On the pulse...for people affected by breast cancer

Cancerkin’s news update….

PATIENT SUPPORT GROUP – the next group meeting is on 24th November, 11am - 1pm and we will be demonstrating relaxation techniques.

NEW THERAPIES – dance therapy, hypnotherapy and soul therapy – please ask Jean Hafezi for more info.

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR – the Cancerkin Centre will be closed 24th December 2009– 1st January 2010 inclusive.

In the news…

10 WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF CANCER
World Cancer Research Fund has developed 10 recommendations for people to follow to reduce their risk of cancer. They say that nearly 80,000 cases of cancer in the UK annually could be prevented by following their suggestions, including over 19,000 cases of breast cancer. They emphasise that having a healthy lifestyle is no guarantee against cancer, but that the risk can be reduced considerably. You can read more about these recommendations in WCRF’s press release on their website and on the front page of the Daily Express (16th November 2009).

BREAST REGROWTH TRIALS PLANNED
This story was widely reported last week in the national press and refers to an exciting new technique that scientists hope will enable women who have had a mastectomy to re-grow their breast, using their own cells. There are two trials planned – one in the UK and one in Australia. If the trials are successful, it is thought that this technique, of injecting stem cell enhanced fat tissue (from the patient’s body) into a cavity under the skin, could revolutionise breast reconstruction, potentially producing a result that feels and looks more natural. Professor Kefah Mokbel of the London Breast Institute and St George’s Hospital said: “This is the next step in breast reconstruction surgery. It is potentially a very exciting development”. For more information on this story click here.


ANTI CANCER VACCINE FOR BREAST CANCER SUFFERERS
An article in the Daily Express reports on the start of trials for an anti cancer vaccine. The aim of the drug, called Stimuvax, is not to prevent cancer, but rather to stimulate the immune system to recognise the cancer cells and to destroy them. So far it has been used with some success on patients with lung cancer, but it is hoped that it can be developed to treat other cancers. Currently it is being tested on patients with advanced breast cancer. Dr Oliver Kisker, head of cancer treatment at Merck, which has designed the drug, said: “We are extremely excited about this vaccine. We have seen amazing effects in lung cancer patients and we believe it will work in the future with breast cancer patients.”


Nicky Waldman (n.waldman@cancerkin.org.uk) 16 November 2009