Earlier diagnosis identified as key reason why more US women than Europeans survive breast cancerDecember 18, 2003The main reason why women diagnosed with breast cancer in the USA have higher survival than those in Europe is that they are diagnosed at an earlier stage, according to findings published today. Previous studies have shown that women in the US have higher breast cancer survival rates than women in Europe but, until now, scientists have been unable to pinpoint the reasons, suggesting that differences in treatment and access to healthcare might be a factor, but with little supporting evidence. In order to investigate further, an international team of researchers, including Professor Michel Coleman, Professor of Epidemiology and Vital Statistics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, analysed population-based data from 4,478 women included in the EUROCARE study (which examines cancer survival trends across Europe) and 13,182 women recorded in the US National Cancer Institute's SEER program from 1990-1992. Their findings will be published in the 15 February 2004 issue of CANCER, and also appear today on Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com/cancer). Significantly more early-stage tumours were found among US women (41%) than among European women (29%). Elderly women in the USA were even more likely than younger women to be diagnosed at an early stage (43% of those aged 65 or more compared to 38% of under-65s). The opposite was true in Europe, where early-stage tumours were more common in younger women - 31% of under-65s and 25% of older women). Finally, overall 5-year survival was significantly higher among women in the USA than in Europe (89 per cent versus 79 per cent). Professor Michel Coleman commented: 'These findings reveal the urgent need to allocate more resources to ensure earlier diagnosis of breast cancer in Europe'. London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) |
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| Related Breast Cancer Current Events and Breast Cancer News Articles New figures on cancer in Europe show a steady decline in mortality but big variations New figures on deaths from cancer in Europe show a steady decline in mortality between the periods 1990-1994 and 2000-2004. Deaths from all cancers in the European Union (EU) between these two periods fell by nine percent in men and eight percent in women, with a large drop among the middle-aged population. Elastography reduces unnecessary breast biopsies Elastography is an effective, convenient technique that, when added to breast ultrasound, helps distinguish cancerous breast lesions from benign results, according to an ongoing study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). First live targeting of tumors with RNA-based technology Finding and treating a tumor without disturbing normal tissue presents challenges - sometimes the most effective therapies can be invasive and harsh. Menopause-cardiology consensus statement on cardiovascular disease and on HRT A menopause-cardiology consensus statement has called for direct action to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in menopausal women. The statement also concludes that there is little evidence of increased CVD risk in taking HRT. Researchers Identify Role of Gene in Tumor Development, Growth and Progression Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center and VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine researchers have identified a gene that may play a pivotal role in two processes that are essential for tumor development, growth and progression to metastasis. UCLA researchers create 'fly paper' to capture circulating cancer cells Just as fly paper captures insects, an innovative new device with nano-sized features developed by researchers at UCLA is able to grab cancer cells in the blood that have broken off from a tumor. Fertility procedures need not delay breast cancer treatment for younger women A new study published in the November issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that breast cancer patients under 40 years old who undergo fertility preservation do not face a significant delay in the treatment of their disease when their care is coordinated in a timely fashion. Coffee break: Compound brewing new research in colon, breast cancer A compound in coffee has been found to be estrogenic in studies by Texas AgriLife Research scientists. Drugs to treat anemia in cancer patients linked to thromboembolism Medications frequently given to cancer patients to reduce their risk of anemia are associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, according to new research led by Dawn Hershman, M.D, M.S., co-director of the breast cancer program at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Discovery in worms by Queen's researchers points to more targeted cancer treatment Researchers at Queen's University have found a link between two genes involved in cancer formation in humans, by examining the genes in worms. The groundbreaking discovery provides a foundation for how tumor-forming genes interact, and may offer a drug target for cancer treatment. More Breast Cancer Current Events and Breast Cancer News Articles |
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