On the pulse - 3rd February 2012

On the pulse...


Cancerkin's News Update.....


Farewells at Cancerkin...

It has been an eventful week for the Cancerkin Team. On Tuesday we said goodbye to East London Project Manager Asini Wijiwardane. Asini joined Cancerkin as our first intern in 2009 and has been working on the project ever since, setting up complementary therapy sessions at St Josephs and then Bromley By Bow, recruiting Experienced Patients and training breast awareness ambassadors. It is thanks to her hard work and dedication that the project has made such encouraging progress. She leaves us to become Health Campaigns Project Officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, while the project is left in the very capable hands of our new Project Manager, Cherry Cheung.

On Thursday, Cancerkin said farewell once more to Finance and Research Officer Guy Mollett. Guy has been working at Cancerkin during his gap year and is about to head off on his travels around the Galapagos Islands and Central America. He will then go on to study Medicine at Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth. Our new Finance Officer Shushan Tewolde-Berhan will be taking over the role.


Cancerkin annual lecture: ‘The Elephant in the Room’

Cancerkin’s annual lecture will be given this year by Professor Jonathan Waxman, MD FRCP Professor of Oncology and Consultant Physician at Imperial College London, in the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital on Tuesday 27 March 2012. The lecture is being held this year in celebration of our 25th anniversary.

Professor Waxman is a clinician who has helped develop new treatments for cancer that are now part of standard practice. He is the founder and Life President of The Prostate Cancer Charity, and has published a huge number of research papers, chapters and books on cancer, as well as a novel and a law book. He is also a prominent campaigner and fundraiser for work into cancer research and care.

His lecture will be based around his new book 'The Elephant in the Room', a collection of stories about cancer patients and their doctors, which provides an insight into how cancer is cared for. The lecture will begin at 6.30pm and admission is free of charge. If you would like to attend, please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.


Thank you...

This week, Katie Walker, lead clinical dietician at the Royal Free Hospital, gave a fascinating talk at our patient support group. Katie discussed research into how diet and nutrition may affect our health and highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. We thank Katie for sharing her expertise with us in what was a hugely informative session.


In the News.....


Possible vaccine to treat breast cancer...

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in the US have developed a vaccine, made up of a patients own cells, that could be used to treat breast cancer. In a small initial trial of the vaccine, scientists enrolled 27 women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), the most common form of non-invasive breast cancer. Using a technique similar to blood donation, specialised white blood cells were taken from each patient. They were then manipulated in a laboratory so that the immune system would recognise cancer cells as foreign and would therefore attack them. Patients were then injected with the personalised vaccine in four weekly doses, followed by surgery to remove the remaining cancer cells.


The study, published in the Journal of Immunotherapy, compared pre- and post-vaccination samples to monitor the effect of the vaccine. Researchers found that after treatment, twenty percent (five) patients had no disease visible. This suggested that their immune system had killed the cancer. They found that damaging proteins were eliminated in eleven patients and reduced by twenty percent or more in another two. They also found that certain patients maintained their immune responses for over four years, indicating a degree of protection from recurrence.


Study leader Dr Brian Czerniecki said: "Here we are going after HER2/neu, which is critical for survival of early breast cancers. If we knock it out with the immune response, we cripple the tumour cells. […] We are continuing to see this pattern in our second, ongoing trial." The team is continuing to enroll patients into a larger study and is designing another study to test the approach in women with early invasive breast cancer.


To read more, please click here.


Benefits of exercise confirmed...

Much has been written about the benefits of exercise for cancer patients and it is a topic we frequently discuss here in On the pulse. New analysis of 34 different studies on exercise and cancer patients has found that, when appropriate, physical activity can improve a patient’s health and quality of life after they finish their treatment.

The report, published by scientists at the University of Hong Kong, looked at data from trials investigating the effects of exercise on adults who had been treated for breast, prostate, gynaecological, bowel, gastric or lung cancer. The studies looked at the effects of different kinds of physical activity – aerobic exercise like walking or jogging, resistance training such as using elastic resistance bands and strength training, such as weights. In women who had undergone breast cancer treatment, scientists found an improvement in body mass index, body weight, physical functions, psychological outcomes like fatigue and depression and quality of life. They also found that doing different kinds of exercise, such as aerobic and resistance activities, was significantly more effective than doing aerobic exercise alone.

Martin Ledwick, head information nurse at Cancer Research UK, said of the results: "This study provides us with further evidence that exercise may help to improve the quality of life of some cancer patients. But it's important to remember that cancer can be diagnosed at any stage and there are many different types of cancer. Each patient's individual condition, state of health and needs should be taken into account before prescribing exercise and many patients will need to seek advice from their doctor, physiotherapist or specialist nurse before embarking on an exercise programme.”

To read more about the report, please click here.

Laura Smith

On the pulse - 27th January 2012

On the pulse...


Cancerkin's News Update.....


Cancerkin Volunteers

Cancerkin would like to thank all those who have been helping out this week. Your support is invaluable to us and we very much appreciate you giving up your time. We will continue to need help over the next few weeks folding letter and stuffing envelopes. If you have some spare time and would like to help out, please do get in touch. As ever, lots of tea and biscuits will be provided. Please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.


Item for sale – Gold Plated Cutlery Canteen

We have received a generous donation of a 44 piece Viner’s gold plated cutlery canteen to sell as part of our fundraising efforts. The canteen is brand new and still in its wrapping. The item is for sale at £150 or nearest offer. Funds raised through the sale of the item will contribute to our programme of support for young women with breast cancer, which provides groups, talks and activities tailored specifically to patients under 45.

To view pictures of the canteen, please visit our website here. If you or someone you know would be interested in the item, please contact Laura on 0207 830 2323 or l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.


In the News.....


Breast screening debate continues

The ongoing debate about the pros and cons of breast screening has once again been brought to the forefront by a controversial book which claims screening is not justified. The book’s author Peter Gøtzsche, director of the independent Nordic Cochrane Collaboration, claims that the harm done to women by breast cancer screening through unnecessary diagnosis and over treatment outweighs the small number of lives saved by programmes such as the NHS’s in the UK.

