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Experts Close In on Breast Cancer Vaccine

Link to childbearing hormones could be prevention key

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Oct 6, 2008 5:43 AM CDT

(Newser) – The prevention of breast cancer has been strongly linked to hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding, prompting a top cancer expert to predict that a vaccine could mimic such safeguards, reports the Guardian. The researcher called for increased efforts to prevent breast cancer in addition to treating it, noting that the number of new diagnoses continues to climb even as death rates drop.

Statistics have shown that the more children a woman has and the more time she spends breastfeeding, the less likely she is to develop breast cancer. The hormone prolactin—which enables lactation—may be the key. Preventative research has already led to a vaccine for cervical cancer after it was discovered that most cases are caused by the human papilloma virus.

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A leading cancer researcher says enough is now known about the causes of breast cancer to begin research into a possible vaccine. (Shutterstock)

A group of young Virginia women who have or are currently battling breast cancer have formed a non-profit support group called Beyond Boobs, which will release the 2009 Calendar To Live By. (Photo: Business Wire)

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Why aren't we thinking of mimicking the effects of childbirth? We don't know how this happens and nobody is doing research on it.
- Professor Valerie Beral of Oxford University, head of the Million Women's Study

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Experts Close In on Breast Cancer Vaccine

Link to childbearing hormones could be prevention key

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pregnancy • breast cancer • cervical cancer • hormones • vaccine • cancer research • cancer prevention

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More Newser Stories

Planned Parenthood Aside, Komen Is Just Ineffective

We must continue to put pressure on breast cancer organization: Peggy Orenstein

Drug Combos Hailed as Big Breast Cancer Breakthrough

New drug combos delay tumor growth in advanced cases

Another Study Says Sitting Too Long Ups Cancer Risk

Inactivity linked to greater risk of breast, colon cancer

Perry Swipes Back at Bachmann's HPV Allegation

Mental retardation claim has 'no basis in fact,' he says

Screening Has Little Impact on Breast Cancer Deaths

Death rate down because of better treatment, researchers say

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Experts Close In on Breast Cancer Vaccine

Link to childbearing hormones could be prevention key

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[Images (2)]

[Quotes (1)]

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

pregnancy • breast cancer • cervical cancer • hormones • vaccine • cancer research • cancer prevention

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Planned Parenthood Aside, Komen Is Just Ineffective

We must continue to put pressure on breast cancer organization: Peggy Orenstein

Drug Combos Hailed as Big Breast Cancer Breakthrough

New drug combos delay tumor growth in advanced cases

Another Study Says Sitting Too Long Ups Cancer Risk

Inactivity linked to greater risk of breast, colon cancer

Perry Swipes Back at Bachmann's HPV Allegation

Mental retardation claim has 'no basis in fact,' he says

Screening Has Little Impact on Breast Cancer Deaths

Death rate down because of better treatment, researchers say

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?