New studies, books, apps and more to help you stay well in mind and body.
BREAST CANCER BREAKTHROUGH
Until now, hormonal treatment of breast cancer has been geared towards blocking oestrogen, often with unpleasant side effects. Now a global study involving researchers at The University of Adelaide found there may be another, less toxic, way to tackle the most common form of breast cancer. It was found that a drug called enobosarm stimulates an androgen receptor, making it effective against oestrogen receptorpositive breast cancer, which makes up 80 per cent of all breast cancer cases. The drug was tested on 136 post-menopausal women with advanced or metastatic ER+, HER2-negative breast cancer. It showed significant anti-tumour activity and was well-tolerated, without adversely affecting quality of life. This discovery is the first advancement in hormonal treatment of ER+ breast cancer in decades and offers promising new treatment for the most prevalent form of breast cancer.
KEEP ON PLAYING
If you’ve always enjoyed a strum on the guitar, a tinkle on the piano or even a toot on the flute – don’t give up, because playing an instrument is linked to better brain health in older adults. Scientists from the University of Exeter reviewed data from more than a thousand adults over the age of 40 to see the effect of playing a musical instrument or singing in a choir on brain health. Findings showed playing a musical instrument, particularly the piano, is linked to improved memory and the ability to solve complex tasks. Continuing to play into later life provides even greater benefit. It also suggests singing is linked to better brain health.
NEW READ
High-Functioning Anxiety: A 5-Step Guide To Calming The Inner Panic And Thriving, by Dr Lalitaa Suglani (£12.99, Hay House). Are you an anxious person who keeps your true self hidden while putting on a brave face to the world? High functioning anxiety people seem competent and accomplished on the outside while silently battling intense worry, self-doubt and fear of failure internally. The psychologist author shares her personal journey of selfdiscovery and growth, while offering you a toolkit to manage fear, anxiety and self-doubt.
APPY AND YOU KNOW IT
If you’re in need of relaxation, calm and self-care, try Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place App (£4.99, happyplaceofficial.co.uk). On offer are more than 500 wellness practices to try, including meditation, yoga, breathwork, soothing stories, ASMR and much more. Whether you want to reduce stress, relax or find more energy, the app has practical ideas to help with whatever life throws at you.
Sneezy spring
