On the pulse
Cancerkin news…
Patient Support Group: Breast Cancer Awareness Month talks…
As part of our awareness programme throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tim Davidson and Alison Jones will be giving talks about current issues surrounding breast cancer. The talks will be held in the board room of the Cancerkin Centre. Refreshments will be provided on both occasions so please:
Dr Alison Jones MD FRCP : Wednesday 13th October 4pm
(Please arrive at 3.30pm for tea and cakes)
Mr Tim Davidson ChM MRCP FRCS: Friday 15th October 11am
(Please arrive at 10.30am for coffee and croissants)
This will be a great opportunity to find out about any new developments in breast surgery and oncology and to ask any questions you may have. To register your attendance for these talks please email info@cancerkin.org.uk. Due to the capacity of our boardroom, numbers will be limited to 40/50 patients. To ensure you don’t miss out please register your name as soon as possible.
Gina Swims for Cancerkin….
This Sunday, October 3rd, Cancerkin patient Gina Atherton will be swimming 1 mile to raise £1,000 for Cancerkin. The swim will also help celebrate Gina’s 50th birthday, raise awareness of issues surrounding breast cancer and promote the services of Cancerkin during national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Gina has been busy fundraising and has raised over £600 so far. If you would like to help her meet her £1,000 target, support her personal challenge and help Cancerkin in the process please visit her JustGiving site here to offer a donation. In the meantime we wish her all the best for Sunday!
Music Therapy…
Unfortunately music therapist Karinna is starting a permanent role with the NHS and thus sadly will not be able to run the taster sessions originally planned at Cancerkin. We are currently looking into the possibility of other therapists, so keep your eyes peeled for more musical news to come!
In the news…
Being a partner of a breast cancer sufferer is hard…
It is widely acknowledged that being the support network to those suffering with breast cancer can often be tiring, confusing, stressful and emotional, as partners, parents and friends too battle with the outcomes of living with a breast cancer diagnosis. However a Danish study published in the news this week has gone so far as to say that for men whose partners suffer with breast cancer, the impact could be potentially health damaging. The study found that men watching their partners fight cancer were 39% more likely to need hospital care for mood problems – thought to be triggered by the feeling that they need to be the strong one and therefore often deal with their feelings in silence.
The research was carried out at the Institute of Cancer Epidemiology in Copenhagen and used the records of more than 1million men aged 30+. All of the men had no history of mental illness and had lived with their partners for more than 5 years. Over the next 13 years, breast cancer was diagnosed in the partners of 20,538 of these men and subsequently 180 of them were hospitalised with severe mood disorders - a greater proportion than from men whose partners were healthy. The study also found that the likelihood of hospitalisation on these men was affected by: (a) the severity of the breast cancer and (b) if the breast cancer returned after treatment.
Professor Christoffer Johansen, who led the study, said: ""We suggest that some sort of screening of the partners of cancer patients in general and those of breast cancer patients in particular for depressive symptoms might be important for preventing this devastating consequence of cancer." Cancerkin’s body of Experienced Patients are always available to talk through any issues patients or their family members and close friends may be experiencing. Having been through breast cancer themselves, our experienced patients can sympathise with most issues and offer advice or simply listen to your concerns. To talk in confidence with one of our Experienced Patients please contact the office on 0207 830 2323.
To read the rest of the article please click here.
Genetic link between breast cancer in young women and their relatives…
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer (BJC) has found a genetic link between both male and female relatives of women who were diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 35. Studying the parents and siblings of 504 women, scientists found an increased risk of relatives developing prostate, lung, brain and urinary cancers. Interestingly, the risk was largely similar among the relatives of women who did not carry known faulty genes that increase the chance of breast cancer, suggesting that there may be other undiscovered gene disorders causing cancer in young women and their families. This finding suggests that there is further work to do to help identify more people who might be susceptible. Women who inherit one of the faulty genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have a 55% to 85% risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. However this only accounts for between 2-5% of all breast cancers – the remaining women affected do not carry these high-risk genes.
Professor John Hopper, from the Centre for Molecular, Environmental, Genetic and Analytic Epidemiology at the University of Melbourne, who led the study said: "These results are surprising and novel, and could be pointing to a new cancer genetic syndrome. Just as the link between male and female breast cancers in some families led UK researchers to find the breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA2, the results of this study could help scientists discover new cancer susceptibility genes." Dr Lesley Walker, the director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, which owns the BJC, largely agreed saying: “This study is important in suggesting a strategy to help identify other genes which significantly increase a woman's breast cancer risk. More studies with larger numbers will help confirm these risks."
Read the full article here.
