On the pulse - 14th October 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....


Breast cancer awareness month at Cancerkin...


Cancerkin has been busy helping to promote and celebrate the message of breast awareness this October.

Last Friday, our East London Project Team was at the Bromley-By-Bow Community Centre to hold a breast awareness stall alongside its monthly complementary session for women with breast cancer. They handed out information and answered questions on being breast aware along with free pink iced cupcakes!

On Wednesday, we held our annual breast awareness stall at the Royal Free Hospital where the brand new edition of our ‘Being Breast Aware: a step-by-step guide to breast awareness’ booklet made its debut. The Cancerkin Team handed out the free publication and gave information to members of the public, patients and hospital staff. Alongside this, there were lots of lovely gifts, books and cakes on sale to raise funds for Cancerkin. We raised a record amount of £1376.

Thank you so much to all those who came along to support us and to those who volunteered their time and gave donations for the stall. We would especially like to thank Heidi Cleveley who donated some fantastic gifts, including tea sets, jewellery boxes and natural soaps. Thank you, Heidi!

As always, we so are grateful to those who support Cancerkin through their own fundraising drives and initiatives. If you would like to organise your own event in honour of Cancerkin during October, here are a few ideas: you could hold a cake sale at work; you could have a car boot sale at the weekend; or you could donate the proceeds of your eBay auction to Cancerkin. If you know of a local business or store that might like to hold a collection can or to plan a fundraiser for Cancerkin, then do get in touch. For more information, please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or 0207 830 2323.


Patient support group – change to schedule...

There has been a change to the schedule of our upcoming patient support group on Tuesday 25th October 2011. Unfortuantely, the talk due to be given by Dietician Katie Walker is being rescheduled to a later date. The October group will now proceed as follows: there will be general group discussion with tea and biscuits 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.


Creative Writing Workshop in November...

Lily Seibold will be holding another creative writing workshop on Monday 7th November 2011 from 10am to 3pm. The topic of this session is ‘small is beautiful’. Please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk or 0207 830 2323 to reserve your place.


In the News.....


Preventative drugs for high risk women...

Recently On the Pulse reported on current research into the use of existing cancer drugs as preventative treatments for those with a high risk of developing breast cancer. In a Cancer Research UK-funded trial into over 6,000 high risk postmenopausal women with a family history of the disease, researchers are working to find out if the drug anastrozole may help to prevent breast cancer. An interesting article on the topic published this week in The Telegraph looks at the history and the relative risks and benefits of the use of ‘chemoprevention’ treatments. The article asks: if those at risk of heart disease are commonly prescribed drugs like statins to lower their risk, is it possible to take the same approach with cancer?

The risk-lowering potential of breast cancer drugs was first noted in the 1990s when researchers found that women receiving tamoxifen to treat tumours in one breast were less likely to develop them in the other. A 1998 American study also found that in women who had never actually had the disease but who had a family history of breast cancer, risk was cut by almost half when they were prescribed tamoxifen. As a result, the drug was approved for use to prevent breast cancer in the US in the same year. Another trial looked at 19,000 postmenopausal women who were prescribed the drug raloxifene and found it halved the incidence of breast cancer. It was subsequently also licensed for breast cancer prevention.

However, despite the promising results, neither drug has been widely used in this capacity, as both carry a small risk of life-threatening blood clots and other serious side-effects. Two other breast cancer drugs, anastrozole and exemestane, have undergone more recent trials and seem to have fewer serious risks. Side effects such as hot flushes still persist and it is thought that they could lead to a weakening of the bones if taken long-term. Belonging to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, they are also only suitable for use in postmenopausal women

Chemoprevention is faced with a number of difficult issues. The possible risks pose a dilemma: do the potential risk-lowering benefits of the drugs outweigh the risk of side effects in healthy women? In theory, the drugs are to be aimed at high risk women, that is, women whose mothers or sisters had breast or ovarian cancer by the age of 50 and for whom the benefits would therefore probably outweigh any potential harm. Another problem with the drugs is their lack of immediate, tangible effects, making acceptance by patients and doctors difficult. While the progress of statins used to prevent heart disease can be monitored by reduced cholesterol levels, there is no such marker for breast cancer prevention, only the potential to lower risk. Another major issue in the UK is the absence of regulatory approval for breast cancer prevention drugs and a lack of financial incentive for drugs companies to apply for expensive new marketing licences from EU or UK regulatory bodies.

To read this interesting article in full and find out more about IBIS-II trial into anastrozole, please click here here.


Laura Smith 14th October 2011
l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk

On the pulse - 7th October 2011

On the Pulse


Cancerkin's News Update.....


A trip to Floris...

This week, the Cancerkin Team accompanied the three winners of our Hyde Park Walk top fundraisers competition on a trip to Floris, where they were presented with their prizes. Linda Cohen, Debra Franses Bean and Sue Glasser received gifts from Floris and Pizza Express, and were then shown around the historic premises and invited to tea with Marketing Director Edward Bodenham. We would like to thank Floris and Pizza Express for providing the prizes, and to thank Edward on behalf of our winners and our team for his kind hospitality – a lovely afternoon was had by all!


Breast Cancer Awareness month...

Please come and support our annual breast awareness stand on Wednesday 12th October 2011 from 10am to 4pm, outside the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital. We will be handing out information on being breast aware and about Cancerkin’s services and there will be lots of books, gifts and cakes for sale.


Volunteers needed...

We are looking for volunteers to help manage the awareness stall and hold collection tins so please do get in touch if you are able to help. You can contact Laura on 0207 830 2323 or email l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk.


October talk…

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


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

Cancerkin is very excited to announce a joint venture with cancer support service Maggie’s Centre. Cancerkin will be hosting a ‘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. The aim of the workshop is to help with better understanding 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.



In the News.....


Beta-blockers and breast cancer....

An increasing amount of research is being done into understanding and finding effective ways to prevent breast cancer spread. Whilst most women will be successfully treated for the initial breast tumour, in around 30 percent of cases, metastasis will then occur when cells leave the original tumour and move around the body.

A recent Cancer Research UK study to investigate whether beta-blockers may be able to prevent breast cancer from spreading and improve survival has shown promising results. Beta-blockers are drugs routinely used to treat high blood pressure and anxiety. Previous research into the drugs and their possible uses in the treatment of breast cancer published last year found that breast cancer patients taking beta-blockers before their operation had a greater likelihood of survival several years after their treatment. The latest research is built on earlier findings of a mechanism in which beta-blockers can potentially stop cells moving and thus cancer from spreading.

Scientists working on the trial are excited about taking this research further to see whether beta-blockers actually do improve survival in a large population of breast cancer patients. Dr Des Powe, Cancer Research UK-funded scientist from Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said of the study: “This study will be sufficiently large to determine whether we should progress to clinical trials and identify which type of beta-blockers have the strongest effect.” Dr Julie Sharp, senior science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “As beta-blockers are already a known drug this could be a very interesting development, which has the potential to save a large number of lives and we hope to have to see study results within the next year.”

To find out more, click here.


The pain of male breast cancer…

On Wednesday this week, BBC4 reported on new research conducted for healthtalkonline.org showing that men with breast cancer suffer avoidable isolation and embarrassment because of the wide-spread belief that only women get the disease.

Leading the research, Professor Kate Hunt of the Medical Research Council’s Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, commented that the ‘pinking’ of breast cancer has become a universal sign of support for breast cancer research in October. However she commented that ‘some blue in those pink bows’ would help to remind everyone that men get breast cancer too.

About 350 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, compared to approximately 48000 women. Men, however, tend to be diagnosed with more advanced breast cancer, at older ages and with lower survival rates. Whilst a man is seven times more likely to develop testicular cancer every year, in comparison to breast cancer, the mortality rate is the same.

BBC4 reported that the symptoms for men are the same as for women – a lump, inverted nipple and sometimes discharge. They also reported that men often suffer from some of the same experiences as women during treatment such as hot flushes, loss of libido and weight gain.

The research is expected to go live on healthtalkonline.org on October 20 and will include interviews with men who have had breast cancer as well as information on the condition.

To find out more, click here.


Laura Smith 7th October 2011
l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....


Being breast aware...

As you will know, Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October is now just around the corner. To mark the occasion, Cancerkin is releasing the latest version of its ‘Being Breast Aware’ leaflet, a free publication that gives guidance on how and why we check our breasts. It will be handed out at our Breast Awareness stall on Wednesday 12th October 2011 outside the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital. We will also have books, gifts and cakes on offer on the day to raise funds for Cancerkin. The booklet will then be available from our centre from that date on, so please make sure you ask for your free copy!


The latest from East London...

Today, Cancerkin once again visited St Joseph’s Hospice for our monthly complementary therapy session. Our patients took part in dance, art therapy and yoga classes and were able to benefit from individual sessions in reiki, reflexology and massage. The next session will take place on Friday 7th October 2011 at the Bromley-By-Bow Community Centre, and will include a breast awareness stall with information on how to be breast aware. Cupcakes will be provided! To find our more, please contact Asini on a.wijewardane@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.


Thank you, Karen!

This week we would like to say a big thank you to Karen Bernard for hosting a relaxation workshop at our patient support group on Tuesday. Karen, one of Cancerkin’s massage therapists, also specialises in guided relaxation and led a packed out session with 25 patients at the monthly meeting. Feedback has been extremely positive and we are so grateful to Karen for sharing her time and expertise with us.


In the News.....


New radiotherapy study...

Chemotherapy is usually given after breast cancer surgery, followed by radiotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment serve to destroy any remaining cancerous cells left in the breast, chest wall and underarm. However, the suitable timing of radiotherapy with chemotherapy has long been debated by cancer experts.

A recent Cancer Research UK study has shown that giving radiotherapy between or during chemotherapy cycles, a process known as synchronous chemoradiation, to women with early breast cancer can significantly reduce the risk of the disease returning. The trial involved 2,296 women who had undergone tumour removal surgery or a mastectomy. Synchronous chemoradiation reduced the risk of cancer returning by 35 percent among women in the early stages of the disease, without worsening the side effects. Researchers found that after eight years of treatment, cancer returned in the breast or chest wall of 41 of the patients who were given the synchronised treatment. Compared with the 63 patients whose cancer returned and who had received the standard sequence of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the number of recurring breast cancers after synchronous chemoradiation is significantly lower.

It is thought that not only could these findings be important for obtaining the best outcomes in breast cancer treatment, they may also be significant to the improvement of quality of life and length of disruptive treatment for patients. Study leader Dr Indrajit Fernando, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said of the study: "Shortening the overall treatment time may mean that when patients have finished their last chemotherapy course they can return to their normal life without having to then complete their radiotherapy. This may also have economic benefits in terms of when patients can return to work." In response to the trial’s possible implications for patients with a recurrence, Liz Woolf, head of CancerHelp UK, said: “Breast cancer that has come back after treatment is always harder to treat and it’s encouraging to hear that giving radiotherapy and chemotherapy together can reduce the likelihood of this, without worsening the side effects.”

To read more on the topic, please click here.


Possible new treatment option for aggressive breast cancers...

HER2-positive breast cancer is an aggressive form of the disease diagnosed in around 10,000 British women every year, amounting to around 20 percent of all breast cancer cases annually. Early trials into a new drug suggest that it may help to slow the growth of these tumours when teamed with the already widely used drug Herceptin, providing a possible new treatment option for patients. The results are encouraging but scientists have been quick to emphasise that further trials are needed before the drug is considered as a viable treatment.

During the trial, doctors at hospitals across the world, including those in Manchester, Newcastle and Bournemouth in the UK, administered the new therapy to 137 breast cancer patients. The treatment is an injection that combines Heceptin with an antibody drug. Proteins in the drug seek out tumours and toxins are then released only once inside cancer cells, reducing the damage to healthy tissue. Results showed that the treatment seemed to halt the progression of the disease for longer than conventional drugs. On average, patients given the new therapy lived for 14 months without their cancer getting worse, whilst those given normal chemotherapy lived for nine month without any deterioration. The study also founds patients experienced fewer dangerous side-effects than with standard treatments.

A further clinical trial in now being conducted on at least 1,000 women in over 20 countries and results are expected in two years. Nell Barrie of Cancer Research UK said: "This approach combines two effective treatments but until we have results from larger, longer term trials we won't know for sure how beneficial this could be for patients with this particular type of breast cancer." Dr Rachel Greig of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity said: "This new drug may keep cancer at bay for longer than standard treatments with fewer side effects which crucially could offer patients a better quality of life. It’s important to emphasise this drug is still in trials and some years away from potentially being made available on the NHS.”

To read more, please click here.


Laura Smith
30th September 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin’s news…

Cancerkin needs you...

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


Kate’s Journal...

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


New additions...

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


In the news…

Linking alcohol and breast cancer…

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

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

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

To read more on the topic, please click here.


Significant discovery in male breast cancer…

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

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

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

To read more on this topic, please click here.


Breast cancer screening debate…

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

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

Laura Smith
23rd September 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin’s news…


September Talk…

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


Cancerkin’s East London Project Update…

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

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


In the news…


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

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

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

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

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

To read more on this topic, please click here.


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

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

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

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

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

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

To read more on this topic, please click here.

Laura Smith
16th September 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....


Joy’s marathon fundraiser...

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


Patient forum at the Royal Free…

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

October talk…

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


‘The Last of the Duchess’ sold out…

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


Yoga classes at Cancerkin…

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


In the News.....


Breast density and cancer risk explained...

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

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

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

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

To read more on this topic, please click here.


Laura Smith
9th September 2011

Cancerkin's News Update.....


The last of the tickets…

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

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

East London ‘Experienced Patients’…

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

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Cancerkin…

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

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

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

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

In the News.....

Breast cancer screening programme under the spotlight...

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

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

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

Laura Smith
2nd September 2011

Cancerkin's News Update.....

‘The Last of the Duchess’ tickets…

We have a limited number of tickets left for Cancerkin’s evening at the Hampstead Theatre for a performance of ‘The Last of the Duchess’ on 31st October 2011. To buy tickets, you can call Laura on 020 7830 2323, or you can complete a ticket form, which you will have received in the post or which you can download from our website.

Cancerkin’s top fundraisers…

We have counted up all the sponsorship raised by our amazing 2011 Hyde Park Walkers and we are now pleased to announce the winners of the top three fundraising spots (drum roll please!): in first place, raising over £3,000, is Linda Cohen. A very close second is Debra Franses-Bean, who raised just over £2,700, and in third place is Sue Glasser, with just over £2,500. Well done to these wonderful women – we are so grateful for all the time and hard work they have put in. Thank you so much!

Cancerkin would also like to give a special mention this week to another of its supporters, Daniel Taylor, who has raised £744 for Cancerkin in a rather unusual way. Dan agreed to wax off his beard in aid of Cancerkin and for his legs to undergo the same treatment. We commend Dan for his bravery and thank him for all the effort he put into his fundraising. Well done and thank you Dan!

If you are interested in getting involved with fundraising for Cancerkin (but in a slightly less painful way!), there are plenty of things that you might like to do. You could organise a car boot sale, a coffee morning, an ‘own clothes day’ at your children’s school, a sponsored cycle or even a marathon. We are always here to help with your ideas and give advice on how best to maximise your fundraising efforts. Please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk if you would like to discuss an idea – we would love to hear from you!

Therapies update…

The Cancerkin Centre will be closed for the Bank Holiday next Monday 29th August, so there will be no activities taking place. We will re-open on Tuesday 30th as usual but please note there will be no patient support group on this day.

On 19th September 2011 from 10am – 3pm, Lily Seibold will be hosting a creative writing class focusing on the theme of ‘September.’ If you are interested in attending, please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk or 0207 830 2323.

In the News.....

“Golden Era” of cancer research as new genetics study is launched...

An important trial that will genetically test the tumours of 9,000 newly diagnosed breast, bowel, lung, prostate, melanoma and ovarian cancer patients is about to be launched next month in seven UK hospitals. The study will aim to find out which existing cancer drugs work on tumours according to their genetic make up and to identify new treatments that are personalised to each individual’s cancer. Most medicines work for certain people and not for others, and will perhaps work for only a small number. This is certainly true of cancer treatments and the study hopes to find out why. Each individual’s DNA is different and so is that of their cancer tumours, and this influences which drugs will work and how effective chemotherapy and radiation will be.

During the study, each tumour will undergo a series of genetic tests. Some tests, such as that for the HER2 enzyme which indicates whether breast cancer patients will respond to Herceptin, are already widely used, but others are not. The trial will test how feasible it is to introduce genetic tests for all cancer patients. It will also provide a database for future research by following patients’ progress. It may even identify certain drugs which have fallen out of use because of their small impact on large groups but which may now be beneficial to certain patients.

In reaction to the study, Chief Executive of Cancer Research UK Harpal Kumar described research into the disease being in a ‘golden era’. He described "an explosion in our understanding of what cancer is, why it happens, why it doesn't happen in some people and why it moves around the body." He said of the trial: "People have known for years that we give treatment and it is only going to work for 20% of people and we are now on the cusp of finding out what is going on."

To read more from The Guardian, please click here.

Natural bacteria may help block cancer growth...

Another new piece of research published this week in journal Nature Chemistry has found that a naturally occurring molecule in bacteria can help switch off the growth of breast cancer cells. The molecule, named thiostrepton, blocks the cancer causing protein FOXM1. The protein is responsible for switching on genes that control breast cancer cell growth and division, causing tumours to grow and spread. Blocking the protein can therefore help to prevent the development and growth of cancer cells. Scientists hope that the molecule will eventually lead to new treatment options for breast cancer patients.

The study’s lead author, Professor Shankar Balasubramanian, from Cancer Research UK said of the discovery: "Before this research we weren't aware of any natural product which could directly target a protein that controls gene activity. Yet intriguingly a molecule in bacteria – which also has strong antibiotic effects – does this very well, switching off cancer-causing genes in breast cancer cells."

Dr Lesley Walker, CRUK’s director of cancer information, said: "It's fascinating to discover how a simple bacteria could hold the key to powerful new approaches to treat breast cancer developing and spreading."

To read the full article in The Independent, please click here.

Laura Smith
26th August 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....


Latest on Hyde Park Walk 2011...

The last few envelopes of Hyde Park Walk sponsorship money have been arriving at the Cancerkin Office all week. We are pleased to announce that the total raised for this year’s sponsored walk around The Serpentine Lake is an amazing £36,514.52! Thank you so much to everyone who took part and worked so hard to contribute to this fantastic grand total. Thank you also to all those that were unable to attend but who generously donated to Cancerkin instead. Well done to everyone on another successful year!

As promised, we will very shortly be announcing the top three fundraisers who will be awarded prizes from Floris and Pizza Express. Look out for the announcement in next week’s edition – it could be you!


Cancerkin at the theatre…

There are still tickets available for Cancerkin’s special evening at the Hampstead Theatre for a performance of ‘The Last of the Duchess’ on 31st October 2011. The play focuses on the final days of the controversial Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson, spent in her household in Versailles, and features Sheila Hancock and Anna Chancellor.

To buy tickets at £40 each, you can call Laura on 020 7830 2323, or you can complete a ticket form, which you will shortly receive in the post or which you can download from our website. Seats are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!


East London Internship…

Applications for Cancerkin’s East London Project Internship are still open. Please send a CV and covering letter to Asini at a.wijewardane@cancerkin.org.uk if you would like to apply. For more details, please visit our website.


In the News.....


Personalised medicine for those with breast cancer gene...

An increasing amount of research is being done into targeted cancer treatments that depend on the genetic makeup of a patient and that of their cancer. This approach is known as personalised medicine. One such trial was launched this week at the Oxford Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre at the University of Oxford. The team of researchers based at the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Oxford Biomedical Research Centre are leading the study into cancer drug 6MP, to find out if it may benefit those with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. If successful the drug could offer important extra treatment options for patients with certain breast and ovarian cancers caused by faults in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes are known to significantly increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, with 15 out of every 100 breast and ovarian cancers being caused by BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic faults.

The study will look at cancer drug 6MP, which belongs to a class of drugs known as thiopurines and is currently used to treat leukaemia patients, often given alongside another chemotherapy drug called methotrexate. Earlier laboratory studies into thiopurines have suggested that the drugs are effective at killing cancer cells lacking BRCA genes. The lab studies showed that the drugs may also be effective when cancer cells have developed resistance to other treatments such as PARP inhibitors and cisplatin. If the new study into 6MP and its possible benefits is successful, it will lead to a larger phase III trial in the future.

Trial leader Dr Shibani Nicum, a gynaecology specialist based at the Oxford Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (EMCM) and a researcher in Oxford University’s Department of Oncology, said of the trial: “PARP inhibitors are a powerful new class of drugs developed specifically to target tumours caused by BRCA 1 and BRCA2 faults, but drug resistance remains a problem. We hope that the very encouraging results we have seen in early laboratory studies involving 6MP will lead to increased treatment options for these patients in the future.” Professor Mark Middleton, director of the Oxford ECMC at Oxford University, added: “It’s exciting to see drugs being developed for specific groups of patients who share the same underlying genetic faults in their cancer. Targeted treatments are at the cutting edge of cancer care and we’re proud to be involved in bringing such drugs a step closer to the clinic.”

To read more about the trial on Cancer Research UK’s website, please click here.

Laura Smith
19th August 2011

On the pulse

Cancerkin's News Update.....

Update on East London...

We are thrilled to announce that our six newly trained East London volunteers are about to graduate as fully-fledged Experienced Patients (EPs). Since completing their formal training early this year, our six lovely ladies have been shadowing Cancerkin’s existing EPs here at the Royal Free. They are now almost ready to begin work in East London and will provide a network of support and hand-holding to women with breast cancer, their friends and family. This service is free and open to anyone. Please contact Asini on 0207 830 2323 or a.wijewardane@cancerkin.org.uk to find out more.

Today, Cancerkin returned to the Bromley-By-Bow Community Centre for another monthly complementary therapy session, where patients were able to meet and talk to each other and take part in a yoga class. Breast Awareness information was also handed out during the session. We will also be at St Joseph’s Hospice on Friday 26th August for another session during which our East London EP’s will be presented with certificates to mark their graduation. Congratulations to them all!

Thank you Cancerkin fundraisers!

In July, one of our fantastic supporters, Lindsay Lehane, held a yard sale in aid of Cancerkin and raised a very impressive £192. Well done and thank you, Lindsay! We are always so touched when people think of us when they are holding such events and we’re truly grateful that our supporters are out there spreading the word about the work we do.

If you are interested in holding your own fundraiser, why not get in touch? You might want to have a clear out and raise funds at a yard sale, bring-and-buy or car boot, or you might like to get your friends together and hold a coffee morning or a dinner party. Please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk if you would like to discuss an idea – we would love to hear from you!

‘The Last of the Duchess’ tickets…

Tickets are selling fast for Cancerkin’s special evening at the Hampstead Theatre for a performance of ‘The Last of the Duchess’ on 31st October 2011. To buy tickets, you can call Laura on 020 7830 2323, or you can complete a ticket form, which you will shortly receive in the post or which you can download from our website. Seats are limited so book early to avoid disappointment!

Hyde Park Walk sponsorship…

Just a reminder that the deadline for sponsorship monies to be received by the Cancerkin office is this Monday 15th August. Please remember to make all cheques payable to Cancerkin and avoid sending cash in the post. Please contact Laura on l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk if you have any queries.

Internships at Cancerkin…

Applications for our internships close this Monday, 15th August. To apply, please send a covering letter and CV to either Laura Smith for the Events, Fundraising and Promotions Internship at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk, or to Asini for the East London Project Internship at a.wijewardane@cancerkin.org.uk. For more details, please visit our website.

Patient support groups at Cancerkin…

There will be no patient support group taking place during August. Our next group will be on Tuesday 27th September from 11am to 1pm.

In the News.....

Exercise and cancer care...

The impact that physical activity can have on cancer patients is the subject of frequent studies and much press coverage. For example, in May we reported on a study into the positive effects of yoga for breast cancer patients, showing how it helped counter the side-effects of treatment such as fatigue. Yoga is but one of the exercise and movement classes Cancerkin offers – over the years we have introduced sessions in Tai Chi, Pilates, Kundalini yoga, Nia Technique, dance and drama, which are open to everyone and are completely free of charge.

An interesting new report published this week by Macmillan Cancer Support shows that exercise can not only help cancer patients cope with the side-effects of treatment but can help lower the chance of developing other conditions such as heart disease and may reduce the risk of dying from cancer. As the report explains, previous research suggests that staying active can help patients overcome fatigue and weight gain and that exercising to the recommended level can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. For example, studies have suggested that the risk of breast cancer recurring can be reduced by up to 40 percent.

Whilst cancer patients have been advised in the past to rest after treatment, the report states that moderate physical activity is both safe and advisable during and after treatment for most kinds of cancer. It recommends that all patients being treated for cancer should aim to do two and a half hours of physical activity each week, as currently advised by Department of Health guidelines. This activity does not need to be strenuous and may include taking a brisk walk or doing the gardening.

To read more, please click here. If you are interested in finding our more about the classes Cancerkin offers, please contact Una on u.reynolds@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.

Laura Smith