several common types of skin cancer (including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) down the line. “Protecting the skin from sun damage is important because UV radiation is the most significant and modifiable environmental risk factor for developing skin cancer,” says Michael Christopher, MD, board-certified dermatologist. When it comes to skin cancer prevention, we’re sharing the strategies that really work.

4 skin cancer prevention tips experts swear by

We know you know this, but it bears repeating: Avoiding indoor tanning beds and regularly applying sunscreen (even on cloudy days) are two crucial steps that should be part of everyone’s skin cancer prevention routine. Aside from those smart moves, there are other ways to help protect against excess sun exposure:

Eat red fruits and veggies

Red foods such as tomatoes, watermelon and peppers contain a nutrient called lycopene, which studies have found helps protect skin from UV-ray damage. Dr. Christopher says eating these foods can’t replace sunscreen, of course, but their antioxidant properties can be beneficial to skin. “UV radiation creates oxidative stress in the skin, and some antioxidants may reduce UV-related damage,” he explains. (Bonus: Check out how lycopene supports weight loss.)

Wear sunscreen—even under clothing

Regular clothing only offers minimal protection against the sun’s rays, and the UPF in sun shirts may lose effectiveness after repeated washing. That’s why it’s important to wear sunscreen even under clothing. Two sunscreen options we like: Peach & Lily Sun Cover Mineral Sunscreen is a great option for your face—it fights oxidative stress and inflammation—while Vacation Classic Whip Glow SPF 30 gives your body a radiant shimmer.

Also smart: Choose more protective fabric when you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. “A thin white cotton shirt (bleached cotton) allows significantly more UV radiation to reach the skin than an unbleached cotton shirt, which contains natural components that provide UV protection such as pectin, pigment, wax and lignin,” Dr. Christopher points out. Synthetic materials such as polyester and darker colors also provide more protection and aid in skin cancer prevention.

Avoid sneaky sun damage

Dr. Christopher says it’s important to wear sunscreen every day to avoid unintentional damage while driving, getting the mail or walking the dog. “I see patients who get sunburned not because they spent the day at the beach, but because they were outside longer than expected,” he says.

Treat bad burns

Applying topical fluorouracil (a prescription medication) to badly sun-damaged skin helps keep burns from advancing into something more serious. “Numerous studies have shown its efficacy at reducing actinic keratosis (precancerous growths), as well as reducing the formation of squamous cell carcinoma in the treatment areas,” Dr. Christopher says. Studies show applying this prescription treatment option to damaged skin for up to four weeks delivers the benefit.

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Colon Cancer Screening Guidelines Changed: What Women Over 40 Need To Know

Cailey Griffin — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 15:34:02 +0000

Colon cancer used to feel like a worry for later—something to think about decades down the road. Not anymore. An estimated 158,850 Americans will be newly diagnosed with colon cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society, and the disease is now the leading cause of cancer death among Americans under 50, up from the fifth leading cause in 2005. Here’s the good news: Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when caught early. A little knowledge—and a willingness to schedule that screening you’ve been putting off—can truly save your life. Here’s everything you need to know about colon cancer screenings and how to stay healthy.

When to start colon cancer screening

Major health organizations, including the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the American Cancer Society, now recommend that average-risk adults begin screening for colorectal cancer at age 45. That’s a shift from the previous guideline of 50, updated in 2021 in response to rising cases in younger adults.

Some women need to start even earlier. Douglas K. Rex, MD, a clinical gastroenterologist with Indiana University Health, says those with a close relative diagnosed with colon cancer, a family history of colorectal cancer or an advanced colon polyp under age 60 should “begin colonoscopy at age 40, or 10 years younger than the age at which the relative was diagnosed, whichever occurs first.”

Women with long-standing ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s colitis often need a colonoscopy every one to three years, depending on how extensive their disease has been.

Colon cancer symptoms you shouldn’t brush off

Colon cancer often develops silently, which is exactly why screening matters so much. But certain symptoms warrant a call to your doctor right away:

Blood in your stool, whether dark or bright red
Changes in bowel habits, including constipation, diarrhea or changes in stool shape
Chronic abdominal pain, bloating or cramping
Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained fatigue or iron deficiency anemia

“Blood in the toilet bowl, in any amount, deserves attention,” Dr. Rex says. “Even blood only on the toilet paper should be discussed with a doctor.”

