Pioneering breast cancer work could spare thousands of women undergoing chemotherapy
Thousands of women with breast cancer could be spared having to undergo chemotherapy thanks to pioneering work in Hywel Dda Health Board.
Many women with early breast cancer currently have to decide whether they should go through chemotherapy following surgery.
However, a new test is set to give them a much clearer idea of the risk and the benefit of chemotherapy.
It has been developed at the Breast Unit at Prince Philip Hospital with the help of Singleton Oncology and the University of Swansea.
The test looks at the pattern of gene expression in the breast cancer itself.
During recent trials at Prince Philip Hospital nearly half of patients initially recommended both chemotherapy and endocrine therapy had their treatment recommendation changed to endocrine therapy alone.
These women were not only spared the considerable inconvenience, risk and personal economic impact of chemotherapy but also the unknown long-term effects.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) have provisionally recommended the adoption of this test throughout the UK to help decide if chemotherapy should be given.
Consultant Surgical Oncologist for Hywel Dda Health Board, Mr Simon Holt (pictured above), said: "This test will have a major impact on the lives of many women, allowing them to get on with their lives following breast cancer surgery rather than having to go through four months of chemotherapy.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 55,000 people diagnosed each year. Just more than 80% of breast cancers occur in women who are over the age of 50. There are several types of breast cancer and it can be diagnosed at different stages and can grow at different rates, which means that people can have different treatments, depending on what will work best for them.
Hywel Dda Health Board has a centre of excellence for breast service at Prince Philip Hospital, although diagnostic and treatment services are also available at the Board’s other main hospitals.
The test looks at the pattern of gene expression in the breast cancer itself.
During recent trials at Prince Philip Hospital nearly half of patients initially recommended both chemotherapy and endocrine therapy had their treatment recommendation changed to endocrine therapy alone.
These women were not only spared the considerable inconvenience, risk and personal economic impact of chemotherapy but also the unknown long-term effects.
The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) have provisionally recommended the adoption of this test throughout the UK to help decide if chemotherapy should be given.
Consultant Surgical Oncologist for Hywel Dda Health Board, Mr Simon Holt (pictured above), said: "This test will have a major impact on the lives of many women, allowing them to get on with their lives following breast cancer surgery rather than having to go through four months of chemotherapy.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 55,000 people diagnosed each year. Just more than 80% of breast cancers occur in women who are over the age of 50. There are several types of breast cancer and it can be diagnosed at different stages and can grow at different rates, which means that people can have different treatments, depending on what will work best for them.
Hywel Dda Health Board has a centre of excellence for breast service at Prince Philip Hospital, although diagnostic and treatment services are also available at the Board’s other main hospitals.
The unit opened almost three years ago thanks to funding from the Welsh Government and the local community across West Wales.
It offers a world-class service to patients in a dignified and modern environment with access to the most advanced equipment available. It also runs major projects in three-dimensional mammography, vacuum assisted biopsy and intra-operative node analysis putting it at the forefront of breast cancer management in the world.
Women are encouraged to be breast aware and to look out for any unusual changes to the breast. It is important to remember that most breast symptoms are part of normal development but its best to get anything new checked out by a doctor promptly.
Breast screening (mammography) is an x-ray examination of the breasts which may help detect breast cancer before there are any signs or symptoms. Women aged 50 to 70 are invited every three years. Whilst going for breast screening will not prevent breast cancer from developing, it may find a breast cancer before it can be felt and at a time when treatment is likely to be highly successful.
Hywel Dda Health Board has pledged to reduce the number of people dying from cancer by 100 a year and as part of this we are encouraging everyone to take advantage of screening for breast, bowel and cervical cancer.
It offers a world-class service to patients in a dignified and modern environment with access to the most advanced equipment available. It also runs major projects in three-dimensional mammography, vacuum assisted biopsy and intra-operative node analysis putting it at the forefront of breast cancer management in the world.
Women are encouraged to be breast aware and to look out for any unusual changes to the breast. It is important to remember that most breast symptoms are part of normal development but its best to get anything new checked out by a doctor promptly.
Breast screening (mammography) is an x-ray examination of the breasts which may help detect breast cancer before there are any signs or symptoms. Women aged 50 to 70 are invited every three years. Whilst going for breast screening will not prevent breast cancer from developing, it may find a breast cancer before it can be felt and at a time when treatment is likely to be highly successful.
Hywel Dda Health Board has pledged to reduce the number of people dying from cancer by 100 a year and as part of this we are encouraging everyone to take advantage of screening for breast, bowel and cervical cancer.
Comments