Breast Cancer Care

The number of women dying from breast cancer has fallen to less than 12,000, for the first time since national records began in 1971.

In 2007, according to statistics from Cancer Research UK, 11,990 women died from breast cancer, compared to 12,324 the previous year. Healthcare professionals have today put the fall in numbers down to improved research, the breast cancer screening programme and improved treatments and diagnosis procedures.

Today's figures can be contrasted against a peak in 1989, when 15,625 women died from breast cancer.

Our Head of Policy and Campaigns, Olivia Marks-Woldman, said today:

“It is very reassuring to see evidence that breast cancer mortality rates are declining, but we must not forget the support needs of those living with the disease today.

“Improved treatments mean that the number of people living for many years with secondary (metastatic) breast cancer is growing. Our research has shown that these patients can feel extremely isolated and suffer appalling gaps in care. This is why we are committed to campaigning for the rights of, and providing practical support to, this group.”

Visit the BBC website to read a report on this news. You can also read the Cancer Research UK press release in full by clicking here.

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The Guardian also features a piece in its 'off diary' section titled "Pulling together for new-wave therapy".

It stems from the results of a pilot stufy at Sheffield Hallam University, which has suggested that participation in the Chinese sport of dragon boat racing can reduce the effects and swelling of lymphoedema.

Moderate exercise is currently advised for those suffering from lymphoedema at present, but the sports scientist involved, Helen Crank, believes that the training programme has a beneficial effect.

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There's a few stories today that are making a link between walnuts and breast cancer, following the publication of research carried out on mice. The study, which was carried out at the Marshall University School of Medicine in West Virginia, was carried out on the animals, but the researchers believe the research could potentially apply to humans.

The BBC website reports on the research in its health section, explaining that the nuts, which are high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols, may reduce the risk of the disease.

The study was presented to the American Association of Cancer Research at its AGM and its findings are discussed by the author of the report and representatives from the British Nutrition Foundation and Cancer Research UK. Both call for more research but acknowledge that a healthy, balanced diet (of which walnuts could be a part) play an important role in reducing the risk of cancer.

In the Daily Express, they also state that regularly eating walnuts can reduce the risk of breast cancer and feature quotes from the scientists involved in the study.

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Finally, you could take a few minutes to read an interview with one of our patrons, the 'Green Goddess' Diana Moran.

In a feature-length piece, she talks about having breast cancer, her double mastectomy and reconstruction, mentions taking part in our Great Wall of China trek and being our patron - as well as adding her top 20 secrets of eternal youth!