Aspirin might help breast cancer survivors cut risk of recurrence
Here's a look at some of the top health news being talked about around the U.S. and the world today:
• The inflammation fighting properties of aspirin might help breast cancer survivors stave off a recurrence of the disease, according to a study reported in USA Today.
• A new study shows the first indications a child has autism may not develop until a baby's first year, the Sacramento Bee reported.
• Volunteering can offer a psychological boost and might even help your performance on the job, a new study shows, according to Business Week.
• Scientists are working to enroll 100,000 pregnant women worldwide in the estimated $6.7 billion National Children's Study, which aims to follow their children until their 21st birthday. The goal is to embark on "the largest, most comprehensive long-term study of the health of children, beginning event before they are born," the New York Times reported.
Tina Reed covers health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. You can reach her at tinareed@annarbor.com, call her at 734-623-2535 or find her on Twitter @TreedinAA.
Comments
Tina Reed
Thu, Feb 18, 2010 : 10:55 a.m.
Wanted to mention, the Los Angeles Times health blog had an interesting piece parsing the study linking lower recurrence of breast cancer with aspirin. The piece raises the issue of the limitations many of these studies have and exactly why breast cancer survivors should wait for more research before starting an aspirin regimen. Check it out: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2010/02/quiz-time-aspirin-is-to-breastcancer-recurrence-as-vitamin-e-is-to-.html
Tina Reed
Wed, Feb 17, 2010 : 1:34 p.m.
Uawisok: Your post prompted an interesting conversation about the difference between the words "might" and "may." According to a link one co-worker found - beyond might being the past tense of may - is that "might" indicates a diminishing likelihood. Of course, your point is about the study and the fact the word "might" seems to fudge the value of the results. If you check out the USA Today story (http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-02-17-aspirin17_st_N.htm) researchers said they identified a link between those breast cancer survivors who regularly took aspirin and their reduced chances of either dying or having cancer spread throughout their body. However, as is the case with so many studies, researchers said this study doesn't prove aspirin is the reason for reduced risk and that more rigorous studies would be needed. So for now, it'd be correct to say aspirin MAY help breast cancer survivors. Good luck with the lotto. Who knows? You just might win.
uawisok
Wed, Feb 17, 2010 : 12:29 p.m.
"Aspirin might help breast cancer survivors cut risk of recurrence" The word "might" makes this article of very little value, i.e. " I might win the lottery"