On the pulse
Cancerkin’s news…
Cancerkin's Inaugural Annual Lecture - 28th February 2011
Cancerkin’s lecture is now only days away – it will take place next Monday, 28th February 2011 in the Atrium at the Royal Free. We at Cancerkin are very much looking forward to hearing National Clinical Director for Cancer at the Department of Health and UK cancer Tsar Professor Sir Mike Richards’ lecture “Tackling breast cancer in England: progress and challenges” and to seeing many of our friends and supporters there.
Welcome drinks will be served from 5.30pm before the lecture begins at 6.15pm. If you are interested in attending but have not yet reserved a space, please do get in touch. For reservations and further information, please contact Laura Smith at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.
Kundalini Yoga & Nia Technique
We are now holding weekly Kundalini Yoga and Nia Technique dance classes on Wednesday afternoons with therapist Beverley Drumm. Beverley’s classes got off to a fantastic start this week and we hope to see plenty of you here again next week – everyone is welcome to come along and no prior experience is necessary in either class.
Kundalini yoga will take place from 1pm to 2.15pm. Classes in The Nia Technique, an expressive, dance-based movement form, will follow at 2.30pm to 3.30pm. To register your interest, please email Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 020 7830 2323
Comedy with a Cause and the Big Bra Auction
This Monday, the JCC’s ‘Comedy with a Cause’ evening took place at the London Comedy Store raising funds for both Cancerkin and the JCC. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by all and we would like to take this opportunity to thank the JCC for all the hard work they put into organising such a successful event.
There are only days left in the Big Bra Auction, also in aid The JCC and Cancerkin. Over 40 celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Tom Conti and Gloria Hunniford have unleashed their creativity and transformed plain white bras donated by Triumph into unique works of art. The bras will be on auction until 10am on Monday 28th February 2011 so make sure you get your bid in soon! To browse the bras and place your bid simply click here.
In the news…
New breast cancer gene discovered
Cancer Research UK has announced the discovery of a new breast-cancer causing gene, the first to be identified in over five years. When overactive, the ‘oncogene’, known as ZNF703, upsets the normal systems in place to control cell division and triggers the development of a particularly aggressive form of oestrogen positive breast cancer.
Researchers at Cancer Research UK’s Cambridge Research Institute and at the British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver examined 1172 breast tumours as well as lab-grown breast cancer cells to study patterns of gene activity. They used a technique called ‘microarray technology’, which monitors differences in gene activity between normal and cancerous cells. Scientists identified a region on human chromosome eight which contains genes commonly found in multiple copies in breast cancer tumours and therefore likely to be linked to the development of cancer. The genes in this region were eliminated one by one until one gene remained that was found to be overactive in all samples – the ZNF703 gene. In two patients examined, it was the only gene found to be overactive, further evidence that it led to the development of cancer.
It is thought that over a third of cases of more aggressive oestrogen positive breast cancer could contain multiple copies of the gene. Researchers believe that testing a patient’s tumour for ZNF703 activity will help to identify whether it is an aggressive form, helping doctors to tailor treatment. Testing for the gene may reveal if a patient will respond to certain drugs and further research could lead to the development of treatment specifically targeted at ZNF703. Dr Lesley Walker, director of Cancer Information at CRUK, furthermore said: “This is exciting because it’s a prime candidate for the development of new breast cancer drugs designed specifically to target tumours in which this gene is overactive. Hopefully this will lead to more effective cancer treatments in the future.”
To read the article in full, please click here.
Blocking enzyme could stop cancer spread
Pre-clinical research conducted by the Institute of Cancer Research and published this week in Cancer Research Journal has shown that blocking a key enzyme in breast cancer tumours could stop the spread of cancer to other organs. The study’s results represent a positive step towards finding a way to prevent cancer spreading.
In studies in mice, researchers found that the enzyme lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) helps cancerous cells to escape from breast tissue and allows them to travel to distant organs such as the lungs, liver and bone. It was found that blocking the enzyme’s function with chemicals and antibodies helped decrease the spread of cancer from the breast to these organs. This suggests that a drug that blocks LOXL2 could be effective in preventing metastatic breast cancer. Scientists found that high levels of LOXL2 were associated with cancer spread and poor prognosis, meaning the enzyme could also be used as an indicator for how aggressive a patient’s cancer will be and how likely a cancer is to spread.
