Migraines linked to lower breast cancer risk

Posted on 2008-11-07 06:15:07 in Cancer | Headache | Women's Health |
New research suggests that women who suffer regular migraines are significantly less likely to develop breast cancer.

New research suggests that women who suffer regular migraines are significantly less likely to develop breast cancer.

Results of the study of 3,412 women, 1,938 of which had been diagnosed with breast cancer and 1,474 who had no history of the disease. Results showed that women who regularly suffered from migraines were 30% less likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not suffer from migraine.
 
The reasons behind the link between migraine and breast cancer are uncertain, however the authors suspect that it is down to fluctuations in levels of circulating hormones. "Migraines seem to have a hormonal component in that they occur more frequently in women than in men, and some of their known triggers are associated with hormones. For example, women who take oral contraceptives – three weeks of active pills and one week of inactive pills to trigger menstruation – tend to suffer more migraines during their hormone-free week," said study leader Dr Christopher Li in a news release issued by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. "While these results need to be interpreted with caution, they point to a possible new factor that may be related to breast-cancer risk. This gives us a new avenue to explore the biology behind risk reduction. Hopefully this could help stimulate other ideas and extend what we know about the biology of the disease."

Mathes RW, Malone KE, Daling JR, Davis S, Lucas SM, Porter PL, Li CI. Migraine in Postmenopausal Women and the Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. 2008;17:3116-3122.

News release: Migraines associated with lower risk of breast cancer. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. November 1st 2008.

 


Health Headlines

Gut Bacteria May Promote Weight Gain
In a lab animal model, booming gut flora spawned by the Western diet is linked to obesity.
Reduce Income Inequalities to Save Millions of Lives and Improve Quality of Life
International study reaffirms importance of resolving the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries.
Chocolate May Slash Stress
Switzerland-based research team assesses the metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress hormones.
Among Youngest Older Americans, Disability on the Rise
UCLA researchers find disability rates in Americans entering their 60s are on the rise, potentially fueled by the overweight/obesity epidemic.
Living to 100 Linked to Variant of Telomere Enzyme
Genetic clues to longevity discovered among a homogenous ethnic population.
Keep Muscles Strong to Slash Risk of Cognitive Decline
Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (USA) researchers find that a loss of muscle strength raises risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Cumulative Exposure to Common Infections May Raise Risk of Stroke
Stroke risk may rise in those with common infectious pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and herpes simplex viruses.
Chemical Present in Plastic Bottles, Canned Products Linked to Male Reproductive Problems
First study in humans links bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to male sexual function problems.
Promote Walking to Encourage Healthy Habits
Simple steps in the community can promote walking among residents.
Poor Leadership at Work Can Make Employees Sick
Study finds that people who are dissatisfied with their workplace bosses not only take more sick leave, but are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Brain Age Workshop
Dr. Eric Braverman, Director of The Place for Achieving Total Health (PATH Medical), Chairs the Brain Age Workshop taking place Dec. 9, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Winter Session of the 17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The Brain Age Workshop features presentations on Brain Mind Assessment via Neuropsychological Analysis, Movement Deficiency Syndrome, Hormones and the Brain, Nootropic Drug Mechanisms, and Traumatic Brain Injury. View this video to learn about Dr. Braverman’s brain-based model of aging and age modulation.

International Events
See all events »