Breast cancer rates fall as the use of HRT dwindles…
A study conducted in Canada and published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has found that as the use of HRT treatment dropped in recent years, so too did the number of cases of breast cancer. Results showed that that use of HRT dropped from 12.7% in 2002 to 4.9% in 2004, during which time breast cancer rates also dropped by 9.6%, even though the same number of women were having mammography tests. However, between 2004 and 2006 the use of HRT remained stable but breast cancer rates began to increase again. Researches on the project have attributed this latter surge in breast cancer to the fact that the decreased use in HRT did not stop breast cancer, but rather lead to tumours growing at a slower rate.
Dr Prithwish De of the Canadian Cancer Society said "Such a rebound might be expected if occult hormone-sensitive tumours were merely slowed by the withdrawal of hormone replacement therapy rather than prevented by it. If so, hormone replacement therapy may be thought to act as a promoter rather than as a putative cause of breast cancer. However, further follow-up data as well as information on the incidence trend of oestrogen receptor–positive breast cancer are needed to confirm this hypothesis and trend." Dr Sarah Rawklings, Head of Policy & Education at the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer agreed saying: "This study supports existing research into the link between HRT and breast cancer. It will be important to continue to study the effects of HRT on breast cancer incidence and development. Women who are concerned about this should contact their GP before starting, stopping or changing their HRT."
Read the full story here
Lauren Newton 30th September 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
Thursday 30 September 2010
Friday 24 September 2010
On the pulse...for people affected by breast cancer
On the pulse
Cancerkin news…
October preparations…
Cancerkin would like to thank those people who have already picked up collection boxes to display in their workplace, children’s school, church or local shops. With plenty left it is never to early to get the ball rolling and help Cancerkin raise money and awareness during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you would like to get your hands on a collection box please email Lauren Newton at l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk .
In the news…
Cancer awareness hits government agenda…
The government has backed new campaigns alerting people to early signs of breast, bowel and lung cancer to the tune of £9million. It is estimated that these campaigns could help save around 10,000 of the 120,000 lives these cancers affect each year – matching the best survival rates in other European countries. The £9million backing would be available for 59 local campaigns from January 2011 and will focus on supporting projects that encourage people to visit their doctor with any concerns or early symptoms they may be experiencing.
Creative campaigns are gaining more and more coverage, with the government hoping that local areas will tap into social marketing mediums to get their message across, including sites such as Twitter and Facebook. An example of the imaginative campaigns the government hopes their investment will help promote is the coughing bus stop in Doncaster. Designed to highlight coughing as an early symptom of lung cancer the campaign led to an increase in the number of people who visited their GP for an X-ray. As a result, the number of cases diagnosed in one month rose by almost 60% (from 32 to 54) compared with the same month in the previous year.
Symptoms of breast cancer include changes to the size and shape of the breasts; and a lump, swelling or thickening in one breast or armpit. Skin changes can include puckering, dimpling, inflammation or redness of the skin, and there may be changes to the nipple, including rashes or discharge. Mr Paul Burstow as spokesperson for the government initiative said the aim of their investment in the campaigns was to save lives and achieve cancer survival rates that were among the best in the world: "We know that generally the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outlook. That's why our campaign will help people to be more alert to the early signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage them to seek medical advice as soon as possible..In England we are lagging behind European countries when it comes to the common but big killer cancers such as breast, bowel and lung…the NHS is spending at European levels but still not delivering European cancer survival rates.”
Read more about the campaigns alongside he early signs of all three cancers here
Rigorous exercise before cancer treatment is ‘highly risky’...
Scientists are recommending that those about to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment relax and avoid intense activity for at least 48 hours before receiving treatment. The advice comes after a recent study found that psychological or physical stress on the body can aid cancer cells in resisting the effects of treatment; priming the cells for survival.
A series of tests found that a stress-sensitive protein called heat shock factor-1, which usually helps tissues and cells cope with stress actually activated another protein, known as Hsp27 that helped keep tumour cells alive even after they were exposed to radiation and chemotherapy. Hsp27, which helps to block cell death, interacts with a third protein, p21, which allows cells to repair themselves and keep dividing. When the cells were put under stress, levels of Hsp27 reached their height within 48 hours, suggesting the protein is highly active in the two days following any stressful event that activates heat shock factor-1.
Dr Ilangovan, a lead researcher on the project said ‘It is not proven in a clinical setting but our hypothesis leads us to strongly caution cancer patients about avoiding stress because that stress might trigger recurrence of cancer cell growth.’ Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy, Breast Cancer Campaign said ‘This early research should be treated with caution as it has only been tested on cells in a laboratory and not on cancer patients. It is unrealistic that people who are about to undergo cancer treatment will be able to avoid stress. If you have any concerns talk to your doctor or nurse.’
You can find the rest of the article here
Breakthrough in breast cancer amongst women with BRCA1 gene...
