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
Monday, 21 September 2009
ON THE PULSE… for people affected by breast cancer
Cancerkin’s news Update….
EXERCISE CLASSES
Please remember that we run the following weekly exercise classes:
Alexander Technique; Pilates (twice a week); Tai Chi (twice a week); Yoga
The classes are a good opportunity for a gentle work out and to meet old and new friends in a welcoming environment.
All are welcome at these classes, but it is helpful if you can let us know in advance if you plan to be there.
Remember that all classes are free of charge.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
In the news…
NEW DRUG TO TREAT UP TO A THIRD OF CANCERS
PARP inhibitors have already shown promise in dealing with some breast and ovarian cancers, which are strongly linked to BRCA gene mutations; but according to a recent study[1], there is a possibility that they could be used to treat several other cancers too.
Cells with faulty PTEN genes have been found to be 25 times more sensitive to the inhibitors than cells with normal PTEN. Faults in the PTEN gene account for 30-80% of breast, prostate, melanoma, womb and colon cancers.
Dr Chris Lord, lead researcher at Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: ‘This new class of drugs could potentially make a big difference for many thousands of cancer patients, including some with very limited treatment options’.
Professor Alan Ashworth, director of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research said:‘These results are exciting because they show that PARP inhibitors are potentially a powerful targeted treatment with few side effects which may help a broad range of cancer patients.’
See the following for further information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8256494.stm
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2639319/Wonder-drug-is-hailed-as-a-cancer-buster.html
16th September 2009
[1] The study appears in the EMBO Molecular Medicine journal.
EXERCISE CLASSES
Please remember that we run the following weekly exercise classes:
Alexander Technique; Pilates (twice a week); Tai Chi (twice a week); Yoga
The classes are a good opportunity for a gentle work out and to meet old and new friends in a welcoming environment.
All are welcome at these classes, but it is helpful if you can let us know in advance if you plan to be there.
Remember that all classes are free of charge.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
In the news…
NEW DRUG TO TREAT UP TO A THIRD OF CANCERS
PARP inhibitors have already shown promise in dealing with some breast and ovarian cancers, which are strongly linked to BRCA gene mutations; but according to a recent study[1], there is a possibility that they could be used to treat several other cancers too.
Cells with faulty PTEN genes have been found to be 25 times more sensitive to the inhibitors than cells with normal PTEN. Faults in the PTEN gene account for 30-80% of breast, prostate, melanoma, womb and colon cancers.
Dr Chris Lord, lead researcher at Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: ‘This new class of drugs could potentially make a big difference for many thousands of cancer patients, including some with very limited treatment options’.
Professor Alan Ashworth, director of Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research said:‘These results are exciting because they show that PARP inhibitors are potentially a powerful targeted treatment with few side effects which may help a broad range of cancer patients.’
See the following for further information:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8256494.stm
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2639319/Wonder-drug-is-hailed-as-a-cancer-buster.html
16th September 2009
[1] The study appears in the EMBO Molecular Medicine journal.
Monday, 7 September 2009
MANY THOUSANDS A YEAR COULD BE SAVED BY EXERCISE AND DIET…
…so says the latest study by the World Cancer Relief Fund (WCRF) in an update of their cancer prevention report in 2007, which looked at many different types of the disease.
The study says that up to 4 in 10 cases could be avoided (up to 18,000 per annum) if women in this country were more active, drank less and kept a healthy weight.
This report was picked up by a number of newspapers including the Daily Mail[1] and the Guardian[2].
Professor Martin Wiseman, medical and scientific adviser for the WCRF said the report:
“represents the clearest picture we have ever had” on how lifestyle affects the risk of breast cancer.
7th September 2009
[1] www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1210331
[2] www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/sep/01/breast-cancer-report-diet-health
The study says that up to 4 in 10 cases could be avoided (up to 18,000 per annum) if women in this country were more active, drank less and kept a healthy weight.
