Monday, 16 December 2013

Hormone blocking pill reduces breast cancer risk

A land mark study shows a drug can can more than halve the development of breast cancer in high risk women. A trial on 4000 women, published in the British medical journal,Lancet, showed anastrozole was more effective,cheaper and had fewer side effects than current medications.

It stops the production of the hormone oestrogen, which fuels the growth of the growth of majority of breast cancers.
Doctors and campaigners are asking health services to consider offering the drug to healthy women. Some countries already offer the drugs tamoxifen and raloxifen to prevent breast cancer. They both block oestrogen activity, however,they also icrease the risk of cancers of the womb,deep vein thrombosis and hot flushes. 

Aromatse inhibitors, such as anastrozole,stop oestrogen being produced in the first place and are already being used as a treatment for breast cancer.

A study at Queen Mary University of London has followed women with a high risk of breast cancer, based on their family history, for an average of five years.
It showed that out of 2000 high-risk women given no treatment, there were 85 cases of breast cancer in the study.
But in the same number of women given anastrozole,there were 40 cases with virtually no side effects.
Lead research prof Jack Cuzick, said"I think this is an exciting moment, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women and we have a chance to reduce cases."
Prof Cuzick said there was now enough evidence to consider offering the drug.


For this and much more, read The East African Survey-Regional research bulletin and the British Medical journal-                   BBC

Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Market Research

Understand Your Market

To run a successful business, you need to learn about your customers, your competitors and your industry. Market research is the process of analyzing data to help you understand which products and services are in demand, and how to be competitive. Market research can also provide valuable insight to help you:
  • Reduce business risks
  • Spot current and upcoming problems in your industry
  • Identify sales opportunities
How to Conduct Market Research
Before you start your business, understand the basics of market research by following these steps:
  1. Identify Official Government Sources of Market and Industry Data
The government offers a wealth of data and information about businesses, industries and economic conditions that can aid in conducting market research. These sources provide valuable information about your customers and competitors:
  1. Identify Additional Sources of Analysis
Trade groups, business magazines, academic institutions and other third parties gather and analyze research data about business trends. Use Internet and database searches to find information related to your location and industry.
  1. Understand the International Marketplace
Today’s economy is a globalized marketplace, so it’s important to understand the international factors that influence your business. These resources will help you to research potential international markets for your products or services: