Pink October: Advancing Breast Cancer Research Together
This October, we are highlighting the work of the EORTC Breast Cancer Group (BCG), a multidisciplinary network of more than 770 researchers and healthcare professionals working across Europe to improve outcomes for people affected by breast cancer.
The group’s research spans the entire breast cancer journey, from early diagnosis and treatment to metastatic disease and survivorship. Its studies explore how treatments can be tailored to individual patients, how side effects can be reduced and how quality of life can be improved.
Clinical research your support makes possible
One of the group’s ongoing projects, the TREAT study, is investigating whether a blood test can help identify signs that breast cancer may be returning before it can be detected through routine examinations or scans. Researchers hope that identifying patients at risk earlier could create opportunities to start treatment sooner.
The Breast Cancer Group is also leading the NEOLDER study, which focuses on women aged 70 and older with more aggressive forms of breast cancer. Older patients are often underrepresented in clinical trials, making it difficult to know which treatments are most suitable for them. The study aims to generate evidence that can help doctors make better-informed treatment decisions for this patient population.
Another important initiative is AURORA, a programme for patients with metastatic breast cancer. By studying tumour samples and tracking how cancers change over time, researchers are seeking to better understand why treatments work well for some patients but less effectively for others. These insights could help support more personalised treatment approaches in the future.
Results that change care for patients
Clinical cancer research has already transformed the treatment breast cancer patients may receive today. Breast cancer survivor Betty experienced this firsthand. Thanks to findings from the EORTC-led MINDACT study, doctors were able to determine that she could safely avoid chemotherapy and its side effects. Her story shows how clinical cancer research can help ensure that patients receive the treatment that is right for them and avoid treatments they may not need.
This year also marked an important milestone for the group with new results from an EORTC study that followed breast cancer patients for 20 years. The findings showed that a specific radiotherapy approach reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer in some patients. The results also highlighted the importance of long-term follow-up, helping researchers understand both the benefits and potential long-term effects of treatment.
Behind every study are the patients who choose to participate and the researchers and healthcare professionals who make these projects possible. Together, they are helping answer questions that can improve treatment and care for future generations of patients.
Meet the people behind the research
To mark Pink October, the Breast Cancer Group has released a new video introducing the group, its members and some of its current research projects, highlighting how experts from different disciplines and countries work together to address important questions in breast cancer care.
As the group continues to grow, it welcomes new members who share its commitment to advancing clinical breast cancer research and improving outcomes for patients. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a researcher, a patient advocate or someone with an interest in supporting progress in breast cancer care, joining the BCG offers an opportunity to become part of a collaborative European network.
Watch the new Breast Cancer Group video to meet the people behind the research and learn more about their work on our Impact page.
You can also help support EORTC’s game-changing clinical research to unleash scientific breakthrough and transform cancer patients’ lives. Learn how to GET INVOLVED, or Make a Contribution Now.
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