Breast cancer is turning out to be one of the most recent battles women across the globe are facing. The need for better research and advancement in treatment has become a necessity.

Amid this a group of scientists have discovered key gaps in breast cancer research pertaining to understanding of genetic changes in the development of tumour.

In an article in BioMed Central’s open access journal Breast Cancer Research, leading scientists in the field reported on a gap analysis that critically assessed issues and new challenges emerging from recent breast cancer research, and proposed strategies for translating solutions into practice.

Over 100 specialist breast cancer scientists and healthcare professionals reviewed a wide range of issues and challenges involved in breast cancer research, prevention and treatment. Through rigorous discussions and consultation, including appraisal from experts and patients, they produced an account outlining ten major gaps and five strategic solutions.

The key gaps that were identified in the research paper included:

• An understanding of the genetic and epigenetic changes in normal breast development and during cancer.
• How to implement sustainable lifestyle changes through diet, exercise and weight management.
• An understanding of how to optimize treatment for improved personalized therapy.

Breast cancer remains a significant challenge for the world.

A recent study says the majority of deaths occur in younger women who do not have regular mammograms in US.  The study says there is a significant lack of mammography in US women under the age of 50.

Meanwhile, a survey suggested, the cancer of breasts will take lives of an estimated 6,080 black women in the United States in 2013. According to the American Cancer Society, one in three will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime in the US as an estimated 27,060 new cases of breast cancer are expected to occur in 2013.

It is estimated that around 570,000 people are living with, or after, a diagnosis of breast cancer in the UK, and this number is expected to double by 2030.

Follow these tips to reduce breast cancer risk

• Avoid weight gain and obesity

• Engage in regular physical activity

• Minimize alcohol intake

• Eat healthy

• Don’t smoke