Breast MRI screening is a good way to detect small tumours, but it’s unclear how much it benefits women with a history of breast cancer, a new study finds.

Right now, experts recommend that breast cancer survivors have yearly mammograms to help catch any recurrences early. An unresolved question is whether adding breast MRI to that screening is beneficial.

A choice to make

In the new study, researchers found that when survivors underwent MRI screening, it did tend to detect more tumours, compared to yearly mammography alone. But it also more than doubled the number of biopsies women needed – many of which turned out to be benign.

Experts said it leaves women with a choice to make.

“Rather than deciding for women that the risks of any exam outweigh the benefits, we need to be clear and open about exactly what those risks and benefits are, and let them decide what’s most important to them,” said Dr Mary Newell, a radiologist at Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute in Atlanta.

Newell wrote an editorial accompanying the study published online in the journal Radiology.

Breast MRIs can catch some tumours not seen on standard mammograms, but they are also more likely to spot something that turns out to be benign, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Because of that, MRI is reserved for women at high risk of breast cancer. (The average US woman has about a 12% risk.) Right now, the ACS recommends MRI, along with yearly mammograms, when women have a roughly 20% or higher lifetime risk of breast cancer.

Little research evidence

That group includes women who carry certain inherited gene mutations, or who have a particularly strong family history of breast cancer.

But it does not include women with a personal history of breast cancer.

That’s because at the time the recommendations were made – in 2007 – “there simply weren’t any good studies from which we could draw conclusions,” said Robert Smith, vice-president of cancer screening for the ACS.

Even now, he said, there remains little research evidence.

The new study is the largest and most comprehensive to look at the issue so far, according to lead researcher Karen Wernli of Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle.

Wernli and her colleagues combed through information on more than 13 000 breast cancer survivors who were screened for breast cancer at several sites across the United States. All together, they had received nearly 34 000 mammograms and about 2 500 MRI screenings between 2005 and 2012.

Overall, MRI caught more tumours – at a rate of 11 per 1 000 exams, compared to eight per 1 000 for mammography alone. To achieve that rate, though, the MRI group had to undergo more biopsies: 10% of those screenings led to a biopsy, compared to 4% of mammograms.

Potential broader impact

And while MRI detected more early tumours, it’s not clear what the ultimate benefit is: The rate of “interval” cancers – cancers diagnosed in the year between screenings – was the same in the mammography-only and MRI groups.

That suggests, according to Wernli, that mammography did about as well as MRI in detecting tumours that were “clinically important” – small tumours that would progress enough to produce symptoms (like a lump) in the next year.

Wernli pointed to the potential broader impact of using MRI screening for all women with a history of breast cancer. If every US woman diagnosed with non-advanced breast cancer in 2018 underwent one MRI, there would be more than 14 000 additional biopsies.

For individual patients, however, those types of figures may not mean much, Newell pointed out. If, she said, a woman has a lot of anxiety about a cancer recurrence, for example, she might feel the higher odds of needing a biopsy are worth it.

The decision comes down to women discussing the pros and cons of MRI screening with their doctors, the experts said.

They also agreed that more research is needed to figure out whether MRI screening benefits certain breast cancer survivors more than others.

MRI costs substantially more

Smith pointed to some examples. It might be that women with dense breast tissue – which can make mammography interpretation harder – benefit more from adding MRI. The same could be true of women with a family history of breast cancer.

But studies are needed to find out, Smith said.

There are also practical issues. Breast MRI costs substantially more than mammography, and the ACS advises women to first check that their insurance plan covers it.

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HealthDay

Apples and tea are rich in flavonoids, a group of plant compounds which provide health benefits.

While apples are rich in antioxidants, dietary fibre and vitamins, tea provides benefits such as helping with weight loss and protecting your bones. Now, experts suggest that apples and tea can prevent heart disease and cancer, particularly in heavy drinkers and smokers. 

Less cancer and heart disease

New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) looked at the data of 53 048 Danes over the course of 23 years from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that people who consumed moderate to high amounts of foods rich in flavonoids regularly were less likely to die from cancer or heart disease. Participants who consumed 500mg of flavonoids each day had the lowest risk of cancer or heart disease-related death. 

Dr Nicola Bondonno, lead researcher of the study, said that although the study found that the risk of death was lower individuals who consumed flavonoid-rich foods, the effect was stronger for those who faced a high risk of chronic diseases caused by cigarette smoking or those who drank more than two standard alcoholic beverages a day.

“These findings are important as they highlight the potential to prevent cancer and heart disease by encouraging the consumption of flavonoid-rich foods, particularly in people at high risk of these chronic diseases,” she said.

