September Spotlight: Advances in Breast Cancer Detection and Care
Dear Gentle Reader,
I doubt there are many of us who do not know someone touched by breast cancer – a family member, a friend, a neighbour, or even a public figure. In fact, most developed countries have created a wealth of initiatives to raise awareness and funds, so much so that perhaps we no longer think of breast cancer as the major health problem it remains. In New Zealand, for example, pink ribbon brunches fill community halls, while dragon boat teams made up of women who have undergone mastectomy paddle with extraordinary spirit and strength. Around the world, countless other events bring people together in solidarity. Early screening has certainly improved outcomes, but the reality is that breast cancer continues to have a profound impact on lives everywhere. It is a reminder that behind the banners and ribbons are stories that are deeply personal, and still very present.
Yours truly,
Ruth
Quick Quiz
Think you’re up to speed on the latest in breast cancer news? Put yourself to the test with our quick quiz. The answers are waiting at the end of the newsletter.
1. Globally, how many women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year?
a) Around 500,000
b) Around 1 million
c) Around 2.3 million
d) Around 5 million
2. Women with a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation face what approximate lifetime risk of developing breast cancer?
a) 13%
b) 25%
c) 40%
d) Over 60%
3. Why do BRCA1/2 mutations increase cancer risk?
a) They cause cells to grow faster
b) They directly turn cells cancerous
c) They impair DNA repair, allowing mutations to accumulate
d) They trigger hormone overproduction
4. How much difference can early detection make to breast cancer survival rates?
a) Survival rates are about the same for early or late detectionb) Early detection doubles the chance of survival c) Early-stage breast cancer has a 90%+ 5-year survival rate, compared with under 30% for late-staged) It only matters for women under 50
Looking Ahead to October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October shines a spotlight on breast cancer, and with good reason. As the most common cancer in women worldwide and still one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, October isn’t just about pink ribbons. It’s an opportunity to highlight progress in early detection, explore new treatment approaches, and push for fair access to care. For those of you working in oncology, women’s health, and public health, it’s also a reminder that the way we communicate research and share knowledge can make a real difference to patient outcomes.
Spotlight on the Blog
BRCA-Related Breast Cancer: Why Timing Could Be the Key to Better Outcomes
BRCA mutations don’t just raise the risk of breast cancer, they reshape the disease itself, making it more aggressive and harder to treat. But new research is revealing a powerful insight: sometimes it’s not just what drug you use, but when you use it. A Cambridge-led trial of olaparib combined with chemotherapy suggests that smarter scheduling could dramatically improve survival for high-risk patients. In this article, we unpack the science, the trial findings, and what they mean for the future of precision oncology.
10 Breakthroughs That Are Changing the Future of Cancer Care
From blood tests that detect tumours early to AI-powered diagnostics and lab-grown mini tumours that guide treatment, cancer care is entering a new era. This article highlights ten of the most exciting advances transforming how we detect, treat, and live with cancer, and why they offer real hope for the future.
Team Insights and Developments
Here are some of the recent publications we’ve helped to publish in leading journals:
Type 2 diabetes treatment compliance study: An observational cross-sectional study in Spain explored compliance with injectable versus oral treatments for type 2 diabetes. [Link]
Diagnosis and management guidance: New guidance on pathways for diagnosis and multimodal management, including botulinum neurotoxin therapy in shoulder conditions after central nervous system lesions, has been published in Toxins. [Link]
Alzheimer’s disease review: A comprehensive review on early Alzheimer’s disease has been published, covering prevalence, diagnostics, treatment options, and guidelines across Asia, Australasia, and Pacific nations. [Link]
Notable News
Eye Exams and Dementia
A recent mouse study suggests that routine eye exams could one day help detect Alzheimer’s disease, or other dementias, years before symptoms appear. Researchers found that subtle vascular changes in the retina, such as twisted or narrowed blood vessels, mirrored brain vessel abnormalities in mice carrying a genetic mutation linked to elevated Alzheimer’s risk. These non-invasive eye changes could serve as early biomarkers for neurodegenerative disease. If confirmed in humans, such findings could make standard eye-care check-ups a powerful tool for early detection and timely intervention. [Link]
Oral Bacteria and Heart Disease
A recent study suggests that bacteria from the mouth may play a hidden role in heart attacks. Researchers analysed coronary plaques from sudden death victims and surgical patients, finding DNA from oral viridans group streptococci in over 40% of samples. These bacteria often formed biofilms deep in the plaque, where they escaped detection by the immune system. But when fragments of the biofilm reached ruptured areas, they triggered toll-like receptor 2 and adaptive immune responses, linking them to severe atherosclerosis and fatal heart events. These findings highlight that chronic bacterial inflammation may contribute to complicated atherosclerotic plaques and myocardial infarction. [Link]
Gut and Metabolic Health in Neurodegeneration
A brand-new analysis published in Science Advances presents a compelling link between common, manageable health issues, like IBS and vitamin D deficiency, and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s later in life. The researchers examined 155 conditions and found that several, including digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, were associated with elevated neurodegenerative risk, even when diagnosed 10–15 years before clinical signs emerged. Experts say these findings highlight the critical role of gut, metabolic, and endocrine health in brain aging, and suggest that monitoring these factors could open doors to earlier intervention and more effective disease prevention. [Link]
Robotics in Endovascular Surgery
Microbot Medical has received FDA 510(k) clearance for LIBERTY, the first single-use, remotely operated robotic system for peripheral endovascular procedures. In clinical studies, the device achieved a 100% success rate in robotic navigation, with no device-related adverse events and a 92% reduction in physician radiation exposure. Its compact, disposable design is expected to improve ergonomics, reduce costs, and ease strain on clinicians, with U.S. commercialisation planned for late 2025. [Link]
Check Out Our Latest Blog Posts
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Quiz Answers
1. c) Around 2.3 million
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, making it one of the most common cancers worldwide.
2. d) Over 60%
Compared with around 13% in the general population, women with BRCA1/2 mutations face a markedly higher lifetime risk — over 60% — and often at younger ages.
3. c) They impair DNA repair, allowing mutations to accumulate
BRCA genes normally act as tumour suppressors. Faulty BRCA1/2 disrupt DNA repair pathways, meaning errors build up unchecked, raising the likelihood of cancer.
4. c) Early-stage breast cancer has a 90%+ 5-year survival rate, compared with under 30% for late-stage
Early detection makes a profound difference. When caught at stage I or II, breast cancer is often treatable with high survival rates. By contrast, later-stage diagnoses (III or IV) have much poorer outcomes, largely because the cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes.
References
Cancer Research UK. Survival for Breast Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer/survival Accessed 23 September 2025.
Gorodetska I, Kozeretska I, Dubrovska A. BRCA Genes: The Role in Genome Stability, Cancer Stemness and Therapy Resistance. J Cancer. 2019;10(9):2109-2127. Published 2019 May 14. doi:10.7150/jca.30410
National Cancer Institute. BRCA Gene Changes: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet Accessed 2 September 2025.
World Health Organization. Breast Cancer. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer Accessed 2 September 2025.
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