On the pulse

Cancerkin’s News….
Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Cancerkin…
On Friday, we rounded off a highly successful week of events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a talk by Mr Tim Davidson ChM, MRCP, FRCS on ‘the current state of breast cancer treatment’. Mr Davidson discussed the treatments available for breast cancer patients, focusing in particular on the development of surgical treatment options, and explained the process by which the appropriate treatment is chosen. His very informative talk was followed by questions from the audience, giving many of our patients the opportunity to find out more about treatment. We would like to thank Mr Davidson for lending his time and expertise to Cancerkin.

Next session in East London...
As part of our ongoing East London Programme, we are holding our fourth complementary therapy session at St. Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney on Monday 25th October, offering over 30 women from all over East London an opportunity to try out a range of therapies. This session will include Art Therapy, Massage, Soul Therapy, Reflexology, Reiki and Tai Chi, and our President, Mr Santilal Parbhoo, will give a Breast Cancer Information talk to the group.

In the News…
Rebirth of Venus...
In September, we reported on a new project designed to raise breast cancer awareness - the innovative “Everyone is Art” campaign. As part of the Samsung More Than Talk Breast Health Awareness campaign, people affected by breast cancer were invited to upload photos, from which 1,096 were selected by British artist Samira Harris and used in her giant recreation of Botticelli’s ‘Birth of Venus’. A particularly poignant number, 1096 represents the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in Europe each day.












Through using an interactive internet campaign, the project has been able to involve a wide cross-section of people and the finished piece features the faces of men and women, young and old, highlighting the fact that breast cancer affects people of all ages and genders. On the Pulse has previously reported that an increasing number of young women are being diagnosed with the breast cancer and, as reported in The Telegraph this week, around 300 men are diagnosed with the disease in the UK every year. Speaking in the newspaper, Henry Conway, a socialite whose photo appears in the work, said that he decided to contribute his image as he wanted to help raise awareness by changing the perception of breast cancer as a disease only affecting middle-aged women.

Measuring 6ft by 5ft, the artwork will now be auctioned to raise money for breast cancer awareness and 20 of the chosen images will be displayed on the big screen at Piccadilly Circus this month. Look out for them there! To read more about the campaign, click here or visit http://www.morethantalk.eu/.

Early onset of puberty has implications for breast cancer risk…
An article published this week in The Guardian has thrown light on an increasing trend of early puberty in children of primary school age. Peter Hindmarsh, professor of paediatric endocrinology at Great Ormond St Hospital in London, stated that conclusive evidence shows puberty is arriving earlier and earlier in girls, with those as young as eight or nine starting to develop breasts and have periods. “Between 1958 and 2005 breast development – the sign that puberty is starting in girls – moved about nine months ahead of where it used to be” he explained. The average age for the onset of puberty in girls is now 10.75 years. In light of this trend, an increasing amount of research demonstrates that girls who reach puberty at a young age are more likely to develop breast cancer in adulthood, meaning more and more young girls are potentially at a higher risk of developing the disease.

The early arrival of puberty is predominantly linked to increased body weight, a pertinent issue in a society struggling with childhood obesity. When a child’s body reaches a certain size at an earlier age than expected, hormone changes are triggered, instigating the onset of puberty. Other research has suggested possible links between early puberty and weak maternal bonding, an absent father, the presence of an unrelated father figure and exposure to artificial light and television screens, and between later puberty and having older brothers. “The age of sexual maturation is highly adaptable,” explained Mr Hindmarsh. “The drive to continue the species is so strong that we have evolved a system that is extremely sensitive to change.”

Unfortunately, early puberty has serious physical and psychological implications for young girls. Besides social problems at school and issues with body-image and self-esteem, research suggests it may increase the risk of ovarian cancer and heart disease, as well as breast cancer, later on in life. To read about this worrying trend in more detail, please click here.