Mr Gøtzsche has spent over 10 years investigating and analysing data from the trials of breast screening that were run before countries such as the UK introduced their national programmes. He maintains that the results do not support mass screening as a preventive measure and claims screening saves one life for every 2,000 women who go for a mammogram but that it harms 10 others though over diagnosis and treatment for cancerous cells that would not have progressed or would have gone away on their own.

In the UK, women aged between 50 and 70 are invited by the NHS to have a mammogram every three years. Debate over the NHS’s programme began in July 2011, when research published by the Nordic Cochrane Collaboration suggested that there was no difference in breast cancer death rates between countries who had and who did not have national screening programmes. The NHS has consistently disputed these claims. Professor Julietta Patnick, director of the NHS cancer screening programmes, said in 2011: "We can't comment on screening programmes in other countries but here in England we do know that the best evidence available shows that women aged 50-69 who are regularly screened are less likely to die from breast cancer" She cited World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that show screening reduces mortality by 35%. The controversy led UK cancer tsar Professor Sir Mike Richards to call for an independent review of the data in October. Now underway, the review’s findings will inform future decisions on screening in the UK.

To read more on this topic, you can click here.


Statins and breast cancer risk

A new study at Columbia University in the US has found that statins, a group of drugs widely used to reduce the risk of heart disease, could possibly be used in the future to treat women with breast cancer carrying a particular gene mutation. Writing in the journal Cell, the study authors say the research is at a much too early stage to give definitive conclusions but that the results show potential and warrant further investigation through clinical trials.

The study focussed on the gene P53, which usually works to suppress cancer cells. When the gene mutates, its function changes and it begins to promote cancer growth. The faulty p53 gene is found in more than half of all cancers. Laboratory studies at Colombia University treated breast cancer cells containing the mutation with statins and found that the growth of cells was slowed or that the cells died.

Carol Prives, professor of biology at Columbia University, said of the results: "The data raises the possibility that we might identify subsets of patients whose tumors may respond to statins. Of course we can't make any definitive conclusions until we know more. There are great implications, but nothing clinical yet." Dr Caitlin Palframan from Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: “We’re excited that existing drugs, like statins, are showing potential in the fight against breast cancer.”

To read more about the study, please click here. If you are interested in finding out a separate study published in 2011, which examined the potential of statins to lower the risk of breast cancer recurrence in women who had already had the disease, please click here.

Laura Smith 27th January 2012

On the pulse - 20th January 2012

On the pulse...


Cancerkin's News Update.....


Cancerkin annual lecture: ‘The Elephant in the Room’

Cancerkin’s annual lecture will be given this year by Professor Jonathan Waxman, MD FRCP Professor of Oncology and Consultant Physician at Imperial College London, in the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital on Tuesday 27 March 2012. The lecture is being held this year in celebration of our 25th anniversary.Professor Waxman is a clinician who has helped develop new treatments for cancer that are now part of standard practice. He is the founder and Life President of The Prostate Cancer Charity, and has published a huge number of research papers, chapters and books on cancer, as well as a novel and a law book. He is also a prominent campaigner and fundraiser for work into cancer research and care.

His lecture will be based around his new book 'The Elephant in the Room', a collection of stories about cancer patients and their doctors, which provides an insight into how cancer is cared for. The lecture will begin at 6.30pm. If you would like to attend, please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.


Volunteering opportunities

We are still recruiting volunteers to help over the next few weeks with envelope stuffing for our upcoming events. If you have some spare time and would like to help out, please do get in touch. As ever, lots of tea and biscuits will be provided. Please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.


Welcome to new art therapist

This month we welcome Catarina Vasconcelos, an Art Psychotherapy trainee at the University of Roehampton, to the Cancerkin team. Catarina will be holding individual and group sessions of Art Therapy, which aim to effect change and growth on a personal level through the use of art materials in a safe and facilitating environment. She has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and has worked as a psychologist in private practice with adults and facilitated group workshops focused on creative expression with children.

The group session will take place on Wednesdays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and individual Sessions will be on Thursdays from 11:30 am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 4:30pm. You do not need to have previous experience or skill in art. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk.



In the News.....


HRT and breast cancer risk

A story has appeared in the press this week questioning the link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer risk. Researchers at the University of Cape Town, South Africa and at UK universities including University of Surrey and Imperial College London have reanalysed three major studies conducted over the past two decades that claimed HRT increased the risk of developing breast cancer. The original research suggested that women who took HRT were twice as likely to get breast cancer and were more likely to die, causing a huge loss of confidence in the treatment and the number of users to fall by half. New analysis of the research suggests that the studies do not in fact prove that HRT causes breast cancer.

There are three studies in question: the 1997 Collaborative Reanalysis, which pooled data of 51 studies examining HRT and breast cancer risk; the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative, two randomised controlled trials in which women were assigned either HRT treatment or a placebo; and the 2003 Million Women Study, a prospective cohort study which followed over a million UK women over the age of 50 from the point when they were invited for breast screening between 1996 and 2001. Each study concluded that HRT increased breast cancer risk.

Researchers lead by Professor Samuel Shapiro of the University of Cape Town Medical School, have since examined whether each study meets a list of nine criteria required to demonstrate causality i.e. that HRT causes breast cancer. These include factors such as time order (whether women developed breast cancer after they had HRT), information bias (whether anxiety about the possibility HRT could cause breast cancer could influence women’s responses) and confounding (whether those who took HRT were affected by any other factors influencing breast cancer risk). They found that all three failed to adequately fulfil the majority of the causality criteria. From this, they concluded that HRT may or may not increase the risk of breast cancer but that none of the three studies is able to establish that it does. Further studies are required to determine this.

Cancer Research UK, who helped fund the Million Women Study, has defended the original findings of the study, stating that numerous analyses of the results have concluded that HRT does cause breast cancer and that around 20 further independent studies have also reached the same verdict. It also highlighted that the authors of this latest critique all act or have acted as consultants for pharmaceutical companies that make HRT.

To read more about the story, please click here or here.


