A round-up of the latest news about breast cancer research, treatments and side effects.
A round-up of the latest news about breast cancer research, treatments and side effects.
1. Nearly a third of women struggle with depression following treatment
Only 1 in 10 women say they felt positive and ready to move on when they were discharged from hospital treatment, while nearly a third (31%) struggled with depression, according to findings from Breast Cancer Care. To reach more women at this point, the charity has launched a new app, BECCA, which offers women instant access to support from the moment they finish treatment for as long as they need it.
2. Breast cancer and genetic risk factors
A new study by The University of Cambridge has identified a wide range of genetic alterations that contribute to the risk of developing breast cancer. It could eventually lead to improved risk prediction and to better treatments in some cases, according to the report authors. The findings are complex and it is not yet known what all the benefits might be or how and when additional factors will be identified in patients.
The biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and increasing age.
3. England Cancer Strategy Progress Report
The Progress Report (2016/17) was released on 18 October stating that ‘the NHS is on track to transform cancer services by 2020/21.’ However, little change has been made to address the lack of support for women and men with incurable secondary breast cancer.
Close to half of NHS Trusts and Health Boards do not provide specialist nursing care for people with incurable breast cancer. Our Secondary. Not Second Rate. campaign calls for the government to improve care. Pledge your support for our manifesto today.
4. NHS releases screening guide for transgender people
The NHS published a guide for trans people explaining breast screening, as well as other cancer screening tests. The guide outlines who will be invited for breast screening depending on how their gender is registered with their GP, and who might want to consider going for screening. Find out more about breast screening and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
5. ‘Devastating’ menopausal symptoms can be managed
A recent study suggested that menopausal symptoms often linked to tamoxifen also occurred when women were taking a placebo drug. Symptoms can include hot flushes, nausea, fatigue and loss of libido. Our Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist commented: ‘No matter the cause, many of these symptoms can be successfully managed.’
Find support on managing symptoms in BECCA, our free app, or speak to our nurses on our free Helpline.
6. Soya and breast cancer risk
Mail Online reported that a US breast surgeon recommended consuming more soya to decrease the risk of breast cancer. Our Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist Rachel Rawson explained:
‘Women shouldn’t feel discouraged from including a moderate amount of soya as part of a well-balanced diet. However, the jury’s still out as to whether soya plays a role in reducing the risk of breast cancer developing.’
7. More women than ever living five years or longer after breast cancer diagnosis
The latest Office for National Statistics figures found that more women than ever, 86%, diagnosed with breast cancer are living five years or longer after diagnosis. However, the figures hide the true effect of the disease. Women with incurable secondary breast cancer can live for years after their diagnosis, but many are not getting the care and support they need.
For those with a secondary diagnosis, life is filled with uncertainty. Our Secondary. Not Second Rate. campaign is asking the government to ensure data is collected, and demanding better care and support for anyone diagnosed.
8. Almost two-thirds of breast cancer patients don’t receive adequate support once treatment ends
The NHS Cancer Patient Experience Survey highlighted that while people with breast cancer generally experience good hospital care, almost two-thirds (60%) who said they needed care and support from health or social services once their treatment ended didn’t receive adequate support.
Our Moving Forward courses provide professional support and allow people to share their experiences, helping them find their new ‘normal’. You can also find hints and tips on adapting to life beyond breast cancer in BECCA, our free app.