Cancer Research UK scientists have identified a DNA region which can increase or decrease the high breast cancer risk associated with the BRCA1 gene. After studying the genomes of over 2,300 women with the BRCA1 gene, the findings were uncovered by Dr Antonis Antoniou from Cancer Research UK Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidomilogy at the University of Cambridge and published in Nature Genetics. Dr Antoniou said: We’ve found a DNA region that acts like a volume control – to turn up or down the risk of developing breast cancer from faults in the BRCA1 gene. Our discovery is the first step in a much larger study to identify genetic factors that modify breast cancer risk in women carrying BRCA1 mutations, and ultimately could help assess the risk for each woman and monitor for the disease.”
Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer information, said: “We’re dedicated to unravelling cancer risk so we can provide doctors with better tools to identify who is at risk and help select the best treatment. This research provides evidence that by carrying out genome wide association studies in certain subgroups - such as people with BRCA1 mutations - we can identify other breast and ovarian cancer risk factors which have previously been missed.”
On average, around 65%of women carrying a faulty BRCA1 gene will develop breast cancer - and around 40% ovarian cancer - by the age of 70.
To read the full article please go to the Cancer Research website
Lauren Newton 23rd September 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
Cancerkin news…
October preparations…
Cancerkin would like to thank those people who have already picked up collection boxes to display in their workplace, children’s school, church or local shops. With plenty left it is never to early to get the ball rolling and help Cancerkin raise money and awareness during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you would like to get your hands on a collection box please email Lauren Newton at l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk .
In the news…
Cancer awareness hits government agenda…
The government has backed new campaigns alerting people to early signs of breast, bowel and lung cancer to the tune of £9million. It is estimated that these campaigns could help save around 10,000 of the 120,000 lives these cancers affect each year – matching the best survival rates in other European countries. The £9million backing would be available for 59 local campaigns from January 2011 and will focus on supporting projects that encourage people to visit their doctor with any concerns or early symptoms they may be experiencing.
Creative campaigns are gaining more and more coverage, with the government hoping that local areas will tap into social marketing mediums to get their message across, including sites such as Twitter and Facebook. An example of the imaginative campaigns the government hopes their investment will help promote is the coughing bus stop in Doncaster. Designed to highlight coughing as an early symptom of lung cancer the campaign led to an increase in the number of people who visited their GP for an X-ray. As a result, the number of cases diagnosed in one month rose by almost 60% (from 32 to 54) compared with the same month in the previous year.
Symptoms of breast cancer include changes to the size and shape of the breasts; and a lump, swelling or thickening in one breast or armpit. Skin changes can include puckering, dimpling, inflammation or redness of the skin, and there may be changes to the nipple, including rashes or discharge. Mr Paul Burstow as spokesperson for the government initiative said the aim of their investment in the campaigns was to save lives and achieve cancer survival rates that were among the best in the world: "We know that generally the earlier cancer is diagnosed, the better the outlook. That's why our campaign will help people to be more alert to the early signs and symptoms of cancer and encourage them to seek medical advice as soon as possible..In England we are lagging behind European countries when it comes to the common but big killer cancers such as breast, bowel and lung…the NHS is spending at European levels but still not delivering European cancer survival rates.”
Read more about the campaigns alongside he early signs of all three cancers here
Rigorous exercise before cancer treatment is ‘highly risky’...
Scientists are recommending that those about to undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment relax and avoid intense activity for at least 48 hours before receiving treatment. The advice comes after a recent study found that psychological or physical stress on the body can aid cancer cells in resisting the effects of treatment; priming the cells for survival.
A series of tests found that a stress-sensitive protein called heat shock factor-1, which usually helps tissues and cells cope with stress actually activated another protein, known as Hsp27 that helped keep tumour cells alive even after they were exposed to radiation and chemotherapy. Hsp27, which helps to block cell death, interacts with a third protein, p21, which allows cells to repair themselves and keep dividing. When the cells were put under stress, levels of Hsp27 reached their height within 48 hours, suggesting the protein is highly active in the two days following any stressful event that activates heat shock factor-1.
Dr Ilangovan, a lead researcher on the project said ‘It is not proven in a clinical setting but our hypothesis leads us to strongly caution cancer patients about avoiding stress because that stress might trigger recurrence of cancer cell growth.’ Arlene Wilkie, director of research and policy, Breast Cancer Campaign said ‘This early research should be treated with caution as it has only been tested on cells in a laboratory and not on cancer patients. It is unrealistic that people who are about to undergo cancer treatment will be able to avoid stress. If you have any concerns talk to your doctor or nurse.’
You can find the rest of the article here
Breakthrough in breast cancer amongst women with BRCA1 gene...
Cancer Research UK scientists have identified a DNA region which can increase or decrease the high breast cancer risk associated with the BRCA1 gene. After studying the genomes of over 2,300 women with the BRCA1 gene, the findings were uncovered by Dr Antonis Antoniou from Cancer Research UK Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidomilogy at the University of Cambridge and published in Nature Genetics. Dr Antoniou said: We’ve found a DNA region that acts like a volume control – to turn up or down the risk of developing breast cancer from faults in the BRCA1 gene. Our discovery is the first step in a much larger study to identify genetic factors that modify breast cancer risk in women carrying BRCA1 mutations, and ultimately could help assess the risk for each woman and monitor for the disease.”
