Latest news with #BRCA1
New York Post
a day ago
- Health
- New York Post
Groundbreaking new treatment for aggressive breast cancer has 100% survival rate
Hope is on the horizon for patients with aggressive, inherited breast cancers. A recent clinical trial, led by researchers at Cambridge University, explored the effects of combining chemotherapy with the targeted cancer drug olaparib before surgery. Every patient who received this protocol survived the critical three-year post-treatment period. Advertisement 3 BRCA cancers are notoriously aggressive and difficult to treat. Vasyl – The research, published in Nature Communications, suggests this preemptive, two-part approach could be the most effective plan of treatment for early-stage breast cancer linked to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Breast cancer or BRCA genes are present in every cell of the human body. When functioning, BRCA1 and BRCA2 repair DNA and prevent cancerous changes. However, when a mutation compromises these genes, cancer risk increases. Inheriting this damaged DNA can increase the risk for breast and ovarian cancer in women and breast and prostate cancer in men. Advertisement BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are more common in young women, and these mutations increase cancer risk by as much as 84%. Six percent of all breast cancer patients carry BRCA gene mutations, but in patients under 45, roughly 12% carry the gene. BRCA cancers are notoriously aggressive and difficult to treat. In 2013, Angelina Jolie, who carries the faulty BRCA1 gene, made headlines when she underwent a preventative double mastectomy. As a result of the procedure, Jolie, who lost her own mother to breast cancer, saw her chances of developing breast cancer drop from 87 percent to less than 5 percent. Advertisement The current protocol for treating BRCA cancers includes shrinking the tumour using chemotherapy and immunotherapy, before removing it through surgery. 3 Angelina Jolie, who carries the faulty BRCA1 gene, underwent a preventative double mastectomy. Getty Images The first three years after surgery — when there is the greatest risk of relapse or death — are critical. The trial recruited patients from across the UK and aimed to test the efficacy of combining chemotherapy with olaparib before surgery and carefully timing when these treatments were administered. Advertisement 'It is rare to have a 100% survival rate in a study like this and for these aggressive types of cancer.' Professor Jean Abraham The study revealed that allowing a 48-hour 'gap' between chemotherapy and olaparib treatments led to more positive outcomes. Researchers believe this interval allows the patient's bone marrow to recover from chemo while leaving tumor cells receptive to olaparib. Olaparib, sold under the brand name Lynparza, is typically taken for 12 months post-surgery. However, trial patients took the tablets pre-surgery for a period of 12 weeks. The survival rate among the control group who received chemotherapy alone was 88%. Of these 45 patients, nine relapsed and six died within three years of surgery. In contrast, there was a 100% survival rate among the 39 patients who received chemotherapy followed by olaparib. Of this cohort, only one patient relapsed in the three years following surgery. 'It is rare to have a 100% survival rate in a study like this and for these aggressive types of cancer,' said trial lead Professor Jean Abraham. 3 Olaparib, sold under the brand name Lynparza, is typically taken for 12 months post-surgery. However, trial patients took the tablets pre-surgery for a period of 12 weeks. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Advertisement 'We're incredibly excited about the potential of this new approach, as it's crucial that we find a way to treat and hopefully cure patients who are diagnosed with BRCA1 and BRCA2-related cancers.' Compared to current care protocols, the two-pronged approach of chemo and olaparib pre-surgery offers a more cost-effective and less toxic treatment for patients. Abrahams and his team are planning the next research phase, which will aim to replicate their results in a larger study. Advertisement They are hopeful their findings can and will be applied to treat other cancers caused by mutated BRCA genes, including some ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among US women after skin cancer. About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Though breast cancer starts in a localized part of the breast tissue, it can spread to other areas of the body, significantly decreasing rates of survival. Survival rates among breast cancer patients whose cancer is detected before it spreads are high, between 86% and 89%. Yet if the cancer is detected after the cancer cells have migrated, that number drops to 31%.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 2 surprising factors that ‘increase your breast cancer risk' as Kara Tointon reveals brave mastectomy
