Cancerkin’s news update….
On 2nd November, we are starting Hypnotherapy treatments at the Cancerkin Centre. We have also started Spiritual Healing sessions and appointments are available; however, if you would like to know more about it, Kathryn Scorza is holding a group meeting on 17th November, where people can have a 15 minute ‘taster’ session. To book an appointment or for more information on these or any other treatments, please contact Jean Hafezi (020 7830 2323) at the Cancerkin Centre.
In the news…
NICE to refuse use of drug for women with advanced breast cancer
I reported in March 2009 that GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturers of the drug Lapatinib (also known as Tyverb), were appealing the decision by NICE[1] to reject funding for use of the drug by the NHS, on the basis that they considered it was not a cost effective use of resources. Lapatinib is commonly used to treat a particular type of advanced breast cancer which has returned, despite use of standard treatments. It is not a cure, but can delay the progression of the cancer. It is thought that about 2000 women could be eligible for the drug.
The appeal has now been heard, but it seems that it will be turned down again, essentially for the same reasons as last time - cost. NICE have reached this decision despite the fact that GSK had offered to fund the first 12 weeks of treatment with the drug and despite their own new rules whereby they were going to be more flexible in their approach to end of life cancer drugs.
This story was carried in many newspapers, including The Guardian at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/oct/21/women-denied-cancer-drug
The Guardian also quotes Alison Jones, member of Cancerkin’s Medical Advisory Panel and Consultant Medical Oncologist at the Royal Free Hospital as saying:
"This is a useful drug for patients with breast cancer. It is not the cure. This is second-line disease and you don't expect stunning results," she said. "Anywhere else in Europe you can have it. I think it should be here."
Triple Negative Breast Cancer
In a regular column on health issues in the Daily Express, Dr Rosemary Leonard gives some information on triple negative breast cancer, explaining what it is and how it can be treated. See the article at www.express.co.uk/ourcomments/view/135147 and more detailed information on this type of breast cancer, which affects approximately 15% of those diagnosed with the disease, can be found at:
http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/about-cancer/cancer-questions/triple-negative-breast-cancer
Nicky Waldman (n.waldman@cancerkin.org.uk) 26 October 2009
[1] The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence – drugs watchdog for England & Wales
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Monday 26 October 2009
on the pulse - for people affected by breast cancer
Cancerkin’s news Update….
Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
As one of our many initiatives during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cancerkin had a stand in the Royal Free promoting the work that we do and the various treatments that we offer patients affected by breast cancer (and their families). We were delighted to welcome so many visitors to the stand, who were treated to delicious fairy cakes! We sold a variety of our goodies, including tee shirts, cosmetics, books and key rings. We raised a massive £1,000 for Cancerkin! So a big thank you to all those who gave so generously and to our volunteers who (wo)manned the stand during the course of the day.
Hampstead Women’s Club:
We are delighted to report on a new collaboration with the Hampstead Women’s Club – a multi national social organisation for women living in the London area, who provide a sense of community through social, educational and charitable activities. They have kindly given their time and resources to creating a new Children’s Corner at the Cancerkin Centre. This will provide a welcoming facility for Mums receiving care at the hospital to be with their children in a comfortable child friendly environment, away from the ward. Children’s Corner will be open soon…watch this space!
In the news…
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements and Cancer Risk:
According to an expert at World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), high doses of vitamin and mineral supplements can do more harm than good in terms of cancer risk and the message from WCRF and Cancer Research UK is to try and get all the minerals and vitamins you need from a healthy, balanced diet. Yinka Ebo, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "Many large studies have looked at the effects of vitamin supplements on cancer risk and most have found that these supplements have no effect. But some studies have found that, far from improving your health, high doses can be harmful and even increase the risk of cancer."The best way to get your full range of vitamins and minerals and help protect against cancer is to eat a healthy, balanced diet with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables."
