A study facilitated by the leading research charity Breast Cancer Campaign has identified ten critical gaps that exist in breast cancer research, which, if not urgently addressed, could see the loss of around 185,000 lives by 2030.
The landmark research was conducted by a unique collaboration of over 100 internationally recognised scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals including Brunel University Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences Dr Amanda Harvey. Published on 1 October 2013 in the international open access journal Breast Cancer Research and entitled 'Critical research gaps and translational priorities for the successful prevention and treatment of breast cancer', it is the most comprehensive review of breast cancer research ever to have taken place.
The study details what researchers need to know and what they need to do to overcome - prevent, cure and outlive – breast cancer by 2050. The top ten gaps have been identified and prioritised in key areas, including genetics, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and support, which, if overcome, will have a significant impact on the lives of those affected. In addition, the paper identifies five key strategic solutions to these gaps to help treat and support those affected by breast cancer and ultimately help more women to overcome the disease.
The findings have informed Breast Cancer Campaign’s new action plan, 'Help us find the cures', which sets out its ambitions for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer and its ideas on how the scientific community, funding organisations, industry, policy makers and Government can join forces to address the gaps. The charity aims to raise £100 million over the next decade to specifically tackle the critical gaps.
Breast cancer in the most common cancer in the UK, with around 50,000 women diagnosed each year. It is the second biggest cause of death from cancer in women, with around 12,000 losing their lives from the disease.
'Help us find the cures: an action plan to tackle critical gaps in breast cancer research' was published through the support of Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign.