More than 1,700 post-menopausal women who have been treated with hormonal therapy for more than four years are invited to take part in this clinical trial run by the Australia New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZBCTG).

The study examines whether being given the drug Letrozole a year or more after completing hormonal therapy can prevent or delay breast cancer from recurring in postmenopausal women.

Starting shoulder exercises soon after surgery for breast cancer can result in a significant improvement in recovery of movement, according to Australian researchers.

They said upper-limb dysfunction was a common side effect of breast cancer surgery.

The Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition is thrilled its chairperson, Elisabeth Burgess (Libby), has been recognised in the 2011 New Year’s Honours.

Ms Burgess has become a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her work with women, their families and communities affected by breast cancer.

The Coalition’s deputy chair, Dr Chris Walsh, says the award is well-deserved.