Scientists in the US believe a new discovery could lead to a human treatment for cancer that is free of side effects.

The scientists have managed to create mice that are resistant to cancer. A special protein produced by these mice attacks tumour cells without harming the body's healthy tissue. This means it may, if adapted for humans, treat cancer without causing pain, nausea and hair loss associated with current treatments.

According to the Cancer Research Journal, the group of mice were genetically engineered to have high levels of the Par-4 gene, which produces the protein. The mice, who had a high natural genetic predisposition to cancer, were immune to many forms of the disease, such as liver and prostate.

Oncologist Professor Richard Fox, director of cancer research at St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne, says the results are promising.

'There are about four similar experiments taking place at cancer research centres around the world. However, there are big obstacles to overcome. While it may prevent cancer, we don't actually know if it works on people who already have cancer.

'And also inserting genes into humans is a lot more difficult than inserting genes into mice. In this instance, the scientists plan to insert the genes through bone marrow transplants. It's possible but I think it's still a good decade off.'

But Professor Fox says there are still things you can do to beat cancer today.

'The first is to know there's a positive side. Cancer is one of the few serious illnesses that actually has a very high cure rate. For instance, you can't cure heart failure or a stroke.

'People tend to fear cancer more than anything, yet the overall cure rate is 55 per cent in Australia. If you take lung cancer out of the equation that figure goes up to about 65 per cent.'

Know the numbers

For women, the most common form of cancer is breast cancer, followed by bowel cancer, melanoma and lung cancers.

'Breast cancer, bowel cancer and even melanoma all have high cure rates, however lung cancer has about a 70 to 80 per cent mortality rate,' Professor Fox says.

'The other cancers with high mortality rates are pancreatic cancer - about 95 per cent - and ovarian cancer - about 60 per cent. But these are less common than breast, bowel or lung cancers.'

As we get older, our cancer risk increases. ‘The risk of developing cancer between ages 50 and 60 is a one in 20 chance,' he says. 'Between 60 and 70, it's one in 10. For 70 to 80-year-olds, it's a one in five chance. For anyone over 80, there's a one in three chance they'll develop cancer.'

Seven Ways To Prevent Cancer

In Cancer Explained: The Essential Guide to Diagnosis and Management (Random House, $24.95), Professor Richard Fox and Professor Fred Stephens reveal the seven S words to help prevent cancer.

1. Smoking

It's never too late to quit. If you give up smoking at 40, Professor Fox says by 70 your risk of lung cancer will almost be the same as a non-smoker.

2. Skin protection

Apply sunscreen daily. Watch for moles that change colour. Melanomas are usually black, but not always, so any mole with multiple colouring or that's raised or growing should be checked by a doctor.

3. Surgery

To remove pre-malignant or potentially malignant lesions.

4. Sensible diet

Keeping weight under control, along with exercise keeps your body and immune system fit and healthy.

5. Self-examination

It's important to check your breasts regularly. Make it part of your daily shower routine.

6. Screening for women

If you're over 50, regular mammograms are important. Get tested at 40 if you have a family history of breast cancer. The same applies for men with testing for prostate cancer. Everyone over 50 should have a faecal occult blood test, where faeces are analysed for traces of blood.

7. Safe industrial practices

Avoid tobacco, asbestos and other dangerous toxins in the workplace.

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