Breast Cancer Research and its Importance
October 30, 2020
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and, according to Cancer Research UK, survival over the last 40 years has nearly doubled. This, in large part, is down to the research that has been done in the last 40 years.
Cancer Research UK have been conducting research into breast cancer treatments, care and prevention since 1911. They have helped pioneer treatments such as breast conserving surgery, breast screenings, and radiotherapy.
The Effects on Breast Cancer Research
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected breast cancer research. Many charities and organisations had to cut money from their research budgets. This will no doubt have effects on patients now and in the future, as the less research being conducted, the less progress may be made.
The pausing of research has affected the treatment and diagnosis of cancer, as well as the prevention of cancer. Many charities and organisations have been working hard for years to find out more about cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They all want to try and ensure that in the future, most people who have cancer survive the disease.
Breast Cancer Research restarting
Research, whilst limited, is still happening across the UK. Many researchers and scientists have been continuing to work from home, writing up findings, and preparing proposals for the future when they can start up their lab research again.
There are also some researchers and scientists who have gone to work on the research of the COVID-19 treatment or have gone to work for the NHS on the frontline. However, cancer is not going away, so it is vital that research into cancer continues throughout the pandemic. This is especially true because people who have cancer are likely on the vulnerable list for coronavirus.
The Institute of Cancer Research has stated that researchers are returning to their labs on a staggered working pattern. The institute are also prioritising equipping their centre for cancer drug discovery. This will help in the use of cancer treatment drugs.
The Effect on Clinical Trials
The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a massive impact on cancer clinical trials. The National Institute of Health Research state that, of the trials that they supported in March, 50% paused recruitment, and 5% closed. This meant that only 45% of the trials were running through lockdown. Whilst this is still a good number, the fact that over half of the trials paused or stopped altogether may show effects for a long time.
The charity Breast Cancer Now have asked for the same speed and care that has funded research into a COVID-19 vaccine apply to the research of breast cancer, and also towards breast cancer clinical trials.
Many charities and organisations have started appeals for donations in help to bring their research levels up to where they were before the pandemic.
How We Can Help
The research that these organisations do may help with diagnosis in the future, but the fact remains that there may be cancer negligence that still happens. We have previously written about the delays in diagnosis and treatment of cancer. If you or a loved one have been affected by these delays, it can be devastating.
Here at The Medical Negligence Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience in dealing with specialist cases. This includes cancer negligence. That means they are well placed to help you get the compensation you or a loved one may be entitled to. Contact us today by filling in our contact form, or call us on 01614138761 to speak to one of our friendly knowledgeable advisors.