For more on this article, follow this link to the Cancer Research website: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/archive/newsarchive/2009/october/19414129
Relationships and Illness:
The Times (15th October 2009) reported on the effect that serious illness can have on a relationship and the different ways in which men and women respond to this. http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article6875081.ece
The article looks at various studies that have been carried out, with particular reference to the effect of a cancer diagnosis and there are also several stories by cancer sufferers, relating their own experiences.
Nicky Waldman (n.waldman@cancerkin.org.uk)
19th October 2009
Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
As one of our many initiatives during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cancerkin had a stand in the Royal Free promoting the work that we do and the various treatments that we offer patients affected by breast cancer (and their families). We were delighted to welcome so many visitors to the stand, who were treated to delicious fairy cakes! We sold a variety of our goodies, including tee shirts, cosmetics, books and key rings. We raised a massive £1,000 for Cancerkin! So a big thank you to all those who gave so generously and to our volunteers who (wo)manned the stand during the course of the day.
Hampstead Women’s Club:
We are delighted to report on a new collaboration with the Hampstead Women’s Club – a multi national social organisation for women living in the London area, who provide a sense of community through social, educational and charitable activities. They have kindly given their time and resources to creating a new Children’s Corner at the Cancerkin Centre. This will provide a welcoming facility for Mums receiving care at the hospital to be with their children in a comfortable child friendly environment, away from the ward. Children’s Corner will be open soon…watch this space!
In the news…
Vitamin and Mineral Supplements and Cancer Risk:
According to an expert at World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), high doses of vitamin and mineral supplements can do more harm than good in terms of cancer risk and the message from WCRF and Cancer Research UK is to try and get all the minerals and vitamins you need from a healthy, balanced diet. Yinka Ebo, health information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "Many large studies have looked at the effects of vitamin supplements on cancer risk and most have found that these supplements have no effect. But some studies have found that, far from improving your health, high doses can be harmful and even increase the risk of cancer."The best way to get your full range of vitamins and minerals and help protect against cancer is to eat a healthy, balanced diet with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables."
For more on this article, follow this link to the Cancer Research website: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/archive/newsarchive/2009/october/19414129
Relationships and Illness:
The Times (15th October 2009) reported on the effect that serious illness can have on a relationship and the different ways in which men and women respond to this. http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/relationships/article6875081.ece
The article looks at various studies that have been carried out, with particular reference to the effect of a cancer diagnosis and there are also several stories by cancer sufferers, relating their own experiences.
Nicky Waldman (n.waldman@cancerkin.org.uk)
19th October 2009
Monday 19 October 2009
ON THE PULSE… for people affected by breast cancer
Cancerkin’s news Update….
Intrabeam handover and Santy Parbhoo
On 8th October, Cancerkin celebrated the formal handover of the Intrabeam Machine to the Royal Free Hospital and honoured the work of our much loved Chairman, Mr Santilal Parbhoo, who stepped down from the Chair and became our Life President.
The Intrabeam machine is part of Cancerkin’s commitment to research into breast cancer and its treatment. Cancerkin raised over £200,000 to buy the machine to study the effect of a single dose of intra-operative radiotherapy as against several weeks of conventional radiotherapy. The study is part of a multi centre international study known as TARGIT and during the evening Mo Keshtgar, consultant surgical oncologist and member of the TARGIT team, updated the guests on exciting developments in the study. He, along with Trustee Chair of the hospital, Dominic Dodd and new Chair of Cancerkin, Dr John Carrier, also praised the pioneering work of Santy Parbhoo at this hospital and in the creation of Cancerkin and its renowned lymphoedema clinic. Santy was presented with a silver photograph frame as a small token of appreciation by his fellow trustees and after his response and thanks to those with whom he has worked over the years, guests enjoyed champagne and nibbles!
