Written by Thu Tran, MD,FACOG
March 31, 2016
Aspirin Use and Cancer Prevention
Two large studies, reported by Dr. Yin Chao from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, showed how regular use of Aspirin was associated with a moderate to significant lowered risk of certain cancers especially colorectal cancer. Results from these two studies, the Nurses’ Health study (1980-2010) and Health Professionals Follow-up study (1986-2012), were published in JAMA Oncology. Use of 0.5-1.5 standard aspirin tablets weekly showed a lower risk of colorectal cancer, with the risk being lowered for at least six years.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended aspirin use as a prevention of colorectal cancer and cardiovascular disease. Of course, the patients need to consult with their primary care physicians to make sure there’s no contraindication for them to take aspirin on a frequent basis.
Increased Risk of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) in Obese Women on Birth Control Pills
A study from Netherlands, published in JAMA Neurology, showed a potential higher risk of CVT in obese women who use oral contraceptive pills. This risk was 30 fold higher for obese women (Body Mass Index greater than 30) as compared to normal weight women who did not take birth control pills. Obese women who were not on birth control pills did not have a higher risk of CVT.
The researchers, Jonathan Coutinho, MD, PhD, and coauthors concluded that maybe alternative methods of contraceptions that do not link to increased risk of venous thrombosis (blood clotting problems) should be offered to obese women. For those who want to be on birth control pills, a possible increased risk of cerebral blood clotting should be informed.
Asthma Prevalence is Higher among Obese Women in the US
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a nearly double prevalence of asthma in obese women as compared to moderately overweight or normal weight women. Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 30. Being overweight is defined as a BMI of 25-30. The same effect was not seen in caucasian men.
Across age groups, and in men of Hispanic and African American race, asthma prevalence was found to be higher in men and women who are obese.
For further information, go to cdc.gov
Vaginal Estrogen Use in Patients with Estrogen Dependent Breast Cancer
Many breast cancer patients suffer vaginal dryness after their cancer treatment or after they go into natural menopause. Vaginal dryness can lead to painful intercourse or bladder infection. The American College of ObGyn (ACOG) ‘s current recommendations and conclusions on the use of vaginal estrogen for breast cancer patients under treatment or survivors can be summarized as followed:
–Nonhormonal approaches should be tried first (such as lubricants)
–Among women with estrogen dependent breast cancer, vaginal estrogen should be reserved for those not responsive to nonhormonal approaches.
–The decision to use vaginal estrogen should be made in coordination with the patients’ oncologists and preceded by an informed decision making and consent process in which benefits and potential risks of low dose vaginal estrogen are discussed. The FDA ‘s Black Box warning about estrogen is the same regardless of the route of administration.
–Data do not show an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence in survivors who have used vaginal estrogen or those under treatment for breast cancer.
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