Cochrane

What is the issue? Metastatic breast cancer occurs when the cancer has spread to areas of the body beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes. Although metastatic breast cancer is generally not curable, it is widely accepted that women with metastatic disease should receive some form of chemotherapy to help ease the severity of disease symptoms, while ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence for effects of online support groups for women with breast cancer on emotional distress, uncertainty, anxiety, depression and quality of life. Background Women with a diagnosis of breast cancer can be affected physically, psychologically and emotionally. They are uncertain about the future and may need information ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about the effect of different interventions for raising breast cancer awareness in women. We found two randomised controlled trials, the highest quality of research evidence. Background Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are ...

Review question This review aimed to compare the benefits of surgical removal of underarm lymph nodes with the potential harms associated with this surgical procedure. The review also aimed to learn whether complete removal of all underarm nodes could be replaced by procedures that remove only a small number of lymph nodes. Background Surgical removal ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence concerning the effectiveness and safety of fulvestrant in prolonging time without further progression of cancer in women with advanced hormone-sensitive breast cancer. We found nine studies testing whether or not fulvestrant is superior to other treatment options. Background Seventy percent of breast cancers ...

What is the issue? Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Although the number of women who survive breast cancer is increasing, those women often suffer from psychological or physical problems. We wanted to find out whether yoga can improve quality of life, mental health and symptoms related to cancer in women with a diagnosis ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about the effectiveness and safety of nipple-sparing mastectomy (that is, removing the breast tissue but preserving the entire skin, nipple and areola) compared to traditional mastectomy (that is, removing the skin that overlies the breast including nipple and areola) or skin-sparing mastectomy (that is, removing ...

What is the issue? In the past, women receiving cancer treatment were usually advised to rest and avoid physical activity. But, we now know that too much rest and too little physical activity can lead to muscle wasting. This reduces women's physical fitness level and may limit their regular activities. Women also often have other side effects that ...

Review question We asked if giving fewer radiation treatments (using a higher radiation dose at each visit) was as effective as the conventional 25 to 30 radiation treatments for women with early breast cancer who have breast conserving therapy (keep their breast). Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, with one in ...

What is the issue? Women with early breast cancer who choose to keep their breast need to have radiotherapy (RT) as well as surgery to remove the cancer to make sure it does not regrow in the breast. RT is treatment with high energy x-rays. Having RT for breast cancer usually means 25 to 30 visits to the RT department, five times per week. If breast ...