In the news…
The annual conference of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) has resulted in a lot of headline material on breast cancer and its treatment. Also, with October being breast cancer awareness month, there have been many articles in the press on this subject. Here is a selection of the articles:
In the Mirror on Sunday magazine (04.10.09), there was an article on what they call ‘cancer-fighting foods’ - foods they say can help cut your risk of cancer and those that should be avoidedhttp://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/sex-health/2009/10/05/eat-your-way-to-beating-cancer-115875-21723000/
The Cancer Research UK website reports on the results of a survey published online in the British Journal of Cancer which shows that an estimated 40% of people in Britain would delay going to their GP with cancer symptoms because they did not want to bother them, were worried what they would find or did not want to waste their time. Professor Jane Wardle, from Cancer Research UK said: "A lot of work now needs to be done to help people feel like they can go to their doctor as soon as they find something that could be a symptom of cancer."Changes to public attitudes along with changes within the healthcare system will be fundamental to making a difference."Cancer is more likely to be treated successfully when it's spotted early, so it's crucial that we do something with the results of this survey quickly." http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/archive/pressreleases/2009/october/late-cancer-diagnosis
BBC News reports on a government grant that has been awarded to a charity called ‘My New Hair’ (www.mynewhair.org.uk) set up by celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie. The charity aims to train hairdressers in wig styling and hair-care for cancer patients who have lost their hair after chemotherapy. The government grant will extend training and education to nurse led training to hairdressers in aftercare for patients whose hair is growing back and the psychological implications of hair loss.
In Monday’s edition of the Daily Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/women_shealth/6256195/Breast-Cancer-Why-are-so-few-women-having-reconstructive-surgery.html
They report on the findings from the National Mastectomy and Breast reconstruction Audit that just 48% of women with breast cancer were offered the option of reconstruction in 2007/08. This is despite the fact that NICE guidelines say that 100% of eligible patients should be offered this procedure. They also talk about various breast reconstruction options with Dr Charles Nduka a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Reuters http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL5638086 has an article on tamoxifen and a study in Germany that has identified a gene enabling some people to respond to the drug better than others. If all patients could be tested for this gene, it seems that it might be possible to prescribe from the start one of the alternative drugs for those who will be unable to benefit from tamoxifen, thereby creating a more personalised treatment.
An article in the Daily Mail talks about a technique using stem cells and liposuction to replace missing breast tissue after removal of a lump and also to smooth out scars. Fat is removed from the stomach, hips or thighs of the patient and the stem cells are separated and treated before being recombined with the fat cells and then injected back into the breast. Mr Nader Khonji, a plastic surgeon who is leading the trial at the Singleton Hospital in Swansea said: “There are no new scars involved and the system encourages the growth of new blood vessels which has been the failing of fat grafts in the past”. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1218860/Stem-cells-hide-scars-New-hope-women-disfigured-cancer.html
Finally, back to the Daily Telegraph, for a report on the possibility of a stem cell vaccine for cancer. Research in the US and China is still in its infancy and is related to bowel cancer at the moment, but the hope is that the work could be widened to provide a vaccine for all cancers.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6269084/Stem-cell-vaccine-for-cancer-step-nearer.html
14th October 2009
Intrabeam handover and Santy Parbhoo
On 8th October, Cancerkin celebrated the formal handover of the Intrabeam Machine to the Royal Free Hospital and honoured the work of our much loved Chairman, Mr Santilal Parbhoo, who stepped down from the Chair and became our Life President.
The Intrabeam machine is part of Cancerkin’s commitment to research into breast cancer and its treatment. Cancerkin raised over £200,000 to buy the machine to study the effect of a single dose of intra-operative radiotherapy as against several weeks of conventional radiotherapy. The study is part of a multi centre international study known as TARGIT and during the evening Mo Keshtgar, consultant surgical oncologist and member of the TARGIT team, updated the guests on exciting developments in the study. He, along with Trustee Chair of the hospital, Dominic Dodd and new Chair of Cancerkin, Dr John Carrier, also praised the pioneering work of Santy Parbhoo at this hospital and in the creation of Cancerkin and its renowned lymphoedema clinic. Santy was presented with a silver photograph frame as a small token of appreciation by his fellow trustees and after his response and thanks to those with whom he has worked over the years, guests enjoyed champagne and nibbles!
