PROGRAM AREA REPORTS

BREAST CANCER PROGRAM

In order to complement the Breast Cancer Task Force of the National Cancer Institute, two research groups were established in Japan: the Estrogen Receptor Group and the Mammary Cancer Biology Group. The Japanese Mammary Cancer Society agreed to be a counterpart of the Treatment and Diagnosis Group of the Breast Cancer Task Force in the United States.
In February 1975, the possibilities of future cooperation were discussed in San Antonio, Texas, in the following areas:
• Early diagnosis of breast cancer
• Standardization of criteria for evaluation of therapy
• Standardization and comparison of end results
• Comparative epidemiology.
The activities of the Breast Cancer Program Area during 1976 and 1977 were particularly noteworthy. A seminar covering multiple phases of breast cancer problems was held in Tokyo in March 1976. Highlights of this seminar included:
• The relationship of diet and the epidemiology of cancer in Japan and in the U.S.
• The possibilities for use of ultrasound as a diagnostic tool for mass screening
• The method of measuring estrogen receptor
• The use of adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.
Through this seminar, Japanese scientists were invited to the “White House Conference on Breast Cancer” in November 1976 to receive latest information on breast cancer research.
The principal activity in 1977 was the meeting on “Breast Cancer: Epidemiology and Diet” held at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington, on March 14-15, 1977, and organized by Dr. Takeshi Hirayama and Dr. Guy R. Newell. The possible role of dietary fat, especially of animal origin, and body size in enhancing the risk of breast cancer was intensively discussed. The extremely low incidence rate for breast cancer in Japan compared to that in the U.S. appeared to be explained from the far lower intake of animal fat. The recent upward trend of breast cancer incidence in Japan is also likely the result of sudden increase in the consumption of animal fat. Possible mechanism of cancer promoting effect of dietary fat was also discussed. Outlines of the seminar and selected papers will be published in Preventive Medicine. March 1978.
The estrogen receptor research group held a meeting in Honolulu on March 6-7, 1978. The discussion focused on the comparison of receptor profile in both countries.
A program for review of histopathological material on breast cancer in Japan has been developed by Dr. William Hartmann of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee. As a result, a young Japanese scientist was sent to the U.S. to carry on further histopathological comparison. The exchange of scientists has also provided opportunities for promoting cooperative research in areas of ultrasound diagnosis and hormone receptors.
Some of the future program developments being planned include the following:
• This program's principal thrust continues to be information exchange, such as Dr. Hartmann's project on histopathological comparison.
• A seminar on breast cancer chemotherapy is being planned for November 1978 in Japan, where up-to-date results of treatment are expected to be evaluated.
• The mass screening of early stages of mammary cancer is in progress in both countries. There is considerable controversy in the U.S. regarding the use of mammography, the problem of risk-benefit, and the potential hazards involved in breast cancer detection. It would be advantageous to develop some nonhazardous methods for the detection of cancer, either biochemical tests, ultrasonics, or other new technology. There is great need for precise diagnostic methodology for detecting cancerous minimal cancers and precancerous lesions. This is an area of considerable interest because of the medical and legal problems associated with diagnosis, detection, and treatment of borderline cases and early cancers.