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Taking hormone drugs for more than ten years could help to dramatically reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, according to a landmark study.
A randomised clinical trial involving nearly 2,000 women found that cancer recurrence dropped by a third in those who took hormone drugs for ten years rather than the standard five.
Hormone therapy is given to the women with ER-positive breast cancer in order to stop the body from producing oestrogen, which helps to drive the growth of tumours in this type of breast cancer.
The study, which was presented to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), involved women who had already received hormone therapy for at least five years.
Researchers hope that three new breakthrough drugs designed to target triple negative breast cancer could potentially transform therapy for those with the hard-to-treat disease.
There are currently no targeted therapies for those with triple negative breast cancer leaving medical care reliant on traditional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Now, the recent American Society for Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting has been told that new options are on the horizon that aim to target the triple-negative cancer cells directly.
A researcher involved with all three studies, Dr Jennifer Diamond of the University of Colorado Cancer Centre, says triple negative breast cancer is in need of a breakthrough treatment.
On these pages, we pay tribute to those with breast cancer who have passed away and to those who fight tirelessly to ensure women in New Zealand receive the best care and treatment possible for breast cancer.
The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition (BCAC) wants to see a breakthrough new radiation technology used more widely to treat thousands of New Zealand women with breast cancer.
Intra-Operative Radiation Therapy (also known as IORT) is used in women with low-risk early-stage breast cancer and means they receive a single shot of radiation during surgery to remove the tumour.
The treatment can save women from having weeks of follow-up radiation treatment, but is currently only being used in a private hospital setting.
BCAC chairperson, Libby Burgess, says the charity would like to see women in the public system receiving the treatment.
BCAC committee members have developed an action plan to improve access to clinical trials in New Zealand following an advocates’ workshop in Sydney last week.
Breast Cancer Cure invites you to attend their Fashion for a Cure Show on Thursday 19th May.
Proudly supported by ASB and Fuji Xerox Breast Cancer Cure will showcase some of New Zealand’s top fashion designers including Andrea Moore, Moochi, Liam, RUBY, Coop, Trelise Cooper, Taylor, Storm, Zambesi (showing both men and women’s) and men’s label Working Style whilst raising funds towards finding a cure for breast cancer.
Ten Designers. One Room. One Night. One Cause.
Auckland Show 19 May 6-8pm
Wolf of Water Street
5-7 Water Street, Grafton Auckland
Ticket prices are $75 per person and include wine, canapés and a goody bag.
If you have breast cancer you are eligible for a free influenza vaccination and now is the best time to be immunised before the winter ‘flu season arrives.
The annual immunisation is recommended for people with ongoing medical conditions, who are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza, such as pneumonia.
The latest review of New Zealand’s access to new and innovative medicines presents a damning picture of underfunding for cancer medicines.
New Zealand's Medicines Landscape 2015 has just been published by Medicines New Zealand, along with a specific examination of cancer medicines called Cancer in New Zealand.
The reviews find that New Zealand funds only 14 per cent of the highly effective medicines available for the eight most common cancers.
They also note that for some cancers New Zealand funds no specific cancer medicines.
Attending the Inaugural International Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Congress in Sydney late last year was a fascinating and valuable experience for BCAC committee member, Greer Davis.
The congress was titled “Crossing Boundaries and bringing it all together” and really focused on the complex nature of treating and supporting young people with cancer.