In the news…
The annual conference of the National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) has resulted in a lot of headline material on breast cancer and its treatment. Also, with October being breast cancer awareness month, there have been many articles in the press on this subject. Here is a selection of the articles:
In the Mirror on Sunday magazine (04.10.09), there was an article on what they call ‘cancer-fighting foods’ - foods they say can help cut your risk of cancer and those that should be avoidedhttp://www.mirror.co.uk/life-style/sex-health/2009/10/05/eat-your-way-to-beating-cancer-115875-21723000/
The Cancer Research UK website reports on the results of a survey published online in the British Journal of Cancer which shows that an estimated 40% of people in Britain would delay going to their GP with cancer symptoms because they did not want to bother them, were worried what they would find or did not want to waste their time. Professor Jane Wardle, from Cancer Research UK said: "A lot of work now needs to be done to help people feel like they can go to their doctor as soon as they find something that could be a symptom of cancer."Changes to public attitudes along with changes within the healthcare system will be fundamental to making a difference."Cancer is more likely to be treated successfully when it's spotted early, so it's crucial that we do something with the results of this survey quickly." http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/news/archive/pressreleases/2009/october/late-cancer-diagnosis
BBC News reports on a government grant that has been awarded to a charity called ‘My New Hair’ (www.mynewhair.org.uk) set up by celebrity hairdresser Trevor Sorbie. The charity aims to train hairdressers in wig styling and hair-care for cancer patients who have lost their hair after chemotherapy. The government grant will extend training and education to nurse led training to hairdressers in aftercare for patients whose hair is growing back and the psychological implications of hair loss.
In Monday’s edition of the Daily Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/women_shealth/6256195/Breast-Cancer-Why-are-so-few-women-having-reconstructive-surgery.html
They report on the findings from the National Mastectomy and Breast reconstruction Audit that just 48% of women with breast cancer were offered the option of reconstruction in 2007/08. This is despite the fact that NICE guidelines say that 100% of eligible patients should be offered this procedure. They also talk about various breast reconstruction options with Dr Charles Nduka a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
Reuters http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL5638086 has an article on tamoxifen and a study in Germany that has identified a gene enabling some people to respond to the drug better than others. If all patients could be tested for this gene, it seems that it might be possible to prescribe from the start one of the alternative drugs for those who will be unable to benefit from tamoxifen, thereby creating a more personalised treatment.
An article in the Daily Mail talks about a technique using stem cells and liposuction to replace missing breast tissue after removal of a lump and also to smooth out scars. Fat is removed from the stomach, hips or thighs of the patient and the stem cells are separated and treated before being recombined with the fat cells and then injected back into the breast. Mr Nader Khonji, a plastic surgeon who is leading the trial at the Singleton Hospital in Swansea said: “There are no new scars involved and the system encourages the growth of new blood vessels which has been the failing of fat grafts in the past”. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1218860/Stem-cells-hide-scars-New-hope-women-disfigured-cancer.html
Finally, back to the Daily Telegraph, for a report on the possibility of a stem cell vaccine for cancer. Research in the US and China is still in its infancy and is related to bowel cancer at the moment, but the hope is that the work could be widened to provide a vaccine for all cancers.http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/6269084/Stem-cell-vaccine-for-cancer-step-nearer.html
14th October 2009
Monday 5 October 2009
ON THE PULSE… for people affected by breast cancer
Cancerkin’s news Update….
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this is already proving to be a busy month for Cancerkin. On 1st October, Floris held a fundraising event for us at their Jermyn St shop. For more details of the evening, see the ‘latest news’ section on our website at www.cancerkin.org.uk
On 8th October, we are celebrating the formal handover of the Intrabeam machine to the Royal Free Hospital; Cancerkin raised over £200,000 towards the cost of this piece of equipment, which it is hoped could revolutionise radiotherapy treatment for women with breast cancer. We will also be celebrating with our much loved Chairman, Santy Parbhoo, who is standing down from this position to become President of Cancerkin.
On 14th October, we will be manning a stand in the hospital, telling visitors and patients about Cancerkin and the work that we do. Please do come along and visit us on the day, just by the Atrium or indeed on any weekday 9am – 5pm in the Cancerkin Centre.