Dr Julie Sharp, senior science information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “Cancer spread is an important problem in breast and other cancers, and scientists are searching to find new ways to stop cancer spread and save many more lives. The team have shown that targeting the molecule LOXL2, which plays a key role in spread, could offer new approaches to tackle this problem.”
Please click here to read a BBC News report on the study or here to read more from the Institute of Cancer Research.
Laura Smith
24th February 2011
Friday 25 February 2011
Friday 18 February 2011
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s news…
The Big Bra Auction for Cancerkin and the JCC for London
The Big Bra Auction, in aid of Cancerkin and the Jewish Community Centre for London, is now live online! Over 40 celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Tom Conti and Gloria Hunniford have unleashed their creativity and transformed plain white bras donated by Triumph into unique works of art. The bras are now ready and waiting for your bids and will be on auction until 27th February 2011. To browse the bras and place your bid simply click here.
In the meantime, you can view the bras in person at the ‘Comedy with a Cause’ comedy evening on 21st February 2011 at the London Comedy Store. To book tickets, click here.
All proceeds from both the auction and the comedy night will go to support Cancerkin and the JCC.
Cancerkin's Inaugural Annual Lecture - 28th February 2011
As you may already be aware, Cancerkin will hold its inaugural annual lecture on Monday 28th February 2011, entitled “Tackling breast cancer in England: progress and challenges”. The charity has the honour of welcoming Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for Cancer at the Department of Health and UK cancer Tsar, to give the lecture and take questions from the audience.
Professor Sir Mike Richards was appointed as the first National Cancer Director in October 1999. In 2000 he led the development of the NHS Cancer Plan, the first comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer in England and was then responsible for overseeing its implementation. More recently he has led the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy and the first ever End of Life Care Strategy.
The lecture will take place in the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital. Welcome drinks will be served from 5.30pm before the lecture begins at 6.15pm. For reservations and more information, please contact Laura Smith at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.
Kundalini Yoga & Nia Technique
Following her introductory course in December, we are thrilled to announce the return of Beverley Drumm, who will be holding Yoga and Dance therapy classes on Wednesday afternoons starting next week on Wednesday 23rd February 2011. Classes in Kundalini yoga, a powerful practice where your body is gently stretched and toned, inducing deep relaxation and including postures and meditations specifically for women will take place from 1pm to 2.15pm. Classes in The Nia Technique, an expressive, dance-based movement form that is an exhilarating treat for body, mind and soul, will follow at 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Absolutely no experience is necessary and everybody is warmly welcome. To register your interest, please email Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 020 7830 2323
In the news…
Late breast cancer diagnosis in the elderly...
Research published this week in the British Journal of Cancer revealed that women over 70 are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a late stage, leading to lower survival from the disease in this age group. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK and based at the University of Cambridge, suggests that better access to treatment, particularly to surgery, would help improve breast cancer survival for the elderly.
The study analysed records of 14,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1999 and 2007, looking at five and ten year survival rates of patients in different age groups: 50-69 years-olds were found to have a 89 percent chance of surviving the disease for five years, 70-74 years-old had an 81 percent chance and women over 80 had a 70 percent chance. Only three percent of women aged 50-69 were found to be diagnosed at a late stage – that is, with stage four breast cancer – whereas eight percent of women aged 70-74 and ten percent of women over 80 were diagnosed at this late stage. Those diagnosed at a late stage had a 14 percent chance of surviving the disease for five-years. One of the study’s authors, scientist Dr Paul Pharoah, said of these results: “The national breast screening programme is very good at picking up cases of breast cancer in the 50-70 age group it is aimed at. But more needs to be done to raise awareness of the disease in older women who are not automatically invited for mammograms, especially since risk of the disease increases with age.”
The study also examined levels of treatment given to patients in each age group. In women aged 50-69, 96 percent received surgery for breast cancer whereas around 60 percent of women over 70 did. Dr Pharoah commented that whilst factors such as patient preference, suitability and other illness explained differences in treatment to a certain extent, more detailed diagnosis of the disease in the elderly could ensure that those in this age group are given better access to suitable treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “We know that older people are less likely to survive breast cancer - this study highlights that many factors are at play and that late diagnosis and varying access to treatment, in particular, are playing a key role. Late diagnosis in the elderly could also be down to women delaying a visit to the doctor, so it’s really vital that women are aware of breast cancer symptoms […] More must be done to ensure that older women are well informed about their breast cancer risk, their option to ask for a mammogram and are consistently offered a full range of treatment options where this might benefit them.”
