Breast cancer is the biggest cause of cancer-related deaths amongst women. However in cases where a breast lump is diagnosed as a small cancer, the cure rate can be 90 per cent or better, if it is found early.

The Australian New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group (ANZ BCTG) is an international leader in the fight against breast cancer, conducting some of the world’s largest clinical trials to improve breast cancer treatment for women.

ANZ BCTG clinical trials program currently involves 44 studies: 15 studies currently completed with data analysed and research papers published; 12 studies completed accrual with follow up continuing; 7 studies currently open to accrual; 8 launched trials which are endorsed and approved to begin; and 2 studies in the planning stage.

A global breast cancer prevention  trial, known as the IBIS II Trial, is looking at whether the drug Anastrozole could one day prevent the disease in millions of women at high risk and may save some of these women the alternative choice of bilateral mastectomy.

The ANZ BCTG has had more than 400 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has held peer-reviewed NHMRC grants continuously since 1979.  The ANZ Group has more than 300 collaborating researchers throughout Australia and New Zealand, and collaborates with the leading international breast cancer trials groups.