Melbourne researchers have discovered a critical link between obesity and breast cancer, sparking hopes that a fresh epidemic of the disease can be staved off.

Prince Henry Institute scientists found that "fat" cells cause excess production of the hormone oestrogen in the breasts, which is believed to be a key cause of breast cancer. Prof Evan Simpson said the fat cells slowed the production of an enzyme, which in turn stimulated the production of oestrogen.

Women with advanced breast cancer may have a new treatment option.

A combination of two drugs that more precisely target tumours significantly extended the lives of women who had stopped responding to other treatments.The Texas study is the first big test of combining Herceptin and Tykerb.

In the study of 300 patients, women receiving both drugs lived 20 weeks longer than those given Tykerb alone. Doctors expect the combination to make an even bigger difference for women with less advanced disease.

New figures released by the Federal Government gives us cause to both celebrate and continue the fight against breast cancer. Over the last 12 years, the death rate has fallen by 27%, due to early detection and improved treatment. However, careful examination of the data has shown that survival is affected both by race and socioeconomic status: Indigenous women and those with lower socioeconomic status have lower rates of survival.

Added to this is the fact that although the death rate is decreasing, the incidence rate is increasing. This is largely due to our aging population – cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly and only one quarter of breast cancer diagnoses are in women under the age of 50.

However, the news overall is good – more women are surviving and further work in the field can only continue this trend. While we may have to expect more increases in incidence, with the ever increasing age of the population, we can rest assured that improvements in diagnosis and treatment mean that breast cancer is no longer likely to kill all those affected by it.

Clinical trials of photodynamic therapy, or PDT, are being conducted in Britain. Although previously used successfully on cancers of the skin and mouth, this is the first time it has been tested on breast cancers.

PDT works by injecting the bloodstream with a drug with makes cancer cells very sensitive to light. A low-level laser beam is then directed at the site, through the skin, and causes the cells to self destruct. It is non-invasive, leaves no scars and maintains the connective tissue, so there is no damage or loss to surrounding healthy cells and there is no loss of shape. If successful, the technique could become available within six years.

Breast screening works – that’s the conclusion of a recently released report on the BreastScreen program which has reduced treatment-related deaths and is cost-effective. However, it has also suggested that breast screening be limited to only those in the highest risk age groups.
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Breast Cancer Australia has opened four new properties in 2009. Pindari on Wentworth in Sydney, Hopegood Place in Canberra, plus Soho-Greenwich and Lights on Galleria in Brisbane. This now raises the patient accommodation to eleven properties throughout Australia.
Click here to Patient Accommodation

Specialised Therapeutics launches Abraxane via Abraxane Patient Access Program (APAP) to Metastatic Breast Cancer patients without charge following first Australian approval of novel nanoparticle chemotherapy.
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The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory committee has recommended the drug Tykerb, which is designed to slow cancer growth and prolong life, be subsidised by the Federal government. Breast Cancer Australia encourages the Federal Government to ratify the decision and the drug manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline to continue to subsidise the expensive drug.
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Most women with an elevated risk for breast cancer will not live longer if they take the cancer prevention drug tamoxifen, a new study shows. To find more information please go to following website.
www.foxnews.com

Australia approves subsidy for breast cancer drug. Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a drug used in the treatment of metastic breast cancer. To find more information please go to following websites.
www.medicareaustralia.com.au
www.herceptin.com

Medical evidence from studies have shown how undertaking physical activity can help a person dramatically increase their chances of survival if they are fighting breast cancer.

Reference:
http://www.virtualbonecentre.com/