It was also noted that flavonoid consumption does not counteract all risks associated with smoking and high alcohol consumption. It is recommended that people should quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption as far as possible. “We know these kinds of lifestyle changes can be very challenging, so encouraging flavonoid consumption might be a novel way to alleviate the increased risk, while also encouraging people to quit smoking and reduce their alcohol intake.”

Flavonoids anti-inflammatory

Bondonno also recommended that people should consume a variety of flavonoid compounds, which is found in different plant based food and drinks. “This is easily achievable through the diet: one cup of tea, one apple, one orange, 100g of blueberries and 100g of broccoli would provide a wide range of flavonoid compounds and over 500mg of total flavonoids,” she said. 

While previous research has established an association between flavonoid consumption and lower risk of death, the nature of the effect was not clear and considered multifaceted. “Flavonoids have been shown to be anti-inflammatory and improve blood vessel function, which may explain why they are associated with a lower risk of death from heart disease and cancer,” according to Bondonno.

Dr Bondonno said that the next step in terms of research is to look more closely at the types of heart disease and cancers that were most inhibited by flavonoids. 

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Deeanne Daniels

Preemies often lag behind full-term babies in getting routine vaccinations – and the difference remains at age three, a new study finds.

Misguided parental “hesitancy” over the safety of vaccines for preemies might be to blame, researchers said.

Findings are concerning

The study found that preterm babies were less likely to be up-to-date on seven recommended vaccines by 19 months of age. More than half were “under-vaccinated”, and by age three, one-third still were.

Experts said the findings are concerning because preemies are more likely to become seriously ill if they contract the infections that vaccines prevent.

The reasons for the results are not clear – but parents’ wariness could be a factor.

“Parents of preemies sometimes feel that they are dealing with a fragile child,” said Dr Rahul Gupta, chief medical and health officer for the March of Dimes. “Even if they’re not vaccine-hesitant as a philosophy, they may worry about the safety of vaccination for their child.”

Plus, Gupta said, there is a lot going on in those first days to weeks of life in the neonatal intensive care unit – with doctors, nurses and parents focused on various medical needs. Conversations about vaccinations may fall by the wayside.

But, Gupta stressed, it’s vital for preterm infants to get timely immunisations, since their risk of complications from infections is higher than average.

Only a couple of exceptions

“All of the available vaccines are safe and effective for preterm and low birth weight babies,” he said.

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other groups say preemies should follow the standard vaccine schedule recommended for full-term babies. Only a couple exceptions are made: The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, typically given in the first day of life, may be delayed; and the vaccine against rotavirus, which causes severe diarrhoea, is delayed until preemies have left the hospital.

The new findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, are based on more than 10 000 babies born in Washington state between 2008 and 2013. Just over 19% were preterm (born before the 37th week of pregnancy).

Researchers looked at whether the babies were up-to-date on the standard series of seven vaccines. It includes shots against polio, measles-mumps-rubella, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough), chickenpox and hepatitis B. It also includes the “Hib” and pneumococcal vaccines, which can prevent serious bacterial infections of the lungs, blood and brain.

Overall, many babies weren’t caught up on all vaccinations by the age of 19 months – including 48% of full-term babies. But that rate was even higher among preemies, at 54%.

And by age three, the gap still hadn’t closed: Fewer than 64% of preterm toddlers were up to date, compared to 71% of their full-term peers.

Very safe and effective

The generally low rates of timely vaccination are “worrisome,” said lead researcher Dr Annika Hofstetter, of Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington. But, she added, the low numbers among preemies are especially so.

The “next big question” is to figure out what’s going on, she said.

Future studies, according to Hofstetter, could survey parents and health care providers to gauge their awareness of vaccination recommendations and the evidence on vaccine safety for preemies.

But much is already known.

“We know these vaccines are very safe and effective,” Hofstetter said. “We know preterm babies are at higher risk of complications from these infections. And now we know that they’re at risk of under-vaccination.”

The bottom line, she said, is that “we need to do a better job of getting them vaccinated in a timely manner.”

It’s understandable, Gupta said, that parents of tiny or sick newborns might be “cautious” about vaccinations. So it’s important for health care providers to address that, and for parents to ask questions, he said.

Hofstetter agreed. “If parents have any concerns, they should definitely talk to their health care provider,” she said.

