Menu
25/06/2013
Cancer Drug Offer For 'At Risk' Women
Women who are at most risk of developing breast cancer are to be offered a preventative drug on the NHS, the NICE has said.
Studies have found that taking tamoxifen or raloxifene can reduce the chances of developing cancer by half.
Now, new guidelines recommend the treatment can be given to healthy women who are "at risk" of developing cancer. This includes women with a family history of cancer. For example, if a woman has two or more family members who have been diagnosed with cancer, she will be offered the treatment for five years.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with about 50,000 women and 400 men diagnosed with the condition each year. Based on research findings, experts estimate that for every 1,000 women given tamoxifen, there would be 20 fewer breast cancers.
Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has said the NHS should offer MRI screening every year to all women aged 30-49 years who have, or who have had, breast cancer and who remain at high risk of the disease.
This includes those with a BRCA1 or BRCA1 mutation.
Professor Mark Baker, Director of the Centre for Clinical Practice at NICE, said: "Our updated guideline now gives women more options in how they manage their risk of breast cancer; those with a 'moderate' or 'high' risk of developing breast cancer because of their family history but who have not had the disease themselves can now be offered tamoxifen or raloxifene for five years to prevent it.
"Although neither drug is licensed as a preventative treatment in the UK, clinical evidence shows they are an effective option for many women and could be preferable to surgery."
(JP/CD)
Studies have found that taking tamoxifen or raloxifene can reduce the chances of developing cancer by half.
Now, new guidelines recommend the treatment can be given to healthy women who are "at risk" of developing cancer. This includes women with a family history of cancer. For example, if a woman has two or more family members who have been diagnosed with cancer, she will be offered the treatment for five years.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with about 50,000 women and 400 men diagnosed with the condition each year. Based on research findings, experts estimate that for every 1,000 women given tamoxifen, there would be 20 fewer breast cancers.
Additionally, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has said the NHS should offer MRI screening every year to all women aged 30-49 years who have, or who have had, breast cancer and who remain at high risk of the disease.
This includes those with a BRCA1 or BRCA1 mutation.
Professor Mark Baker, Director of the Centre for Clinical Practice at NICE, said: "Our updated guideline now gives women more options in how they manage their risk of breast cancer; those with a 'moderate' or 'high' risk of developing breast cancer because of their family history but who have not had the disease themselves can now be offered tamoxifen or raloxifene for five years to prevent it.
"Although neither drug is licensed as a preventative treatment in the UK, clinical evidence shows they are an effective option for many women and could be preferable to surgery."
(JP/CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 September 2003
'Next big step' in breast cancer treatment launched
Cancer Research UK scientists will today embark on the next big step towards preventing breast cancer with the launch of a major new trial called IBIS II. The 10-year study will test a new drug called anastrozole and involve 10,000 healthy women who are at an increased risk of the disease.
'Next big step' in breast cancer treatment launched
Cancer Research UK scientists will today embark on the next big step towards preventing breast cancer with the launch of a major new trial called IBIS II. The 10-year study will test a new drug called anastrozole and involve 10,000 healthy women who are at an increased risk of the disease.
27 June 2014
Blood Test Could Predict Breast Cancer - Research
A blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, according to research by the University College London (UCL).
Blood Test Could Predict Breast Cancer - Research
A blood test is currently in development that could help predict the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer, according to research by the University College London (UCL).
10 October 2005
Breast cancer survival rates rise
Almost two-thirds of all women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are now likely to survive for at least 20 years, a leading cancer charity has claimed.
Breast cancer survival rates rise
Almost two-thirds of all women newly diagnosed with breast cancer are now likely to survive for at least 20 years, a leading cancer charity has claimed.
01 May 2012
Breast Cancer Can Be Detected Years Before, According To Study
Dr James Flanagan, a Breast Cancer Campaign scientific fellow in the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, has uncovered the first strong evidence that molecular or 'epigenetic' changes in a gene can be associated with breast cancer risk and can be detected many years before breast cancer develops.
Breast Cancer Can Be Detected Years Before, According To Study
Dr James Flanagan, a Breast Cancer Campaign scientific fellow in the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial College London, has uncovered the first strong evidence that molecular or 'epigenetic' changes in a gene can be associated with breast cancer risk and can be detected many years before breast cancer develops.
29 October 2003
Saturated fats could 'slightly increase' breast cancer risk
Eating large amounts of saturated fat could "slightly increase" the risk of breast cancer, according to a review published in the British Journal of Cancer.
Saturated fats could 'slightly increase' breast cancer risk
Eating large amounts of saturated fat could "slightly increase" the risk of breast cancer, according to a review published in the British Journal of Cancer.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
