Understanding Physicians' Perceptions of Overuse of Health Services in Oncology.

Overuse rates in oncology are high, but areas of possible improvement exist for reducing it and improving quality of care. This study explores perceptions and experiences of oncologists in Israel regarding overuse of health services within oncology. In-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted focusing on causes of overuse, facilitators for reduction, and suggestions for improvement.

The association between adherence with oral bisphosphonates and the risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women.

Background: Several observational studies have suggested a protective effect of oral bisphosphonates (BP) on the risk of breast cancer, but no such association has been seen in randomized control trials. The role of oral BP in breast cancer prevention remains unclear.

Aim: To investigate the association between different levels of BP exposure and breast cancer incidence in a cohort of osteoporotic post-menopausal women.

Prophylactic irradiation to the contralateral breast for BRCA mutation carriers with early-stage breast cancer.

Background: Women who carry germ-line mutations in BRCA1/2 are at very high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Breast conserving therapy is associated with a similar risk of ipsilateral cancer recurrence in BRCA carriers compared with non-carriers. However, the risk of subsequent contralateral breast cancer in carriers is markedly increased.

Exposure to alendronate is associated with a lower risk of bone metastases in osteoporotic women with early breast cancer.

Background: Bisphosphonate (BP) treatment to prevent bone loss in breast cancer patients is already well established. However, data on the association between oral BP exposure before cancer diagnosis and disease outcomes in patients with early breast cancer are still scarce. Limited information is available on alendronate, the most common oral agent for the treatment of post-menopausal osteoporosis, regarding the association with bone metastases.

Cancer risk among Holocaust survivors in Israel-A nationwide study.

Background: Holocaust survivors during World War II were exposed to various factors that are associated with cancer risk. The objective of this study was to determine whether Holocaust survivors had an increased risk for developing cancer.

Methods: The study population included 152,622 survivors.