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HealthDay

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University and Ritsumeikan University have found a link between the “roundness” distribution of tsunami deposits and how far tsunamis reach inland. They sampled the “roundness” of gravel from different tsunamis in Koyadori, Japan, and found a common, abrupt change in composition approximately 40% of the “inundation distance” from the shoreline, regardless of tsunami magnitude. Estimates of ancient tsunami size from geological deposits may help inform effective disaster mitigation.

For years, scientists have been trying to solve a medical mystery: Why do people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing some forms of cancer? Today, researchers report a possible explanation for this double whammy. They found that DNA sustains more damage and gets fixed less often when blood sugar levels are high compared to when blood sugar is at a normal, healthy level, thereby increasing one’s cancer risk.

There’s the inevitable itch in your throat, runny nose, headache – and of course, the sniffles. 

Before downing your over-the-counter medication, is it worth trying that old natural remedy: chicken soup?

It’s delicious, nutritious and warm – and seems to do the trick.

Here’s why. 

Magic liquid

According to studies, cooking chicken releases the amino acid cysteine, which resembles a drug that can treat upper respiratory infections.

Even better, when you add vegetables to your soup, you’re adding vitamins too, which ups your flu-fighting capabilities.

Drinking liquid broth soups also speeds up the movement of mucous in your nose.

The hot liquid opens up your blood vessels which increases blood flow and allows the mucous to flush everything out.

The warm broth not only soothes your throat, it helps you stay hydrated and eases congestion too.

Good helpers

• Add garlic to your soup. This pungent ingredient has antibacterial properties that help the immune system fight infections.
• For veggies, choose tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, spinach and broccoli. These health helpers are packed with antioxidants that will help keep your immune system healthy.
• Grapefruit, oranges, and lemons are bursting with nutrients and Vitamin C, which will help fight off the sniffles. Drink water to stay hydrated. Sip on 100% orange juice with pulp. It’s packed with Vitamin C and folic acid, which will give your immune system a boost while quenching your thirst.
• In cold weather, hot ginger tea warms the body.

A word on probiotics 

Regulating the good bacteria in your gut can help boost your immune system. Have some yoghurt with your favourite citrus fruits to get a boost of Vitamin C too. Greek yogurt is filled with sickness-fighting probiotics, and packed with more protein than regular yogurt. 

Turn up the temperature

• Add a dash of cayenne pepper to your soup or stew. Cayenne pepper is rich in Vitamin C and helps relieve chills, coughs, and congestion. It’s also an antioxidant and antiseptic. You can even stir some into your tea.
• Chilli peppers can ease congestion and reduce swelling around your nose and throat. It will also help thin out your mucous enough for your body to cough or sneeze it away.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes on your vegetables, grains, chicken, or meat. A little goes a long way. They will boost immunity and open up your blocked nose.
• When you eat spicy foods, your body will naturally loosen the mucous and phlegm that’s clogging your body and you might be able to breathe a little easier.
• Stay away from spicy foods if you have an irritable stomach; it may only aggravate your symptoms. 

Natasha Mabuto

Exercise, even a little of it, can lengthen your life, a new study suggests.

The Norwegian researchers also found that too much sitting was associated with a higher risk of early death.

“Developing ways to limit sedentary time and increase activity at any level could considerably improve health and reduce mortality,” the study authors concluded.

In the study, the team analysed data from eight studies that included more than 36 000 adults, aged 40 and older, who were followed for an average of almost six years.

Decline in deaths

During follow-up, nearly 6% of the participants died. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers concluded that any amount of physical activity, regardless of intensity, was associated with a significantly lower risk of early death.

Death rates fell sharply as total activity increased to an amount that was similar to average activity levels in US men and about 10% to 15% lower than activity levels in Scandinavian men and women, the findings showed.

A similarly steep decline in death rates was associated with increasing amounts of light physical activity up to about 300 minutes (5 hours) a day, and moderate-intensity physical activity of about 24 minutes per day.

The largest difference in early death risk (about 60% to 70%) was between the least and most physically active, with about five times more deaths among inactive people than among those who were most active, according to the report.

The researchers also found that spending 9.5 hours or more each day sitting was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of early death. The report was published in the BMJ.

Any amount of physical activity

The findings add to evidence that any amount of physical activity – whether light, moderate or high-intensity – is beneficial and likely achievable for many people, according to Ulf Ekelund, a professor at the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences in Oslo, and colleagues.

Examples of light-intensity activity include slow walking or household tasks, such as cooking or washing dishes. Moderate activity includes brisk walking, vacuuming or mowing the lawn, while vigorous activity includes jogging, carrying heavy loads or digging.

Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week, but the amount and intensity of activity needed to protect health has been unclear.

These findings provide important information for public health recommendations and suggest that the message might simply be “sit less and move more, and more often,” the researchers said in a journal news release.

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HealthDay

Normal pressure hydrocephalus, which causes mobility and memory issues, can be mistaken for dementia.

Are you having enough sex? It’s a loaded question. “Enough,” like “a lot,” means different things to different people – it could mean every night, twice a week or twice a month.

Many studies have tried to pinpoint how often the average couple has sex, how that number might change at various stages in a relationship and the ideal amount for happiness.

But one of the most interesting takeaways from recent research is that enough sex is whatever amount brings both sexual and marital satisfaction to both partners. It’s not the number of times detailed in a magazine article or how often your best friend and his or her partner are having it.

And more isn’t always better. In fact, according to one study, couples who have a lot of sex but feel like they’re just going through the motions or that the sex is dull aren’t happier or more satisfied with the sex or their relationship.

Tips and tricks

So, what are the secrets of satisfied couples?

They’re things that focus on the quality of sex, not the quantity. This includes being in sync with your partner when it comes to frequency and variety in lovemaking.

Communication, including talking about sexual desires, is at the heart of being in sync, yet so many people still feel awkward about bringing up likes and dislikes.

Having the same view on the importance of sex in the relationship – where it is on the list of life’s priorities – is also key.

And because marital satisfaction is the foundation for marital sex, another secret is to nurture your relationship with loving, non-sexual displays, which can be as simple as saying “I love you” more often.

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HealthDay

Ashley Graham is leaving little to the imagination when it comes to showing off her baby bump.

The supermodel — and first-time mom-to-be! — showed off her pregnancy figure in a nude Instagram snap she took fresh off a massage.

In the sun-kissed photo, Graham, 31, stands with her hands covering her breasts, wearing only a white robe that’s fallen off her shoulders and onto her elbows.

“Practicing some serious self care and feeling grateful for an hour and a half of massage bliss,” she captioned the post, adding an emoji of a woman with a towel wrapped around her head.

Credit for the sultry snap belongs to her husband Justin Ervin, who jokingly commented, “Cool story, yo. Who took the pic?…”

“My sexy husband in a robe as small as mine did! ,” Graham responded.

The couple, who celebrated their nine-year wedding anniversary last week, have been enjoying a getaway at Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa, a boutique hotel on the Caribbean island of St. Barts.

Graham revealed she and Ervin were expecting their first child together last week, with both the mom-and-dad-to-be sharing photos on Instagram.

RELATED: See The Paparazzi Photos Ashley Graham Reused For Her Latest Swim Campaign

The star made the special announcement in celebration of her and Ervin’s anniversary, which she marked with an Instagram video.

“Nine years ago today, I married the love of my life. It has been the best journey with my favorite person in the world!” she captioned the post. “Today, we are feeling so blessed, grateful and excited to celebrate with our GROWING FAMILY! Happy anniversary, @mrjustinervin ️ Life is about to get even better. ”

Ervin also shared the happy news on Instagram, posting a sonogram photo of the couple’s baby on the way, plus two throwback photos of him and Graham.

“To my forever love and my daily inspiration. Happy anniversary @ashleygraham These 9 years have played out like a lifetime,” he captioned the post. “I guess it’s because my life really started once you came into it. Now that we’ve made a life together, let’s make a life together. I love you and I love us. All of us …”

RELATED: This Photo of Ashley Graham in a Bikini Eating Cheetos Is the Most Relatable Thing Ever

Since sharing her secret with the world, Graham has not been shy in showing off her baby body on social media, posting photos and videos of her flaunting her growing bump.

She even drew praise from fans for a nude Instagram photo that highlighted her stretch marks.

“Same same but a little different,” she captioned the post, which featured her hand covering her breast with a red manicure and her wedding ring peeking out.

Many of Graham’s fans used the comments section to leave messages on the post thanking the star for inspiring them to think about their own bodies with a renewed sense of confidence.

“This is what girls need to see,” one user wrote. “We need this as a reference for real and relatable. Women young and old. Thank you!”

Graham has also been open about the many cravings she’s experiencing as a first-time mom-to-be, revealing on Thursday that she was swapping pasta for some leafy greens.

RELATED: This Video of Ashley Graham Getting an Acupuncture Facial Is the Best Thing You’ll See Today

“Who knew this salad craving would be so strong that I’d forget what it’s like to crave mac & cheese?” she wrote on Instagram.

She also confessed in an Instagram Story video that she was going mad for popsicles.

“These cravings are real!” she said, before taking a lick of the bright green dessert.

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