Genetic test will identify those most at risk of breast cancer

The chances of getting breast cancer vary more than sixfold among women because of their genetic inheritance but the breast screening programme fails to target those at highest risk, scientists have found. Researchers at the University of Cambridge say it may soon be possible to offer women a genetic test based on the seven common gene sites that determine cancer risk and to focus prevention efforts accordingly.

Breast Cancer Vaccines Look Promising (HealthDay)

HealthDay - THURSDAY, June 26 (HealthDay News) -- Women with metastatic breast cancer who developed an immune response to an investigational vaccine lived twice as long as those who didn't have an immune response, new research shows.

Outreach Programs Help African American Breast Cancer Patients (American Cancer Society)

American Cancer Society - Emory University researchers have developed a two-pronged outreach program that appears to significantly improve early-stage breast cancer detection among African American women. The program, which emphasizes health education and patient support, owes its success in large part to the work of specially-trained Community Health Advocates, who encourage women to get screened for breast cancer, and Patient Navigators, who help women if they're diagnosed.

Breast Cancer Vaccines Look Promising (HealthDay)

HealthDay - THURSDAY, June 26 (HealthDay News) -- Women with metastatic breast cancer who developed an immune response to an investigational vaccine lived twice as long as those who didn't have an immune response, new research shows.

Symptoms Plus Blood Test Boost Ovarian Cancer Detection (HealthDay)

HealthDay - MONDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- U.S. researchers boosted the level of early-stage ovarian cancer detection by 20 percent through use of a blood test to detect a tumor marker as well as a woman's report of new-onset symptoms.

Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis (HealthDay)

HealthDay - MONDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- Low socioeconomic status increases a cancer patient's risk of dying, say U.S. researchers who analyzed data on almost 14,000 breast, prostate and colorectal patients in seven states.