Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October. This year, we’ll provide an overview of how research is a top priority when it comes to tackling cancer and saving lives.

The Hard Truths About Breast Cancer

There are some hard truths that we need to face about breast cancer. It is estimated that, in 2022, 43,250 women and 530 men will die from the disease.

Diagnosis

Breast cancer starts when breast cells grow in abnormal ways. Learn more about the symptoms in our 2021 article. In that article, we interviewed Karen Irwin, Publishing Manager of Current Oncology, about the journal and how cancer research was affected by the pandemic.

Screening

Screening for breast cancer has become increasingly advanced over the years. Basic physical examinations are still used in the first instance. A microscopic analysis follows, where health professionals extract and test bodily fluid. If this is still inconclusive, a mammography exam can be conducted. This is an X-ray that allows doctors to see inside the breast.

Recovery

Following screening, if breast cancer is confirmed, a series of treatments are available.

Surgery in the form of a mastectomy can help by completely cutting out the lump and the problem area. In addition, chemotherapy can be used. This is a series of strong medicines that can kill abnormal cells. Other treatments, such as radiation and hormonal therapy, can also help to eliminate cancer.

However, the highest percentage of survival in the world is currently around 90%. This is lower in some countries, where survival rates are as low as 40%. We still have a long way to go. We can make cancer treatment even more effective, and it all starts with research.

MDPI Research Aiding Breast Cancer Recovery

Research is a powerful force that extends healthcare beyond what we initially thought possible. Through research, we discover new things and enable new methods of treatment.

Speed of Publication

Getting this research out there with increasingly short lead times is also important to reducing cancer mortality. The publication of new knowledge starts a domino effect that leads to the further development of therapies and treatments. Having research results quickly available to researchers can make a huge difference in how quickly lives are saved.

The faster we can get this information out there, the more lives we can save.

Significant Past Breast Cancer Research

We have a commitment to publishing and highlighting innovative research.

In April 2022, we provided a platform for newly published research on tamoxifen, a drug to improve breast cancer survival. This study looked at how the shortcomings of tamoxifen can be reduced by instead providing dual treatment with tamoxifen and ulixertinib.

Again, in May, we covered a research study about the origins of each cancer case. The research reveals that cancer is not as genetic as we once thought. It explains that only 5-10% of cancers are actually caused by genetic factors. Instead, cancer is caused by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and metabolism.

With this kind of research pushing us forward to better outcomes, it’s essential that we publish more manuscripts related to breast cancer research.