Thousands of breast cancer patients at risk of developing aggressive secondary tumours could benefit from a potential new genetic test. Secondary cancer, known as metastasis, is the most common cause of death in breast cancer patients as there are very few effective treatments once it has taken root. Around 70 % of secondary breast cancer patients have tumours in the bone. Large scale clinical trials indicate a group of bone strengthening drugs known as bisphosphonates can help prevent the disease from spreading to bone in breast cancer patients if given early enough. Around 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year and the disease claims the lives of 11,500 annually.

Source: Hindustan Times October 24, 2017 05:37 UTC