The breast cancer blind spot

Transform

Susan’s words have resonated in Parliament, sparking significant support for the Lobular Moon Shot Project. Since the 2024 general election, a total of 460 MPs have pledged their backing to the initiative. A recent national survey conducted by Merlin Strategy revealed that eight out of ten Britons are in favor of a £20 million research endeavor to combat lobular cancer, with a strong 86% of 2024 Labour voters supporting the cause.

The Lobular Moon Shot Project team recently met with Health Secretary Wes Streeting and senior officials on July 14th to emphasize the urgent need for research into the fundamental biology of lobular breast cancer. Among those present was Professor Lucy Chappell, the government’s chief scientific adviser and head of the NIHR. Following the team’s presentation on the gaps in current knowledge and the critical implications for patients, Streeting’s team expressed their commitment to exploring possible avenues of support.

A groundbreaking proposal put forth by researchers at the Manchester Breast Centre has the potential to revolutionize the landscape of lobular breast cancer research.

Toll

The proposed initiative aims to conduct a comprehensive series of studies to unravel the intricacies of the disease’s biology and develop tailored treatments. However, such an ambitious program necessitates both time and financial investment, estimated at around five years and £20 million.

In June 2023, at the age of 52, Alison Livingstone discovered a lump that raised concerns. Despite normal mammogram results for two consecutive years, an MRI finally unveiled a four-centimeter tumor with cancer spread to 11 lymph nodes. What was initially expected to be a minor procedure and radiotherapy escalated into a mastectomy, followed by eight rounds of chemotherapy, weeks of radiotherapy, ovarian removal, and ongoing treatment. Alison is still awaiting reconstructive surgery.

Her delayed diagnosis was not due to negligence in attending screenings but rather the elusive nature of lobular breast cancer, which often eludes conventional detection methods.

The physical, emotional, and financial toll on Alison and the NHS has been significant. A single essential medication, Abemaciclib, costs £3,000 per month, adding to the burden.

Ignored

Alison’s experience sheds light on the pervasive issue of neglect towards lobular breast cancer. Despite its prevalence, there remains a glaring absence of treatments specifically tailored to the disease.

Alison shared, “The end of treatment didn’t mark the end of my struggles. Debilitating fatigue forced me to reduce my work hours significantly. The constant fear of recurrence looms over me daily, compounded by the higher risk associated with lobular cancer.”

The overlooking of lobular breast cancer for over five decades has perpetuated the suffering of countless women facing similar challenges.

Screenings

The challenges associated with lobular breast cancer begin with its detection. Unlike ductal cancer, lobular cancer spreads in subtle, intricate patterns within breast tissue, often evading detection during routine screenings. By the time symptoms manifest, the disease has typically progressed to advanced stages, heightening the risk of long-term complications.

Up to 30% of individuals with early-stage lobular breast cancer may experience metastasis years after initial treatment, underscoring the urgent need for precise and timely interventions. Despite its distinct behavior, the absence of specialized treatments for lobular breast cancer leaves patients reliant on therapies designed for other forms of the disease.

For many women, the lack of tailored care and early detection feels unjust, undermining their trust in the healthcare system and exacerbating the challenges they face.

Dangerous

The economic impact of breast cancer on society is staggering, with projections indicating a steep rise in costs over the coming decades. In contrast, a modest £20 million investment in lobular breast cancer research could yield substantial economic benefits and alleviate the financial strain on healthcare systems.

Despite the known efficacy of MRI scans in detecting lobular breast cancer, routine screening recommendations have yet to incorporate this advanced technology, pointing to a persistent gap between knowledge and practice.

Research

Behind every statistic lies a poignant narrative of missed opportunities and delayed interventions that could have altered the course of a diagnosis. The disparity in funding and prioritization of research in women’s health underscores the urgency of addressing the unmet needs of patients with lobular breast cancer.

Every woman deserves access to timely detection and tailored treatments, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients and their families. Research into lobular breast cancer is not a luxury but a necessity, essential for advancing the field and enhancing the quality of care for individuals affected by this prevalent yet overlooked disease.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting declined to comment on the matter despite repeated outreach attempts.

About the Author

Monica Piccinini is a seasoned writer specializing in environmental, health, and human rights issues, regularly contributing to The Ecologist and various publications. Visit her author page for more insightful content.