Laura Smith 20th January 2012

On the pulse - 13th January 2012

On the pulse...


Cancerkin's News Update.....


News from East London

As part of our ongoing outreach project in East London, we held fortnightly complementary therapy sessions at St Josephs Hospice in Hackney and the Bromley by Bow Community Centre throughout 2011. We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to the sessions, our therapies and therapists and we now have dates at both venues planned throughout the year.

The project team is also working to raise awareness about breast cancer in East London, an area with one of the highest breast cancer mortality rates in the country. Last year we recruited and trained a group of local ‘Awareness Ambassador’ volunteers from the University of East London, who will work to encourage women in the area to become more breast aware. They are now undergoing shadowing sessions here at the Cancerkin Centre and will be on hand to give information and answer questions at future awareness events alongside our East London complementary therapy sessions.

To find out more about the project, please contact Asini on a.wijewardane@cancerkin.org.uk.


Support for young women

We are pleased to report that our monthly support groups for women under 45 are now up and running once again here at the Cancerkin Centre. We held our first session in December and we welcomed Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist Tina Kelleher from the Royal Free Hospital breast unit, who answered questions on a range of topics. The second session took place yesterday and again we were grateful for Tina Kelleher’s contribution. Judy Sanitt, one of our experienced patients who herself has recovered from breast cancer also participated. Feedback from the group has been very positive and we would like to thank our speakers for sharing their experiences and expertise.


We are planning future groups with a variety of speakers on topics such as genetics and fertility. If you would like to find our more or if there is a topic you would like to hear discussed at the group, please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk.


Volunteering opportunities

Over the next few weeks will we need some help folding letters and stuffing envelopes for our upcoming events. If you have a few spare hours and would like to volunteer, we would love to hear from you. As ever, lots of tea and biscuits will be provided. Please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.



In the News.....


New research into treatment for inherited breast and ovarian cancers...

Around five percent of all breast cancer cases are caused by faults in the BRAC1 and BRCA2 genes. Cancer Research UK has this week re-launched a trial into a new drug named Rucaparib, which may represent a new treatment option for women with advanced breast or ovarian cancer and who have faults in these high-risk genes.

Rucaparib belongs to a group of drugs called PARP Inhibitors, which work by blocking the way DNA damage is repaired, causing cancer cells to die. Research is currently being done into how the group of drugs can treat patients with breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. In this latest trial, advanced breast and ovarian cancer patients with faulty BRAC genes will take rucaparib as a daily tablet over 21 days, replacing a previous trial where the drug was administered intravenously. This is a much more convenient and comfortable way for patients to have treatment as they do not have to go to hospital to receive it.

Dr Nigel Blackburn, director of drug development at Cancer Research UK’s Drug Development Office, said: “It’s incredibly encouraging to launch a trial of this promising drug which is personalised to target the different genetic make-up of patients with breast and ovarian cancer. Providing the drug as a tablet will give patients a much improved quality of life. […] We hope that this new treatment approach will help extend the lives of women with breast and ovarian cancer. We look forward to the results with great interest.”

To read more about the trial, please clickhere.


Laura Smith 13th January 2012

On the pulse - 6th January 2012

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....


Happy New Year!

We hope you have all had a restful Christmas. The Cancerkin Centre is open again and is now preparing itself for a busy 2012 full of landmark events – the Diamond Jubilee, the London Olympics and, of course, Cancerkin’s 25th Anniversary. We are proud to celebrate 25 years of providing support and care to women with breast cancer and have planned a year of festivities to mark the occasion.


Annual Lecture on Tuesday 27th March 2012

We will begin our series of celebratory events with Cancerkin’s second Annual Lecture on Tuesday 27th March. We are thrilled to be welcoming Professor Jonathan Waxman, MD FRCP Professor of Oncology and Consultant Physician at Imperial College London, to give the lecture. Professor Waxman is a clinician who has helped develop new treatments for cancer that are now part of standard practice. He has published a huge number of research papers, chapters and books on cancer, as well as a novel and a law book. He is also a prominent campaigner and fundraiser for work into cancer research and care. We very much look forward to hearing his lecture, more details on which will follow soon.


Hyde Park Walk on Sunday 17th June 2012

Continuing in our series of celebrations, our biggest and best Hyde Park Walk yet will take place on Sunday 17th June. As always, we will be taking in the delights of the beautiful Hyde Park on a 10k route twice around the Serpentine Lake. We plan to make this an extra special event for our walkers – more to be revealed later!

We have more planned for later in the year and we will keep you posted on this. We hope you will be able to join us at some (or all!) of our upcoming events, so that we can celebrate this special year together. We are looking forward to seeing you all there. For more information on any of our events, please contact l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.


In the News.....


Breast implants controversy: A summary

As I am sure you will all be aware, there is currently much controversy surrounding the use of substandard silicone breast implants in women who have had breast augmentation or who have had reconstructive surgery after breast cancer treatment. More than 40,000 women in the UK have been given implants produced by the now defunct French company Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) which were filled with industrial grade silicone that is not intended for medical use. Many women are now anxious about the implications their implants may have for their health and whilst the government is not currently recommending the routine removal of the implants, it launched an investigation this Wednesday, 4th January so that it can fully understand the risks posed by the implants. The results of the investigation are expected today, 6th January.

The controversy began in 2010 when implant manufacturer PIP was found to be cutting costs by filling its devices with industrial silicone and was subsequently closed down. However, by that time, the implants had been supplied to 65 countries worldwide and had been used in somewhere between 300,000 and 400,000 operations. Amid fears that the implants were at an increased risk of rupturing and leaking, the French government announced in December 2011 that it would be funding the routine removal of all PIP implants fitted in women in France, estimated at around 30,000. No other country that has used the implants has followed suit yet. Speaking straight after the announcement, Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer for England said:"We have no evidence of a link to cancer or an increased risk of rupture. While we respect the French decision, no other country is taking similar steps. Because of this, and because removing these implants carries risk in itself, we are not advising routine removal."