In the news…
Critical Illness and travel insurance
A report in Telegraph Money on Saturday 3rd October http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/criticalillness/6251215/How-important-is-critical-illness-cover.html talked about the importance of critical illness cover in an age where medical advances mean that many more people are surviving conditions (e.g. cancer and heart attacks) that have killed previous generations. They point out that according to the Office for National Statistics, more than 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK are still alive 5 years later. The article refers to the fact that one in five claims for this type of cover is for breast cancer, but points out that there may be conditions attached to the policy preventing a full or even partial pay out. Kevin Carr, spokesman for PruProtect said: “Breast cancer is covered by critical illness policies, but many policies exclude ‘early stage cancer’ which is when cancer is considered to be non-invasive. Breast cancer may be considered to be ‘early stage’ even if a lumpectomy or mastectomy is required and therefore, many insurers will not pay out”.
However, there are insurers who will pay out in whole or in part. It is important to check the wording and conditions covered or excluded. Many people do have critical illness cover and have either forgotten about it or are not aware that it could cover the hard financial situation they are in.
A further article in the same section of the newspaper talks about the difficulty many cancer patients (some, who were successfully treated many years ago) have in finding travel insurance. In some cases, they are charged significantly higher premiums and in others, they are refused altogether. However, they do give examples of specialist providers such as Insurepink, Free Spirit, MRL, GetMy.com, Saga, Flexicover Direct, Cancertravelinsurance.com and insurecancer.com. Please note that these companies are not recommended, but are mentioned on the basis that they are known to offer insurance to those with pre existing medical conditions.
5th October 2009
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and this is already proving to be a busy month for Cancerkin. On 1st October, Floris held a fundraising event for us at their Jermyn St shop. For more details of the evening, see the ‘latest news’ section on our website at www.cancerkin.org.uk
On 8th October, we are celebrating the formal handover of the Intrabeam machine to the Royal Free Hospital; Cancerkin raised over £200,000 towards the cost of this piece of equipment, which it is hoped could revolutionise radiotherapy treatment for women with breast cancer. We will also be celebrating with our much loved Chairman, Santy Parbhoo, who is standing down from this position to become President of Cancerkin.
On 14th October, we will be manning a stand in the hospital, telling visitors and patients about Cancerkin and the work that we do. Please do come along and visit us on the day, just by the Atrium or indeed on any weekday 9am – 5pm in the Cancerkin Centre.
In the news…
Critical Illness and travel insurance
A report in Telegraph Money on Saturday 3rd October http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/insurance/criticalillness/6251215/How-important-is-critical-illness-cover.html talked about the importance of critical illness cover in an age where medical advances mean that many more people are surviving conditions (e.g. cancer and heart attacks) that have killed previous generations. They point out that according to the Office for National Statistics, more than 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK are still alive 5 years later. The article refers to the fact that one in five claims for this type of cover is for breast cancer, but points out that there may be conditions attached to the policy preventing a full or even partial pay out. Kevin Carr, spokesman for PruProtect said: “Breast cancer is covered by critical illness policies, but many policies exclude ‘early stage cancer’ which is when cancer is considered to be non-invasive. Breast cancer may be considered to be ‘early stage’ even if a lumpectomy or mastectomy is required and therefore, many insurers will not pay out”.
However, there are insurers who will pay out in whole or in part. It is important to check the wording and conditions covered or excluded. Many people do have critical illness cover and have either forgotten about it or are not aware that it could cover the hard financial situation they are in.
A further article in the same section of the newspaper talks about the difficulty many cancer patients (some, who were successfully treated many years ago) have in finding travel insurance. In some cases, they are charged significantly higher premiums and in others, they are refused altogether. However, they do give examples of specialist providers such as Insurepink, Free Spirit, MRL, GetMy.com, Saga, Flexicover Direct, Cancertravelinsurance.com and insurecancer.com. Please note that these companies are not recommended, but are mentioned on the basis that they are known to offer insurance to those with pre existing medical conditions.
5th October 2009
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