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Even a few cancer cells in a lymph node may signal a need for more treatment after breast cancer surgery, new research suggests. The study involved more than 2,700 Dutch women with early-stage cancer. All had surgery to remove their tumors and some or all related lymph nodes. Some women had lymph node “micro tumors” of less than 2 millimeters. Some had only a few cancer cells in the nodes. After five years, at least three-quarters of all women were cancer-free. But cancer was 50% more likely to come back in women who had micro tumors or a few cancer cells than in those with cancer-free lymph nodes. Their risk was much lower, though, if they had received more treatment after surgery. The study was in the New England Journal of Medicine. The Associated Press wrote about it August 13.

People who have had shingles in the eyes may have a greater risk of stroke in the next year, a new study suggests. Researchers looked at insurance records for 658 adults who had shingles in their eyes. This is also called ophthalmic or ocular shingles. It causes pain, itching and blisters around or in the eye. Researchers compared these people to others the same age and sex who did not have shingles. About 8% of the group who had shingles of the eye had a stroke in the next year. Only 2% of the shingles-free group had strokes in that year. Researchers then adjusted the numbers for differences between the two groups — such as high blood pressure — that could affect stroke risk. People who had ocular shingles still showed the same higher risk. The study appeared in the journal Neurology. Reuters Health news service wrote about it March 3.

A vaccine to prevent shingles is safe, but not used often enough, new research concludes. One study followed up on people who were in the study that led to approval of the vaccine in 2006. That study included 38,546 adults, age 60 or older. The new study focused on 6,616 of them to take a closer look at side effects. Researchers kept track of them for 3.4 years. In this time, people who got the vaccine and those who got placebo shots were equally likely to have hospital care or die. Right after getting the shots, people who got the real vaccine were more likely to have a skin reaction at the site. A second study surveyed 600 doctors. About 88% urged patients over 60 to get the vaccine. But only half that many recommended it strongly. Many doctors cited financial barriers. The vaccine costs $200. Fewer than half of the doctors knew that Medicare Part D will pay for it.

More than 3 out of 4 U.S. mothers breastfeed their babies, at least for a while, officials say. The 77% rate is the highest since surveys began more than 20 years ago. It is more than double the 36% rate for the years 1993 and 1994. The report comes from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Associated Press wrote about it May 1.

Women with low levels of two proteins in cancer cells tend to die sooner than other women with ovarian cancer, a study finds. Researchers looked at the levels of proteins called Dicer and Drosha in 111 women with ovarian cancer. Survival was poor in women with low levels of either protein. It was worse for those who had low levels of both. HealthDay News wrote about the study December 17. It was in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The Canadian Cancer Society is taking a new, edgy approach to its public war on cancer. Canadian Press reported on the campaign January 28. For decades, the group has used the daffodil as its symbol. The new campaign, called “Join the Fight,” is not so gentle. Its multimedia ads and online videos focus on people with cancer and family members of those who died. And they are angry and determined. The ads speak directly to the cancer as if it were a person. A young man yells: “You’re not taking anyone else from me. Never!” A tearful man with advanced colorectal cancer declares, “You will be defeated.” The campaign also reaches out to younger people through Facebook and Twitter. The aim is to inspire people to take action against cancer, a spokesman said.

Fast-food restaurants in New York City have begun to post calories on menus, the Associated Press (AP) reports. The change is required by new city rules. As of July 19, the city can fine restaurants that don’t comply. Some large chains just started posting calories. Others have been phasing in the new menus for months. Small local chains, such as pizza shops, have been slower to comply, AP said. The law applies only to restaurants with at least 15 locations.

Global warming is the biggest health threat of this century, a group of experts has warned. The group said malaria and other diseases spread by insects could become more widespread as the earth gets warmer. Heat waves could kill more people. Crop yields could decline and cause hunger. Climate change also could cause flooding that overwhelms sewage systems, the experts said. They called for laws to restrict carbon emissions. They said health professionals should get involved in the fight against global warming. The experts issued their warning in a news conference. Their report was published in the journal Lancet. HealthDay News wrote about it May 13.

Girls who are physically active and boys who are fit also have higher grades, a study from Sweden suggests. The study included 232 students. Their average age was 16. They wore devices to track their activity for four days, including one weekend day. On average, the girls spent 69 minutes a day in moderate or vigorous activity. Moderate exercise included hiking and skateboarding. Vigorous exercise included soccer and running. Boys were active about 81 minutes a day. Researchers looked at exercise in relationship to grades. They adjusted for several other factors that can affect grades. They found that girls who were more active also had higher grades. Researchers also tested fitness. This did not affect girls’ grades, but boys who were more fit had higher grades. The amount of exercise was not linked with boys’ grades. The study was in the Journal of Pediatrics.

In a new survey, almost half of women who had breast cancer surgery reported long-term pain afterward. For many, the pain lasted two or three years. The study was based on a survey of 3,253 Danish women. Women under 40 and women who had radiation or had more lymph nodes removed were more likely to report lasting pain. About half of those with pain said it was mild. Most of the rest had moderate pain. Symptoms of nerve damage, such as numbness or tenderness, also were common. Nearly 6 out of 10 women reported such problems. The study appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association. USA Today wrote about it November 11.