Dr Lesley Walker, Cancer Research UK’s director of cancer information, said: “We’re dedicated to unravelling cancer risk so we can provide doctors with better tools to identify who is at risk and help select the best treatment. This research provides evidence that by carrying out genome wide association studies in certain subgroups - such as people with BRCA1 mutations - we can identify other breast and ovarian cancer risk factors which have previously been missed.”
On average, around 65%of women carrying a faulty BRCA1 gene will develop breast cancer - and around 40% ovarian cancer - by the age of 70.
To read the full article please go to the Cancer Research website
Lauren Newton 23rd September 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
On the pulse...for people affected by breast cancer
On the pulse
Cancerkin news…
Therapy updates…
With the summer months drawing to a close there are a few notable changes and introductions to our therapy programme:
1. Pilates: Kara Dressel our resident Pilates instructor will her resume classes this week, Thursday 16th September at the usual time of 1.30-2.30pm.
2. Hypnotherapy: The Cancerkin office is now taking bookings for new hypnotherapy sessions starting on Monday 4th October. If you are interested in booking a session or would like more information about hypnotherapy please call the office on 0207 830 2323.
3. Music Therapy: Cancerkin is pleased to announce the trial of this new therapy. Pilot sessions will be run across the following Fridays: 24th September, 1st October, 8thOctober. Again, if you are interested in trying out this creative and fun new therapy sessions please call the Cancerkin Centre to book a slot. These sessions will be run on a one-to-one basis.
4. Yoga: From Friday 17th September, Martin will be away on holiday for three weeks with the class resuming on Friday 8th October.
Breast cancer awareness month…
Our fundraising ideas page can now be found on our website, so if you were thinking about doing something extraordinary for Cancerkin this Breast Cancer Awareness month, be sure to check it out for ideas. With suggestions for work fundraising, school fundraising and even individual initiatives there is something there for everyone. In a week where the Metro published a story rating UK citizens in the Top 10 of charity givers, there is no reason not to get involved! Do something amazing this October – have fun and help hundreds of women in the process!
In the news…
Recreating history…
The campaign “Everyone is Art” is taking a rather creative approach to highlight issues surrounding breast cancer for this years Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). Asking members of the public to upload their breast cancer stories and pictures - of themselves and their loved ones – artist Samira Harris will use the photos to recreate a giant version of Botticelli’s Renaissance painting, Birth of Venus. 1,096 of the photos submitted will be used in the homage, a figure that replicates the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe every day.
Launched by Samsung Electronics Group, the campaign is also associated with 17 different European breast cancer charities including the UK based charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. A spokesperson for Samsung Electronics said: “Samsung is appealing for photos of men and women who have been affected by breast cancer, either directly or through a loved one. We are also looking for photos of the hard-working and inspiring pink ribbon campaigners who take part in marathons or dye their hair pink to promote awareness."
Anyone interested can upload their pictures by visiting the website www.morethantalk.eu/everyoneisart. The deadline for images is 24th September. The finished composition will be revealed on 14th October 2010, Samsung’s European Breast Cancer Awareness Day; at The Royal Exchange in Central London. After this it will be sold, with all profits going towards European breast cancer charities.
For more information click here
Node testing to waiting times for surgery…
A new lymph node testing technique known as OSNA - On-table Sentinel Node Analysis is able to test lymph nodes for cancerous cells on the same day a patient would go in to have their lump removed. Results can come back within the hour and if the nodes have to be removed, it can be done straight away rather than in a later operation, as was the previously the case. The hope is that this new technique will negate the need for a second operation, thus preventing unnecessary stress and strain on the patient whilst also drastically cutting operation waiting times (and thus patient service times) as the node test results are available almost immediately. Currently the high tech procedure is only being used at 5 hospitals across the UK.
To find out more about OSNA please click here
Breast cancer website to predict survival chances…?
Website www.predict.nhs.uk is being launched today to help breast cancer patients predict their chances of survival. Allowing you to enter data such as your age, size and width of tumour, grade of cancer and whether the tumours detection came from screening or home inspection, the website predicts the likelihood of survival for the next 5-10 years, as well as offering suggestions on extra benefits such as other drug treatments. Developed by a team at Cambridge breast unit at Cambridge University Hospital, the website was designed using data on more than 5,600 patients from the Eastern Cancer Registration and Information Centre for East Anglia, including a range of hospitals and trusts. To ensure an accurate range of cancer survival across the UK, this data was then cross-referenced with information from the West Midlands. As the website’s sole premise is to make ‘predictions’ and give ‘advice’, the need for accuracy is paramount and as such it is planned that the website will be continually updated as more and more data becomes available.
