The 5 Most-Read Breast Cancer Articles of 2021

The year 2021 came with several treatment updates, updates in lifestyle recommendations and plenty of stories from survivors and loved ones whose lives have been affected by breast cancer.

Recently, CURE® looked back at some the breast cancer content that interested our readers this year. Here are the top five articles from 2021:

1. 'The Future Is Brighter' for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

New treatment regimens have drastically improved outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer — which makes up about 15% to 25% of breast cancers. However, one expert from Massachusetts General Hospital explained that with new therapies available, it is more important than ever to balance drug efficacy with potential side effects.

2. Breast Cancer Made Me a Better Ally

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, CURE® contributor Martha Carlson learned some sobering facts about health disparities, including the fact that Black women tend to be diagnosed younger and have poorer breast cancer outcomes than their White counterparts. People of color are also far less likely to participate in clinical trials. Carlson became inspired to become more of an advocate in the space and wrote, “Patient-led research for patient-centered answers can make a difference.”

3. Sugar-Filled Drinks Could Be Cause for Alarm After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Research published in the journal Cancer found that consuming high-sugar beverages, like soda, fruit drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks can increase the risk of death in patients with breast cancer. Researcher Maryam S. Farvid, of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, advocated for the complete elimination of these drinks from patients’ diets, as evidence shows that having as little as one per day can affect mortality risk.

4. Who Needs Nipples Anyway? The Impacts of Breast Cancer Surgery

Bonnie Annis, a breast cancer survivor and CURE® contributor, answers the questions “What’s the big deal about nipples? Who needs them anyway?” and discusses nipple-sparing and reconstruction options for women with breast cancer. “Breast cancer often strips a woman of her sense of femininity. Replacing a nipple seems like a small consolation prize in the face of cancer,” Annis said.

5. A Mother’s Bravery in the Face of Metastatic Breast Cancer Taught Olympian Daughter What’s ‘Really Important in Life’

Before dying of metastatic breast cancer, April Ross’ mother had a fierce dedication to her family, helping April to put things into perspective and realize what was truly important in life. Later, this drive and dedication helped Ross land a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, where she went on to become an Olympic medalist in beach volleyball.

Keep up with all updates and personal breast cancer stories on CURE®’s breast cancer page.

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