Top in women’s health: Study on breast cancer screening; blood test for preeclampsia risk

WISDOM, a research study comparing annual mammography with a personalized approach to screening based on individual risk factors, is currently underway and enrolling women in the U.S. aged 30 to 74 years without a history of breast cancer.

“Screening seems like it is very simple, but in fact, it is a complex story,” Laura J. Esserman, MD, MBA, the Alfred A. de Lorimier Endowed Chair in General Surgery, director of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Breast Care Center and co-leader of the Breast Oncology Program at the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, told Healio. “There is a lot that is not well understood and there are many opportunities to improve the way we screen. More knowledge and generating more modern data would go a long way to improving our approach to screening.”

According to WISDOM investigators, participants can enroll from home and the genetic test will be mailed to their house.

It was the top story in women’s health last week.

In another top story, researchers found that a blood test to measure fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio accurately predicted preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia risk among women in labor vs. other blood markers.

Read these and more top stories in women’s health below:

‘We need to do better’: WISDOM study aims to ‘reimagine’ breast cancer screenings for women

A research study, WISDOM, is currently underway to improve breast cancer diagnosis timing and outcomes by comparing annual mammography with a personalized screening approach to identify women at highest risk for fast-growing cancers. Read more.

Blood test may predict severe preeclampsia risk for women in labor

A blood test to measure fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio predicted preeclampsia and severe preeclampsia risk in laboring women compared with other blood markers, potentially providing a useful tool for anesthesiologists, researchers reported. Read more.

Very early medication abortion ‘equally effective as delaying care’

Medication abortion administered before a pregnancy can be confirmed via ultrasound is as effective as treatment that is delayed until a pregnancy is confirmed, randomized study results showed. Read more.

Weight-loss interventions ‘useful tool’ to improve PCOS symptoms

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome who initiated any weight-loss intervention saw improvements in some glycemic and hormonal measures as well as improved menstrual frequency, data from a meta-analysis show. Read more.

Body dysmorphia during pregnancy worsens self-image, quality of life

Body dysmorphic disorder may negatively impact quality of life and body image during pregnancy, especially during first and third trimesters, highlighting the need for interventions and support for pregnant women, researchers reported. Read more.