To read more about this research, please click here.
Spiritual healing and the NHS
As you may know, Cancerkin is currently offering a trial of spiritual healing sessions with therapist Harry Luck. Although written in 2008, an article published in the Sunday Times will still be of interest to all those wanting to try out the healing technique. It describes a team of healers employed by the NHS to provide their services to cancer patients at University College Hospital in London.
At the time the article was written, Head of the team, Angie Buxton-King offered 15 minute individual sessions of healing to patients at the hospital, during which she ran her hands over them to channel healing energy. Patients described feeling heat emanating from the hands helping them to feel relaxed and peaceful. She visited the wards where doctors might ask her to support a patient during a distressing procedure. After a dubious reception by medical staff, the team became an integral part of cancer treatment. Dr Maria Michelagnoli, a paediatric and adolescent consultant oncologist, said: “I was a sceptic at first, but you can't question the results. I'd be devastated if we lost these professionals now.”
Existing research suggests that the technique does improves patients’ moods, can help with physical symptoms and can support people through chemotherapy. Statistics in 2008 suggested that around 90 percent of cancer patients used some form of complementary medicine in addition of medical treatment, showing that therapies such as spiritual healing are very much in demand. However it is acknowledged by scientists and healers alike that more research and regulation needs to be provided in this field. Of plans to regulate the 15,000 spiritual healers working in the UK, Angie Buxton-King said “it’s the only way it’s going to go forward.”
To read this article in full, please click here.
Laura Smith 18th February 2011
Cancerkin’s news…
The Big Bra Auction for Cancerkin and the JCC for London
The Big Bra Auction, in aid of Cancerkin and the Jewish Community Centre for London, is now live online! Over 40 celebrities including Dame Judi Dench, Tom Conti and Gloria Hunniford have unleashed their creativity and transformed plain white bras donated by Triumph into unique works of art. The bras are now ready and waiting for your bids and will be on auction until 27th February 2011. To browse the bras and place your bid simply click here.
In the meantime, you can view the bras in person at the ‘Comedy with a Cause’ comedy evening on 21st February 2011 at the London Comedy Store. To book tickets, click here.
All proceeds from both the auction and the comedy night will go to support Cancerkin and the JCC.
Cancerkin's Inaugural Annual Lecture - 28th February 2011
As you may already be aware, Cancerkin will hold its inaugural annual lecture on Monday 28th February 2011, entitled “Tackling breast cancer in England: progress and challenges”. The charity has the honour of welcoming Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for Cancer at the Department of Health and UK cancer Tsar, to give the lecture and take questions from the audience.
Professor Sir Mike Richards was appointed as the first National Cancer Director in October 1999. In 2000 he led the development of the NHS Cancer Plan, the first comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer in England and was then responsible for overseeing its implementation. More recently he has led the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy and the first ever End of Life Care Strategy.
The lecture will take place in the Atrium at the Royal Free Hospital. Welcome drinks will be served from 5.30pm before the lecture begins at 6.15pm. For reservations and more information, please contact Laura Smith at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.
Kundalini Yoga & Nia Technique
Following her introductory course in December, we are thrilled to announce the return of Beverley Drumm, who will be holding Yoga and Dance therapy classes on Wednesday afternoons starting next week on Wednesday 23rd February 2011. Classes in Kundalini yoga, a powerful practice where your body is gently stretched and toned, inducing deep relaxation and including postures and meditations specifically for women will take place from 1pm to 2.15pm. Classes in The Nia Technique, an expressive, dance-based movement form that is an exhilarating treat for body, mind and soul, will follow at 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Absolutely no experience is necessary and everybody is warmly welcome. To register your interest, please email Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 020 7830 2323
In the news…
Late breast cancer diagnosis in the elderly...
Research published this week in the British Journal of Cancer revealed that women over 70 are more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at a late stage, leading to lower survival from the disease in this age group. The study, funded by Cancer Research UK and based at the University of Cambridge, suggests that better access to treatment, particularly to surgery, would help improve breast cancer survival for the elderly.
The study analysed records of 14,000 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1999 and 2007, looking at five and ten year survival rates of patients in different age groups: 50-69 years-olds were found to have a 89 percent chance of surviving the disease for five years, 70-74 years-old had an 81 percent chance and women over 80 had a 70 percent chance. Only three percent of women aged 50-69 were found to be diagnosed at a late stage – that is, with stage four breast cancer – whereas eight percent of women aged 70-74 and ten percent of women over 80 were diagnosed at this late stage. Those diagnosed at a late stage had a 14 percent chance of surviving the disease for five-years. One of the study’s authors, scientist Dr Paul Pharoah, said of these results: “The national breast screening programme is very good at picking up cases of breast cancer in the 50-70 age group it is aimed at. But more needs to be done to raise awareness of the disease in older women who are not automatically invited for mammograms, especially since risk of the disease increases with age.”
The study also examined levels of treatment given to patients in each age group. In women aged 50-69, 96 percent received surgery for breast cancer whereas around 60 percent of women over 70 did. Dr Pharoah commented that whilst factors such as patient preference, suitability and other illness explained differences in treatment to a certain extent, more detailed diagnosis of the disease in the elderly could ensure that those in this age group are given better access to suitable treatments like surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “We know that older people are less likely to survive breast cancer - this study highlights that many factors are at play and that late diagnosis and varying access to treatment, in particular, are playing a key role. Late diagnosis in the elderly could also be down to women delaying a visit to the doctor, so it’s really vital that women are aware of breast cancer symptoms […] More must be done to ensure that older women are well informed about their breast cancer risk, their option to ask for a mammogram and are consistently offered a full range of treatment options where this might benefit them.”
To read more about this research, please click here.
Spiritual healing and the NHS
As you may know, Cancerkin is currently offering a trial of spiritual healing sessions with therapist Harry Luck. Although written in 2008, an article published in the Sunday Times will still be of interest to all those wanting to try out the healing technique. It describes a team of healers employed by the NHS to provide their services to cancer patients at University College Hospital in London.
At the time the article was written, Head of the team, Angie Buxton-King offered 15 minute individual sessions of healing to patients at the hospital, during which she ran her hands over them to channel healing energy. Patients described feeling heat emanating from the hands helping them to feel relaxed and peaceful. She visited the wards where doctors might ask her to support a patient during a distressing procedure. After a dubious reception by medical staff, the team became an integral part of cancer treatment. Dr Maria Michelagnoli, a paediatric and adolescent consultant oncologist, said: “I was a sceptic at first, but you can't question the results. I'd be devastated if we lost these professionals now.”
Existing research suggests that the technique does improves patients’ moods, can help with physical symptoms and can support people through chemotherapy. Statistics in 2008 suggested that around 90 percent of cancer patients used some form of complementary medicine in addition of medical treatment, showing that therapies such as spiritual healing are very much in demand. However it is acknowledged by scientists and healers alike that more research and regulation needs to be provided in this field. Of plans to regulate the 15,000 spiritual healers working in the UK, Angie Buxton-King said “it’s the only way it’s going to go forward.”
To read this article in full, please click here.
Laura Smith 18th February 2011
Friday 11 February 2011
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s news…
Hyde Park Walk 2011 on Sunday 19th June
Yes, it’s that time of year again! Preparations are already underway for Cancerkin’s annual sponsored Hyde Park Walk with this year’s event to take place on Sunday 19th June 2011. We hope to make 2011 the biggest and most successful walk yet, so now is the time tell your families, friends, colleagues and schoolmates to put the date in their diaries – we look forward to getting as many of Cancerkin’s fantastic supporters involved as possible!
The walk is a great fun event for people of all ages and fitness. And it is special too, for as always all walkers are invited to walk in honour or in memory of a loved one if they choose. This year we hope to see whole families – babies in buggies and grandparents included – as well as teams of friends, workmates and community group members, walking, jogging or running round the Serpentine. As you may have noticed, Hyde Park Walk 2011 will fall on Father’s Day this year, so we hope to see plenty of dads walking too!
More details will be sent out soon but in the meantime please feel free to contact Laura if you have any questions or ideas. You can email l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 020 7830 2323.
Kundalini Yoga & Nia Technique
Following her introductory course in December, we are thrilled to announce the return of Beverley Drumm who will be holding Yoga and Nia dance therapy classes on Wednesday afternoons. Classes in Kundalini yoga, a powerful practice where your body is gently stretched and toned, inducing deep relaxation and including postures and meditations specifically for women will take place from 1pm to 2.15pm. Classes in The Nia Technique, an expressive, dance-based movement form that is an exhilarating treat for body, mind and soul, will follow at 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Sessions will begin on 23rd February 2011. Absolutely no experience is necessary and everybody is warmly welcome. To reserve your place, please email Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 020 7830 2323.
Find us on Facebook and Twitter…
If you are already a fan of online social networking sites or you are taking your first steps into the world of Facebook and Twitter, why not head to Cancerkin’s online pages? If you would like to view pictures, read regular news updates and find information about upcoming events, you can ‘like’ our Facebook page here. To receive our regular ‘tweets’, you can follow us on twitter here.
In the news…
Breast cancer risk explained…
Cancer Research UK released new figures last week revealing an increase in the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for women in the UK – one in eight women will now have the disease at some point during their life. Press coverage of the newly published figures often focused on changing lifestyles as an explanation for increase in risk – for example unhealthy diet, increased alcohol intake and a propensity to have fewer children later in life – and has suggested women could do more to decrease their personal risk, causing some controversy and offence amongst those who have already been diagnosed with the disease. In response to the figures, an interesting article has been published in The Guardian this week which takes a pragmatic look at the contributing factors to breast cancer risk. Drawing on comments made by Jackie Harris, a clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, it explains the impact of the three key factors – age, gender and family history – in relation to other contributing factors.
As the article explains, a main factor in breast cancer risk is gender: we know that men can have breast cancer but the disease is clearly predominant in women. Age is a second key determining factor. Cancer is most common in older people and breast cancer in young women is certainly ‘the exception, not the norm.’ The risk at age 29 is one in 2000, one in 215 at 39 and one in 50 at 49 – the figure one in 8 is the overall ‘lifetime risk’ for a woman who has reached 70.This is why screening does not begin until the age of 50. Thirdly, having a significant family history of breast cancer is an important factor. Carriers of the BRAC 1 and 2 genes may have a significantly higher risk of developing the disease. Those who do not carry the gene but do have a family history of breast cancer may also run an increased risk, depending on the age at which family members were diagnosed and whether they were paternal or maternal relatives.
What the article emphasises is that the three main risk factors described above have nothing to do with lifestyle. In terms of lifestyle choices, research shows that drinking alcohol regularly, carrying weight after the menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can all increase risk. It also shows that exercise to keep weight down can cut risk, as can having children, having them early and breastfeeding them. A healthy diet is also advised, although no specific foods are proven to affect breast cancer risk. As Ms Harris points out, leading a healthy lifestyle is a positive step but it is no guarantee against breast cancer. Many women have often lived healthily or had children young but have still developed breast cancer, a fact that explains feelings that press coverage last week was ‘very much blame-centred’. Ms Harris advises women to lead a healthier lifestyle if they want to, but not at the expense of quality of life. Individual risk is complex and difficult to estimate so we are unable to know how much healthy or unhealthy living and certain lifestyle choices impact upon it.
To read this article in full, please click here.
Laura Smith 11th February 2011
Cancerkin’s news…
Hyde Park Walk 2011 on Sunday 19th June
Yes, it’s that time of year again! Preparations are already underway for Cancerkin’s annual sponsored Hyde Park Walk with this year’s event to take place on Sunday 19th June 2011. We hope to make 2011 the biggest and most successful walk yet, so now is the time tell your families, friends, colleagues and schoolmates to put the date in their diaries – we look forward to getting as many of Cancerkin’s fantastic supporters involved as possible!
The walk is a great fun event for people of all ages and fitness. And it is special too, for as always all walkers are invited to walk in honour or in memory of a loved one if they choose. This year we hope to see whole families – babies in buggies and grandparents included – as well as teams of friends, workmates and community group members, walking, jogging or running round the Serpentine. As you may have noticed, Hyde Park Walk 2011 will fall on Father’s Day this year, so we hope to see plenty of dads walking too!
More details will be sent out soon but in the meantime please feel free to contact Laura if you have any questions or ideas. You can email l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 020 7830 2323.
Kundalini Yoga & Nia Technique
Following her introductory course in December, we are thrilled to announce the return of Beverley Drumm who will be holding Yoga and Nia dance therapy classes on Wednesday afternoons. Classes in Kundalini yoga, a powerful practice where your body is gently stretched and toned, inducing deep relaxation and including postures and meditations specifically for women will take place from 1pm to 2.15pm. Classes in The Nia Technique, an expressive, dance-based movement form that is an exhilarating treat for body, mind and soul, will follow at 2.30pm to 3.30pm. Sessions will begin on 23rd February 2011. Absolutely no experience is necessary and everybody is warmly welcome. To reserve your place, please email Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 020 7830 2323.
