Boost for breast patients

THOUSANDS of women who have radiotherapy for breast cancer could be spared severe side-effects after scientists found that targeted treatments or lower doses were just as effective.

The study, led by Cambridge University and the Institute of Cancer Research in London, showed that irradiating the tumour – rather than the whole breast – was just as good and came with fewer side-effects, which include pain and sensitivity.

A second approach – bathing the whole breast with radiation but using a lower dose – was also equally effective and also reduced adverse effects.

The tests, involving 1,200 women, were revealed at the European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona.