Brightest light in universe to examine lung cancer cells

New Year 2007 will see the arrival of a light brighter than anything in the known universe at a field in Oxfordshire. But this is no Spielbergesque alien visitation. A £250m machine will be switched on, which is designed to help scientists peer in more detail than ever before at the fine structure of cells.

Charities welcome draft approval for breast cancer drug

· Herceptin expected to be available on NHS soon · Months of campaigning end with speedy clearance

What is my life worth?

Surgery. Radiotherapy. Herceptin injections. Skin grafts. Consultations. In the latest of a series of articles Dina Rabinovitch finds comfort in adding up the cost of her treatment for cancer.

Breast cancer drug may save 1,000 lives a year

· First proof of improved five-year survival rate· Treatment is aimed at post-menopausal women

Herceptin will work wonders, not miracles

Gavyn Davies: The revolutionary drug Herceptin was this week licensed by the European Commission to fight early-stage breast cancer, and it now seems probable that it will shortly be cleared for clinical use in the UK.

Breast cancer study finds fewer doses of radiotherapy effective

· More intense treatment, less often, could result· Patients spared anxiety of daily hospital visits

Which is the quack medicine?

Richard Smith: Quite a lot of orthodox treatments are unsupported by firm evidence.

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