Senior Policy officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Meg McArthur encouraged all users of the site to talk through the results with their breast consultant saying although the “website could potentially lead to improved treatment choices and could help the partnership between patients and healthcare professionals, it is important for patients to work with their specialist to choose the right drug treatment following breast cancer surgery”.
To read more about the ‘Predict’ website as well as some other findings about calcium and breast cancer published in the British Journal of Cancer this week please click here.
Lauren Newton 15th September 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
Cancerkin news…
Therapy updates…
With the summer months drawing to a close there are a few notable changes and introductions to our therapy programme:
1. Pilates: Kara Dressel our resident Pilates instructor will her resume classes this week, Thursday 16th September at the usual time of 1.30-2.30pm.
2. Hypnotherapy: The Cancerkin office is now taking bookings for new hypnotherapy sessions starting on Monday 4th October. If you are interested in booking a session or would like more information about hypnotherapy please call the office on 0207 830 2323.
3. Music Therapy: Cancerkin is pleased to announce the trial of this new therapy. Pilot sessions will be run across the following Fridays: 24th September, 1st October, 8thOctober. Again, if you are interested in trying out this creative and fun new therapy sessions please call the Cancerkin Centre to book a slot. These sessions will be run on a one-to-one basis.
4. Yoga: From Friday 17th September, Martin will be away on holiday for three weeks with the class resuming on Friday 8th October.
Breast cancer awareness month…
Our fundraising ideas page can now be found on our website, so if you were thinking about doing something extraordinary for Cancerkin this Breast Cancer Awareness month, be sure to check it out for ideas. With suggestions for work fundraising, school fundraising and even individual initiatives there is something there for everyone. In a week where the Metro published a story rating UK citizens in the Top 10 of charity givers, there is no reason not to get involved! Do something amazing this October – have fun and help hundreds of women in the process!
In the news…
Recreating history…
The campaign “Everyone is Art” is taking a rather creative approach to highlight issues surrounding breast cancer for this years Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). Asking members of the public to upload their breast cancer stories and pictures - of themselves and their loved ones – artist Samira Harris will use the photos to recreate a giant version of Botticelli’s Renaissance painting, Birth of Venus. 1,096 of the photos submitted will be used in the homage, a figure that replicates the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe every day.
Launched by Samsung Electronics Group, the campaign is also associated with 17 different European breast cancer charities including the UK based charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer. A spokesperson for Samsung Electronics said: “Samsung is appealing for photos of men and women who have been affected by breast cancer, either directly or through a loved one. We are also looking for photos of the hard-working and inspiring pink ribbon campaigners who take part in marathons or dye their hair pink to promote awareness."
Anyone interested can upload their pictures by visiting the website www.morethantalk.eu/everyoneisart. The deadline for images is 24th September. The finished composition will be revealed on 14th October 2010, Samsung’s European Breast Cancer Awareness Day; at The Royal Exchange in Central London. After this it will be sold, with all profits going towards European breast cancer charities.
For more information click here
Node testing to waiting times for surgery…
A new lymph node testing technique known as OSNA - On-table Sentinel Node Analysis is able to test lymph nodes for cancerous cells on the same day a patient would go in to have their lump removed. Results can come back within the hour and if the nodes have to be removed, it can be done straight away rather than in a later operation, as was the previously the case. The hope is that this new technique will negate the need for a second operation, thus preventing unnecessary stress and strain on the patient whilst also drastically cutting operation waiting times (and thus patient service times) as the node test results are available almost immediately. Currently the high tech procedure is only being used at 5 hospitals across the UK.
To find out more about OSNA please click here
Breast cancer website to predict survival chances…?
Website www.predict.nhs.uk is being launched today to help breast cancer patients predict their chances of survival. Allowing you to enter data such as your age, size and width of tumour, grade of cancer and whether the tumours detection came from screening or home inspection, the website predicts the likelihood of survival for the next 5-10 years, as well as offering suggestions on extra benefits such as other drug treatments. Developed by a team at Cambridge breast unit at Cambridge University Hospital, the website was designed using data on more than 5,600 patients from the Eastern Cancer Registration and Information Centre for East Anglia, including a range of hospitals and trusts. To ensure an accurate range of cancer survival across the UK, this data was then cross-referenced with information from the West Midlands. As the website’s sole premise is to make ‘predictions’ and give ‘advice’, the need for accuracy is paramount and as such it is planned that the website will be continually updated as more and more data becomes available.
Senior Policy officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Meg McArthur encouraged all users of the site to talk through the results with their breast consultant saying although the “website could potentially lead to improved treatment choices and could help the partnership between patients and healthcare professionals, it is important for patients to work with their specialist to choose the right drug treatment following breast cancer surgery”.
To read more about the ‘Predict’ website as well as some other findings about calcium and breast cancer published in the British Journal of Cancer this week please click here.
Lauren Newton 15th September 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
Wednesday 8 September 2010
On the pulse
Cancerkin news…
Internship Programme…
A couple of weeks ago we mentioned the planned revival of our Internship Scheme. Having advertised the positions of East London Project Intern and Office Manager/Administrator Intern on our website, various University websites and with the Government Graduate Talent Pool, we have just over a week until the application closing date on Friday 17th September. If you know of any sparky individuals who would be interested, or could benefit from the Cancerkin experience then please direct them to the ‘About Us’ section of our website where job specifications for both roles can be found. If you have any further queries or would like to apply (with a CV and covering letter) please email Lauren Newton at l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk .
In the news…
Advances in tackling aggressive forms of breast cancer...
Over the weekend The Telegraph reported that scientists believe they have made a breakthrough in understanding how ‘triple negative’ breast cancer develops. An aggressive form of breast cancer which tends to affect younger women, ‘triple negative’ breast cancer affects around 9,000 women of the 46,000 diagnosed with breast cancer each year and can currently only be treated by surgery and chemotherapy.
Triple negative breast cancer can not be treated with drugs such as Tamoxifen or Herceptin as the tumours that develop as part of the disease are not driven by the hormones oestrogen or progesterone or by the HER2 protein, (as is the case for most other breast cancer forms). The mortality rates for triple negative breast cancer are also higher than average when compared with other forms of breast cancers.
Scientists who conducted the recent study found that triple negative cancers develop in types of breast cells called intermediaries or progenitors – previously it was believed they were found in stem cells. Furthermore, these cells have not yet become completely functional cells, so inception is possible. Dr Matt Smalley, of Breakthrough Breast Cancer's Institute of Cancer Research in London, described the results of their laboratory study with mice as "a major advance in our understanding…it means we can now look very closely at where the disease forms and which genes are involved in that process. This knowledge will greatly improve the chance of finding effective new targeted treatments for breast cancer patients in the future." As a result of this research it is possible that drugs could be created which could stop the growth of tumours or possibly stop them developing at all. It is hoped that this in turn will impact on the number of women who die each year from breast cancer.
Read the full story here
Pre-emptive breast & ovary removal saves more lives than you think…
Recent research which followed nearly 2,500 women with certain genetic predispositions and mutations prone to developing breast or ovarian cancer, found that pre-emptive mastectomies, ovary and/or fallopian tube removals nearly eliminated the development of either cancer. Virginia Kaklamani, an associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University and a co-author of the study said: "This is the first study to prove women survive longer with these preventative surgeries and shows the importance of genetic testing when there is a family history of early breast or ovarian cancer,".
All of the 2,482 women who took part in the study had mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which significantly increases their chances of developing ovarian or breast cancer. Some of the results included: Women with mutations in either gene who opted for prophylactic mastectomies effectively eliminated their future risk of breast cancer; 7% of women in the study who did not undergo the surgery developed breast cancer in the same period.
Kaklamani said the study clearly showed the potential benefits of pre-emptive surgery as well as highlighting the importance of genetic testing to detect whether the gene mutations are present saying: "Primary care physicians, gynaecologists and women need to be more aware that these tests exist”.
Read the full article here.
Lauren Newton 7th September 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
Cancerkin news…
Internship Programme…
A couple of weeks ago we mentioned the planned revival of our Internship Scheme. Having advertised the positions of East London Project Intern and Office Manager/Administrator Intern on our website, various University websites and with the Government Graduate Talent Pool, we have just over a week until the application closing date on Friday 17th September. If you know of any sparky individuals who would be interested, or could benefit from the Cancerkin experience then please direct them to the ‘About Us’ section of our website where job specifications for both roles can be found. If you have any further queries or would like to apply (with a CV and covering letter) please email Lauren Newton at l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk .
In the news…
Advances in tackling aggressive forms of breast cancer...
Over the weekend The Telegraph reported that scientists believe they have made a breakthrough in understanding how ‘triple negative’ breast cancer develops. An aggressive form of breast cancer which tends to affect younger women, ‘triple negative’ breast cancer affects around 9,000 women of the 46,000 diagnosed with breast cancer each year and can currently only be treated by surgery and chemotherapy.
Triple negative breast cancer can not be treated with drugs such as Tamoxifen or Herceptin as the tumours that develop as part of the disease are not driven by the hormones oestrogen or progesterone or by the HER2 protein, (as is the case for most other breast cancer forms). The mortality rates for triple negative breast cancer are also higher than average when compared with other forms of breast cancers.