“Breast Healthy” lifestyle can help women with family history of breast cancer...
It has long been acknowledged that a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. A recent study into the impact healthy living can have on this risk, published on the online journal Breast Cancer Research, has brought good news to women with a family history of breast cancer, who are often at a higher risk of developing the disease. Results suggest that “breast healthy” behaviour – regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol intake - can benefit those with a familial predisposition to the disease.

By observing the lifestyle habits of 85,000 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79, the study discovered that, in women who had at least one close relative with a breast cancer diagnosis after the age of 45 and who practised “breast healthy” behaviour, rates of breast cancer were reduced. Among those who exercised for 20 minutes five times a week, maintained a healthy body weight and who drank no more than one alcoholic drink a day, the rate of invasive breast cancer was 5.94 per 1,000 woman-years. Among those with the same family history but who did not follow the three healthy steps, the rate was significantly higher, at 6.79 per 1,000 woman-years.

Dr Gramling, who led the study at the University of Rochester Medical Centre, said: "Untangling the degree to which genes, environments, and behaviors contribute to the disease is difficult. But our study shows that engaging in a healthy lifestyle can help women, even when familial predisposition is involved." If you would like to read more about the study, please click here.

Laura Smith 21st October 2010
l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk

On the pulse

Cancerkin’s News….
Breast Cancer awareness month events this week…
On Wednesday, Dr Alison Jones gave a highly informative and interesting lecture as the first of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month talks this week. Talking on the subject of ‘advances in drug treatment’, Dr Jones touched on past, present and future developments in breast cancer treatment and helped to explain how decisions about treatment are made, which drugs are available, why they are chosen and how drug treatment will evolve in the future. Afterwards, she held a question and answers session, giving many of our patients the opportunity to find out more about treatment. We would like to thank Dr Jones for sharing her expertise with us.

Also on Wednesday, we held our annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month sale, which was another huge success. All in all, we raised over £800 and this was largely thanks to Rada Ristic, who had kindly donated her extensive book collection to Cancerkin for fundraising when she died. We would like to thank all those who visited our stall and helped make the sale a hit. We really appreciate the hard work done by our volunteers who helped to collect donations and to hand out cake on the day – thank you!

Goodbye Lauren!
Lauren Newton, our Events and Development manager, will be leaving the Cancerkin team at the end of this week. She’s off on her travels before beginning a new job at Accenture, but will be back to support Cancerkin efforts in the future. We wish her all the best!

Creative writing in November…
Lily Seibold is back, holding her next creative writing session on Monday 1st November 2010 at 10am-3pm. This workshop will focus on the theme of ‘Friendship’. If you would like to attend, please email our Office Manager Habeeb at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323 to book your place.

In the news…
Drug advances for triple negative breast cancer…
As we reported in On the pulse in September, scientists have recently made breakthrough progress in understanding the development of ‘triple negative’ breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of cancer that often affects younger women. As reported in The Telegraph this week, new advances in treatment for TNBC have been made, which could almost double survival times for many women.

Of the 46,000 people diagnosed with breast cancer each year, 15 to 25% are cases of TNBC and treatment options for women with the disease are currently very limited. Trials into a new drug called Iniparib have produced positive results, with survival times in patients with advanced TNBC increasing on average from 7.7 months to 12.3 months. The trial of 116 patients found that, on average, when combined with chemotherapy, Iniparib shrank tumours, stopped cancers getting worse for nearly six months and increased survival by almost 5 months.

Iniparib belongs to a group of anti-cancer drugs known as Parp-inhibitors. They work by inhibiting enzymes that normally repair damage to DNA but that, when taken over by cancer, advance its growth. Breakthrough Breast Cancer have welcomed the study’s research into this group of drugs and described its results as ‘encouraging.’ However, further clinical trials with the drug will be necessary before it can be made available to breast cancer patients and the final phase of trials is due to start next year. Once approved, the drug could benefit thousands of women with triple negative breast cancer. If you would like to read more about the trials, please click here.

Healthy eating can cut the risk of breast cancer…
In a society that is troubled by increasing levels of obesity, it is well known that being significantly overweight can contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer. In fact, according to an article published in The Daily Mail this week, obesity is thought to be the cause of up to a third of all cases. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the newspaper has released a series of articles detailing two new, but very different diets that both claim to reduce the risk of developing the disease. While both concentrate on helping us to lose weight, they also claim to have added cancer-fighting benefits.

A new book written by the American dietician Dr Mary Flynn advises that we should not obsessively count calories but should eat as many foods with cancer-fighting properties as we can. She suggests avoiding food without these properties, so that means no meat or fish. In her eyes, the ideal diet would be an entirely vegetarian one, which includes plenty of cancer-beating olive oil, wholegrain, vegetables and fruit, some dairy and eggs and even the odd glass of wine. If you would like to learn more about Dr Mary Flynn’s diet and to find examples of some detailed meal plans, click here.

Taking a quite different approach, a strict low calorie diet has appeared following a study conducted by the Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester and published in the International Journal of Obesity. A group of women kept to a specially formulated diet consisting of just 650 calories for two days a week, a figure that is a third of the daily recommended intake for women. After 6 months, scientists found the women lost weight and also had considerably lower levels of cancer-causing hormones in their blood. The science behind the diet suggests that when the body is deprived of food, less sugar reaches breast cells, making them less likely to divide and become cancerous. Commenting on the study, however, Dr Julie Sharp of Cancer Research UK said, ‘this study is not about breast cancer, it’s a study showing how different diet patterns affect weight loss and it’s misleading to draw any conclusions about breast cancer from this research.’ To read more about the findings of the study click here.

Possible link between breast cancer and air pollution…
Scientists in Canada have evidence to suggest that post-menopausal women living in areas with high levels of traffic-related air pollution are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers at the McGill University and the University of Montreal cross-referenced air pollution maps with maps displaying the home addresses of women diagnosed with the disease, and found that those living in areas with higher levels of nitrogen oxide, found in car exhaust fumes, were much more likely to develop breast cancer. They found that post-menopausal women living in the most polluted areas were almost twice as likely to develop the disease as those living in areas with the lowest levels.

Co-author of the study, Mark Goldberg, stated that, even after other risks contributing to the development of breast cancer had been factored in, for example smoking, drinking and hazards in the workplace, ‘ the results were startling’. However, another University of Montreal researcher, France Labrèche added that more research was required before conclusions could be drawn. She said “at the moment, we are not in a position to say with assurance that air pollution causes breast cancer. However, we can say that the possible link merits serious investigation." To read the article in full, please click here.

Laura Smith 15th October 2010
l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk

On the pulse

Cancerkin news…
Pilates event…
Next Tuesday, the 12th October, Cancerkin patient and qualified Pilates teacher of 18 years, Alison Swan is running a Charity Pilates day between 10am-5pm at the Royal Free Hospital Recreation Club. Aiming to raise awareness of breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to celebrate the first anniversary since her diagnosis, Alison will be aiming to teach as many people in one day as she can. Group classes will begin on the hour, every hour with several teachers from the Pilates Foundation on hand to help & provide a few private sessions to anyone who may like one. A masseuse will be available to provide all participants with luxury massages after their gentle exercise. All abilities, ages and sexes are welcome and there is no specific cost for the sessions, however we will be asking for donation to be given towards the Cancerkin Centre which helped Alison and hundreds of women like her come to terms with their diagnosis and treatment with positivity and courage.

If you would like to attend one of the group classes please just turn up at the Royal Free Recreation Club on Fleet Road or to book a session please email Alison at info@pilatesmatwork.co.uk.

Cancerkin’s new recruits…
After advertising the return of our internship programme a few weeks ago, three new interns have been selected and begun their programme with us this week. Henry Ezenwa will be working with Habeeb on Finance, IT and Office Management, Sumaiya Farooq will be assisting Asini on the East London Outreach Programme and Laura Smith is training in Events and Fundraising. The new recruits will be in the office all day, every day and will be very happy to help you in any way they can.

East London update….
As you know, as part of Cancerkin’s East London programme, we have started running monthly free complementary therapy sessions in East London. Last week, we held our third session at St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney and it was our most successful session to date. Nearly 40 women from all over East London benefited from a range of one to one and group therapies, including reflexology, massage, reiki, soul therapy and even dance therapy! The feedback we received from the patients was fantastic , with all saying how much they benefitted from receiving our treatments.

Cancerkin has not worked alone in its East London outreach and we would like to thank the Newham, Homerton, St Bartholomew and Whipps Cross hospitals and our local partner organisations for all their support in making this session a success. Cancerkin also wants to especially thank all the staff at St Joseph’s Hospice for all their support and assistance in ensuring the smooth running and success of the sessions.

Next week’s Breast Awareness Month events…
Next week Dr Alison Jones and Mr Tim Davidson will be giving talks about issues surrounding breast cancer in the board room of the Cancerkin Centre. The talks will place at the following times:

Dr Alison Jones MD FRCP : Wednesday 13th October 4pm
‘Advances in drug treatment’
(Please arrive at 3.30pm for tea and cakes)

Mr Tim Davidson ChM MRCP FRCS: Friday 15th October 11am
‘Current state of breast cancer treatment’
(Please arrive at 10.30am for coffee and croissants)

If you would like to attend either or both of these talks please email info@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323 to register your name.

On Wednesday 13th October, the same day as Dr Alison Jones’ talk, we will also be holding our annual breast cancer awareness sale. The stall will be positioned next to the Atrium by the main entrance to the hospital and will be open from 10am-4pm with a variety of products on sale, including many books on cancer, nutrition, positive thinking etc. We would be grateful for your support, so please do come in early before Dr Jones’ talk and pop along and see us.

In the news…
Reducing the risk of breast cancer…
In light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The Telegraph published an article last week, breaking down the myths and theories about breast cancer – separating them from the core facts and realities. The fad theories that were dispelled included: coffee, stress, food additives, antiperspirants, underwired bras, pesticides and abortions – none of which are evidenced to give you cancer. Conversely, some of the big risks to avoid were nicotine, sustained long-term use of the contraceptive pill and HRT – all of which have a proven association with the risk of breast cancer development.

This list is not unique and all too often the media is flooded with the new ‘threat’ of breast cancer, so it was nice to see the article noting the positive things we can do to improve our chances of avoiding a diagnosis. Such examples included: breastfeeding and having children before the age of 35, cutting down on alcohol, taking regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating less fat. Aside from looking after yourself and perhaps avoiding some of the risks mentioned above, women all over should be regularly checking their breasts to look out for any unusual changes. Read the article in full, including other risks here.

Painless laser device could spot early signs of breast cancer…
A portable device using painless laser beams could be used within the next 5 years as a new non-invasive way to diagnosis breast cancer. This development would not only change the face of a typical mammography but also make the breast cancer diagnosis process faster, cheaper and more accurate.

In a sick person, unhealthy tissue has a very different chemical mix to normal healthy tissue. As a result, the laser will be able to recognise the abnormal composition of diseased tissue when placed on the skin’s surface. This technique could therefore allow doctors to spot the early signs of breast cancer in a painless and non-invasive manner, enabling them to quickly detect abnormalities and to decide if a tumour is benign or malignant. Only patients with malignant tumours would then be sent for biopsy, saving over 80,000 patients from having secondary procedures in the UK alone.
If you would like to read more about the development of this method, click here.

A novel way to raise breast awareness…
It has been revealed that the appearance of cryptic status updates on social networking site Facebook, is in fact the latest attempt to raise the profile of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Across the nation, women have been secretly invited by their female Facebook friends to post on their profile where it is they like to leave their handbag. As a result status’ have started to appear saying things like: ‘I like it on the floor’, ‘the stairs’ or even ‘the kitchen table’. These suggestive updates have been raising eyebrows across the web, with male user clueless as to their real meaning.

This year’s viral campaign, passed on from user to user by private message, follows the success of a previous series of updates whereby women simply posted a colour as their status. In this instance the colour written in the individual’s status referred to the colour of her bra that day. A novel, fun and somewhat risqué way to provoke discussion about breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the campaign has achieved its aim and got people talking about breast cancer and its risks. Moreover, in using Facebook, arguably the leader in the recent social network phenomenon, the campaign is engaging with younger women and teenage girls – a group we have covered several times in recent On the pulse’s as becoming more and more vulnerable to a breast cancer diagnosis. Why not show your support of this campaign and change your Facebook status!
To read more about this innovative approach to breast awareness please click here.

Lauren Newton 8th October 2010

l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On the pulse

Cancerkin News…
Hyde Park Walk figures…
Last week we thanked our top 3 Hyde Park Walk fundraisers for their contribution to the success of this years walk. This week, it is the turn of the masses. So, we would like to thank all of you who donated or took part in the walk for helping to raise a whopping (drum roll please)…. £50,082.83! The money raised is invaluable to the work of Cancerkin and will allow us to continue offering the standards of service we provide our patients well into 2011. We are still a little way off the money raised last year, so if you have not sent in your sponsorship money yet then please send it in as soon as possible to: Lauren Newton, The Cancerkin Centre, The Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, London, NW3 2QG.

Santy Parbhoo would also like to thank all the supporters who sponsored him personally to complete the walk, raising just over £10,000. It was a great day and he was very pleased at the turn out of so many of his past patients and all the Cancerkin supporters. A final thank you for an incredible fundraising effort and a fantastic walk!

Generosity at its best…
It would be amiss of us to acknowledge all the hard work of our Hyde Park Walkers without making a special mention to Lisa Reynolds who over the past couple of months has raised a fantastic total of £5,002.50 for Cancerkin in memory of her late mum Sue Reynolds. Sue suffered with breast cancer for over 20 years but remained active and positive throughout her illness - raising over £8,000 for The Royal Free and Cancerkin alike through the organisation of her own fundraising initiatives. Sadly Sue lost her battle with breast cancer in May 2009, falling just £2,000 short of the £10,000 fundraising target she had set herself. In honour of her mother Lisa set out to raise the remaining £2,000. Reaching that target and making an additional £3,000, Lisa’s efforts have taken her and her mum’s fundraising total to over £13,000. CONGRATUALATIONS LISA! We would like to commend Lisa & Sue on their fundraising achievements and generosity. The money they raised will be put towards helping women like Sue, here at the Cancerkin Centre. If you would like to make a donation towards Lisa’s cause please visit her JustGiving site here.

In The News….
Nicotine linked to breast cancer…
Examining 276 samples from human breast cancer tumours, researchers at Taipei Medical University have discovered that the breast cancer cells had large numbers of receptors to which the nicotine was able to attach- in comparison to the number of receptors in normal cells. The researchers also found that treating normal cells with nicotine promoted the development of cancer characteristics.

The research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, isolated the nicotine in cigarettes from the other carcinogenic chemicals which are known to be damaging. The results suggest that nicotine itself now has links with cancer calling into question the use of nicotine gum, patches and inhalers, used by many smokers as an aid to quit.

Dr Ilona Linnoila, from the Center for Cancer Research at the National Cancer Institute, writes that the study "suggests not only that smoking could be causally related to breast carcinogenesis but also that nicotine could directly contribute to the molecular mechanism of carcinogenesis in addition to indirectly contributing by promoting addiction to smoking."
Read the full article here.

Are you entitled to Employment and Support Allowance benefits…?
The Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) is asking people living with breast cancer to take part in a new online survey which aims to find out more about their experience of claiming benefits.

The survey takes around 15 minutes and asks a variety of questions including if you have ever claimed Employment and Support Allowance – the new benefit for people who cannot work due to ill health or disability. The survey also asks questions about Housing Benefit and Disability Living Allowance to find out more about how people use these benefits.

The DBC, which is organising the survey, represents over 30 charities and other organisations, including Leonard Cheshire Disability, Arthritis Care and Breast Cancer Care.

