On the pulse

Cancerkin’s news…

Cancerkin needs you...

Our annual breast awareness stand will be on Wednesday 12th October 2011 from 10am to 4pm, outside the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital. We will be handing out information on being breast aware and about Cancerkin’s services and there will be lots of books, gifts and cakes for sale. We are looking for volunteers to hold collection tins and to help manage the stall so please do get in touch if you are able to help. You can contact Laura on 0207 830 2323 or email l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk. We hope you’ll be able to come along and support us!


Kate’s Journal...

Events of all kinds will be taking place during October to promote the message of being breast aware. One event that may be of particular interest features an exhibition of photographic images of Cancerkin patient Kate Sims. Photographer Astrid Schultz documented Kate’s journey through treatment and has produced a series of compelling and powerful images that will be on show at the Underground Gallery on the Strand from 17 – 22 October 2011. The exhibition, located at Charing Cross Underground station Exit 9, is open daily from 12pm to 6pm and will also feature talks on emotional support and image advice for breast cancer patients, as well as the opportunity to be photographed yourself. If you have any enquiries, please contact Jessica on jbavinton@me.com or 07968 006 284.


New additions...

This week, we are pleased to welcome three new Interns to the Cancerkin team. Events and Fundraising Intern Laura Pierce will be helping with work on our events. East London Project Interns Cherry Cheung and Eru Edewor will be helping with the development of our outreach project to the communities of East London. If you have any questions for them, please email intern@cancerkin.org.uk.


In the news…

Linking alcohol and breast cancer…

Much is written about the links between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk. New findings from a US laboratory study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research reveal how the breakdown of alcohol in human cells may result in DNA damage linked to a number of cell changes that cause cancer. This breakthrough is particularly important to breast and liver cancer susceptibility and emphasises that groundbreaking research into alcohol and cancer is progressing quickly. The article helpfully outlines the laboratory study that is building upon our previously limited knowledge of the effects of alcohol as a carcinogen within human cells.

The study shows that when alcohol or more specifically ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, is converted within human cells to a chemical called acetaldehyde the resulting DNA damage directly affects a collection of proteins called the ‘FA-BRCA network (Fanconic anemia-breast cancer).’ Previous studies have shown that the FA-BRCA network is particularly important in protecting against breast cancer. Laboratory results confirmed that when the ethanol is converted into acetaldehyde it causes increased levels of DNA damage as well as switching on the cell’s DNA repair genes.

The study’s author Philip J Brooks explains: “Although the link between drinking alcohol and certain types of cancer was first established in the 1980’s the existence of such a relationship did not prove that alcohol itself caused the cancers. More recent evidence however has confirmed that alcohol, or more specifically ethanol, is carcinogenic to humans at several sites in the body.” He concludes that this research brings us a step closer to understanding the ways in which alcohol contributes to the development of breast and liver cancers. As a result of these finding, further research into the relationship between alcohol metabolism, the FA-BRCA network and human health will become increasingly important in the future.

To read more on the topic, please click here.


Significant discovery in male breast cancer…

Breast cancer is often thought of as a condition that only affects women. It is important to highlight however that men can also develop the disease. Around 48,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, and although it is far less prevalent in men, there are around 300 cases of male breast cancer each year. There is a limited amount known about male breast cancer, whether it is similar to breast cancer in women, or whether it is something different altogether.

In an attempt to find out more about the genes implicated in the disease, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) have been collaborating on research into male breast cancer and have discovered similarities with the female disease. Using data taken from the Male Breast Cancer Study, the research team studied 433 male breast cancer cases and looked at the 12 most common genes that contribute to the risk of female breast cancer. They learned that five of the genes also significantly affected risk in men. However, the extent of the risk was different between males and females. One of the first of its kind, the study’s results have been published in the journal PLoS Genetics.

Whilst this study is still in its early stages and there is still much more to learn, Dr Nick Orr from the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre hopes that these results could potentially lead to tailored treatments for male breast cancer patients. The team also believe it will improve knowledge of the genetic factors of female breast cancer.

