As we approach the end of another year, it's natural to reflect on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned throughout this remarkable journey. When considering my own performance and growth, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing a learning mindset—one that allows for continuous improvement and adaptation to the ever-changing landscape we navigate.

Exploring the crucial relationship between bone health, osteoporosis, and breast cancer treatments. Bone Health and Osteoporosis: Our bones are living tissues that constantly change. Hormones and physical activity help control this process. Two types of cells are important: osteoblasts (which build bone) and osteoclasts (which break down bone).

Breast cancer survivors often experience genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). This condition is frequently undiagnosed and untreated and can start earlier due to cancer treatments. There's been little evidence about the safety of vaginal hormone therapies for women with or at high risk of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a significant health issue affecting many women worldwide. In New Zealand, it's the most common cancer and the second leading cause of death for women. The impact of breast cancer varies among different ethnic groups. Māori and Pacific women are more likely to get breast cancer than New Zealand European women.

Regular exercise enhances overall cardiopulmonary fitness and plays a crucial role in both primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, several obstacles impede increased physical activity, including time constraints, physical limitations, motivational factors, and inadequate facilities.

I recently listened to Prof JA Eden's presentation at the World Menopause Congress on the topic “Why do hormonal contraception and menopausal hormonal treatment have such a small effect on breast cancer risk?”. This is a summary and my interpretation of his talk.

I have recently become aware of the fascinating WISDOM study by Dr. Laura Esserman and her dedicated team at the University of California, San Francisco. As a healthcare professional deeply invested in advancing medical practices, I eagerly anticipate the outcomes of this groundbreaking research.

In the world of breast cancer treatment, we often focus on eradicating the cancer itself. However, it's equally important to address the side effects of cancer therapies, which can significantly impact patients' quality of life. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology sheds light on an important issue: bone loss in premenopausal women with breast cancer undergoing estradiol suppression therapy.

In the ever-changing landscape of nutrition trends, protein has emerged as the reigning champion of nutrients. It's like carbs are so last season, and now everyone's jumping on the protein bandwagon. But what's the deal with this protein craze, and should we really be going nuts over it?

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that stimulates sweetness receptors on the tongue. Because of this, it is used as an artificial sweetener. It's a common ingredient in sugar-free chewing gums, candies, mints, diabetes-friendly foods, and oral-care products.

This large study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center In New York compares how women feel about their quality of life after two different types of breast cancer surgeries. We're talking about breast-conserving therapy (BCT) and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction (PMBR).

“Longevity isn’t just about living a long life but also about living well,” I read in a recent CNN article. They talked to a geriatric specialist from the University of North Carolina who shared three key tips for living well and long.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that omitting completion axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in these patients did not negatively impact their recurrence-free survival.

Why do many people overeat chips, cereals, cakes, puddings, and other ultra-processed foods despite knowing they may not be healthy? According to science, it may be due to manufacturing processes that “predigest” raw food ingredients, creating ultra-processed foods that bypass the body’s signals of fullness.

Over the years, several patients have approached me with inquiries about the use of aspirin as a preventive measure against breast cancer. To address their concerns, I decided to delve into research and came across an informative study titled "Aspirin vs Placebo as Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer: The Alliance A011502 Randomized Trial".

We hear everywhere that we should eat more plant-based food. There is more plant-based food in the supermarkets, like oat milk, almond milk, vegan cheeses, and vegan yoghurts. But is all this healthier for us?

I have recently read an article about Jung’s Five Pillars of Good Life. He was a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst who founded analytical psychology. He was born in 1875 and died at age 85 in 1961. I believe that his pillars are valid even now.

Why do many people overeat chips, cereals, cakes, puddings, and other ultra-processed foods despite knowing they may not be healthy? According to science, it may be due to manufacturing processes that “predigest” raw food ingredients, creating ultra-processed foods that bypass the body’s signals of fullness.

Research has consistently demonstrated that education levels play a crucial role in reducing all-cause mortality, including cancer mortality, across all age groups and demographic profiles. A comprehensive study published in Lancet Public Health in 2024 confirmed this relationship: for every additional year of education, the risk of cancer mortality decreases by an average of 1.9%.

I have recently read a study called WISER Survivor Trial: Exploring the Effects of Exercise and Weight Loss on Inflammation in Breast Cancer Survivors. This study was done as obesity and physical inactivity are known to increase the risk of breast cancer recurrence and cardiovascular disease.