BREAST cancer, it's a disease we've all heard of - most of us will know someone affected - but do you know your risk of developing it? Yesterday, former EastEnders star Kara Tointon revealed she's taken the decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering she carries a gene that increases her risk. But did you know, there are everyday factors that can influence your chances of the disease - including your height? 9 Kara Tointon revealed she underwent a double mastectomy back in 2021 9 Former EastEnders star Kara bravely spoke out on her own experience to raise awareness of the disease Credit: Getty The 41-year-old posted an Instagram video to raise awareness of the preventative measure, after discovering she was at risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. She said: "You may have heard of the BRCA genes 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer." The soap star was asked to take a genetics test when her mum Carol was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer back in 2018. Sadly, her mum died in 2019. After having her second son in 2021 and deciding her family was complete, she underwent two preventative surgeries - the first a double mastectomy and the second a two-part procedure involving the removal of the fallopian tubes and later the ovaries. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer. It refers to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are tumor suppressor genes that play a role in DNA repair and preventing uncontrolled cell growth. When these genes have alterations (mutations), it can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers. According to Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, women who carry abnormal BRAC 1 and BRAC2 genes have an 85 per cent increased lifetime risk of breast cancer. She added: "Breast cancer is more likely to occur at an earlier age and to affect both breasts. "The risk of ovarian cancer is also increased." Individuals are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations if they have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, particularly if multiple close relatives have been diagnosed. A tiny lump in my breast nearly killed me at just 31 - I felt 'amazingly healthy' If you think you could be at risk, Dr Lee advises seeing your GP. She said: "After a consultation, you may be referred for predictive genetic testing. "There are pros and cons of having the predictive test and not everyone will want to have it. "Before you have the test, you will be offered genetic counselling. The test is a blood test." Two risk factors that might surprise you BRCA genes aren't the only risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Kerri Palmer-Quinn, senior scientific research officer at Breast Cancer UK, says the biggest risk factor is ageing - something we unfortunately cannot control. Like many cancers, family history of the disease and various lifestyle and environmental factors can also influence your risk But other risk factors for breast cancer may surprise you. Being tall 9 Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer Credit: Getty Studies suggest there's a slight link between height and breast cancer risk, with taller women potentially having a slightly higher chance of developing the disease. Dr Palmer-Quinn said: "Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. "The reasons behind this association are still being investigated, however it may be linked to the growth spurts taller woman have during early development. "These growth spurts mean that taller women may have higher levels of certain growth factors as well as the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). "IGF-1 can promote cell growth and prevent programmed cell death which can increase the risk of cancer, including breast cancer." High breast density 9 Having high breast density is strongly associated with the disease Credit: Getty Having high breast density (also known as mammographic density) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "having dense breasts means you have higher proportions of fibrous and glandular tissue which is where breast cancers are more likely to arise, in comparison to fat tissue. "Breast density can only be determined by a mammogram scan and isn't related to how your breasts look or feel. "Having dense breasts can make these mammogram scans more difficult to interpret meaning potential cancers are harder to identify. "Breast density can be influenced by your genetics and potentially the environment; it also may change overtime and tends to reduce with age." Other risk factors to be aware of While some breast cancer risk factors are unavoidable, including age, others are modifiable and can be addressed to potentially lower your risk. Weight gain throughout adulthood 9 Weight gain through adulthood can increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer Credit: Getty Weight gain throughout adulthood increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer; particularly if the weight gain occurs after menopause has taken places, advised Dr Palmer-Quinn. She added: "After menopause, the body's production of the sex hormone oestrogen shifts from the ovaries to fat tissue. Therefore, increased body fat can lead to higher levels of circulating oestrogen, which is a known risk factor for breast cancer. "In addition, excess body fat can contribute to chronic inflammation and disrupt hormone regulation in ways that may further increase breast cancer risk." What you can do: To maintain a healthy weight, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits. Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit sugary drinks and processed foods. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Alcohol consumption 9 Alcohol can raise levels of circulating oestrogen and raise the risk of breast cancer Credit: Getty Any level of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing breast cancer - there is no safe threshold. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "Alcohol raises levels of circulating oestrogen. "It is also broken down into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer. "Additionally, alcohol can contribute to weight gain, which may further increase risk, particularly after menopause." What you can do: When it comes to giving up alcohol it can help to tell your family and friends that you're aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why. This way, you can share your successes with them, and they'll understand why you've started turning down drinks or trips to the pub. Try to identify the times when you would usually drink and fill the gap with something else. And remember to enjoy the benefits, including weight loss, better sleep, and more energy. Smoking 9 Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent Credit: Getty Studies have shown a small but statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer in women who smoke compared to those who have never smoked. Dr Lee said: "Current smoking increases the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent compared to those who have never smoked." What you can do: The most effective way to quit smoking is to combine nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications with professional support from a local stop smoking service. Lack of exercise 9 Lack of exercise is a well known risk factor for breast cancer, as well as many other types of cancer Credit: Getty A lack of physical activity is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Lee explained: "Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by around 20 per cent. "Exercise lowers hormone levels and reduces inflammation as well as helping control body weight." What you can do: To begin exercising, start with low-impact activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, and gradually increase intensity and duration. Set realistic goals, choose activities you enjoy, and schedule exercise into your routine. Consider finding an exercise buddy, using a journal or app to track progress, and varying your workouts to stay motivated. As well as doing what you can to reduce your risk of breast cancer, make sure you're well aware of the symptoms to look out for - see a GP if you experience any of the below...
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I had double mastectomy after rare cancer gene test saved my mum's life'
Grace Burton made the life-altering decision after her mother and aunt were both diagnosed with breast cancer, with the 28-year-old opting for a double mastectomy as a preventative measure EastEnders actress Kara Tointon has bravely revealed she has undergone a double mastectomy and fallopian tube removal following a gene test - seven years after losing her mum. On Wednesday, the 41-year-old shared the news that she carried the BRCA gene, saying in her Instagram video: 'You may have heard of the BRCA genes 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.' The Essex-born actress admitted that she wanted to take the genetic test as far back as 2018 when her mother Carol was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer. Sadly, Kara's mum passed away from ovarian cancer the following year. Grace Burton, 28, also made the life-altering decision to undergo a preventative double mastectomy in October last year after learning she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation, like Kara. Following in her mother and aunt's footsteps, the corporate finance consultant from Bromley in South East London, decided she would rather undergo the procedure than risk developing the life-altering condition in the future. "I think I'm lucky that I know I have the gene, and I can do something about it," she says. "My mum and my aunt went through mastectomies when they'd already been diagnosed. By the time it came to me and my preventative surgery, our attitude was more, 'let's get on with it', I didn't get too emotional about it." Initial dismissal Her aunt, Sally Widgen, 52, was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid-thirties. That diagnosis sparked concern in the family, but doctors initially dismissed the idea of a genetic link. "My mum was so worried because of her young age, but doctors said it's not genetic because my aunt was the first in the family to get it," Grace recalls. "Mum was 45 and would have had to wait five years for a mammogram so she paid for one privately and they found a tiny lump that was so deep which she would have never picked up through self-checking. She realised at that point that it was probably genetic." Further investigation revealed a pattern of breast cancer on her mother's paternal side. Grace's mum, Sue Burton, 56, had been estranged from that side of the family since childhood. Genetic testing confirmed that both Sue and Sally carried the BRCA1 mutation. Grace then learned in her late teens that she might carry the gene herself. "I went off to university and had the test done when I'd finished at about 21. When it was confirmed I had the BRCA1 gene I spoke to the team at Guy's who said I would have yearly MRI's. They wanted to wait a few years before doing anything surgical and said they wouldn't do anything before I turned 25." In 2023, after marrying her long-term partner, Tom Cheesman, 27, a chartered wealth manager, Grace decided the time was right. "I didn't want any issues with scarring or how the dress fitted or to be feeling stressed about recovering for a certain date," she said. After the wedding, she moved forward with the surgery, which is offered for free on the NHS. "When they sit you down and you get your risk results and it's edging towards the wrong side of 50 percent you think, 'let's just do the op'. It felt like the right time." 