The survey’s findings will be used to help the Government better understand the impact changes to benefits like Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance and Housing Benefit will have on disabled people.
If you would like to take part in the survey please visit the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/dbcsurvey -


Lauren Newton 20th August 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk

On the pulse

Cancerkin News…
A fond farewell to Jean…
This week Cancerkin were hit with the sad news that our receptionist Jean Hafezi will be moving on to pastures new. We would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her hard work over the years and wish her the very best of luck with her future endeavours. We know that she will be sorely missed by both the patients and staff here at Cancerkin.

Hyde Park Walk winners…
Congratulations to Susan Glasser, Linda Cohen and Philippa Drew who were our top 3 fundraisers for this year’s Hyde Park Walk. Sue’s gold winning total was £3014.14, Linda managed to raise a total of £2586.58, closely followed by Philippa with £2234.51. Between them their efforts will make a valuable contribution to Cancerkin’s work this year. In reward, they will each receive an indulgent basket of goodies, kindly donated by Floris. We would also like to mention Hilary Presky and Rochelle and Carly Landau who just missed out on the prizes raising £1762.07 and £1540.22 respectively. These figures account for any fees we had to pay to Justgiving (the online donation portal) but do not include the returns we made from donations that had been gift aided.

If these women have inspired you and you would like to do some independent fundraising on behalf of Cancerkin please contact Lauren Newton for some help and guidance. Otherwise, let these fantastic results be targets for next years walk: T- minus 10 months and counting!

In The News….
America on brink of revoking advanced breast cancer drug…
Amid the frequent debates about America’s health care reforms, there has been a niggling question of how much the state should spend on new and expensive treatments. Enter, Avastin the world’s best selling cancer drug which was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008 for use on women with advanced level breast cancer. The draw backs? Well it costs £5,000 a month and in the US is currently used by 17,500 women each year. Approval for the drug came after a study found that by preventing blood flow to tumours the drug extended the time the disease took to worsen by up to 5 months. However, a more recent study has suggested that it may not extend a life for this period–not even for an extra month. The FDA advisory panel have thus voted 12-1 to stop endorsing the drug as a breast cancer treatment method, citing ‘effectiveness’ as a factor in question. However, with health reforms looming – where the government will help the poorer American citizens with health insurance, it has been suggested that ‘cost effectiveness’ has a role to play in the FDA’s decision. Whatever the reason, it is likely that if the approval of the drug is revoked, US insurers would stop paying for Avastin.

In the UK the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is currently reviewing whether Avastin should be available on the NHS for woman with breast cancer that has spread. A spokeswoman said: "We will continue to investigate the treatment regardless of the FDA decision”.

FDA have said that when reviewing drugs for approval they are only charged with looking at their health risks and benefits, not cost effectiveness. It usually follows advisory panel recommendations. A final decision will be announced on Sept 17. Read the full story here.

Pink in the Premier league..?
Well okay, its not quite the premier league but Harrogate Town FC have made big steps in philanthropic giving this week, unveiling a specially designed pink kit in hope of raising awareness and money for breast cancer. The words ‘Breast Cancer Support’ are displayed on the back of the kit, which will be worn on all away games. Janet O’Brien, a member of Harrogate Hospital’s Breast Cancer Unit praised the club’s efforts within the community saying, "They have made a huge commitment in terms of drawing attention to the condition and treatment of breast cancer by making a wonderful gesture…which will no doubt raise lots of attention and create lots of comment." Harrogate’s own Chief Executive, Alan Williams is no stranger to the disease, as his wife Jean has suffered with breast cancer for the last 10 years. With many clubs and their players hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons perhaps its time the premiership took a look at the commendable efforts from small town teams! We wish Harrogate Town FC the best of luck in all their away games.

Read the full story here.

Lauren Newton 20th August 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk

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

On the pulse

Cancerkin News…
Internship programme…
Nearly one year ago, Cancerkin launched its first internship programme, taking on 3 young interns to help around the office and launch some new initiatives. Now Asini, Habeeb and Lauren are well and truly settled in, we are doing it again! During September and October we are looking to recruit 4 more interns into the roles of: East London Project Intern, Events and Fundraising Intern, Research Intern and Administrator/Office Manager Intern. The roles have been advertised on university websites and with the Government Graduate Talent Pool. If you know of anyone who would be interested in any of these roles, or would like more information please email l.newton@cancerkin.org. A job description of each of the roles can be found by navigating to the ‘jobs with us’ section which is located in ‘about us’ in the menu on the left hand side.

In The News….
Breast cancer rates in the UK are falling…
This week has seen many articles reporting on the positives of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in the UK. Firstly there was the news that breast cancer rates have fallen faster in the UK, since the 1980s, than in any other major European county. Following this a group of researchers have challenged claims that survival rates in the UK are worse than anywhere else in Western Europe. Studying mortality rates in 30 different countries, the researchers have said that the UK’s apparently poor survival rates are misleading because of the way cancer patients are registered, whereas population-based mortality rates are more reliable.

Anna Gavin, a public health consultant for the National Cancer Intelligence Network and one of the report's authors, said: "Despite the fact that the number of cases are going up, and the population is getting older, deaths have still fallen”. In the report, published online at the British Medical Journal, Gavin accounts the fall in death rates to the large investment in the way breast cancer services have been organised, alongside improved awareness and screening and better treatments.

Professors Beral and Peto from Oxford University agreed with the studying telling the British Medical Journal that “death rates are a better guide to how the UK is doing because incomplete data makes survival rates seem significantly worse than they really are…In contrast with death registration, cancer registration is not statutory in the UK and is known to be somewhat incomplete,"

To read the full report, including more detailed stats of Britain and Europe’s breast cancer treatment please click here.


Western lifestyle takes a bashing….
Scientists from the World Cancer Research Fund announced this week that the Western lifestyle plays a large role in the rise of breast cancer among British women. Theories on why certain women get breast cancer have been well debated throughout history, excessive eating and drinking, smoking, the pill and a lack of exercise have all been attributed to the rise in breast cancer diagnosis. With so many do’s and don’ts it can be hard to know what to look out for. The Daily Mail, in co-ordination with Dr Moffat, a health information manager with Cancer Research UK published an article this week that assesses the significance of each known risk factor. The lengthy article addresses each ‘theory’ with an ‘expert advice’ and aims to divide the myths and superstitions around breast cancer from the facts and figures. The relation between house cleaning products, HRT, anti-perspirants, underwired bras, (to name a few), and breast cancer are all discussed.

To take a look at the results and swat up on the real risks of breast cancer click here.

Sisterly love…
This mornings (Friday) Metro ran a tender story about 54-year-old twin sisters Judith Brownhill and Heather Mole who were have both been diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately, this is where the similarities end as whilst Judith has been given the all clear, Heather is terminally ill. Speaking with bravery and heart, Heather said this of hearing the news that her sister was going to survive, ‘It was wonderful news when she told me she was going to be okay..It’s strange, but it felt like a relief as much as anything, as I knew she would be there for my son when I’m gone’. This is the second diagnosis for Judith and Heather, who both overcame cancer earlier in life.

Their story was on page 33 of the Metro Friday 13th August.


Lauren Newton 13th August 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk

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

On the pulse

Cancerkin News…
Hyde Park Walk Sponsorship: Prize deadline drawing near…
This year Floris very kindly donated a set of prizes to Cancerkin to be awarded to the top three fundraisers from this years Hyde Park Walk. Next Friday, the 13th August, Cancerkin will be adding up all the donations to see which of our loyal supporters has raised the most! To be in with a chance of winning you MUST send your sponsorship in to the Cancerkin Centre before this date. Any sponsorship raised online via the JustGiving site will also be included. Further sponsorship or donations for the Hyde Park Walk will be accepted after this date, however your contributions will not be considered for the Floris prize giving. So don’t miss out- send in all your sponsorship today!

