Monday's health links

Welcome to Autumn, friends! The beautiful rain, the crisp fall breeze, children back at school...that can only mean one thing...flu season. Go wash your hands!

1. A new study for breast cancer treatment tests whether bumping up radiation can cut treatment time in half. That could have a big impact since it will mean treatment will cost less and be completed more quickly. Some of my US friends have asked whether radiation dosages are higher in Canada. Many of them have done around 7 weeks of treatment but I only did 5 1/2. And mine was considered a high risk case, so it's not likely I received less radiation than the average bear. USA Today.
2. Promising new study examined combining two drugs (everolimus plus exemestane) to better treat ER-positive breast cancer. Examiner.
3. And...targeted chemo used to better fight metastatic breast cancer. Medscape.
4. Study into new prostate cancer drug is so successful they end the study early. Daily Mail.
5. Eating blueberries may slow the growth of breast cancer cells. Promising news for triple-negative cancer. Sacramento Bee.
6. Phytoestrogens, like those found in vegetables, bran, sesame seeds, barley and flaxseeds, linked to lowered risk of breast cancer and breast cancer death. But what the heck does that mean for us estrogen-positive chicks? To take us into account, the study leader expressed a desire to sample a much larger group of women. Until then, I will continue to eat lots of veggies, seeds and bran, but I will be limiting my intake of flax. Emax Health.
7. Add legumes to your diet and support a Saskatchewan farmer! You non-Canadians who may not be so moved should also know that they are an excellent source of folate, the B vitamin touted as a weapon against colon cancer. Globe and Mail.

Have a great week!