To read more on this topic, please click here.


Breast cancer screening debate…

As you may well be aware, recent claims over the effectiveness of breast cancer screening programmes have unleashed fierce debate within the scientific community about whether or not women should take up their invitation to have a mammogram once every three years. Whilst the NHS states their programme is responsible for saving around 1300 lives a year, recent research claims that women may be being misled about the health benefits of screening.

In response, there has been lively discussion of the claims in the press. If you are interested in reading more, The Guardian , The Daily Mail and The Independent all examine the claims made by the recently published research in more detail.

Laura Smith
23rd September 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin’s news…


September Talk…

Karen Bernard is known to many of our patients as one of Cancerkin’s massage therapists. On Tuesday September 27th at 11am, Karen will be speaking to our monthly patient support group about the benefits of relaxation in relieving stress and improving overall wellbeing. She will lead the group on an exercise in guided relaxation to show how, with regular practice, anyone can use these techniques in their everyday life to create a more relaxed mind and body. If you are interested in attending, please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk.


Cancerkin’s East London Project Update…

Last Friday, we returned to the Bromley by Bow Centre with women benefiting from a range of Cancerkin’s individual and group therapies along with breast awareness sessions throughout the day for those visiting the centre. Feedback continues to be overwhelmingly positive from the sessions at both our venues in East London, and we would like to thank the wonderful staff at St Joseph’s Hospice and the Bromley by Bow Centre for their continued support.

This week, we were also invited to give two presentations at the University of East London in order to recruit students to be trained for our upcoming awareness project. The students were extremely enthusiastic and passionate about the project. We would also like to thank the staff at the university for all their help and support.


In the news…


Breast Cancer found to develop earlier in today’s generation of women with BRCA gene...

A study published this week in the journal Cancer and cited in ThirdAge has reported that breast cancer develops years earlier in women with BRCA-1 or -2 mutations compared to their relatives in previous generations.

The study, conducted by the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre, found that of the 132 female participants who had breast cancer and BRCA gene mutations, 106 had a family member in the previous generation that had also been diagnosed with BRCA breast or ovarian related cancer. When they looked at the average age each generation was diagnosed with breast cancer, they found it went from age 48 in the older generation to 42 in the younger generation.

Dr Jennifer Litton, breast medical oncologist at the University of Texas, commented that whilst women with a known BRCA -1 or -2 gene develop cancers earlier than the rest of the population, it is still unclear as to why the disease develops earlier in the younger generation. Dr Litton hopes to extend the study to larger groups of women to determine whether the cause is environmental or due to better testing.

However, Dr Litten believes this study “validates a lot of the guidelines out there for us to start looking at least five to ten years earlier than the youngest diagnosis in the family”.

To read more on this topic, please click here.


Breast and Cervical Cancer on the rise in Developing Countries...

The first ever global review of the scale of breast and cervical cancer has reported that about two million women are developing breast or cervical cancer every year.

Reported in the Guardian this week, the analysis from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation has found that much of the growth in numbers is in poorer countries and that breast cancer in particular is growing in women aged 15 to 49.

The review warns that deaths from breast and cervical cancer could soon overtake deaths in pregnancy and childbirth as a leading cause of mortality in the developing world. The review comments that “as high-income countries enjoy the benefit of early cancer screenings, drug therapies and vaccines, the burden of breast and cervical cancer is shifting to low-income countries in Africa and Asia... adding more pressure on societies already suffering from high rates of infectious disease and child mortality”.

The review calculates that breast cancer diagnosis has increased by more than two and a half times between 1980 and 2010, from 641 000 to 1.6 million a year. Whilst the rise is happening in every country, cases have risen slowest in wealthier, developed countries. As Christopher Murray, lead author of the review, commented; “there is a perception that breast cancer is a disease of older women in developed countries... part of the analysis says it is already a big issue for younger women in the developing world. In many countries it may be a bigger issue than maternal mortality”.