An intern down…
One of our summer interns, Guy Mollett recently completed his month long internship with the Cancerkin Centre. His help was invaluable and we wish him the best of luck for the rest of his academic studies.

In The News….
How the blogosphere is helping young people come to terms with cancer diagnosis...
In recent months we have covered many stories highlighting the growth in cancer diagnosis among the young. Research conducted by the Teenage Cancer Trust published in The Guardian this week showed how the digital revolution, with its blogospheres and social networking sights (such as Facebook and Twitter), are being used more and more by the younger generation as a support system for dealing with their diagnosis. Focusing on how ‘blogging’ has allowed individuals, specifically cancer sufferers, to express their emotions and feelings in an open and frank way, the article touches a nerve with the kind of things these young people are dealing with.

24 year old Kristin Hallenga from Northamptonshire who suffers from secondary breast cancer says ‘the blog is a place where I don't have to hold back, I can be open and honest. I might say things on there that I wouldn't necessarily say directly to my mum, sisters or anyone else. It helps me to vent a little about how I might be feeling. I share what it is like going through breast cancer’. Hallenga’s blog also raises awareness of other contentious issues and signs of cancer that may encourage other women to seek earlier checking. For instance she discusses how her own Grandmother’s cancer was not ‘classed as a strong family history to be taken consideration by doctors; though it should have been’.

Cancerkin has long recognised the need individuals have to talk about how they are feeling regarding their treatment in a non-patronising or intrusive way. Our one-to-one sessions with experienced patients and general support services are always available to anyone who may need it. However, if you feel that Cancerkin would benefit from helping support our patients in other ways, do let us know - we are always keen to improve our services. Alternatively if you are patient who has set up their own blogosphere or other support mechanism, please get in contact - you never know who you may help or inspire with your own words!

To read Kristin’s story in full along with the other young people featured in the article please click here. Following this link will also direct you to the address of the young people’s blogsites.

Is early breast screening really harming women?
The UK’s national breast screening programme which tests almost 2 million women a year has recently been called into question. An article published in The Independent this week, reports on a recent review of the current system which suggests that the costs and benefits have not been balanced well enough stating: ‘the harms of over diagnosis followed by unnecessary treatment and suffering, have never been properly weighted against each other’.

Supporters of the breast screening programme, which currently provides mammograms to all women between the ages of 50-70 (due to change to those aged 47-73 by 2012), says that for every 2 women’s whose lives it saves, 1 will receive unnecessary treatment. For most, this numerical reasoning would surely suggest that the earlier the screening the better. However, many critics dispute this figure, instead suggesting that for everyone 1 woman saved, up to 10 other women undergo unnecessary treatment - some even including a mastectomy.
The dispute was widely publicised during March of this year when the British Medical Journal published a paper which showed that breast cancer related deaths had fallen faster in areas where there was no breast screening than in those where screening was readily available. Professor McPherson, public health epidemiologist of Oxford University, says that by looking at US figures breast screening reduces death rates by 14% in the under 60s and by 32% in the under 70s; figures which he says are of "marginal statistical significance".

Professor McPherson, citing US evidence, says that breast screening reduces the death rate by 14 per cent in the under-60s, which is of "marginal statistical significance", and by 32 per cent in the under-70s. But even this is a small benefit because at age 60 the risk of death from breast cancer over the next 15 years is just 1.2 per cent – 259 women in the UK would have to be screened to avoid one death. McPherson has thus concluded that "Individual benefit from mammography is very small, but not widely understood”, and demands more transparency from the NHS about such scientific uncertainties. Sarah Sellars, director of the NHS Breast Screening Programme responded saying: "The vast majority of evidence from properly conducted research clearly shows that regular mammography reduces deaths from breast cancer. The World Health Organisation's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) concluded that there is a 35 per cent reduction in mortality from breast cancer among regularly screened women aged 50-69 years old.

To read the full article and look further at the risks and benefits of breast screening please click here.

Lauren Newton 4th August 2010
l.newton@cancerkin.org.uk