Breast cancer type study 'critically under-funded'

Campaigners and patients are calling for increased funding and research into invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC), a subtype that accounts for 15% of all breast cancer cases but remains critically under-studied. Katie Swinburne, diagnosed in 2023 near Barnard Castle, County Durham, highlighted that her treatment was initially designed for the more common ductal breast cancer, underscoring the lack of tailored therapies for ILC. The Lobular Moon Shot Project is urging the government to invest £20 million into research focused on the basic biology of this disease to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes. ILC differs significantly from other breast cancers as it rarely forms a lump, making it harder to detect through standard mammograms. Swinburne’s diagnosis came only after an ultrasound and biopsy, despite a clear mammogram and no palpable lump. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, oral therapy, and radiation after being diagnosed with stage three cancer. Another patient, Melissa Robinson from Guisborough, also diagnosed in 2023, found a lump which led to her diagnosis, but both women emphasize the challenges of awareness and treatment specific to ILC. Three vigils were held outside key government departments, including Downing Street, to raise awareness and honor the 22 women diagnosed daily with ILC in the UK. The gatherings also commemorated Dr. Susan Michaelis, the project’s founder, with participants singing "You’ll Never Walk Alone." Both Swinburne and Robinson expressed frustration over the struggle to have ILC recognized and treated appropriately, describing the fight for specialized care as exhausting but necessary. The government has acknowledged the issue, with a spokesperson confirming recent meetings with the Lobular Moon Shot Project and expressing determination to support research that could transform patient outcomes. The campaign highlights a long-standing gap in breast cancer research and treatment, dating back to the 1970s, emphasizing the urgent need for dedicated resources to address this distinct and often overlooked form of breast cancer.