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Mon 10 Oct 2000LifelinesSome 1,600 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Ireland each year. Of these, 20 to 30 per cent produce excess amounts of a specific protein, HER2, which stimulates uncontrollable cell growth, leading to a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Now, a new treatment (Herceptin) has been found to block the action of the protein and suppress tumour growth. Research has shown that Herceptin improves survival in HER2-positive women by 39 per cent, compared with chemotherapy alone. October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Irish Cancer Society nurses will be answer questions on breast cancer in Boots chemists throughout the country. Tel: 01-6681855 and details.NEW research from Israel suggests that cranberry juice may help fight the H. pylori bacteria that causes ulcers. According to a study from the Tel Aviv University, cranberry juice has a bacterial anti-adhesion mechanism which can fight bacteria even when they have already adhered to the stomach lining. Cranberry juice has already been found to help fight urinary tract infections.