Tackling breast cancer

Breast cancer is still one of the biggest causes of premature death for UK women.

Leading breast cancer physicians and researchers gathered in Brussels for the European Breast Cancer Conference. BBC News Online reports.

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Shorter screening gap 'saves no lives'
Increasing the frequency of breast screening would not save any more lives, research has concluded.

EU 'should join forces' over breast cancer
A combined approach between EU states could yield dividends in the fight against breast cancer, says a European health minister.

Shark 'treatment' rubbished again
Another study has dismissed the much-hyped benefits of shark cartilage as a drug to help cancer patients.

New drug 'better than tamoxifen'
Studies suggest that a better alternative to tamoxifen may have been found for some patients.

'Vitamin A' drug could prevent cancer
A drug derived from vitamin A may be able to stop cancer developing in younger women.

'DNA fingerprint' tailors treatments
The differing individual genetic makeups of breast tumours may lead to "designer treatments" for women

Liposuction to ease surgery side effect
A beauty industry technique is being used to help women overcome a disabling side-effect of breast cancer surgery.

'Wonderdrug' boosts long-term survival
Tamoxifen is helping keep breast cancer patients alive - even 15 years after diagnosis.

Women 'failing' to check for cancer
One in four women never check for breast lumps, says a survey.

Screening 'could save thousands' in Europe
NHS-style breast screening programmes might transform cancer care in Europe, says a UK doctor.

'Patient power' drives breast advances
Women themselves have played a huge role in pushing for improvements in breast cancer treatment, says a doctor.

Lung overtakes breast as killer cancer
More UK women now die from lung than from breast cancer - due to smoking trends and improved treatments.

Height a factor in breast cancer?
The height - as well as the weight- of a woman could have some influence on cancer risk.