The review has been published ahead of a high-level summit on non-communicable or ‘lifestyle’ diseases due to take place next week at the UN in New York, which aims to focus world leaders’ attention on a plan to bring the mortality rate numbers down.

To read more on this topic, please click here.

Laura Smith
16th September 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....


Joy’s marathon fundraiser...

This week, Cancerkin would like to say a hug thank you to Joy Okoye who ran the Neolithic marathon earlier this year to raise funds for charity. Joy decided to run in honour of four different charities and chose Cancerkin to be a lucky recipient of her fundraising efforts. After months of training for the 26 mile run and lots of hard work canvassing and chasing sponsorship, Joy raised a grand total of £1,507 for Cancerkin – well done and thank you, Joy!


Patient forum at the Royal Free…

The Royal Free Hospital is inviting its staff and patients to attend a forum next week to discuss patient experience from both the staff and patient perspective. Workshops will take place on 14 September at 9.30am – 12 noon or 5 – 7.30pm, 15 September at 9.30am – 12 noon or 2.30 – 5pm and 20 September at 9.30am – 12 noon. The workshops will take place in the Sir William Wells Atrium, each lasting two hours, and refreshments will be provided. To reserve a space please contact Hayley White on 020 77940500 x35965 or email rfh.patientexperience@nhs.net.

October talk…

On Tuesday 25th October at 11am Katie Walker, Clinical Lead Dietician (Nutrition Support) at the Royal Free, will be speaking at our monthly patient support group for those with breast cancer. She will give a talk on healthy eating and take question from the audience on any dietary related queries. If you are interested in attending, please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk.


‘The Last of the Duchess’ sold out…

Just to remind you, tickets for the ‘The Last of the Duchess’ in October have now sold out. Please do not send anymore ticket request forms to the Cancerkin Office as we will be unable to process them.


Yoga classes at Cancerkin…

Please note, there will be no yoga class taking place on Friday 16th September 2011. Classes will resume the following Friday, 23rd September 2011.


In the News.....


Breast density and cancer risk explained...

An interesting article on breast density was recently posted on the Komen for the Cure website. Research had shown that breast density is linked to breast cancer risk but it is still unclear exactly how the two are linked. This article helpfully outlines what we know about breast density as well as highlighting what remains to be investigated.

As the article tells us, the breast is made up mostly of fat and breast tissue. Breast tissue itself is the network of lobules and ducts that produce and carry milk to the nipple when a woman is breastfeeding, all held in place by connective tissue. Breast density is a measure of the composition of the breast, taken by comparing the area of breast and connective tissue to the area of fat as seen on a mammogram. The greater the area of breast and connective tissue in comparison with fat, the higher the breast density. This is currently measured by visual assessment of the mammogram by a radiologist through a variety of methods. The issue here is that such assessments are subjective and the best way to measure breast density remains an active area of research.

We know that women with very high breast density are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Those with a high density are four or five times more likely to develop breast cancer that those of a low density. It is not yet known, however, why this is related to breast cancer. Many factors affecting the disease also affect breast density, which may help to explain how density increases breast cancer risk: We know that some breast cancers are due to genetic predisposition, and breast density also seems to runs in families. There are studies being conducted into specific genes that may be linked to density. We know that pregnancy decreases breast density as well as decreasing breast cancer risk. The more children a woman has, the less dense her breasts are and also the lower her risk of developing the disease. Age is also an influencing factor – hormone changes during menopause cause a decrease in density and younger premenopausal women generally have denser breasts. However, we also know that breast cancer risk increases with age. Both density and risk are also related to body weight. Women with a higher body weight in adolescence and adulthood tend to have a lower breast density. A higher weight before the menopause may help decrease breast cancer risk, but after menopause obesity or being overweigh increases risk. The influence of age and weight are both topics currently under study.