Official advice since this time has been for any woman concerned about their implants to contact her GP or the implanting surgeon. The government working group leading the investigation is in the process of collecting data on rupture rates of the PIP implants from both NHS and private clinics, which has in itself uncovered problems with quality of data supplied by the private sector and the possible need for a register of breast implants. It is hoped that the results of the investigation will help to reassure women about the government’s advice.

To read in more detail about the government investigation and the background of the controversy, you might like to read The Guardian and The Telegraph's take on the topic, or you can visit the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s website for more information. Writing in a blog in the Guardian, journalist Rebecca Smithers gives her point of view here as a woman who has had reconstruction after breast cancer.


Laura Smith

On the pulse 16th December

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....

This will be our final newsletter of 2011 and I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Cancerkin to wish you all the best for the festive season and the New Year. 2011 has been a wonderful year for Cancerkin, which would not have been possible if it were not for you. We wish to thank our supporters and funders for their generosity and support, our trustees, staff, therapists and volunteers for their help and hard work, and of course all our patients for their kind words and for inspiring us all to continue striving to provide the best possible service.

Please note that the Cancerkin Centre will still be open next week but that there will be no therapies taking place. The centre will be closed from Friday 23rd December and will reopen in the New Year on Tuesday 3rd January.

Cancerkin and the Big Give...

Thank you so much to all those who donated to Cancerkin during a week of online donation doubling. We are thrilled to announce we raised a total of £8,375 in donations from our supporters and match funding from the Pink Ribbon Foundation and the Big Give.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who experienced problems with the Big Give’s website for your patience and perseverance. The Big Give had some serious technical difficulties throughout the week and they have apologised for any inconvenience caused to you.

Christmas celebrations...

Cancerkin held another successful Tombola and gift sale last week to celebrate the festive season. Our lucky winners took home gifts from Le Pain Quotidien, Enz Hair Salon, Costa Coffee, Revlon, Susan Wainwright, Hampstead Tea Rooms, Gelato Mio and many more. Thank you to all the local businesses and supporters who donated prizes and thank you especially to Heidi Clevely who once again donated a fantastic selection of gift items for us to sell.

This Monday, commuters and residents of St John’s Wood were treated to a round of Christmas carols from the St John’s Wood church chamber choir. The choir sang festive favourites at the St John’s Wood underground station and held a collection in aid of Cancerkin. They raised a very impressive £290 – thank you to the choir for braving the cold and putting on such a wonderful show.

Cancerkin’s 25th Anniversary...

As 2012 approaches, we at Cancerkin are looking forward to a year of celebrations for our 25th Anniversary. Founded in 1987, Cancerkin will be commemorating a quarter century dedicated to the support and care of those affected by breast cancer. To mark this achievement, we will be kicking of the celebrations with our Annual Lecture on Tuesday 27th March, to be given by Professor Jonathan Waxman MD FRCP Professor of Oncology and Consultant Physician, Imperial College London, followed by our biggest and best Hyde Park yet on Sunday 17th June. More to be announced soon!

In the News.....

Controlling your cancer risk...

Our risk of developing cancer is based on a mixture of factors – our genes, our environment and our lifestyle choices, some of which we are able to control. Research has shown that leading a healthy lifestyle helps to reduce our cancer risk. Cancer Research UK this month published a ‘landmark’ review, led by Professor Max Parkin, into the latest evidence behind the preventable causes of cancers in the UK, producing some interesting results.

The review looked at 14 lifestyle and environmental risk factors, including tobacco, being overweight, a diet low infruit and vegetables, alcohol, occupation, sunlight and sunbeds, and analysed the proportion of different cancers that could be prevented through changes to these factors. Based on predicted cases of cancer in 2010, it found that a third of all UK diagnoses each year were caused by smoking, diet, alcohol and obesity. For all cancers, the biggest preventable risk factor was tobacco. For breast cancer specifically, the biggest, in order of significance, were: being overweight, alcohol, occupation, hormone replacement therapy, inactivity, not breast feeding, radiation. CRUK has produced a fascinating infographic which displays the findings for each cancer type and the proportion that could be prevented through changes to the various lifestyle factors. To see it, please click here.

Writing in its science blog, CRUK was quick to highlight that sharing these results was in no way about blame but was aimed at equipping the public and policy-makers with the best possible information. Every person diagnosed with cancer has a unique set of circumstances that led them to develop the disease, some of which could have been controlled, some which could not. Furthermore, leading a healthy lifestyle is not a guarantee against cancer. In both instances however, there are factors that we can control and ways that we can reduce our risk, to ‘stack the odds in our favour.’ In terms of policy-makers, information is vital in planning public health interventions. For example, decades of research into the risks of smoking has led to the implementation of successful policies to encourage people to give up, the effects of which can now be seen in the decreasing rates of lung cancer in UK men.

To read more on the review’s findings, click here, or to read the science blog in full, which includes a discussion of each of the risk factors examined in the review, please click. here. You can also read Professor Waxman’s commentary on the review here, in which he describes the urgent need for the government to address obesity in the same way it has tackled smoking.

Laura Smith

On the pulse - 25th November 2011

On the pulse...

Cancerkin's News Update.....

The Big Give and Cancerkin...

As we announced last week, this Christmas there is an exciting opportunity to make your generosity to Cancerkin go twice as far. Cancerkin is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge on Monday 5th December 2011. The Pink Ribbon Foundation and the Big Give have generously pledged to match every online donation made on that day pound for pound. Our target is to raise £5,000, which means we stand to receive an incredible £10,000.

Please do put the date in your diary. This is a unique fundraising event and the proceeds will enable us to continue providing care and emotional support to those with breast cancer. We do hope you will be able to support us. For more information, please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.

Cancerkin also has an item up for sale in the Big Give’s Charity Christmas Auction – a 1969 Lynn Chadwick print, framed and signed by the artist. Chadwick was a celebrated British artist and sculptor, and the piece was kindly donated to Cancerkin to raise funds. The online auction will run from 8pm on Sunday 27th November to 8pm on Sunday 4th December 2011. If you would like to know more, please click here.

Festivities at Cancerkin...

