Women's Health News and Research

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HRT-breast cancer risk stays same, regardless of family history

The risk of developing breast cancer due to taking hormone replacement therapy appears to be the same for women with a family history of the disease and without a family history, a University of Rochester Medical Center study concluded.

19 May 2009

American Civil Liberties Union challenges breast cancer gene patents

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Patent Foundation at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (PUBPAT) filed a lawsuit today charging that patents on two human genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer stifle research that could lead to cures and limit women's options regarding their medical care.

12 May 2009

Job losses have negative effect on health, study finds

Workers who lost their job through no fault of their own were twice as likely as continuously employed workers to report over the next 18 months that they developed a new illness, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, according to a study released last week, the New York Times reports.

12 May 2009

Protein effects of hormone replacement therapy uncovered

An in-depth proteomic analysis of the sera of 50 participants from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) hormone replacement therapy trial provides some explanations for the trial's clinical results.

30 Apr 2009

Women warned about risks of alternative menopause treatments

Scientists at the University of Adelaide in South Australia are warning women about the use of 'alternative' menopause treatments because many have not been properly tested.

26 Apr 2009

Discrepancies between reports of HRT dangers and supporting data

In recent years, a series of highly publicized reports have warned of increases in breast cancer and other health problems in postmenopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

23 Apr 2009

Hormone therapy may lower colorectal cancer risk in women

In a large study, a national team of researchers led by Mayo Clinic scientists observed that self-reported use of hormone therapy was associated with a significantly lower colorectal cancer risk.

22 Apr 2009

Combination of two chemotherapy drugs shows promise against recurrent gynecologic cancers

Recurrent and metastatic endometrial and ovarian cancers can be notoriously difficult to treat: They have spread to other organs and typically have developed resistance to chemotherapy; and patients already heavily treated with chemotherapy may not be able to endure more chemo.

22 Apr 2009

Breastfeeding lowers risk of heart attacks or strokes

The longer women breastfeed, the lower their risk of heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease, report University of Pittsburgh researchers in a study published in the May issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

22 Apr 2009

Removal of ovaries during hysterectomy increases risk of death, outweighs benefits

Results of a landmark study led by a doctor at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center raises serious questions about the long-term survival benefits of removing a woman's ovaries during routine hysterectomy.

20 Apr 2009

Surgical gel used to stop bleeding could confuse mammograms

Dr. Kathleen Ward noticed something odd when she examined the mammogram of a patient who had recently undergone breast cancer surgery.

14 Apr 2009

Multivitamins have no impact on risk of cancer or heart disease in postmenopausal women

The largest study of its kind concludes that long-term multivitamin use has no impact on the risk of common cancers, cardiovascular disease or overall mortality in postmenopausal women.

12 Apr 2009

The invisible woman: Availability and culpability in reproductive health jurisprudence

Women's health is increasingly undervalued in conflicts over reproductive rights, including clashes based on moral objections under so-called conscience clauses, a new study by a University of Illinois legal expert found.

12 Apr 2009

Bionovo announces publication of positive phase 2 trial results for Menerba

Bionovo, Inc. has announced the online publication of a peer-reviewed article in the journal, Menopause, reporting Menerba(TM) (formerly MF101) is well tolerated, safe and effective for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) associated with menopause.

2 Apr 2009

Women's health increasingly undervalued in conflicts over reproductive rights

Beth Burkstrand-Reid says a review of recent reproductive rights cases shows that judges may shortchange women's health when it is pitted against other legal interests, such as religious freedom, potentially leading to rulings that could put health at risk.

1 Apr 2009

Hospital-to-hospital health information exchange begins

LifeBridge Health has begun an electronic exchange of health information between its two hospitals, Sinai Hospital of Baltimore and Northwest Hospital, and Saint Agnes Hospital, a community hospital with an overlapping service area.

1 Apr 2009

Sodas increase risk for coronary heart disease

Regular consumption of sugary beverages such as soda put women at a higher risk for coronary heart disease.

24 Mar 2009

Physical abuse raises women's health costs by 42 percent

Women experiencing physical abuse from intimate partners spent 42 percent more on health care per year than non-abused women, according to a long-term study of more than 3,000 women.

23 Mar 2009

Aspirin decreases first heart attacks in men and first strokes in women

Patients and clinicians should consider risk factors -- including age, gender, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding -- before deciding whether to use aspirin to prevent heart attacks or strokes, according to new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

16 Mar 2009

Risks of using aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke differ by gender and age

Patients and clinicians should consider risk factors-- including age, gender, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking and risk of gastrointestinal bleeding-- before deciding whether to use aspirin to prevent heart attacks or strokes, according to new recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.

16 Mar 2009