Scientists who conducted the recent study found that triple negative cancers develop in types of breast cells called intermediaries or progenitors – previously it was believed they were found in stem cells. Furthermore, these cells have not yet become completely functional cells, so inception is possible. Dr Matt Smalley, of Breakthrough Breast Cancer's Institute of Cancer Research in London, described the results of their laboratory study with mice as "a major advance in our understanding…it means we can now look very closely at where the disease forms and which genes are involved in that process. This knowledge will greatly improve the chance of finding effective new targeted treatments for breast cancer patients in the future." As a result of this research it is possible that drugs could be created which could stop the growth of tumours or possibly stop them developing at all. It is hoped that this in turn will impact on the number of women who die each year from breast cancer.
Read the full story here
Pre-emptive breast & ovary removal saves more lives than you think…
Recent research which followed nearly 2,500 women with certain genetic predispositions and mutations prone to developing breast or ovarian cancer, found that pre-emptive mastectomies, ovary and/or fallopian tube removals nearly eliminated the development of either cancer. Virginia Kaklamani, an associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University and a co-author of the study said: "This is the first study to prove women survive longer with these preventative surgeries and shows the importance of genetic testing when there is a family history of early breast or ovarian cancer,".
All of the 2,482 women who took part in the study had mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which significantly increases their chances of developing ovarian or breast cancer. Some of the results included: Women with mutations in either gene who opted for prophylactic mastectomies effectively eliminated their future risk of breast cancer; 7% of women in the study who did not undergo the surgery developed breast cancer in the same period.
Kaklamani said the study clearly showed the potential benefits of pre-emptive surgery as well as highlighting the importance of genetic testing to detect whether the gene mutations are present saying: "Primary care physicians, gynaecologists and women need to be more aware that these tests exist”.
Read the full article here.
Lauren Newton 7th September 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
Thursday 2 September 2010
On the pulse...for people affected by breast cancer
On the pulse
Cancerkin News…
Office wonder women…
Cancerkin would like to thank all of the women who have been giving their time to help behind the reception desk. Helping with booking appointments, welcoming patients and other administrative duties, their assistance and kindness has made a real contribution to the day to day running of the Cancerkin Centre. We are currently advertising the receptionist role and hope to have a new addition to the Cancerkin team. If you know of anyone who would be interested in the role please contact V.Todd@Cancerkin.org.uk.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month…
For those of you who may not be aware, October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To mark the occasion a number of Cancerkin patients and supporters have generously began organising their own fundraising initiatives. On the 3rd October Gina Atherton will be swimming a mile in celebration of her 50th birthday and in hope of raising £1,000 for Cancerkin. Our resident pilates teacher Kara Dressel is also organising some fundraising yoga and pilates sessions with a number of organisations across North London. We would like to thank these women for their initiative and thinking of Cancerkin during this month. If any of you would like to organise your own fundraising drives in honour of Cancerkin during Breast Cancer Awareness Month there are plenty of things for you to do, a few ideas include: a cake sale at work; a car boot sale at the weekend; donating the proceeds of your eBay auction; own clothes day at school; Come dine with me etc.
The Cancerkin Centre have many collection cans in the office that we are hoping to distribute amongst our supports during October. If you are able to take a can to work with you and canvas support amongst your colleagues, or know of a local shop or supermarket that would be willing to hold a collection can in store during Breast Cancer Awareness Month please do get in touch with Lauren Newton l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk.
Although we will be predominantly looking to raise awareness of breast cancer and its risks during this month we are also hoping to fit in some fundraising drives as well. Like many other charities the recession has taken its toll on the number of grants and donations we receive from fundraising bodies, so we need the help of our supporters more than ever! If you would like to do something amazing for Cancerkin get in touch today. We really appreciate it all the support we receive.
In The News….
Prevent Cancer through Exercise…
Research by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has found that around 10,000 Britons each year could prevent breast or bowel cancer by exercising more regularly. Apparently even moderate exercise such as brisk walk could help reduce the risk for thousands of people. To prove beneficial the WCRF say that the activity only needs to increase an individual’s heart rate. For breast cancer specifically, the report states that around 5,000 women could avoid developing the disease by taking moderately active exercise for around 45 minutes a day.
Dr Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science for WCRF, said: "There is very strong evidence that being physically active is important for cancer prevention. You can reduce your cancer risk just by making small changes...by taking up walking as a hobby or even walking to the shops instead of taking the bus or car, people can make a real difference to their health."
Read the full article here.
Watercress - the new cancer superfood…
Research carried out at Southampton University found that volunteers, who ate 80grams of watercress, produced elevated levels of cancer-fighting molecules in their blood within 6 hours of eating. Furthermore, it was found that extracts from watercress can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. The 80gram measurement used in the research is equivalent to 1 portion of fruit/veg towards the recommended 5 a day.
The results of the pilot study suggest that not only could eating watercress help prevent the development of breast cancer but also help recovering breast cancer sufferers avoid a recurrence of the disease. If unequivocally proved, watercress will be added to the other list of cancer superfoods rich such as broccoli and cabbage.