When to worry about colon polyps

If your doctor finds polyps during a colonoscopy, take a deep breath. Polyps are common, and most never cause problems. But because polyps are the precursors of nearly all colon cancers, removing them is the key to prevention. “People often don’t realize how routine polyps are,” Dr. Rex says. “We see them in nearly half of adults over 45, and most never produce symptoms.”

After removal, polyps are sent to a pathologist to determine whether they’re harmless or precancerous. The findings, plus the size and number of polyps, guide when you’ll need your next colon cancer screening. Women with one or two small precancerous polyps typically return in seven to 10 years. Larger polyps require closer follow-up—sometimes within six months to a year.

Colonoscopy vs. Cologuard: Which colon cancer screening is right for you?

When it comes to choosing a screening method, colonoscopy remains the gold standard—especially for those with a higher risk of colorectal cancer. “A colonoscopy is clearly better,” confirms Anish A. Sheth, MD, chief of gastroenterology at Penn Medicine, Princeton Medical Center. “It’s better at picking up polyps, and it has a much longer track record.”

Cologuard, the at-home stool DNA test, is over 90 percent effective at detecting colon cancer and very large polyps. But it’s only about 30 percent effective at finding smaller polyps that can lead to tumors. “If you’re in your 40s or 50s and have never had a colonoscopy before, [Cologuard] just isn’t good enough to buy you the 10-year [peace of mind] you would get from a colonoscopy,” Dr. Sheth says.

Cologuard may make sense for low-risk adults age 75 and older who’ve had clean colonoscopies, or for those who can’t undergo the procedure for medical or personal reasons. “We always say that the best screening test is the one a patient will actually do,” Dr. Sheth emphasizes.

5 ways to lower your colon cancer risk

Lifestyle changes—along with regular screenings—can meaningfully reduce your odds of developing colon cancer. Doctors recommend these strategies:

Eat more fiber and fewer ultra-processed foods. Aim for at least 25 grams of fiber daily from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Limit red meat to about 18 ounces per week and avoid processed meats.
Move your body. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity weekly, combining cardio and strength training.
Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body fat, especially around the waist, can drive hormonal and inflammatory changes that promote tumor growth.
Know your family history. A close relative’s diagnosis could mean you need earlier or more frequent screenings for colon cancer.
Limit alcohol and quit smoking. Both can damage DNA and raise cancer risk throughout the digestive tract.

“Colon cancer is one of the few cancers we can truly prevent,” says Amar Rewari, MD. “Genetics may set the blueprint, but your lifestyle writes the script.”

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

7 Early Signs of Colon Cancer Every Woman Over 40 Should Know

Carissa Mosness — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:30:00 +0000

Cases of colon cancer are rising fast, especially in younger adults—and the earliest warning signs are surprisingly easy to brush off. Just ask the family of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died on February 11 at age 48 from colorectal cancer, or health writer Alexandra Frost, who was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at 37 after dismissing her symptoms as a diet issue. Knowing the signs of colon cancer could quite literally save your life. Here’s what every woman should watch for.

What colon cancer is—and who’s at risk?

Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, the lower part of the digestive system. According to the American Cancer Society, 108,860 Americans are currently fighting the disease, and 53,450 of those are women. It’s the number two leading cause of cancer death in the nation behind lung cancer, and experts predict it will become the leading cause for people under 50 by 2030.

That’s why major health organizations now recommend that average-risk individuals begin regular colorectal cancer screening at age 45 rather than 50, says David D. Clarke, MD, board-certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology and affiliated with Oregon Health & Science University. (Learn more about Cologuard vs. colonoscopy screenings.)

The trend in younger adults is especially troubling. “We know colorectal cancer has been increasing in young people, and it is not exactly clear why,” explains Peter Stanich, MD, gastroenterologist with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Part of this is likely due to increasing obesity and changes in diets over time, but many people are still investigating the cause.”

Cases in the 20-to-39 age group have increased by two percent every year since the mid-1990s, and by 2030, cases in younger adults are expected to nearly double.

7 early warning signs of colon cancer

According to Lynn Durham, EdD, CEO of Georgia CORE (Center for Oncology Research and Education), women shouldn’t ignore these seven symptoms, which can be early signs of colon cancer:

Persistent abdominal pain
Difficulty passing gas
Chronic fatigue
Unexplained weight loss
Anemia
Blood in stool
Stool that’s oddly narrow or pencil-thin

Risk factors include:

Family history of colon cancer
Chronic dehydration
Carrying extra belly fat
Smoking
Eating lots of red and processed meats

If a close relative was diagnosed with colon cancer, Durham recommends getting screened 10 years before their diagnosis age.

James Van Der Beek’s early signs of colon cancer

Before his death, James Van Der Beek was outspoken about the symptom that almost slipped past him: a change in bowel habits. He initially blamed his morning coffee.

“I thought, I probably need to change my diet a little bit. Maybe I need to stop drinking coffee. Maybe I need to not put cream in the coffee. And then I finally took that out of the diet, and it didn’t improve, and I thought, all right, I better go get this checked out,” he told People magazine in November 2024.

His diagnosis came during a colonoscopy in August 2023. What made it more shocking? He was otherwise the picture of health. “I was so healthy, was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I was doing the cold plunges, and the saunas and the intermittent fasting and all of it,” he shared on the Today show in December 2025. His message to others: “Get tested, talk to your doctor.”

It’s all too easy to dismiss signs of colon cancer

Health writer Alexandra Frost, diagnosed with stage 3 cancer at 37, missed the same early warning sign James Van Der Beek did—and for the same reason.

“When I first had changes in bowel habits, I blamed my diet. I figured I needed to skip Friday night pizza and drinks with my friends, and that maybe I’d become a bit lactose intolerant. So, I played with my diet a bit and wrote it off,” Frost said.

She didn’t seek help until severe stomach pain sent her to the ER, where doctors found a large tumor in her digestive tract—despite no family history of cancer.

“We see this all the time,” says Avni Desai, MD, gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “Many people assume bowel changes are due to something they ate, stress or a new medication. Rectal bleeding is often blamed on hemorrhoids, even if it’s been going on for months or longer.”

What women need to know

Dr. Desai’s rule of thumb: “If bowel changes or bleeding last more than a few weeks—especially if they don’t improve with simple diet changes—it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider.”

The message from both of these stories is the same: “When colorectal cancer is caught early, it’s highly treatable and often curable,” Dr. Desai says. “Screening saves lives.”

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

New Hope for Treating Aggressive Triple Negative Breast Cancer

kmastrocola — Sat, 09 May 2026 01:00:15 +0000

Cancer is always scary, but few diagnoses carry as much weight as triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Accounting for 10 to 15 percent of all types of breast cancer cases, this form is notoriously aggressive. The good news is that it’s often curable if caught early, and the latest advances are giving hope to millions of women in later stages of the disease. Keep reading as a top oncologist details the most exciting new treatment options as well as breakthroughs that are making her optimistic for the future.

What is triple negative breast cancer?

TNBC is defined by what it is not rather than by what it is, says Sara A. Hurvitz, MD, FACP, a leading oncologist and director of the Clinical Research Division at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. “The majority of breast cancers express proteins called hormone receptors—estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR),” she explains. “Up to three-quarters of breast cancers use these receptors to grow when hormones like estrogen are present. Because of that, we can often treat these cancers with medicines that block hormones or stop them from reaching the cancer cells.”

“Triple negative breast cancer is different. These cancer cells don’t have ER or PR, and they also don’t have extra amounts of another protein called HER2. This protein is found on many normal cells in the body, but in about 15 percent of breast cancers, there’s too much of it, which drives the cancer to grow. When HER2 is present at high levels, we can use treatments that target it.”

In other words, because TNBC lacks these three key markers—estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2 overexpression—there are fewer targets for therapies to home in on, making it harder to treat.

Unfortunately, this is an aggressive form of breast cancer that tends to grow quickly, says Dr. Hurvitz. “We also think there are different subtypes within TNBC, but haven’t been able to fully subclassify it yet. Our hope is that a better understanding of what is driving various types of TNBC will lead to new targeted therapies.”

3 groups more susceptible to triple negative breast cancer

While this invasive breast cancer can affect anyone, there are a few groups that tend to be at higher risk, says Dr. Hurvitz:

Younger women (typically under 40)

TNBC affects younger women, but the cancer may go undetected on routine imaging because younger women have denser breast tissue, she explains. “Mammograms may be less effective at picking up cancer in dense breast tissue, which is why I advise women to be aware of any changes in their breasts and to let their doctor know if they have a family history of any kind of cancer, not just breast cancer.”

If a woman has a family history of ovarian cancer, melanoma, pancreatic cancer or prostate cancer, for example, those could all indicate a genetic factor that could increase their risk of breast cancer, she adds. “Knowing one’s family history is really helpful in determining how early a person should start screening for breast cancer and other cancers.”

Black women

“Although Black women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than white women, they have a higher risk of developing triple negative breast cancer,” she says. In fact, Black women are diagnosed with TNBC at about twice the rate as white women.

Women with a genetic predisposition

Mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene occur in about 10 to 15 percent of all breast cancers, Dr. Hurvitz explains. “People who carry a BRCA1 mutation have a higher chance of developing TNBC. So there may be a genetic component, but most people with TNBC do not have this mutation.”

Triple negative breast cancer treatment options

As you know, the best defense against any cancer is early detection, and that’s especially true for TNBC because it tends to be aggressive. The good news is it can be cured if caught early, assures Dr. Hurvitz. “That’s why knowing one’s family history and following the breast cancer screening guidelines is important.” Here, she shares a few of the leading treatments—including the newest options that are increasing the survival rate for triple negative breast cancer.

Chemotherapy

The traditional treatment for triple negative breast cancer is chemotherapy, which works by killing cells as they divide. “It’s a relatively non-specific therapy, but it is often effective against aggressive cancers that divide quickly like TNBC,” Dr. Hurvitz explains.

Immunotherapy

“In the past five years or so, we’ve begun using immunotherapy to ramp up the immune system to recognize and attack breast cancer,” she says. “It’s been a major advance, improving survival in both advanced disease and in early-stage, potentially curable cases.”

Antibody-drug conjugates

“More recently, a class of drugs called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has been developed. These treatments pair an antibody that targets a specific protein on cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug. The antibody helps deliver the chemotherapy directly to the cell,” says Dr. Hurvitz. It’s currently approved for patients with late-stage disease. It’s not yet approved for early-stage breast cancer, but it’s being studied.”

She notes that emerging research highlights the powerful one-two punch of immunotherapy combined with ADCs—often described as a “Trojan horse” approach.

“The immunotherapy is paired with an ADC called sacituzumab govitecan, which targets a protein called c found at higher levels on cancer cells than on normal cells,” explains Dr. Hurvitz. “The antibody homes in on Trop-2 and delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor, releasing the drug where it’s needed. At the same time, the immunotherapy activates nearby immune cells, helping them recognize the cancer as foreign and attack it.”

The bottom line on treating triple negative breast cancer

“I expect that, over time, these therapies will translate into longer survival and perhaps even more cures,” says Dr. Hurvitz. “We know in many cases immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates don’t just help control the disease, but also extend how long patients live.”

“Looking ahead five to 10 years, we may even see patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer living meaningfully longer. With additional immune-based and ADC strategies on the horizon—designed to target tumors more precisely and with less toxicity—there is real reason for optimism.”

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This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

What Women 50+ Need To Know About New Mammogram Guidelines

Allison Palmer — Thu, 07 May 2026 14:42:23 +0000

If you’ve been getting a mammogram every year and recent headlines are making you second-guess yourself, take a breath. The latest medical guidance says you’re probably doing just fine, and you may actually be able to screen less often without any added risk.

On April 17, 2026, the American College of Physicians (ACP) released new guidelines recommending that all average-risk women ages 50 to 74 get a screening mammogram every two years. If you’ve already been screening every other year, you’re aligned with the latest evidence. If you’ve been going annually, this is worth a conversation with your doctor, not a reason to worry.

Why the conflicting advice on mammogram guidelines feels so frustrating

Here’s why it’s confusing: Different medical organizations keep landing in different places. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that average-risk women start screening at age 40 and get a mammogram every two years through age 74. The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual screening starting at 40. The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms between ages 45 and 54, with women 55 and older switching to every other year or continuing annually.

That’s at least four different sets of recommendations. No wonder it’s hard to keep track. But here’s what’s worth holding onto: The two groups that base their guidance on the broadest reviews of clinical evidence, the ACP and the USPSTF, both land in the same place for women 50 to 74. Every two years.

The number that makes the case for biennial mammograms

The every-two-years recommendation comes down to a tradeoff most women don’t hear enough about: false positives.

Women who get annual mammograms face a 50 to 60 percent chance of receiving a false positive result over 10 years. That means callbacks, follow-up imaging and sometimes biopsies, all for something that turns out not to be cancer. Those experiences are stressful, time-consuming and often avoidable.

Screening every two years significantly reduces that false positive risk while still catching cancers early enough to make a real difference. And you’re not in the minority if that’s your schedule:about 80 percent of U.S. women aged 50 to 74 already undergo biennial mammography.

What if you’re between 40 and 49?

For women in their 40s, the ACP’s guidance is more personal. Rather than a blanket recommendation, it says screening decisions in this age group should be made individually with a doctor. The reasoning is that harms like false positives, over-diagnosis and over-treatment may outweigh the uncertain benefits for average-risk women in this decade of life.

That doesn’t mean skip screening. It means the right answer depends on your personal risk factors, family history and what you and your doctor decide together.

What women with dense breasts should know

If you’ve been told you have dense breast tissue, the ACP says 3D mammography may be considered as a supplement, while advising against routine MRI or ultrasound for average-risk individuals. It’s worth asking your doctor directly whether additional screening makes sense for your situation.

“As a gynecologist, for women with dense breast tissue, my next step is usually ordering a supplemental, radiation-free breast ultrasound. Supported by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, this extra step catches more cancers than a 3D mammogram alone,” says Prudence Hall, MD, a traditional gynecologist and surgeon turned pioneer in regenerative medicine. “Why not jump straight to an MRI? While MRIs have the highest detection rates, they are costly and require injecting a contrast dye. An ultrasound is a fantastic, minimally invasive starting point.”

After 74, mammogram guidelines shift

For women 75 and older, the ACP found no clear mortality benefit from continued routine screening, with increased risk of over-diagnosis. The guidance recommends discussing whether to stop screening with your doctor, particularly for those with a life expectancy under five years. This isn’t a signal to stop caring about breast health. It means the risk-benefit calculation becomes more individual, and that conversation with your provider matters more than ever.

The bottom line on the new mammogram guidelines

Whatever your age, the most important thing is that you’re getting screened. If you’re 50 to 74, at average risk and going every two years, the latest evidence backs you up. If you’ve been going annually and want to know whether that’s still necessary, bring it up at your next appointment. Asking that question isn’t being reckless. It’s being informed.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Vitamin D May Boost Breast Cancer Chemotherapy Success by 79%

Allison Palmer — Mon, 04 May 2026 18:58:00 +0000

A clinical trial linking vitamin D to better breast cancer outcomes when being treated with chemotherapy is giving women something concrete to bring to their next doctor’s appointment. The study, published in Nutrition and Cancer and making headlines this week, found that women who took 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily during chemotherapy were dramatically more likely to see their tumors disappear completely.

Researchers at Botucatu School of Medicine at São Paulo State University followed 80 women 45 and older undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (a type of treatment prior to surgery to remove cancerous tumors). Among those receiving vitamin D, 43 percent achieved complete remission compared with 24 percent in the placebo group—a 79 percent relative increase in full response. Researchers are calling for larger trials before the protocol becomes standard care, but the early signal is hard to ignore.

Why vitamin D and chemo may work so well together

Scientists have long suspected vitamin D does more than just bolster bone health. Researchers now believe it may act as a “chemosensitizer,” helping cancer drugs work more effectively in tumor tissue. A 2024 meta-analysis found adequate vitamin D levels were linked to a 22 percent reduction in nonresponse to chemotherapy and a 35 percent reduction in disease progression risk—broader support for what this new trial suggests.

Worth noting: While this study didn’t test whether vitamin D stops breast cancer from forming, the Sister Study found that women with the highest 25-D levels were associated with 21 percent lower breast cancer risk. The TriNetx study (another study addressing the issue) with 73,659 menopausal women found that women with 25-D less than 20 had a 45 percent greater risk of developing breast cancer.

The latest Nutrition and Cancer study also did not report whether 25-D improves outcomes once chemotherapy has already begun. However, a large study of 3,995 women showed that women with invasive breast cancer who have sufficient levels of 25-D, compared to those with low levels, consistently have better overall survival rates.

The deficiency problem most women don’t know they have

Nearly two-thirds of Americans have insufficient vitamin D levels, and women are among the highest-risk groups. Risk climbs with darker skin tones, limited sun exposure, obesity or absorption issues.

The tricky part is that symptoms—fatigue, muscle weakness, bone pain, mood changes and frequent illness—are easy to attribute to aging or a busy season of life. Beyond the cancer research, vitamin D also supports calcium regulation, brain health and immune function, which is why so many women are already supplementing daily.

“When I prescribe D3 for my patients, I recommend that 25D is combined with the hormone K2,” says Prudence Hall, MD, a pioneer in regenerative medicine. “This activates the proteins that deliver calcium to the bones rather than depositing it in the arteries.”

