BREAST CANCER: Why we're winning the fight

It's the most common cancer in the UK, but yearly advancements are helping to beat it

- DEBRA WATERS

Cancer is a scary word. And 'breast cancer', especially, strikes fear into the hearts of women. While around one in seven women in the UK will develop it at some point in their lives, the good news is that - according to Cancer Research UK - 85% of those diagnosed will survive it for five or more years. What's more, these statistics are improving all the time, thanks to advancements in medicine and genetic testing, and greater awareness of lifestyle factors which can increase the risk. Here's what's happening in breast cancer research and treatment right now.

The link with sleep

Researchers in Switzerland have found that breast cancer cells spread around the body while people sleep, and not during the day as previously thought. But this doesn't mean that those with cancer should avoid bedtime, as disrupted sleep can have a negative effect on cancer recovery. Instead, scientists will be able to use this information to tailor treatment to specific times.

Get off the sofa, and into the gym

Regular exercise can help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer by up to 40%, while being a couch potato can increase it, found researchers at the University of Bristol. 'More widespread adoption of active lifestyles may reduce the burden from the most common cancer in women,' say experts involved in the study, which was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Other lifestyle choices, such as drinking too much alcohol and being overweight, are also linked to breast cancer.

Blood test for breast cancer