A recent article in Medical News Today highlighted research linking compounds found in coffee with better outcomes among women with breast cancer. The article linked to the study’s abstract, but not the full published study, an important distinction for readers trying to understand the research behind the headline.
For Desiree D’Angelo, DO, FACS, a breast and general surgeon who participates in the Multidisciplinary Cancer Committee at Shore Medical Center’s Cancer Center, it is a good example of why consumers should put health headlines into perspective before making decisions about their care.
The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, followed 95 women with breast cancer for an average of 11.5 years. Researchers found an association between higher consumption of polyphenols, naturally occurring compounds found in plant-based foods and beverages, and lower breast cancer-specific mortality. Coffee was the largest contributor to polyphenol intake among participants. However, the researchers concluded that further studies are needed to confirm the associations.
“A study of 95 women may identify something that may deserve additional research, but it is not enough for us to confidently tell patients that drinking coffee is going to decrease their risk of dying from breast cancer,” Dr. D’Angelo said.
Nutrition studies can also be difficult to interpret because other factors may influence the results. Someone consuming certain vitamins or foods, for example, may also exercise, maintain a healthy weight or avoid smoking. The study also examined polyphenols rather than coffee as a breast cancer treatment or preventive measure.
Dr. D’Angelo encourages people to look beyond health headlines and consider the source and research behind them. She points patients toward resources such as Breastcancer.org and information from respected academic medical centers including Johns Hopkins and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, as well as research published in peer-reviewed journals such as The New England Journal of Medicine.
“The internet makes it possible to find information supporting almost anything you want to believe,” Dr. D’Angelo said. “Talking with your doctor can help you understand what the research actually shows and whether it applies to you.”
That conversation is particularly important before using vitamins, supplements or other approaches as substitutes for proven cancer treatments. Dr. D’Angelo has encountered patients who have considered vitamin infusions instead of chemotherapy, demonstrating the real consequences that can come from misinterpreting health information.
Healthy lifestyle choices, including maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol, remain important, but they do not eliminate cancer risk.
“Living a healthy lifestyle is great, but it does not replace cancer screening,” Dr. D’Angelo said. “It’s still important to follow recommended screening guidelines, whether that means getting your mammogram, colonoscopy, PSA test or Pap smear.”
For those who may face financial barriers to getting a mammogram, Shore is helping make breast cancer screening more accessible during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On Saturday, October 24, Shore Medical Center, a member of the Penn Cancer Network, and Advanced Shore Imaging Associates will offer free breast cancer screenings for people who are uninsured or underinsured. Shore will offer a clinical breast exam and provide a medical script for those who need assistance obtaining a screening mammogram.
To schedule an appointment, call 609-653-3440.