'Boob-voyage' Grace's support network rallied around her. A friend even threw her a cheeky, boob-themed farewell bash. "My husband did speak with the girls who I had told and they threw me a surprise 'boob voyage' as they called it! Basically just a little party with everything boob themed, including 'pin the nipples on the boobs', 'booby bingo', lots of puns floating around!" "October seemed like a nice time to do it. I could sit around in baggy clothes and hibernate a bit." Surprisingly, she was discharged on the same day. "I wasn't expecting that. I think I was a little bit cocky in the run up in terms of the recovery time. But I soon realised when they say you can't sit yourself up afterwards, you really can't! I couldn't lift the kettle for a week or two." Tom played a vital role in her recovery. "In our relationship, there was definitely an adjustment period. You're constantly aware of it. From a recovery point of view he was the one emptying the drains and checking the wounds and changing the dressings." The surgery was performed at Guy's Hospital, with two surgeons operating on each breast simultaneously. Grace opted for implants, meaning she was able to keep the same size breasts as before. "I was on the operating table for four hours. Guys do it over the muscle with silicone implants. The surgery was covered by the NHS, including the reconstruction and if in the future they need to be changed, that will be covered.' Grace admits she didn't seek much outside support ahead of the operation. "I didn't speak to anyone before the surgery because my mum had been through it, and my aunt. I had seen it first hand already." Six months on, she is still adjusting and her implants are still taking some time to get used to. "I can feel the edge of them and they can be a bit uncomfortable. I'm also realising although they are the same size, things don't fit the same. It still looks different. I'm now at the point where I'm accepting what it's going to look like." She's currently on her first post-op holiday in Florida. "I'll be in swimwear for the first time. I don't know how things will look or feel like. It'll be a learning curve. I might need more surgery to maintain them." Grace admits that the surgery does come with difficult trade-offs when it comes to having a family in the future. "At this stage, with the double mastectomy, you can't breastfeed but I'd be a better mother not being able to breastfeed than I would be in a hospital bed." Careful consideration For those going through a similar decision, she urges careful consideration. "You could stick with monitoring, do nothing about it, or jump in and do it straight away. It's a bit confusing. The surgery itself is terrifying but the alternative is worse.' Like Kara, who is an ambassador for the gynaecological cancer charity the Eve Appeal, Grace is keen to raise awareness. She has become an active advocate, participating in show-and-tell sessions where she models her reconstructed breasts to support others considering surgery. "There's someone with no recon, someone with a DIEP recon and me with immediate recon with implants. "At the last session I was the only model under 35 and the other young women really gravitated towards me. I'm showing off someone else's work. I've kept my nipples but the boobs are fake, they're not really mine anymore so maybe that makes it easier." She's also involved in an educational portal being developed by Guy's Hospital and is preparing for a trek with the charity CoppaFeel. "I posted about my surgery on Instagram and six or seven people I hadn't spoken to for years got in touch with lots of questions – some of them were in a similar position but too scared to get tested for the gene." Grace's mother remains her number one supporter having undergone the surgery herself. "She still comes to all the appointments with me. She still goes to the support groups – more for me than for her – to find out about any new research developments and things like that." Anyone seeking information or support can speak to Breast Cancer Now's expert nurses by calling our free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 6000
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Inside Kara Tointon's very different new life overseas after quitting the UK and double mastectomy
See what she had to say about the Scandinavian life nordic ma Inside Kara Tointon's very different new life overseas after quitting the UK and double mastectomy Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KARA Tointon has a wonderful life with her two kids in Norway after quitting the UK. The former EastEnders actress yesterday revealed she had undergone surgery to have a double mastectomy as a preventative measure after finding out she carries the BRCA1 gene. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 6 Former EastEnders' star Kara Tointon has revealed that she underwent a double mastectomy Credit: Instagram 6 The actress now lives in Norway Credit: Instagram 6 She is mum to two young kids and loves 'the Scandinavian life' Credit: Instagram 6 Kara decided to have the mastectomy after losing her mum to cancer Credit: Instagram That gene raises the risk of breast cancer and Kara told fans how she made the decision to have the operation after her mum died of ovarian cancer in 2018. Kara posted an emotional video to Instagram where she described how she had both her breasts and her Fallopian tubes removed to lower her chances of getting breast cancer. The mother-of-two, said her family was at the forefront of her mind when making the decision. "I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made," she said. Kara added later in the video: "I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more." She is mum to Frey, six, and Helly, four, who she shares with ex-fiance Marius Jensen. Kara and Marius got engaged in 2018 with plans of getting married in his Norwegian homeland, but split four years later. While the exact date of her move to Norway is not known, Marius recently opened his own chiropractic clinic there after a few years in London. The actress opened up on loving her life in the Nordic country. "It happened really naturally as we were spending more and more time over here," she told the Daily Mail. EastEnders and Strictly star Kara Tointon reveals she's undergone double mastectomy "It's so easy to get back to London and it just seems to work." She added: "It's such a beautiful country and a great place to bring up children and I'm definitely adapting to the Scandinavian lifestyle." In 2024 she told the Mirror: "Now I have children so my priority is to be at home as much as possible. "I live in Norway now - we've upped sticks and we're there. At the moment, we're settling into Norwegian lifestyle and loving it, so I'm lucky." Despite their split, Kara and Marius stay in touch to co-parent their children. Much of Kara's Instagram shows her life in Norway, including plenty of time fishing and enjoying the waterside with her kids. The actress rose to fame on the BBC soap playing Dawn, a bright teen from an impoverished home. Kara played Dawn for more than 300 episodes until 2009 after joining four years earlier. She has plenty of film and TV credits under her belt, including the lead role in prestige series, The Teacher and Too Good To Be True. In 2010, she won Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer, Artem Chigvintsev. Before joining EastEnders, Kara had dated Busted band member, James Bourne and even appeared in the band's reality series, America or Busted. 6 Kara rose to fame playing Dawn on EastEnders Credit: Handout
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside Kara Tointon's very different new life overseas after quitting the UK and double mastectomy
KARA Tointon has a wonderful life with her two kids in Norway after quitting the UK. The former EastEnders actress yesterday revealed she had undergone surgery to have a double mastectomy as a preventative measure after finding out she carries the BRCA1 gene. 6 6 6 6 That gene raises the risk of breast cancer and Kara told fans how she made the decision to have the operation after her mum died of ovarian cancer in 2018. Kara posted an emotional video to Instagram where she described how she had both her breasts and her Fallopian tubes removed to lower her chances of getting breast cancer. The mother-of-two, said her family was at the forefront of her mind when making the decision. "I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made," she said. Kara added later in the video: "I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more." She is mum to Frey, six, and Helly, four, who she shares with ex-fiance Marius Jensen. Kara and Marius got engaged in 2018 with plans of getting married in his Norwegian homeland, but split four years later. While the exact date of her move to Norway is not known, Marius recently opened his own chiropractic clinic there after a few years in London. The actress opened up on loving her life in the Nordic country. "It happened really naturally as we were spending more and more time over here," she told the Daily Mail. EastEnders and Strictly star Kara Tointon reveals she's undergone double mastectomy "It's so easy to get back to London and it just seems to work." She added: "It's such a beautiful country and a great place to bring up children and I'm definitely adapting to the Scandinavian lifestyle." In 2024 she told the Mirror: "Now I have children so my priority is to be at home as much as possible. "I live in Norway now - we've upped sticks and we're there. At the moment, we're settling into Norwegian lifestyle and loving it, so I'm lucky." Despite their split, Kara and Marius stay in touch to co-parent their children. Much of Kara's Instagram shows her life in Norway, including plenty of time fishing and enjoying the waterside with her kids. The actress rose to fame on the BBC soap playing Dawn, a bright teen from an impoverished home. Kara played Dawn for more than 300 episodes until 2009 after joining four years earlier. She has plenty of film and TV credits under her belt, including the lead role in prestige series, The Teacher and Too Good To Be True. In 2010, she won Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer, Artem Chigvintsev. Before joining EastEnders, Kara had dated Busted band member, James Bourne and even appeared in the band's reality series, America or Busted. 6
