Cancer update

Radiotherapy following breast cancer surgery is beneficial, according to a meta analysis published in the Lancet, with recurrence rates over 10 years halved and death rates over 15 years reduced by about a sixth. Analysis of geographical variations in cancer survival in England from the Cancer Network suggests that although the North-South divide has become less marked over time, geographical inequalities nevertheless persist. the study's authors suggest that the trend in breast cancer survival, where geographical inequalities are lessening, may be followed by other cancers in time. The Whitehall II study continues to offer up opportunities for new analysis: amongst which an assessment of risk factors for colorectal cancer. This 40 year follow up finds smoking to be a significant risk.