Cancer studies are confusing. There are so many variables that come into play with regard to cancer, and it seems that even with copious amounts of research, the human factor throws a curve ball every single time.
People who smoke get cancer. People who don't smoke get cancer. People who have fatty diets get cancer. People who don't have fatty diets get cancer. And it seems, in a recent study, two percent of people taking the heart regulation medication known as Digoxin, Lanoxin, Digitalis or Digitek have developed breast cancer.
For the study, Dr. Robert Biggar of Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, Denmark took a look at databases that list all prescriptions filled in Denmark, and all cancer cases, and analyzed the data. He concluded that the risk of getting breast cancer is highest a year and three years after beginning the prescription.
A breast cancer expert who wasn't involved in the study, Dr. Timothy Lash of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, said that this number is worth noting, but not really worrisome when you look at the number of women who contracted the disease. If you're concerned, he said, certainly speak to your physician about switching, but do not stop taking it until your doctor okays it.
He's probably right.
People who smoke get cancer. People who don't smoke get cancer. People who have fatty diets get cancer. People who don't have fatty diets get cancer. And it seems, in a recent study, two percent of people taking the heart regulation medication known as Digoxin, Lanoxin, Digitalis or Digitek have developed breast cancer.
For the study, Dr. Robert Biggar of Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, Denmark took a look at databases that list all prescriptions filled in Denmark, and all cancer cases, and analyzed the data. He concluded that the risk of getting breast cancer is highest a year and three years after beginning the prescription.
A breast cancer expert who wasn't involved in the study, Dr. Timothy Lash of Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark, said that this number is worth noting, but not really worrisome when you look at the number of women who contracted the disease. If you're concerned, he said, certainly speak to your physician about switching, but do not stop taking it until your doctor okays it.
He's probably right.
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