Results of study surprised doctors, too

Dear Dr. Gott: I was shocked when a medical friend told me that a recent study showed an increased risk of developing breast cancer in women who take antibiotics. Is this possible?

Dear reader: You weren’t the only person shocked by this study; most doctors were also surprised by the findings.

The study, which was reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association, 2004, volume 291, involved more than 10,000 women — 2,266 of whom had breast cancer. A careful analysis of these subjects revealed the inescapable conclusion that antibiotic use in women results in a higher incidence of breast cancer, as well as an increased risk of death from breast malignancies. Moreover, the tendency was dose-related: the more antibiotics (and the strength of the dosages), the higher the risk.

Although experts are uncertain about the reasons for this and whether the relation has significant, underappreciated public health consequences, the findings should lead to a strong argument against doctors prescribing antibiotics to women with trivial infections, such as viral illnesses.

I am sure that we haven’t heard the last of this topic. Further analysis and study will be performed.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Breast Cancer and Disorders.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title.

Dear Dr. Gott: For about a year, I’ve noticed that my right middle finger pops when I open my fist. Also, this finger is slow to extend. Is this due to age?

Dear reader: I think not. I believe that you are suffering from what doctors call a “trigger finger”; one of the joints is slipping but will shift back into position as the bones click into place.

In my opinion, you should be examined by an orthopedic specialist who can advise you about appropriate treatment. Although a course of physical therapy may help you, in my experience, trigger fingers usually require corrective surgery. They will not adversely affect health, but they are a nuisance.

Dear Dr. Gott: I suffer from worsening varicose veins, but my doctor is reluctant to strip or inject them. I’ll soon be 86. Is this why I have the problem to begin with? Why does he prefer not to take any action?

Dear reader: Varicose stripping or injection is uncomfortable and, because it requires anesthesia, carries some risk. Therefore, I side with your physician that nonsurgical treatment, such as elastic support stockings, is probably more appropriate for a person your age, unless conservative measures have failed to halt progression of the venous dilation or ultrasound testing reveals blood clots in the deeper veins of the legs. Varicose veins do, unfortunately, worsen as we age and the supporting tissues in the body become more lax.

I believe that it’s sensible to avoid surgery at any age if alternative, noninvasive therapy is available.