Find us on Facebook and Twitter…
If you are already a fan of online social networking sites or you are taking your first steps into the world of Facebook and Twitter, why not head to Cancerkin’s online pages? If you would like to view pictures, read regular news updates and find information about upcoming events, you can ‘like’ our Facebook page here. To receive our regular ‘tweets’, you can follow us on twitter here.
In the news…
Breast cancer risk explained…
Cancer Research UK released new figures last week revealing an increase in the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for women in the UK – one in eight women will now have the disease at some point during their life. Press coverage of the newly published figures often focused on changing lifestyles as an explanation for increase in risk – for example unhealthy diet, increased alcohol intake and a propensity to have fewer children later in life – and has suggested women could do more to decrease their personal risk, causing some controversy and offence amongst those who have already been diagnosed with the disease. In response to the figures, an interesting article has been published in The Guardian this week which takes a pragmatic look at the contributing factors to breast cancer risk. Drawing on comments made by Jackie Harris, a clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, it explains the impact of the three key factors – age, gender and family history – in relation to other contributing factors.
As the article explains, a main factor in breast cancer risk is gender: we know that men can have breast cancer but the disease is clearly predominant in women. Age is a second key determining factor. Cancer is most common in older people and breast cancer in young women is certainly ‘the exception, not the norm.’ The risk at age 29 is one in 2000, one in 215 at 39 and one in 50 at 49 – the figure one in 8 is the overall ‘lifetime risk’ for a woman who has reached 70.This is why screening does not begin until the age of 50. Thirdly, having a significant family history of breast cancer is an important factor. Carriers of the BRAC 1 and 2 genes may have a significantly higher risk of developing the disease. Those who do not carry the gene but do have a family history of breast cancer may also run an increased risk, depending on the age at which family members were diagnosed and whether they were paternal or maternal relatives.
What the article emphasises is that the three main risk factors described above have nothing to do with lifestyle. In terms of lifestyle choices, research shows that drinking alcohol regularly, carrying weight after the menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can all increase risk. It also shows that exercise to keep weight down can cut risk, as can having children, having them early and breastfeeding them. A healthy diet is also advised, although no specific foods are proven to affect breast cancer risk. As Ms Harris points out, leading a healthy lifestyle is a positive step but it is no guarantee against breast cancer. Many women have often lived healthily or had children young but have still developed breast cancer, a fact that explains feelings that press coverage last week was ‘very much blame-centred’. Ms Harris advises women to lead a healthier lifestyle if they want to, but not at the expense of quality of life. Individual risk is complex and difficult to estimate so we are unable to know how much healthy or unhealthy living and certain lifestyle choices impact upon it.
To read this article in full, please click here.
Laura Smith 11th February 2011
Friday 4 February 2011
On the pulse
In the news…
Breast cancer risk rises to 1 in 8…
Figures published today by Cancer Research UK show that the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer in the UK has risen from 1 woman in 9 to 1 in 8 over the last decade. Breast cancer rates have increased by 3.5 percent in 10 years with 47,700 women diagnosed in 2008 compared with 42,400 in 1999. In the same period, the biggest increase in diagnosis rates was among women aged 50 to 69 with a rise in cases of 6 percent. Around half of all cases diagnosed were in women within this age category, around 33 percent were in women over 70 and around 19 percent aged 25 to 49. However, survival rates have also risen with two in every three women with breast cancer surviving beyond 20 years and three quarters surviving at least 10 years.
In its article, Cancer Research UK reiterated the commonly known factors that can affect breast cancer risk: lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol intake and smoking; a woman’s family history of the disease; the number of children a woman has at what stage in her life she has them; the long term use of hormone replacement therapy. In light of the results, Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of health information, said: “Women cannot change their genes but small changes in everyday habits can help to reduce cancer risk. Cutting back on alcohol by keeping within government recommended limits of no more than 14 units a week (a small drink a day) helps. Taking more exercise and eating a diet high in fibre but low in saturated fat can help maintain a healthy weight – which in turn reduces breast cancer risk.”
To read more, please click here.