Dense breast tissue poses problems in terms of breast screening. Breast fat appears dark on a mammogram and denser breast and connective tissues look light grey or white. Tumours can also appear white, making mammograms more difficult to assess when breast tissue is dense. Digital mammography on a computer screen makes images easier to examine in more detail, making them better at finding tumours in women with dense breasts. MRI and Ultrasound are also being investigated as potential tools for screening women with high density breasts.

To read more on this topic, please click here.


Laura Smith
9th September 2011

Cancerkin's News Update.....


The last of the tickets…

Tickets are now SOLD OUT for ‘The Last of the Duchess’ on 31st October 2011. We have been so pleased with the response to the event and look forward to seeing you all in October!

All those who have purchased a ticket will receive a letter of confirmation in the coming weeks. You will need to bring this with you on the night. The performance will start at 7.30pm with drinks served for ticket holders from 6.30pm. There will also be a raffle at the interval with fabulous prizes including a holiday in a villa in Portugal. Please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk if you have any questions about the evening.

East London ‘Experienced Patients’…

Friday saw the graduation of our six newly trained ‘Experienced Patients’ who will be forming a network of support in East London for women living with breast cancer. Congratulations to them all once again for completing their formal training. If you are interested in finding out more about our ‘Experienced Patients’, please contact Asini on 0207 830 2323 or a.wijewardane@cancerkin.org.uk.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Cancerkin…

As you may already know, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As well as hosting a performance of ‘The Last of the Duchess’, Cancerkin has lots of other plans for October to help promote breast awareness as well as fundraising to continue our services:p>

We will be holding a fundraising stall at the Royal Free Hospital outside the Atrium on Wednesday 12th October 2011 from 10am to 3pm, during which we will hand out information on breast awareness and on Cancerkin’s services.

On Tuesday 25th October at 11am Katie Walker, Clinical Lead Dietician (Nutrition Support) at the Royal Free, will be speaking at our monthly patient support group for those with breast cancer. She will give a talk on healthy eating and take question from the audience on any dietary related queries. If you are interested in attending, please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk.

As always, we so are grateful to those who support Cancerkin through their own fundraising drives and initiatives. If you would like to organise your own event in honour of Cancerkin during October, here are a few ideas: you could hold a cake sale at work; you could have a car boot sale at the weekend; or you could donate the proceeds of your eBay auction to Cancerkin. If you know of a local business or store that might like to hold a collection can or to plan a fundraiser for Cancerkin, then do get in touch. For more information, please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.

In the News.....

Breast cancer screening programme under the spotlight...

In recent years, a number of studies have been conducted into the impact breast screening programmes, such at those operating in the UK, have on reducing breast cancer mortality rates. At the beginning of August, On the pulse reported on one such study, conducted by a group of European scientists who compared data from countries that had introduced screening at different times but had experienced simultaneous improvements in survival rates. They concluded that the decrease in breast cancer deaths was due to ever improving treatment options and health care systems, rather than due to breast screening. This week the press has focused once again on this subject following the release of a new report conducted by the Nordic Cochrane Centre, which further criticises breast screening programmes. Lead author of the study, Professor Peter Gotzsche at the University of Copenhagen, has claimed that breast screening actually leads to a 50 percent over diagnosis of breast cancers. This means that as a result of screening, some tumours are treated that would never have progressed or led to illness.

The NHSBSP has been quick to dismiss the claims made by this most recent study, stating that the public health benefits of screening outweigh any risks. Professor Julietta Patnick, director of the NHS Cancer Screening Programmes, said: "We know that 97 per cent of women with screen-detected cancers are alive five years later compared to just over 80 per cent of women diagnosed without screening, and screening lowers a woman's risk of having a mastectomy." The NHS breast screening programme (NHSBSP) currently invites all women from the ages of 50 to 70 to have a mammogram every three years. Plans to extend this to women from the age of 47 to the age 73 are currently in the pipeline. The NHS estimates that screening helps to reduce breast cancer deaths by a third and cuts the risk of having to undergo a mastectomy.

To read The Independent’s take on the report, please click here.

Laura Smith
2nd September 2011