Tamoxifen is already widely-used worldwide to treat breast cancer, but evidence suggests that, if given to certain women, it could reduce their overall risk of developing the disease. The American Society of Clinical Oncology said on Tuesday that women with at least a 1.7 per cent risk of getting breast cancer in the next five years should be given the opportunity to have the drug. This would mean about 29 million US women - including all those over 60 years old, would be eligible. Brittle bones breakthrough A gene that could help revolutionise treatments for the bone disease osteoporosis has been discovered. Scientists in Seattle working for Chiroscience, a commercial company, say the gene appears to be linked to a protein that may control bone density.
Osteoporosis occurs bone matter is lost faster than it is grown.
But current treatments can only slow the disease but cannot substantially reverse its effects. Military hardware gives clear shot of baby Military technology is being used to give expectant mothers clearer ultrasound pictures of their child every time they visit the doctor. Originally developed for use in military engagements and disaster areas, the device was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical use last month. The team, led by Dr Nicholas James of Birmingham University in the UK, reported their findings at American Society of Clinical Oncology's annual meeting in Atlanta. The gene therapy involves replacing mutated genes, while special antibodies mark out cancerous cells for the immune system to destroy.