Cancer care debate…
Last week The Guardian printed the fascinating results of a recent roundtable of cancer experts, including Cancerkin’s upcoming guest speaker Professor Sir Mike Richards CBE. Discussion surrounded the coalition government’s plans to restructure the NHS and the implications for its new cancer strategy aimed to improve cancer survival rates in the UK.
In line with the NHS reforms, the government plans to replace current primary care trusts (PCTs) with local GP consortiums. The discussion group therefore asked whether a restructuring of the NHS would provide the catalyst to improve cancer care or would actually serve to undo the significant progress made by the NHS in terms of survival rates in recent years. The central issue agreed by the group was that cancer is not being diagnosed quickly enough, making effective treatment more difficult. To rectify this and therefore improve survival rates, patients need to see their GPs more quickly, GPs should more readily refer any patient they have concerns about to a specialist and should be trained to use portable ultrasound. This would require changes in current medical practice, which many felt will be addressed by the introduction of GP consortiums.
On one hand, consortiums were said to be closer to patients than PCTs and to have intimate knowledge of the workings of hospital services, and so it was suggested they were well placed to impact upon cancer survival rates, particularly to improve one-year survival rates – a key performance measure of the government’s cancer strategy. On the other hand, there were fears that breaking up PCTs would lead to a lack of co-ordination and integration of services. Particular concerns were expressed over the future of the UK’s 28 cancer networks and clinical nurse specialists as a result of the changes, considered by the group as ‘the linchpins of a successful cancer strategy’.
The issue of funding and staffing was of course at the forefront of discussion, with the question asked: can the NHS afford the associated costs of restructuring when it is currently making such drastic cuts? It was argued that forming a more efficient system would actually save money, with more streamlined services such as a two-week limit for screening result, better information on where money is spent, on outcomes and patterns of referrals and on survival rates, and the speed at which such information is made available all allowing the NHS to cut costs.
The question of medication was also raised. As cancer drugs are becoming more sophisticated and a new generation of drugs will soon become available, patients will require more testing to establish which medication is right for them. Additional training and staff will increase costs and hospitals are expected to fight over which become testing centres. The creation of GP consortiums will also see the transfer of control over drugs and therapy funding from the centralised National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), possibly leading to a new form of postcode lottery. Here, it was stressed that despite a move towards localisation, a clear national vision of cancer care must be maintained.
To read the debate in full, please click here.
Cancerkin’s news…
Goodbye Henry!
Henry Ezenwa, Cancerkin’s finance and IT intern, will be leaving the Cancerkin team at the end of this week after joining us in October. He is going on to study for his accountancy qualifications but will be back supporting Cancerkin’s efforts in the future. We thank him for all his hard work and dedication and wish him the best of luck for his exams later in the year!
Spiritual healing at Cancerkin…
As we announced in January, Cancerkin is delighted to be offering a six week trial of one-to-one spiritual healing sessions with therapist Harry Luck, beginning this month. Spiritual Healing is a natural energy therapy. It complements conventional medicine by treating the person – mind, body and spirit. Spiritual Healers act as a conduit for healing energy, which relaxes the body, releases tensions, and stimulates self-healing. The benefits of healing can be felt on many levels, not just physical, and the effects can be profound.
Harry has been offering Spiritual Healing to the public for almost 15 years and is a full member of The National Federation of Spiritual Healers. He gave healing for 10 years to cancer patients at Chai Cancer Care and for the past year has been working with clients at home, many with cancer, and also visiting those who were or are housebound.
Sessions will be individual 45 minute appointments between 2pm and 5pm every Wednesday for six weeks from 16th February 2011. If you are interested in booking an appointment, please contact Habeeb at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk or 0207 830 2323.
Laura Smith 4th February 2011
In the news…
Breast cancer risk rises to 1 in 8…
Figures published today by Cancer Research UK show that the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer in the UK has risen from 1 woman in 9 to 1 in 8 over the last decade. Breast cancer rates have increased by 3.5 percent in 10 years with 47,700 women diagnosed in 2008 compared with 42,400 in 1999. In the same period, the biggest increase in diagnosis rates was among women aged 50 to 69 with a rise in cases of 6 percent. Around half of all cases diagnosed were in women within this age category, around 33 percent were in women over 70 and around 19 percent aged 25 to 49. However, survival rates have also risen with two in every three women with breast cancer surviving beyond 20 years and three quarters surviving at least 10 years.
