Breast cancer breakthroughs Survival rates for breast cancer have doubled over the last 40 years, thanks to scientific breakthroughs. People diagnosed between 2010 and 2015 are 54% less likely to die from early-stage breast cancer within 5 years compared to people diagnosed between 2000 and 2004. There’s still a way to go before no one dies from breast cancer. But with partners like you supporting our world-class research, we’re getting closer every day. As a charity, we’ve invested over £255 million in research. We support over 360 leading breast cancer researchers, funding projects at 26 locations across the UK and Ireland, and 8 international locations. In 2020 alone, research that we’ve funded led to over 200 scientific discoveries. Here are some of the groundbreaking findings that donations like yours have helped to make possible. Targeted breast cancer treatments Our researchers showed how changes in a gene called BRCA2 hamper DNA repair, which increases the risk of breast cancer. This led to the idea of selectively targeting cancer cells with BRCA alterations using drugs called PARP inhibitors. In 2005, scientists at our research centre discovered that a PARP inhibitor drug called olaparib could kill cancer cells with changes to the BRCA genes, while leaving healthy cells intact. This year, olaparib became available on the NHS in England and Wales. It can now be used to treat certain people with primary breast cancer, and can reduce the risk of breast cancer returning or progressing to become incurable secondary breast cancer. “When I was diagnosed my kids were 11, 8 and my youngest turned 6, 4 days earlier. Your research work has meant that I have seen my kids grow up. When my granddaughter runs to me saying ‘granny’ it’s the best feeling in the world. Thank you.“ – Breast Cancer Now supporter Kinder radiotherapy In 2013, our researchers showed that a new type of radiotherapy causes fewer side effects than standard treatment. It’s now being used to treat some types of breast cancer. “Chemo was tough for me and my family, but thankfully with your support I am a 6-year survivor. It’s very exciting to see that kinder treatments are on the way.“ – Breast Cancer Now supporter RESEARCH THE DIFFERENCE WE’VE MADE 6 | 20 years of partnership with ghd Preventing breast cancer To prevent as many breast cancers as possible, we need to understand why some people develop breast cancer, and others don’t. That’s why Breast Cancer Now are supporting Dr Nick Orr’s research at Queen’s University Belfast. This project is exploring the role of genetic changes in the development of breast cancer in men and women. Dr Nick Orr and his team are investigating how changes in a certain region of DNA influence breast cancer development. They hope this will explain how this genetic change can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer. This could help us develop better ways to prevent the disease and reveal new ways we could treat it.
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