Getting a diagnosis of breast cancer can be a shock at any age, but it's even more surprising when it happens to someone young, as it did to 36-year-old actress Christina Applegate. It's unusual to hear of someone getting the disease at that young an age, but it does happen. A good friend of mine from college was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s, but unfortunately by the time it was caught it was too far advanced. She died at age 35.
The good news is that Christina Applegate's breast cancer was caught early and she has a very good prognosis. WebMD has put together an FAQ (frequently asked questions) on Applegate's breast cancer, so women can learn from her experience.
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label breast cancer. Show all posts
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Sunday, October 14, 2007
New Drug Approved to Fight Breast Cancer
The Food and Drug Administration Friday approved the use of the osteoporosis drug Evista to prevent invasive breast cancer in some groups of post-menopausal women who are at risk for breast cancer.
"Today's action provides an important new option for women at heightened risk of breast cancer," Dr. Steven Galson, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared news release. The statement cautioned that because Evista can have serious side effects, each patient should talk with her health care provider about whether the drug is appropriate.
Side effects of Evista are said to include blood clots and stroke, along with lesser symptoms such as hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling of the legs and feet, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and sweating, according to the FDA.
The drug's maker, Eli Lilly and Company, said, "For the first time, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis will have one treatment option that can help address two leading health concerns -- osteoporosis and invasive breast cancer."
The only other drug that has been approved for reducing the chance of breast cancer is tamoxifen, which has had a controversial history due to its side effects.
"Today's action provides an important new option for women at heightened risk of breast cancer," Dr. Steven Galson, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a prepared news release. The statement cautioned that because Evista can have serious side effects, each patient should talk with her health care provider about whether the drug is appropriate.
Side effects of Evista are said to include blood clots and stroke, along with lesser symptoms such as hot flashes, leg cramps, swelling of the legs and feet, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and sweating, according to the FDA.
The drug's maker, Eli Lilly and Company, said, "For the first time, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis will have one treatment option that can help address two leading health concerns -- osteoporosis and invasive breast cancer."
The only other drug that has been approved for reducing the chance of breast cancer is tamoxifen, which has had a controversial history due to its side effects.
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