In its article, Cancer Research UK reiterated the commonly known factors that can affect breast cancer risk: lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol intake and smoking; a woman’s family history of the disease; the number of children a woman has at what stage in her life she has them; the long term use of hormone replacement therapy. In light of the results, Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of health information, said: “Women cannot change their genes but small changes in everyday habits can help to reduce cancer risk. Cutting back on alcohol by keeping within government recommended limits of no more than 14 units a week (a small drink a day) helps. Taking more exercise and eating a diet high in fibre but low in saturated fat can help maintain a healthy weight – which in turn reduces breast cancer risk.”
To read more, please click here.
Cancer care debate…
Last week The Guardian printed the fascinating results of a recent roundtable of cancer experts, including Cancerkin’s upcoming guest speaker Professor Sir Mike Richards CBE. Discussion surrounded the coalition government’s plans to restructure the NHS and the implications for its new cancer strategy aimed to improve cancer survival rates in the UK.
In line with the NHS reforms, the government plans to replace current primary care trusts (PCTs) with local GP consortiums. The discussion group therefore asked whether a restructuring of the NHS would provide the catalyst to improve cancer care or would actually serve to undo the significant progress made by the NHS in terms of survival rates in recent years. The central issue agreed by the group was that cancer is not being diagnosed quickly enough, making effective treatment more difficult. To rectify this and therefore improve survival rates, patients need to see their GPs more quickly, GPs should more readily refer any patient they have concerns about to a specialist and should be trained to use portable ultrasound. This would require changes in current medical practice, which many felt will be addressed by the introduction of GP consortiums.
On one hand, consortiums were said to be closer to patients than PCTs and to have intimate knowledge of the workings of hospital services, and so it was suggested they were well placed to impact upon cancer survival rates, particularly to improve one-year survival rates – a key performance measure of the government’s cancer strategy. On the other hand, there were fears that breaking up PCTs would lead to a lack of co-ordination and integration of services. Particular concerns were expressed over the future of the UK’s 28 cancer networks and clinical nurse specialists as a result of the changes, considered by the group as ‘the linchpins of a successful cancer strategy’.
The issue of funding and staffing was of course at the forefront of discussion, with the question asked: can the NHS afford the associated costs of restructuring when it is currently making such drastic cuts? It was argued that forming a more efficient system would actually save money, with more streamlined services such as a two-week limit for screening result, better information on where money is spent, on outcomes and patterns of referrals and on survival rates, and the speed at which such information is made available all allowing the NHS to cut costs.
The question of medication was also raised. As cancer drugs are becoming more sophisticated and a new generation of drugs will soon become available, patients will require more testing to establish which medication is right for them. Additional training and staff will increase costs and hospitals are expected to fight over which become testing centres. The creation of GP consortiums will also see the transfer of control over drugs and therapy funding from the centralised National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), possibly leading to a new form of postcode lottery. Here, it was stressed that despite a move towards localisation, a clear national vision of cancer care must be maintained.
To read the debate in full, please click here.
Cancerkin’s news…
Goodbye Henry!
Henry Ezenwa, Cancerkin’s finance and IT intern, will be leaving the Cancerkin team at the end of this week after joining us in October. He is going on to study for his accountancy qualifications but will be back supporting Cancerkin’s efforts in the future. We thank him for all his hard work and dedication and wish him the best of luck for his exams later in the year!
Spiritual healing at Cancerkin…
As we announced in January, Cancerkin is delighted to be offering a six week trial of one-to-one spiritual healing sessions with therapist Harry Luck, beginning this month. Spiritual Healing is a natural energy therapy. It complements conventional medicine by treating the person – mind, body and spirit. Spiritual Healers act as a conduit for healing energy, which relaxes the body, releases tensions, and stimulates self-healing. The benefits of healing can be felt on many levels, not just physical, and the effects can be profound.
Harry has been offering Spiritual Healing to the public for almost 15 years and is a full member of The National Federation of Spiritual Healers. He gave healing for 10 years to cancer patients at Chai Cancer Care and for the past year has been working with clients at home, many with cancer, and also visiting those who were or are housebound.
Sessions will be individual 45 minute appointments between 2pm and 5pm every Wednesday for six weeks from 16th February 2011. If you are interested in booking an appointment, please contact Habeeb at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk or 0207 830 2323.
Laura Smith 4th February 2011
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