Our annual Christmas Tombola will be on Wednesday 7th December 2011 from 10am to 4pm outside the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital. New prizes have been added this week, including meals at le Pain Quotidien, ice cream at Gelato Mio and tickets to the Everyman Cinema. There will also be lots of lovely festive gifts, cards, books and, of course, mince pies on offer in our sale. If you would like to donate a prize or would like to volunteer at the tombola, please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.

In other festive news, Cancerkin has been selected as the lucky charity to benefit from funds raised at the Finchley Women’s Institute ‘Frost Fair’. The fair is on Saturday 3rd December 2011 at Avenue House on East End Road, Finchley from 10am-4pm, entry £1. There will be gifts, toys and scrumptious cakes on sale, so why not pop in for a cup of tea and a bit of shopping.

Cancerkin is also thrilled to be the chosen charity for the St John’s Wood Church Chamber Choir’s annual carol singing collection at the St John’s Wood Underground Station. The choir will be braving the December cold to entertain passersby with a selection of festive carols on Monday 12th December from 5pm. Please do watch out for them on your way past, or you might even like to join in.


In the News.....

Research into genetic testing underway...

Cancer Research UK has this week announced it has started recruiting participants for its nationwide research project into the potential benefits of genetic testing for cancer patients. The project aims to demonstrate how the NHS could use genetic testing of cancers to match patients to the best available treatments. It will also provide a database of information for research into new targeted drugs.

The ‘Stratified Medicine Programme’ will ask 9,000 patients from more than 20 hospitals to participate in the first stage of the project. So far 240 patients have agreed to take part. The research will focus on six types of cancer: breast, bowel, lung, prostate, ovarian and melanoma skin cancer. A small sample from each patient’s tumour will be taken, from which DNA will be extracted and analysed for a range of molecular faults linked with cancer. Researchers will store these results and other clinical information so that they can monitor possible relationships between specific genetic faults in cancer cells and success of different treatments. Patients’ treatment will not be altered in any way at this stage but the hope is that scientists will be able to use the information collected to design better targeted treatments in the future.

One of the first patients to be taking part, Wendy Payne,55, from Cambridge and who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in March this year, said of the project: “I was very keen to take part in the Stratified Medicine Programme because I think much more can and should be done to help patients get the right drugs in future. Finding out I had cancer was terrifying but it’s incredible to think that the tumour which could have killed me can now be used to develop more targeted drugs in future. Even though I won’t benefit from that research, it’s comforting to think that my experience with cancer will be helping others who are diagnosed in future.”

James Peach, director of Cancer Research UK’s Stratified Medicine Programme, said: “In the ten years since the Human Genome Project was completed we’ve made huge progress in unraveling the genetic basis of cancer and understanding what drives it at a molecular level. We know that prescribing certain drugs according to the genetic basis of the tumour can improve the chances of successful treatment. And by hardwiring research into the day-to-day care of cancer patients, we can harness the power of the NHS to bring personalised medicine a step closer to reality.”

To read more, please click here.


Laura Smith

On the pulse - 18th November 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....

The Big Give and Cancerkin...

This Christmas, our supporters will have the chance to double their donation to Cancerkin – for free! Cancerkin is very excited to be taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge on Monday 5th December 2011, raising funds for emotional support and care for women with breast cancer, and we are fortunate to be supported by the Pink Ribbon Foundation. For every online donation made on that day, the Pink Ribbon Foundation and the Big Give itself have pledged to match it pound for pound. Our target is to raise £5,000, which means we will receive an incredible £10,000.

Please do put the date in your diary. This is an amazing fundraising opportunity which will enable us to continue providing care and emotional support to those with breast cancer. We do hope you will be able to support us. For more information, please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk

Christmas Tombola...

We have had some fabulous prizes donated to our annual Christmas Tombola, which will be on Wednesday 7th December 2011 from 10am to 4pm outside the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital. There is the chance to win a haircut at Enz hair salon, a Family meal at Hampstead Tea Rooms, a session of reflexology at Belsize Health complementary medicine clinic, book vouchers from Daunt Books and many more. There will also be lots of lovely gifts, cards, books and, of course, mince pies on offer in our sale. We do hope to see you there.

If you, your business or workplace would like to donate a prize, we would love to hear from you. Past donations have ranged from cinema tickets and restaurant vouchers to boxes of chocolate and gift sets. We are also looking for helpers to join our wonderful team of volunteers on the day. If you are free for an hour or two on 7th December, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.


In the News.....


New evidence of DNA Repair Targeting Drug...

A few weeks ago, On The Pulse reported on the inherited BRCA1 and BRCA2 faulty genes and the genetic links between breast cancer risk and family members. Last week, research presented at the NRCI Cancer Conference in Liverpool indicated that scientist have developed a new way of destroying cancer cells containing these faulty BRCA genes, by blocking an enzyme in the gene which repairs DNA. Researchers at the University of Nottingham have found that blocking a DNA repair enzyme, called APE1, could enable a new way to kill cancer cells with the faulty BRCA gene.

Normal BRCA genes control a major DNA repair pathway. Those cells with the damaged BRCA have faulty repair functions. This means that damaged cells can multiply out of control and accumulate faults, which in turn increases the risk of developing breast cancer. However, too much of this damage can lead to cell death. By blocking the repair enzyme APE1, two repair routes are stopped simultaneously causing a build up of faults which ultimately leads to the cancer cells death.

Blocking two repair routes at once is a technique already being used with a new class of drugs called PARP inhibitors. Research suggests the APE1 could provide an additional drug target.
Baroness Delyth Morgan, Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Campaign, which part-funded the research, said: "With up to ten per cent of all breast cancers thought to result from faulty BRCA1 and/or 2 genes, new treatments for these patients could possibly help up to 4,800 of the women diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year. Currently there are limited options available to them and this potential new treatment, although at an early stage could provide a real lifeline and a better chance of survival, which can only be good news.”

To read Breast Cancer Campaign's article please click here.


Laura Smith 18th November 2011

On the pulse - 11th November 2011

On the pulse...


Cancerkin's News Update.....


