Breast cancer is in the headlines again this week. A trial of 4000 postmenopausal women at “ high risk “ ( family history / certain types of non-cancerous breast disease ) has found a drug can halve the development of cancer.


The drug ( anastrozole ) reduces oestrogen production ( which fuels the growth of most breast cancers ). It’s actually cheap, as it’s no longer patented. It’s also more effective, with less side effects, than similar drugs ( like tamoxifen ). However, its benefit would only apply to the fifth or so women at higher risk. Removal of breasts is still the likely option for those at very high risk ( with gene mutations ).


As with so many conditions, lifestyle factors are important in prevention of this cancer ( risks include less physical activity, obesity, alcohol intake, later age at first childbirth, and reduced breast feeding ).


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-25346638


Although numbers of breast cancers are increasing, partly because we’re living longer, “ five year survival rates “ after diagnosis do keep improving - over 80% in the UK, but still less good in the Philippines.

.

In fact, the Philippines appears to have a high incidence of breast cancer compared to other Asian countries like China, Malaysia and Indonesia.



Both patients and surgeons in the Philippines still prefer breast removal ( mastectomy ) for this cancer, rather than “ breast conservation “ ( favoured in the UK ) as surgical treatment. The Philippines has the highest mastectomy rate in Asia and one of the lowest breast conservation rates.

Reasons given include financial constraints, fear of cancer recurrence, fear of and lack of time and resources for radiotherapy, distance from radiotherapy centres and lack of information about breast-conserving options.


http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story...r-rate-in-asia


http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-...Treatment.aspx