On The Cover Breast Cancer Latest news and research
We’ve gathered all the most recent discoveries and events – and there’s some good news too!
The T Lockdown Effect
At the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, p the number of women w going to see their GP G about potential breast cancer c symptoms plunged but b numbers are now rising r again.
“However, many women are still concerned oor uncertain about getting possible cancer symptoms checked out,” stressed Rachel Rawson, Associate Director of Nursing at Breast Cancer Now, the research and care charity. “It’s so important that people know they can and should still get in touch with their GP surgery as soon as possible if they notice anything unusual. Check your breasts regularly and if you’re worried about a possible symptom, please don’t wait to report it.
While most breast changes won’t be cancer, the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely treatment is to be successful.”
Lockdown led to some NHS breast screening, including mammograms, being postponed but this is now being rectified. “The national breast screening service is currently addressing the challenge of catching up and is offering screenings to those who missed out,” said Consultant Radiologist Michael J Michell of The London Breast Institute, which is based at The Princess Grace Hospital.
With most university and hospital laboratories closed, breast cancer research had also been adversely affected by lockdown. “Many of our funded scientists and experts faced months without being able to carry out new experiments and the recruitment of new patients to many clinical trials was paused,” said Kotryna Temcinaite, Research Communications Manager, Breast Cancer Now. “With labs beginning to reopen and clinical trials slowly restarting across the UK, we hope vital research will return to normal capacity as soon as possible.”
A Little Can Mean A Lot
Breast cancer charity littlelifts is about to launch its online shop selling feelgood boxes for women undergoing chemotherapy. Packed with products specially selected to provide practical support and promote emotional wellbeing, for every box sold, 30% goes towards helping women with breast cancer in Norfolk and Suffolk.
lIttlelifts boxes range from £30–£89, including UK postage, and are available at WWW.LITTLELIFTS. ORG.UK/SHOP from 1 October.