By Alex Bourn
Scientists have taken a significant step towards a cure for breast cancer. They've found there are four different types of the disease, and that knowledge could lead to more effective treatments.
Seven women a day are diagnosed with breast cancer in New Zealand and each of them could suffer differently.
Research conducted by doctors in the United States has solved the mystery as to why women with the same disease have such diverse results.
“This study really confirmed that breast cancer is not one disease but it’s four different diseases,” says Dr Charles Perou. “And now what we've found here are some of the genetic causes of these four different diseases and that’s really important.”
It's important because knowing specific genetic changes that allow a tumour to grow gives researchers specific targets for treatment.
A drug that works for one type of breast cancer may not work for another. New Zealand oncologist Anna Bashford says the information could help eliminate cancer treatments that may be unnecessary.
The findings show genetic changes that are driving many cancers, including a resemblance between the genetic makeup of one type of breast cancer and that of ovarian cancer.
While doctors insist it will take years to translate the information into targeted medicine, the results are one step closer to finding a cure.
Researchers say to stay tuned, as this development is early progress towards the fight against breast cancer.
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