Christmas is coming...

The festive season is fast approaching and Cancerkin is gearing up for its holiday celebrations. We will be holding our annual Christmas Tombola and sale on Wednesday 7th December 2011 from 10am to 4pm outside the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital. Last year prizes ranged from boxes of chocolates to bottles of champagne and meals for two, and we hope this year will be even better! There will also be lots of lovely gifts, cards, books and, of course, mince pies on offer. We do hope to see you there.

If you would like to donate a prize – perhaps a box of chocolates or a gift set – please do get in touch. Maybe your business or workplace would be interested in helping make the event a success – past donations have included cinema tickets, restaurant vouchers and hair cuts. Please contact Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323 to find out more.


We are also looking for helpers to join our wonderful team of volunteers on the day. We need help running the tombola, holding collection tins and handing out mince pies. If you are free for an hour or two on 7th December, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.


Therapies update...

This month’s patient support group will take place on Tuesday 29th November 2011 from 11am to 1pm. From 11am, the group will be visited by Ansuya Padhiar, a representative from leading mastectomy lingerie and swimwear provider Nicola Jane. From 12pm, wig and hair piece specialists Trendco will join the group.


Also on 29th November Cancerkin will run a pilot art therapy class from 1.30pm to 3pm. The class will be facilitated by Kirsty Nicholson, who has a Masters in Art Therapy from Roehampton University, is registered with the Health Professionals Council and is a member of the British Association of Art Therapists.


To reserve your place at either session, please contact Una on 020 7830 2323 or u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk.



In the News.....



More support needed from employers...

A breast cancer diagnosis can have implication for a woman’s job and financial situation. A review on the employment experiences of over 1,000 breast cancer patients from all over the world was published this week with interesting findings. Dr Maggi Banning from Brunel University in the UK carried out the review of ten different studies conducted between 1991 and 2010 in the USA, Canada, the UK, Sweden and Denmark, revealing a number of important trends in the experiences of breast cancer patients upon their return to work after treatment.

The review showed that some women welcomed the structure and distraction brought about by the return to work and a normal routine, whilst others were concerned about their physical capacity for work after treatment and about their employers’ expectations. Around half of the women in the study could no longer afford to stay out of work, some missed treatment sessions to prevent taking time off, and lack of sick pay and concerns about losing their job and were prevalent. Some felt the importance of their work or their work aspirations had changed or reduced. Many women found treatment side-effects affected their health and some struggled with loss of confidence and emotional problems.

In terms of employer’s attitudes to women returning after breast cancer, findings were mixed. Employer’s expectations of the women’s work capacity varied, and while some employers and colleagues were found to be supportive, others were not. Some women were able to change roles or reduce working hours but others were refused this, with certain employers even insisting they resign or retire. Some women found employers and colleagues judged them upon or were misled by their physical appearance, leading to a lack of sympathy and support and many people not realising the residual effects of treatment.

The review makes a number of recommendations for both employers and health professionals to better manage the process of returning to work. Its states that employers need better education to avoid the ‘culture of ignorance’ that seems to exist, occupational health departments need to conduct ‘fitness to work’ assessments on employees with cancer and need to supply managers with guidelines of what to expect from them. Olivia Marks-Woldman, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Breast Cancer Care said of the study: “being diagnosed with breast cancer can have a major impact on many areas of a person’s life, including their employment, so it’s concerning to see women are facing unrealistic expectations from others in the workplace and might not have support from their colleagues when they return to work”.

To read more on the review, please click here and here.


Laura Smith

On the pulse - 4th November 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....

The Last of the Duchess...

On Monday, Cancerkin and its supporters spent an evening at the theatre for a special performance of ‘The Last of the Duchess’ in honour of breast cancer awareness month. We all very much enjoyed the play, which starred actor and breast cancer survivor Sheila Hancock. Ms Hancock met with a number of our guests after the performance to show her support of Cancerkin. Click here to see photos from the evening.

The event was a great success and we hope all those who attended enjoyed the evening as much as we did. We are pleased to announce that all in all we have raised over £12,000. Thank you all for supporting us! We would like to thank all those who donated such wonderful prizes to our raffle – Ana Maria Pires, Bradley’s Restaurant, Daniel Adams Hairdressers, Floris of London, Pizza Express, Ozzis Hair Studio and the Hampstead Theatre - and well done to our lucky raffle winners! Cancerkin would also like to say a special thank you to Royal Free Hospital photographer David Bishop, who took such beautiful photographs of the evening and who helps Cancerkin with so many of its events and promotions. Thank you once again David.

Maggie’s Getting Started workshop...

Also on Monday, Cancerkin was excited to host Maggie’s ‘Getting started with cancer treatment’ workshop, lead by the Centre Head of Maggie’s London and clinical nurse specialist, Bernie Byrne. 13 women attended the workshop, designed for those who have been recently diagnosed with cancer. The session provided information to help those affected by the disease better understand their cancer treatment, manage their side effects and focus on their wellbeing. Feedback from our patients has been extremely positive and we would like to thank Bernie for leading such an informative and positive workshop.

Calling all glamorous givers...

Cancerkin is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with innovative social enterprise Glamgiving. Glamgiving collects and sells high quality designer fashion and donates the proceeds to a good cause. It gives clothes that are just too good for the charity shop a second life and ensures that they go for the price they deserve. Glamgiving helps to organise ‘glam parties’ at which guests can donate and buy high-end fashion pieces, as well as collecting individual donations of clothes to be sold through its website, which is due to be fully launched early next year. To find out more, click here.

Cancerkin has been selected as Glamgiving’s launch partner charity and funds raised by the initiative will finance a day of treatment in our specialised lymphoedema clinic and a professional counsellor to oversee our North and East London teams of ‘Experienced Patients’. We hope that our fashion conscious supporters will get involved with this initiative and consider becoming the host of their own ‘glam party’! Please contact Louise on lou@glamgiving.com if you would like to know how.

In the News.....

New research into breast cancer risk and family history...

