Monthly Newsletter
This October, we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and World Stroke Day
October 2024
Breast Cancer Awareness Month & Promising New Treatments
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the California Biotechnology Foundation would like to honor breast cancer survivors, remember those who have succumbed to the disease, and raise awareness about progress researchers and clinicians have made in advancing medical breakthroughs.
Breast cancer is the most common type of non-skin cancer in women in the United States. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in American women. According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 310,720 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024. Furthermore, about 42,250 will die of the disease. Breast cancer mortality is about 40% higher in Black women than in white women.
Some alarming news was recently reported showing that breast cancer diagnoses are spiking among women under 50. Researchers noted environmental risks, lifestyle risks and genetic risk factors may be contributing to this rise. The good news is the chance of surviving is also on the rise. This is largely thanks to life science advances in cancer treatments and in detecting illness early through screening.
Awareness and research are essential for early detection, better treatments, and ultimately saving lives. New treatments, such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies, are offering hope to those with advanced stages of the disease. Additionally, improvements in genetic testing, including biomarkers, are helping to identify individuals at higher risk, allowing for earlier and more personalized interventions.
New biopharmaceutical approaches have isolated irregularities in cancer cells specific to a particular patient. Targeted therapies can take aim at cellular and genetic alterations that trigger cancer cells to grow or spread. In addition, breast cancer vaccines are on the horizon with clinical trials currently underway.
Biopharmaceutical companies are at the forefront of breast cancer treatments and pioneering promising new therapies to save and extend lives with the ultimate goal of discovering cures. There are currently four treatments to prevent breast cancer and over 90 medicines to treat the disease.
Organizations like Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, National Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society are doing their part to reduce breast cancer rates, providing research funding, information and support to women with breast cancer. Other non-profits like Carrie’s Touch, located here in California, are devoted to health equity by saving more lives of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer and ensure that they have an equal opportunity to treatment and to live well after diagnosis.
World Stroke Day Highlights Awareness, Prevention & Treatments
Every year World Stroke Day is observed on October 29th to emphasize the serious nature and high rates of stroke. The day is also observed to raise awareness of the prevention and treatment of strokes.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked by a clot or tear in a blood vessel. Stroke either significantly impairs the flow of blood to the brain (ischemic stroke) or it involves the rupture of blood vessels in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Both types of strokes can result in substantial and debilitating loss of movement, senses, vision, language, speech, balance, difficulty with coordination and walking, and cognition.
According to California-based Stroke Awareness Foundation, about 795,000 people suffer a stroke each year in the U.S. Someone has a stroke every 40 seconds, and every 4 minutes someone dies from stroke. There are more than 140,000 deaths each year from stroke. Statistics show that about 40% of stroke deaths occur in males and 60% in females.
Although elderly people are more commonly affected by brain stroke, it also can occur to anyone at any age. Understanding the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms may help in preventing a brain stroke. Simultaneously receiving early diagnosis and treatment increases the chances for complete recovery.
Currently there is only one treatment approved for stroke, called Alteplase, which is a clot-busting drug and can only be used in patients with an ischemic stroke, being most effective in the first 3 hours following a stroke. Life science researchers are also studying the role of neural plasticity to treat the damage caused by stroke. Improving plasticity, which repairs central nervous system damage, can have significant impact across multiple brain functions, including motor and sensory. A promising study to evaluate the effectiveness of Neuro-Innovators’ NIV-001 therapy is underway to enhance and restore mobility and function lost through a burst or blocked vessel in the brain. The treatment includes a three-drug combination which is designed to enhance the brain’s neuroplasticity and healing after trauma.
In order for any stroke treatment to be effective, knowing the F.A.S.T. warning signs and symptoms of stroke will help increase the chances of survival if emergency treatment begins quickly. Face is drooping; Arms or limbs are weak or numb; Speech is slurred; Time to call 9-1-1 immediately.
Visit the American Stroke Association to learn more.
Stay informed on the latest news and trends on the economic and health benefits of this industry by visiting CABiotech.org
If you have any questions about hosting informational briefings for your colleagues serving in the legislature, contact California Biotechnology Foundation Executive Director Patty Cooper at (916)764-2434 or [email protected].