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Latest Research News

Read about some recent developments in breast cancer research at WEHI.

Study pinpoints breast cancer ‘cells-of-origin’ in high-risk women
https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/study-pinpoints-breast-cancer-cells-of-origin-in-high-risk-women/

Top honours bestowed on leading alumni
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2024/04/26/top-honours-bestowed-on-leading-alumni

Outstanding breast cancer researcher honoured
https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/outstanding-breast-cancer-researcher-honoured/

Historic win for pioneering breast cancer researchers
https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/historic-win-for-pioneering-breast-cancer-researchers/

David de Kretser Medal and Lifetime Achievement Medal awarded for 2023
https://www.monash.edu/medicine/news/latest/2023-articles/david-de-kretser-medal-and-lifetime-achievement-medal-awarded-for-2023 

Dedicated breast cancer researcher wins Ruby Payne-Scott Medal
https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/dedicated-breast-cancer-researcher-wins-ruby-payne-scott-medal/

Study shows benefit of universal genetic testing after breast cancer diagnosis
https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/study-shows-benefit-universal-genetic-testing-after-breast-cancer-diagnosis/

New cellular atlas maps out healthy and cancerous breast tissue
WEHI researchers have documented the diversity of cells in the human breast, explaining the relationship between healthy breast cells and breast cancer cells
https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/new-cellular-atlas-maps-out-healthy-and-cancerous-breast-tissue

Microscopic behaviour of developing breast cells uncovered
An improved high-tech fluorescence microscopy technique is allowing researchers to film cells inside the breast as never seen before.
https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/microscopic-behaviour-developing-breast-cells-uncovered

“Holy grail’ of breast cancer prevention in high-risk women may be in sight
Australian researchers have discovered that an existing medication could have promise in preventing breast cancer in women carrying a faulty BRCA1 gene.
https://www.wehi.edu.au/news/breast-cancer-prevention-in-high-risk-women-may-be-in-sight

Learn more about breast cancer research at WEHI.

Facts and Stats

Risks for BRCA carriers

For women aged 80 years and under, the risk of developing breast cancer is much higher for those with BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes:

• Non-carriers: 1:8
• BRCA carriers: 7:10

Carriers of BRCA1 mutations:
• Often develop triple negative breast cancer (TNBC)
• Can be high grade estrogen receptor positive (ER+)
• Have an approximately 45% risk of developing ovarian cancer

Source: American Cancer Society
https://www.cancer.org

In Australia

• 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.
• About 80% of these women are over the age of 50
• Approximately 1000 women under the age of 40 will be diagnosed with the disease in 2021.

Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia/data