Having a family history of breast cancer can affect an individual’s risk of developing the disease. A fault or mutation appearing on the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be inherited from a mother or father and can increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer by between 50 and 85 percent. When a woman is discovered to have a BRCA 1 or BRCA2 mutation, other female family members are routinely screened for the same mutation.

New research published this week in The Journal of Clinical Oncology has shown reassuring results for women with relatives who have the faulty breast cancer gene. Researchers at Stanford University looked at more than 3,000 families with a mutation. The research found that women who have relatives with the high risk BRCA gene mutation but who do not carry the mutation themselves are not at greater risk of developing the disease, as previously thought. An earlier study published in 2007 suggested that even when a woman who had family members carrying the gene mutation had tested negative for the mutation herself, she was still up to five times more likely to develop breast cancer. The most recent research contradicts this, suggesting that if women with high-risk family members test negative for the faulty BRCA gene, they have the same risk as the rest of the general population.

The research team believes these new finding may provide some reassurance to those women in high-risk families. Dr Harold Burstein, breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Institute at Boston said: “Women with a family history of breast cancer are understandably worried about their own risk of developing breast cancer. This study provides strong reassurance that 'no means no' when it comes to negative results on the BRCA1 / BRCA2 genetic tests for these patients. That is, despite the family history, the risk of breast cancer is not greater than that for ordinary women in similar circumstances when the genetic test is 'normal.'”

To read more, click here and here.

More on alcohol and breast cancer...

While it has long been acknowledged that alcohol is a risk factor for breast cancer, it has previously been unclear how drinking small amounts of alcohol affects risk. Results from a new American study, published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association, suggest that even low-level alcohol consumption can significantly increase risk.

A team of researchers at Brigham and Women’s hospital in Boston in the US analysed data from 105,986 women in the ‘Nurses’ Health Study’. 7,600 of the participants went on to be diagnosed with breast cancer over an 18 year period. The team found that those who drank a low level amount of an average of three to six small drinks a week had an increased risk of around 15 percent when compared with those who did not drink at all. According to results, those who drank a more excessive amount of at least two drinks a day were 51 percent more likely to develop breast cancer.

Sarah Williams, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "This study adds to already strong evidence that drinking even small amounts of alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer. Researchers found a small increased risk for low alcohol intake but the risk increases the more people drink. And the study re-confirmed that all types of alcohol - beer, wine and spirits - increase the risk of cancer. Cutting down on alcohol can reduce the chance of developing breast cancer - as can keeping a healthy weight and being physically active. A healthy lifestyle isn't a guarantee against cancer but it helps stack the odds in our favour."

To read more on this study, please click here.

Laura Smith 4th November 2011

On the pulse - 28th October 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....

A night at the theatre...

Cancerkin is very much looking forward to its night out at Hampstead Theatre on Monday evening in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We will be welcoming over 200 of our friends and supporters for a performance of ‘The Last of The Duchess’ starring Sheila Hancock. To read a review of the play, please click here. To add to the evening’s entertainment, we will be hosting a drinks reception before the performance and a raffle with fabulous prizes to be won. We hope you are as excited as we are!

News from East London...

It has been an exciting week for Cancerkin’s East London Project Team. As part of the launch of its ‘Awareness Ambassadors’ programme, the team is running breast awareness training sessions for students recruited from the University of East London’s School of Health. Once trained, they will act as local advocates for breast awareness within their communities and will also work with Cancerkin to hold awareness events in East London. Two very successful sessions took place this week, with a third planned for next Friday.

The Team has also returned to St Joseph’s Hospice in Hackney today to continue their free complementary therapy sessions for women living with cancer in East London. Patients took part in a range of therapy sessions, including reiki, reflexology, art therapy and tai chi and yoga. They also held a breast awareness stall with information on breast awareness, screening and Cancerkin’s support services.

Many thanks to all at the University of East London and St Joseph’s Hospice for their ongoing support of Cancerkin’s East London Project.

Thank you from Cancerkin...

This Tuesday was our monthly patient support group. Nutritional therapist Marta Vasquez gave a very informative talk on the science behind the food we eat and answered questions on what we should include in our diet and what we should avoid. Our ‘Experienced Patients’ Judy Sanitt and Janet Reilly then shared their experiences of breast cancer with the group and answered questions on a wide range of topics. On behalf of the group, we would like to say a huge thank you to all three women for such an informative and interesting session.

In the News.....

Review of breast screening launched...

As you will all be aware, there has been widespread debate about the benefits and risks of breast screening in recent months. It is widely acknowledged that in terms of cancer treatment, the earlier found the better. Screening programmes, such as the NHS breast cancer screening programme, can help doctors to make that earlier diagnosis. However they also run the risk of false positives in healthy people and overtreatment of cancers that may never have become harmful to a person’s health. Recent research has suggested these risks may outweigh the benefits of breast screening, whilst the NHS maintains that the programmes saves 1400 lives a year in the UK.

In response to the ongoing controversy, Professor Sir Mike Richards, UK Cancer Tsar (who spoke at Cancerkin’s Annual Lecture earlier this year), announced on Wednesday that he will lead a review of evidence for and against breast screening, in the hope of settling the debate. He said of the review’s possible outcomes: "Should the independent review conclude that the balance of harms outweighs the benefits of breast screening, I will have no hesitation in referring the findings to the UK National Screening Committee and then ministers. I am fully committed to the public being given information in a format... that enables them to make truly informed choices."

The review will be lead jointly by Professor Richards and Cancer Research UK.The director of health information at CRUK, Sara Hiom, said of the review: "Women need more accurate, evidence-based and clear information to be able to make an informed choice about breast screening. The decision whether to be screened is a personal one, but that decision should be made with all of the potential harms and benefits fully explained." Meanwhile, a Department of Health spokesperson said: "Our advice has not changed - we urge all women to go for breast screening when invited. The best available evidence shows that screening saves lives by detecting cancers earlier than they would otherwise have been."

To listen to Professor Richards speak on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, click here. To read more about the review, please click here.

Radiotherapy and breast cancer recurrence...

