Statement from Breast Cancer Care.

Comment on research presented at the European Cancer Conference that examined whether combining Herceptin with chemotherapy could reduce the need for a mastectomy in women with HER2 positive inflammatory breast cancer. Tara Beaumont, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Breast Cancer Care said:

“Whilst inflammatory breast cancer is rare, making up one to two percent of all cases, it can be an aggressive form of the disease.

“These encouraging early results could reduce the need for radical surgery, which we know would be welcomed by the many women we speak to with inflammatory breast cancer concerned about their treatment options. We look forward to seeing more results from the trials to see what effects this course of treatment could have on long-term survival and the risk of the disease returning.

“Breast Cancer Care welcomes any research that could further our knowledge of breast cancer and improve treatment options available. We would welcome further studies looking at the use of Herceptin in women with HER2 positive inflammatory breast cancer, to give us a clearer understanding of the benefits it could bring.”

Ends

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns should contact Breast Cancer Care’s helpline (0808 800 6000) or visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk

For further media information, please contact

Ruwani Weerasinghe

Press Officer

020 7960 3521

ruwaniw@breastcancercare.org.uk

Notes to editors:

Inflammatory breast cancer is so called because the overlying skin of the breast has a reddened appearance – similar to that seen with some infections of the breast. In patients with inflammatory breast cancer, the reddened appearance is caused by breast cancer cells blocking tiny channels in the breast tissue called lymph channels. The lymph channels are part of the lymphatic system involved in the body’s defence against infections. Around one to two per cent of all breast cancers are inflammatory breast cancer, and of these 50-60% of cases are HER-2 positive.

Breast Cancer Care has been working for over 30 years to make a difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer. We provide accurate, easy to understand information as well as practical and emotional support. We are the only charity working across the UK to provide these services. Every year we reach over one million people through our website, helpline, publications, person to person support and health promoting activities, all of which are offered free. We are committed to campaigning for better treatment and support for people with breast cancer and their families.