Trials of new breast cancer vaccine could begin within the next two years

Clinical trials of a vaccine designed to protect healthy women against breast cancer could begin within the next two years.

The jab is still under development, but its effectiveness has impressed doctors.

 Researchers say GPs could offer it to women before they reach their mid-40s, when the risk of breast cancer starts to rise steeply.

The vaccine makes the immune system attack a particular protein found in most breast cancer cells and the mammary tissues of breastfeeding women. As such, it would only be given to women who are not going to breastfeed in the future.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in Britain. In 2007, nearly 45,700 women were diagnosed with the condition. Around 80% of cases are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over.

The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but hormonal changes, genetic factors, a family history of the condition, smoking and drinking alcohol are all known to affect the risk of developing the disease.

Obesity and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increase a woman's chances of developing breast cancer, while bearing children reduces the risk.

(http://www.guardian.co.uk/)