The results of a large study into the effects of radiotherapy on the return of breast cancer, funded by Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and the Medical Research Council, were published this week in The Lancet journal. The data is a collation of the histories of all women who took part in 17 worldwide trials of radiotherapy given to patients after surgery, totalling over 10,000 women. Researcher founds that in the ten years following breast conserving surgery, radiotherapy could cut the rate at which breast cancer recurs by half.

Results showed 10 years after diagnosis, 35 percent of women who hadn't received radiotherapy had a recurrence of breast cancer. In those who had had radiotherapy, breast cancer returned in 19 percent of women. Whilst it is too early to draw definitive conclusions about radiotherapy’s effect on improving survival rates, the research suggests that by 15 years after diagnosis, 25 per cent of those who did not undergo the treatment had died, compared with 21 per cent of women who had had radiotherapy.

Professor Peter Johnson, Cancer Research UK's chief clinician, said of the study’s results: "This research confirms the lasting benefit of radiotherapy treatment after breast conserving surgery for women with breast cancer. It appears to be equally effective across all breast cancers, with most women benefitting when the risk of recurrence is highest - younger women and those with high-grade tumours. Radiotherapy is a vital cancer treatment.”

To read more, click here.

Laura Smith 28th October 2011

On the pulse - 21st October 2011

On the pulse...

Cancerkin's News Update.....


An evening at the theatre approaches...

Cancerkin’s final event to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month is nearly here – a night at the theatre for a performance of ‘The Last of The Duchess’ starring Sheila Hancock. We are looking forward to seeing our theatre goers down at the Hampstead Theatre on Monday 31st October 2011.

There will be an interval raffle on the evening with fantastic prizes, including a stay in a villa in Portugal, gifts from Floris London, dinner at Bradley’s restaurant and a hair cut at Daniel Adams Hairdressers. Tickets will be on sale throughout the reception at £5 each or 5 for £20, so do come prepared!



New patient support group speaker...

We have a new speaker for our patient support group next week on Tuesday 25th October 2011. Nutritional therapist Marta Vazquez will speak about nutrition, diet and healthy living from 11am to 12pm, followed by a talk from our experienced patients Judy and Janet from 12pm to 1pm. For more information, please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk or 0207 830 2323.


Cancerkin & Maggie’s Centre ‘Getting Started with Cancer Treatment’ Workshop

Cancerkin will be hosting cancer support service Maggie’s ‘Getting Started with Cancer Treatment’ workshop on Monday 31st October from 10:30am to 1:30pm. The workshop has been specifically designed by the team at Maggie’s for patients who have been diagnosed with cancer within the last twelve months. It aims to help with a better understanding of treatment, managing side effects and being as healthy in mind and body as possible during and after treatment. The workshop will be led by one of Maggie’s Cancer Support Specialists. Places are limited, so if you would like to attend, please contact Una on 020 7830 2323 or u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk.


Lymphoedema clinic new recruit...

Cancerkin would like to introduce a new member of its lymphoedema clinic team, Kathy Ashun. Kathy will be volunteering at the clinic, helping with administration and greeting patients. Do say hello to her if you see her around the centre. Welcome Kathy!


In the News.....


Breast cancer risk over 70…

A third of the 48,000 breast cancer diagnoses made a year in Britain fall within the over 70's age category. Increasing age is the most significant risk factor for developing breast cancer but is often the risk most overlooked by women. A poll by Breast Cancer Campaign has revealed an alarming number of older women are unaware of their risks of developing breast cancer.

The survey revealed that only 1 in 50 women aged over 70 realised they are the age group with the highest risk. Many wrongly thought that women aged 40 to 59 are at greatest risk of developing the disease. It also found that only half of those over 70 were aware that although they do not get routinely invited to an NHS breast screening appointment, they are entitled to request one. According to the poll only 1 in 7 women had attended a screening since turning 71.

Baroness Delyth Morgan, chief executive of Breast Cancer Campaign, stressed that better awareness and education is needed about age as an increasing risk factor and about breast screening programmes. She said: “We read daily about different risk factors for breast cancer including alcohol and weight. While these are important, age is the most significant risk factor of all and yet women, including those most likely to be affected, remain in the dark about this [...] It is absolutely vital that women of this age are better informed about their risk and the steps they can take to ensure their breast health is a priority.”

For more information about NHS breast screening please click here. For more on this story, go to The Telegraph and The Daily Mail.


New test predicts chance of breast cancer return...

A new test has been developed by Breakthrough Breast Cancer scientists that helps identify whether women diagnosed with ER positive breast cancer are at risk of the disease returning. This type of cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of the disease, accounting for over three quarters (37,000) of all cases a year in the UK.

When a patient is diagnosed with ER positive breast cancer, their tumour is removed through surgery and they are then treated with hormone therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells and to reduce the risk of recurrence. Based on an assessment of the tumour, they may also be given chemotherapy to further reduce the risk. In around 12,000 cases, it is not possible to clearly determine whether a patient should or should not receive chemotherapy. Rather than run the risk of not giving a patient treatment that is actually needed, chemotherapy will be given in this situation.

While effective at preventing a return of the cancer, chemotherapy is known for its unpleasant side effects, including hair loss, lethargy, and risk of infection and blood clots. The newly developed test may be able to save many women who fall into the ‘unclear’ category from undergoing unnecessary and unpleasant chemo, by allowing doctors to make a much more certain decision on the treatment they require. The test measures the levels of key four proteins in ER positive breast cancer (ER, PR, HER2 and Ki67) to determine the risk of recurrence. It uses technology already available in almost all NHS laboratories and should cost a tenth of the only existing alternative, Oncotype DX, which is only available in one US lab and costs £2,500 for private UK patients.

Professor Mitch Dowsett from the Institute for Cancer Research and the Royal Marsden said: “I think it will help about 8,000 women a year make a much more certain decision about their treatment. It will allow us to say about a third of the 12,000 probably do need chemo and about a third probably don't […] It is a major step towards more personalised and targeted treatment of breast cancer, which will mean that women can avoid unnecessary chemotherapy and its toxic side effects."

To read more, click here or here.


Laura Smith 21st October 2011
l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk