Breast cancer drug’s arrival in Ireland is ‘good news’

A NEW breast cancer drug shown to cut the risk of the disease returning by almost a third is available in Ireland, it was learned yesterday.

Aromasin is the latest of a new generation of drugs that fights breast cancer by blocking the production of oestrogen in post-menopausal women.

Trials have shown switching to Aromasin instead of continuing with tamoxifen for five years cuts the chances of cancer returning by an extra 30%, and the chances of cancer appearing in another breast is reduced by half.

Last week, results of a international trial in which researchers at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin were involved discovered another oestrogen suppresser, Femara, known generically as letrozole, reduced the risk of breast cancer returning by 43%.

Action Breast Cancer manager, Abby Langtry, welcomed the results of the Aromasin trials and confirmed the drug was available in Ireland.

“It is good news because it gives us another drug that targets breast cancer in post-menopausal women,” said Ms Langtry.

She said Aromasin was one of a family of oestrogen inhibitors. And while it was up to the patient and her consultant to agree on the type of drug treatment used, she should be fully informed and confident that she is getting the best treatment available.

Meanwhile, a survey of 450 women has found just 36% knew obesity was a risk factor for the disease, while just 43% recognised a lack of physical activity was another.

Results of the survey, conducted in July, were revealed at the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by actress Victoria Smurfit.

Public health nutritionist at the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Dr Mary Flynn, said 25% of breast cancer cases worldwide are attributable to overweight and obesity and sedentary lifestyles.

In more than 100 studies looking at the possible link between breast cancer and obesity, overweight and obese postmenopausal women were shown to be at a 30-50% greater risk of breast cancer than women who were a healthy body weight.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month will comprise of television, radio and press advertisements. An information road show will visit 11 locations across the country.

More information on the campaign is available at www.cancer.ie. Those who want to address their concerns about breast cancer with a specialist nurse can call Action Breast Cancer at freephone 1800 30 90 40.