Keeping abreast of the situation

USE THESE FACTS TO STAY HEALTHY

What better way to embrace Breast Cancer Awareness month than with a wrap-up of the new developments in treatments and preventative measures.

Next time you grumble about having a mammogram, ponder this: The treatment options and survival rates for breast cancer have never been better. To support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we share some of the exciting initiatives that may take us to zero deaths by 2030.

While breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women, the happy news is that, in the past few decades, survival rates have increased from 76 per cent to 91 per cent. Research has seen huge improvements in how experts detect, prevent and treat the disease and can improve the quality of life for survivors. We now know, for example, that regular exercise can help prevent cancer and counter the side effects of chemotherapy; genomic research has pinpointed the BRCA gene mutations that increase the risk of developing the disease, so women can make proactive choices and prevent its onset; and scientists are currently working on new drugs and therapies to see what works best for different types of breast cancer. See over the following pages for all the exciting new developments.

Upgrade your diet now

Oily fish, such as salmon and sardines, may be a key weapon in the fight against breast cancer. French researchers have found that the most aggressive tumour cells – the ones responsible for spreading cancer – use fatty acids for fuel, in a process called acidosis. They also found that these cells behave in completely different ways depending on their fat source. When these cells gorge on high amounts of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic (DHA), found mainly in fish, they’re unable to store it properly and end up poisoning themselves. The study used 3D tumour cells to model the process, but a follow-up study in mice showed that those on a DHA-enriched diet had significantly slower tumour development than mice on a conventional diet. It’s recommended that Australians eat 250–500mg of omega-3 fatty acids a day, but research suggests people consume much lower amounts. Adding a few serves of oily fish to your menu each week is a simple way to hit the spot – and potentially lower your cancer risk.

NEW NUKE FOR AGGRESSIVE RISK

This year, an important breakthrough came from the OlympiA clinical trial, an international study conducted here in Australia by Breast Cancer Trials, which showed that a drug called olaparib (sold under the brand name Lynparza) taken by women with early stage breast cancer can reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning by 42 per cent for those who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. About five per cent of all breast cancer patients have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which equates to about 1000 women diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year. It’s exciting stuff – especially given the two genes can lead to particularly aggressive forms of breast cancer.

“Early stage breast cancer can often (but not always) be cured by surgery and possibly chemotherapy, hormone-blocking tablets and radiotherapy,” says medical oncologist and Breast Cancer Trials medical advisor Dr Nick Zdenkowski. “Despite this, some patients still experience recurrence and then die of their cancer. This medication reduces the number of women who experience a life-threatening recurrence.”

The drug is already being used to treat people with advanced ovarian cancer and primary fallopian-tube and peritoneal cancers. The next step is for olaparib to be funded through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme to make it affordable for breast cancer patients. Another ripple effect of the study? It’s likely to increase rates of genetic testing in women with newly diagnosed breast cancer, which will also help to identify relatives who carry the BRCA genes. So, it’s a major win for cancer prevention, too.

1 NO LUMP MEANS NO CANCER

Mythbuster: Many women don’t have a lump when their cancer is found on a mammogram, says breast health specialist Dr Dawn Mussallem. Still, it’s important to keep an eye (or hand) out for any change in your breasts and tell your doctor right away. Signs of cancer can include thickening or swelling of the breast, redness or flakiness around the nipple, puckering of the skin, inverting of the nipple, discharge, breast pain and a change in size or shape. If you do find a lump, don’t panic – the majority of lumps are benign, she says. Just get tested to make sure.

2 IF YOU DON’T HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY, YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORRY

Mythbuster: About 85 per cent of women who get breast cancer have no close relative with a history of the disease, which is why it’s important to watch for signs and get regular mammograms. The two biggest risk factors are being born a woman and getting older. Others include dense breast tissue and high BMI. Still, a family history does matter. Your risk nearly doubles if you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has had it. If you’re at higher risk, talk to your doc about preventative measures such as medication, surgery and early screenings.

3 THERE’S LITTLE YOU CAN DO EXCEPT GET SCREENED AND WATCH FOR THE SIGNS

Mythbuster: Your weight, how often you exercise, whether you drink or smoke, and the hormones you take, all play a role in your breast cancer risk, Dr Mussallem says. Maintaining a healthy weight is very important, as obesity makes postmenopausal breast cancer risk 1.5 to two times higher. Research suggests that getting sweaty regularly can lower breast cancer risk by 10 to 20 per cent for all women – including those at very high risk. Also, watch how much alcohol you drink. Women who have two or three drinks a day have 20 per cent higher odds of breast cancer, but “any amount of alcohol increases breast cancer risk, and the more you drink, the higher your risk,” Dr Mussallem says. It’s a good idea to go easy, whatever your family history.