How much vitamin D do you need?

Per the NIH, the recommended daily allowance is 600 IU for adults through age 70 and 800 IU after that. Most Americans fall short of even that baseline. The 2,000 IU dose used in the trial sits above the standard RDA, but well within what researchers describe as safe and effective for correcting deficiency. The NIH’s safe upper limit is 4,000 IU per day for adults.

If you’re already taking a daily D3, it’s worth checking your label. Many over-the-counter softgels contain 1,000 to 5,000 IU per capsule, and a standard multivitamin may add another 400 to 800 IU on top—meaning two everyday habits can quietly stack.

Vitamin D3 vs. D2—and the test worth asking for

Two forms typically show up on supplement shelves: D2 (ergocalciferol), which is often plant-derived, and D3 (cholecalciferol), the form your skin produces from sunlight. Most clinicians prefer D3 for raising blood levels efficiently.

The most useful next step is to ask your doctor for a simple blood test for 25-hydroxyvitamin D. This tells you whether your current routine is working, insufficient or unnecessary. Levels below 20 ng/mL and up to 30 ng/mL are considered deficient levels. Functional medicine advocates for higher levels in the range of 50 to 80 ng/mL. From there, you and your doctor can decide whether supplementing with vitamin D3 daily makes sense for you. Generally, a daily dose of 2,000 to 4,000 IU is needed to maintain adequate 25D levels.

An important note: If you’re in active cancer treatment, don’t adjust your supplementation without first consulting your oncology team. Vitamin D affects calcium metabolism and can interact with certain medications, so dose decisions belong with a doctor who knows your full health picture.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

Can Drinking Dandelion Root Tea Help Protect Against Breast Cancer?

Cailey Griffin — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:30:58 +0000

You might walk right past them in your backyard without a second thought, but those bright yellow dandelions popping up through the grass could hold a remarkable secret. New research suggests that dandelion root extract may be a powerful fighter against breast cancer cells—and the findings are genuinely exciting for those of us who love incorporating natural remedies into our wellness routine. We break down what the research shows about the potential benefits of dandelion tea for breast cancer protection.

Benefits of dandelion tea for breast cancer

The results of this new study are striking and offer real reason to pay attention. When scientists treated human breast cancer cells with dandelion root extract, up to 85 percent of the cells died, according to a study published in the journal Biology. New cancer cell growth was significantly reduced, and the cells stopped dividing, slowing the spread of cancer.

Researchers explain that dandelion root works by blocking cell growth signals that tell cancer cells to grow and survive. The extract essentially cuts off the communication lines that cancer cells rely on to keep multiplying.

What this dandelion tea for cancer study means for you

Before you start stocking up on dandelion root tea, it’s important to keep these anti-cancer findings in perspective. This research was conducted on cancer cells in a laboratory setting, not in human participants. Promising lab results don’t always translate directly to the same outcomes in the human body, and more studies—including clinical trials—would be needed to confirm whether drinking dandelion root tea could have similar cancer-fighting effects in people.

That said, the effects of dandelion root on cancer cells in this study are still significant. The fact that study showed it blocked signaling pathways and killed cancer cells is a compelling starting point for future research. For women already drawn to incorporating natural foods, teas and supplements into their health routines, dandelion root tea represents exactly the kind of discovery worth paying attention to—a simple, accessible option backed by emerging science. (Discover doctor-backed cancer-fighting foods.)

How to add dandelion root tea to your routine

Dandelion tea has an earthy, slightly nutty flavor, and it pairs beautifully with a touch of honey or lemon. It’s widely available at most grocery stores, health food shops and online retailers. It’s one of the more affordable herbal teas on the market, making it an easy and budget-friendly addition to your wellness toolkit.

If you’d like to give anti-inflammatory dandelion root tea a try, here are a few practical tips to get started:

Look for organic dandelion root tea at your local grocery store or health food shop
Consult your doctor before adding any new herbal supplement to your routine, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions
Start with one cup a day and see how your body responds
Enjoy it warm for a cozy, soothing ritual or brew it iced for a refreshing twist

The bottom line on the benefits of dandelion tea for cancer

Science continues to reveal the remarkable potential hidden in the plants around us. While we wait for further studies to explore how these findings apply to real-world health outcomes, there’s something wonderfully empowering about knowing that a simple cup of tea brewed from a humble backyard plant could be part of a bigger wellness picture. So go ahead—put the kettle on.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.