The research, led by Professor Graham Packham from the Cancer Research UK centre at Southampton University, was reported in the British Journal of Nutrition. The researchers said: "This pilot study suggests that dietary intake of watercress may be sufficient to modulate this potential anti-cancer pathway." However, to certify the benefits of eating watercress they believe that further research will need to be done with a larger number of patients. Concentration will now fall on finding out which chemical (isothiocyanates) in watercress helped to inhibit cancer growth, as it is yet unclear.
Hazel Nunn, Cancer Research UK's health information manager, said: "Watercress may well have benefits but there's no reason to believe that it should be superior to a generally healthy, balanced diet that is high in fibre, vegetables and fruit and low in red and processed meat, salt, saturated fat and alcohol."
For more information you can read the full article here.
Lauren Newton 20th August 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
Cancerkin News…
Office wonder women…
Cancerkin would like to thank all of the women who have been giving their time to help behind the reception desk. Helping with booking appointments, welcoming patients and other administrative duties, their assistance and kindness has made a real contribution to the day to day running of the Cancerkin Centre. We are currently advertising the receptionist role and hope to have a new addition to the Cancerkin team. If you know of anyone who would be interested in the role please contact V.Todd@Cancerkin.org.uk.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month…
For those of you who may not be aware, October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To mark the occasion a number of Cancerkin patients and supporters have generously began organising their own fundraising initiatives. On the 3rd October Gina Atherton will be swimming a mile in celebration of her 50th birthday and in hope of raising £1,000 for Cancerkin. Our resident pilates teacher Kara Dressel is also organising some fundraising yoga and pilates sessions with a number of organisations across North London. We would like to thank these women for their initiative and thinking of Cancerkin during this month. If any of you would like to organise your own fundraising drives in honour of Cancerkin during Breast Cancer Awareness Month there are plenty of things for you to do, a few ideas include: a cake sale at work; a car boot sale at the weekend; donating the proceeds of your eBay auction; own clothes day at school; Come dine with me etc.
The Cancerkin Centre have many collection cans in the office that we are hoping to distribute amongst our supports during October. If you are able to take a can to work with you and canvas support amongst your colleagues, or know of a local shop or supermarket that would be willing to hold a collection can in store during Breast Cancer Awareness Month please do get in touch with Lauren Newton l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk.
Although we will be predominantly looking to raise awareness of breast cancer and its risks during this month we are also hoping to fit in some fundraising drives as well. Like many other charities the recession has taken its toll on the number of grants and donations we receive from fundraising bodies, so we need the help of our supporters more than ever! If you would like to do something amazing for Cancerkin get in touch today. We really appreciate it all the support we receive.
In The News….
Prevent Cancer through Exercise…
Research by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has found that around 10,000 Britons each year could prevent breast or bowel cancer by exercising more regularly. Apparently even moderate exercise such as brisk walk could help reduce the risk for thousands of people. To prove beneficial the WCRF say that the activity only needs to increase an individual’s heart rate. For breast cancer specifically, the report states that around 5,000 women could avoid developing the disease by taking moderately active exercise for around 45 minutes a day.
Dr Rachel Thompson, deputy head of science for WCRF, said: "There is very strong evidence that being physically active is important for cancer prevention. You can reduce your cancer risk just by making small changes...by taking up walking as a hobby or even walking to the shops instead of taking the bus or car, people can make a real difference to their health."
Read the full article here.
Watercress - the new cancer superfood…
Research carried out at Southampton University found that volunteers, who ate 80grams of watercress, produced elevated levels of cancer-fighting molecules in their blood within 6 hours of eating. Furthermore, it was found that extracts from watercress can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. The 80gram measurement used in the research is equivalent to 1 portion of fruit/veg towards the recommended 5 a day.
The results of the pilot study suggest that not only could eating watercress help prevent the development of breast cancer but also help recovering breast cancer sufferers avoid a recurrence of the disease. If unequivocally proved, watercress will be added to the other list of cancer superfoods rich such as broccoli and cabbage.
The research, led by Professor Graham Packham from the Cancer Research UK centre at Southampton University, was reported in the British Journal of Nutrition. The researchers said: "This pilot study suggests that dietary intake of watercress may be sufficient to modulate this potential anti-cancer pathway." However, to certify the benefits of eating watercress they believe that further research will need to be done with a larger number of patients. Concentration will now fall on finding out which chemical (isothiocyanates) in watercress helped to inhibit cancer growth, as it is yet unclear.
Hazel Nunn, Cancer Research UK's health information manager, said: "Watercress may well have benefits but there's no reason to believe that it should be superior to a generally healthy, balanced diet that is high in fibre, vegetables and fruit and low in red and processed meat, salt, saturated fat and alcohol."
For more information you can read the full article here.
Lauren Newton 20th August 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk
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