Manufacturers Unite in the Battle Against Breast Cancer

Cancer will affect one in three of us, yet Cancer Research’s survey findings show that almost half of people experiencing possible symptoms of cancer didn’t contact their doctor within six months. Many businesses are working together to raise awareness and encourage people to get those symptoms looked into  by a medical professional. 

The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign, established in 1992, along with its charitable foundation, has so far funded over US$131m for critical global research, education and medical services. Last year in China, to mark its 20th anniversary, it announced a three-year collaboration with China's Women's Development Foundation, initiating a Breast Cancer Care programme.

In the UK, it lends support to London's first-ever specialised breast cancer centre, Future Dreams House.

The Ford Motor Company has committed more than US$139m towards breast cancer combat, introducing the innovative SupportBelt™. This accessory, the first seat belt designed by a U.S. auto manufacturer, assists mastectomy patients in travelling comfortably post-surgery. Moreover, Ford’s Warriors in Pink® clothing and accessories, where all profits go to Susan G. Komen® and Pink Fund®, demonstrate their ongoing commitment.

All these efforts greatly enhance the capabilities of pharmaceutical manufacturers as they strive to discover a cure.

Accelerating pharmaceutical innovations

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are continually making strides in inventing treatments like novel immunotherapies, targeted drug therapies and hormone-based treatments. Pioneering technologies such as liquid biopsy, which non-invasively detects circulating tumour DNA, are advancing the way cancer progression and treatment responses are monitored.

This research extends to ongoing manufacturing enhancements and the refinement of existing therapies, driven by major players in the industry.

Developing effective treatments

Pfizer’s drug Ibrance, a CDK4/6 inhibitor, has become a critical therapy in managing advanced breast cancer by targeting proteins that stimulate cancer cell growth, thus delaying disease progression.

Roche has improved treatment options for patients through Herceptin, which targets the HER2 receptors on cancer cells found in particularly aggressive breast cancer strands and improves survival rates.

The pharmaceutical giant, Merck, has developed KEYTRUDA, an immune checkpoint inhibitor that stimulates the immune system to fight cancer cells. Approved for treating triple-negative breast cancer, it is often used with chemotherapy, extending patients' survival.

Addressing genetic factors in treatment

AstraZeneca has been at the forefront for over four decades, researching and developing treatments for patients with BRCA gene mutations—a significant risk factor for breast cancer. Their drug Lynparza leverages the BRCA mutation by inhibiting the PARP enzyme, preventing cancer cells from repairing DNA, leading to their death. AstraZeneca also collaborates with Owkin to develop AI-powered diagnostic tools for more effective pre-screening.

As firms across the manufacturing spectrum—from pharmaceuticals to beauty—continue their relentless pursuit against breast cancer, the dream of finding a cure becomes ever more tangible each year.

Even supermarket Tesco is getting on board - Cancer Research has provided Tesco pharmacists with specialist training in how to engage with the public about possible cancer symptoms and how important an early diagnosis is. At Tesco, the health campaign will feature various resources and prompts to encourage shoppers to think about their symptoms and discuss them with an in-store pharmacist. Customers can have a private chat in a consultation room with a pharmacist before their weekly shop or they can book an appointment.

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