IT is a sobering thought that nearly all of us will be touched by cancer in some way. And there are times when it seems that the human race's battle against the disease will never be won.

But in the past few days there have been signs of real hope. Last week brought the announcement that a vaccine against cervical cancer, with 100 per cent effectiveness, could be available within a year.

And now, Cancer Research UK experts are predicting that almost two thirds of women diagnosed with breast cancer are likely to survive for at least 20 years.

The figures published yesterday are a significant improvement on a decade ago and underline the importance of routine screening.

We hope that the clear progress demonstrated by these figures will encourage more women to take up opportunities for regular checks.

Former Durham City Council leader Sue Pitts is one of the thousands of women to be diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine mammogram. Her story, featured in The Northern Echo today, is one of hope, resilience, and inspiration, and we thank her for allowing us to tell it during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The new survival rates should also be seen as testimony to the value of research, so much of which is funded through public donations.

Anyone who has raised money for breast cancer research should take pride in the undeniable fact that they are helping to prolong lives.