BRCA gene associated with earlier breast cancer and other health news

Breast cancer diagnosed earlier for women with BRCA gene
University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center researchers say women who possess the high risk BRCA gene for breast cancer are being diagnosed with breast cancer earlier, compared to past generations. The BRCA gene places women at high risk for breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The high risk gene is now linked to diagnosis of breast cancer six years earlier than previous generations of women. Read more

Antiviral drugs improve H1N1 flu outcomes
According to a review of hospital admissions to ICU and deaths from H1N1 flu in 2009,seventy five percent of deaths from H1N1 swine flu have been seen in patients with one or more underlying health conditions. The study looks at patients hospitalized within 24 hours of onset of flu symptoms from April 2009 to mid-June 2009, finding that asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, and neurologic diseases, and pregnancy were associated with the majority of admission to ICU from H1N1 swine flu - but not all. The study authors also suggest that antiviral medications could improve H1N1 outcomes, and are an important consideration, even for those not hospitalized but are at high risk for complications. Read more

Natural S-equol supplement reduces hot flashes
A new compound developed from a germ-based soy ingredient has been shown to reduce hot flashes in menopausal women by fifty nine percent. The hot flash supplement, SE5-OH containing Natural S-equol, was studied in US and Japanese women, and shown to reduce symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, because it binds with estrogen receptors in the body. Read more