A new global survey of 950 women living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in nine countries (the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, the United States, Argentina, Egypt and Mexico) found that despite the negative impact of their disease, a majority still enjoy life and desire public attention that recognizes their unique experiences. Based on the survey results, the international committee of experts overseeing the survey advocate tailored education programs to raise awareness of the needs of women with MBC. Results from this survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive^® and sponsored by Pfizer Oncology, were presented today at the 11^th International Conference on Primary Therapy of Early Breast Cancer in St. Gallen, Switzerland.

PHOENIX, Ariz — March 10, 2009 — Removal of the intact primary tumour is associated with improved overall survival in breast-cancer patients presenting with metastatic disease, according to research presented here at the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) 62nd Annual Cancer Symposium.

PHOENIX, Ariz — March 7, 2009 — Local surgery on the tumours of patients with metastatic breast cancer appears to significantly reduce the risk of death, according to findings presented at the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) 62nd Annual Cancer Symposium.

— A new generation of cancer drugs designed to starve tumors of their blood supply – called “angiogenesis inhibitors”—succeeds at first, but then promotes more invasive cancer growth—sometimes with a higher incidence of metastases, according to a new study in animals.

President Obama’s pledge to conquer cancer “in our time” is a great goal, but one of America’s top cancer experts isn’t sure he’d use the word “cure.”

Despite chemotherapy, some breast cancers recur, like a “smoldering fire that flares up,” Dr. Otis Brawley said.

“The idea of [calling for] a cure does scare me a little bit because, I don’t think that’s realistic in some cancers,” says Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society. “But I like the general overall idea, and I’m thrilled about the focus on health.”