Aspirin, a baby dose, has showed some benefits to deterring reoccurrence of breast cancer. Studies were not looking at Aspirin but found the benefits in breast cancer patients as a common thread. Most women were taking the aspirin for heart benefits and it turns out another benefit is breast cancer re-occurrence. So do you go out and buy the Children’s Aspirin and start taking it immediately? Not so fast. Talk with your oncologist and see if it is right for you. Like any drug taken long term, there are side effects to consider.
The FDA has recommended that the drug Avastin should not be recommended for breast cancer patients. Side effects were too adverse to continue use was given as the reasons. The drug has not been revoked as yet for other cancers. Avastin's maker, Genentech is appealing.
Weight lifting for women after breast cancer surgery has been in question for years. Study after study has come out to say that lymphedema is not a result of increased activity such as weight lifting. Good for you if you have been adding weights to your exercise regime, bad news if you have used your surgery as an excuse!http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/breast_cancer_gals_blast_fda_halt_uoXFKxlaQGPC3t30Y8CAzN
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/managing-your-healthcare/cancer/articles/2010/12/17/health-buzz-avastin-shouldnt-be-used-for-breast-cancer-fda-says.html
http://getbetterhealth.com/about-weightlifting-and-breast-cancer/2010.12.22
2 comments:
Thanks for sharing this information Haralee. While it's heartening to see the old standby (aspirin) has even more benefits, plus of course the value of exercise, its frustrating when drugs are pulled or un-recommended (is that a word?). While I like to stay on top the latest in research, I often wonder if it isn't better to wait a few years and then check out a new RX.
Thanks for your comment Nicole.
It is good to remember that many over the counter drugs were initially prescription drugs when they first came out, and are showing good health benefits over their long tenure.
It is a decision with new drugs to weigh the benefits and the risks, never mind the costs before it is approved by insurance.
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