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

In the news…

Link between poverty and breast cancer gene damage

The British Journal of Cancer reports that women from poorer backgrounds may have a worse prognosis when it comes to surviving breast cancer. This is because their lifestyle, affected by factors such as a less healthy diet can cause the p53 gene to mutate. In healthier people, this gene, which suppresses cancer, is continually produced and degraded in cells, but researchers at the University of Dundee have discovered that if this gene becomes damaged or mutates, people are less able to suppress the growth of tumours. The research was based on a survey of 246 women treated for breast cancer and tested for the p53 mutation.

Dr Lee Baker, who led the study, said: "This research makes a strong link between p53 and deprivation, and then between p53 mutation and recurrence and death. As a social issue, it shows that if we lift people up the deprivation scale they will be less likely to have problems with their p53 gene, and go on to develop breast cancer. Deprivation alone doesn't cause breast cancer, but can affect prognosis when p53 is damaged as a result of lifestyle choices commonly associated with deprivation."
Read more about this story: BBC News, Guardian and British Journal of Cancer

Rhubarb

Reports that rhubarb crumble could be the new “cancer-busting superfood” are wide of the mark, according to Cancer Research UK.

A study by Sheffield Hallam University showed that British garden rhubarb, like many red vegetables, contains a chemical called polyphenol, which can kill or prevent the growth of cancer cells and so can be used to develop new treatments for the disease. Baking rhubarb for 20 minutes, as one might do in a crumble, increases the chemicals concentration. Dr Nikki Jordan-Mahy, one of the researchers on the study, said:“Our research has shown that British rhubarb is a potential source of chemicals that may be used to develop new anti-cancerous drugs….Current treatments are not effective in all cancers and resistance is a common problem as is toxicity.” Read more here: Telegraph and Food Chemistry

However, Ed Yong, head of health information at Cancer Research UK said: “Certain methods of cooking rhubarb may increase levels of polyphenols in lab tests, but it’s a big leap to say that this will have a noticeable impact on the risk of cancer in real people. We'll need more studies to see if the chemicals in rhubarb have anti-cancer properties that could ultimately be harnessed to develop drugs. Several successful cancer treatments have been derived from plants, but a great deal of work is needed to turn a naturally occurring chemical into an effective and potent drug." Read more here: Cancer Research UK

For those of you who like rhubarb, which is in season right now, here are a few recipes: Freeform rhubarb tart and Perfect poached rhubarb

Menopause

An article in The Guardian this week looks at one woman’s guide to coping with the menopause. For many women who have had breast cancer, HRT is not an option, but the writer of the article looks at a variety of remedies. It is important that you consult your doctor before taking any new drugs or treatments.

Nicky Waldman (n.waldman@cancerkin.org.uk) 17th February 2010