This report was picked up by a number of newspapers including the Daily Mail[1] and the Guardian[2].
Professor Martin Wiseman, medical and scientific adviser for the WCRF said the report:
“represents the clearest picture we have ever had” on how lifestyle affects the risk of breast cancer.
7th September 2009
[1] www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1210331
[2] www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2009/sep/01/breast-cancer-report-diet-health
LOW TAKE UP RATE FOR FREE PRESCRIPTIONS
Since 1st April 2009, cancer patients in England have been entitled to free prescriptions, but it seems that only a minority are taking advantage of this, with approximately 90,000 of an estimated 150,000 people with cancer in England still paying for their prescriptions (£7.20 each).
To get the exemption from charges, patients must complete a form which they can get from their GP or cancer specialist and which needs to be signed by the GP or specialist. The form is then sent to the NHS Business Services Authority and the patient is given a five year exemption certificate, in the form of a credit card sized document, which you can carry in your wallet.
The scheme is available to people undergoing treatment for cancer or for the effects of cancer treatment.
Martin Ledwick, head of Cancer Research UK's information nurses, said:
“It's disappointing if cancer patients are missing out on the free prescriptions they're now entitled to have. These prescriptions will help tens of thousands of people struggling with the heavy cost of having cancer.”
For more information see: www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8227371.stm
7th September 2009
To get the exemption from charges, patients must complete a form which they can get from their GP or cancer specialist and which needs to be signed by the GP or specialist. The form is then sent to the NHS Business Services Authority and the patient is given a five year exemption certificate, in the form of a credit card sized document, which you can carry in your wallet.
The scheme is available to people undergoing treatment for cancer or for the effects of cancer treatment.
Martin Ledwick, head of Cancer Research UK's information nurses, said:
“It's disappointing if cancer patients are missing out on the free prescriptions they're now entitled to have. These prescriptions will help tens of thousands of people struggling with the heavy cost of having cancer.”
For more information see: www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8227371.stm
7th September 2009
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
A STORY OF TWO MOTHERS
Here are links to two stories in the news this week concerning mothers and breast cancer.
The first was reported in The Daily Telegraph and is an extract from Sarah Gabriel’s book Eating Pomegranates: A Memoir of Mothers, Daughters and Genes. The author lost her own mother to breast cancer and the book deals with how she tries to tell her own young daughters about her diagnosis.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/6016056/How-do-I-tell-my-children-Ive-got-cancer.html
The second story was reported in the Daily Mail and concerns Rebekah Gibbs, actress, who stars in BBC1’s Casualty. She was diagnosed with HER2 breast cancer at 36, just 9 weeks after giving birth to her first child, although she had found a lump part way through the pregnancy. She is taking part in a trial of the drug Lapatinib[1] (which can be taken in pill form), to see if it can be used as an alternative to Herceptin[2] (which is taken intravenously) in reducing the recurrence of cancer. At the moment, Lapatinib is used to treat secondary breast cancers that are not responding to other treatment.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1207194/Why-Casualty-star-Rebekah-Gibbs-trying-new-potentially-dangerous-breast-cancer-drug.html
19th August 2009
[1] http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.800
[2] http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.397
The first was reported in The Daily Telegraph and is an extract from Sarah Gabriel’s book Eating Pomegranates: A Memoir of Mothers, Daughters and Genes. The author lost her own mother to breast cancer and the book deals with how she tries to tell her own young daughters about her diagnosis.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/6016056/How-do-I-tell-my-children-Ive-got-cancer.html
The second story was reported in the Daily Mail and concerns Rebekah Gibbs, actress, who stars in BBC1’s Casualty. She was diagnosed with HER2 breast cancer at 36, just 9 weeks after giving birth to her first child, although she had found a lump part way through the pregnancy. She is taking part in a trial of the drug Lapatinib[1] (which can be taken in pill form), to see if it can be used as an alternative to Herceptin[2] (which is taken intravenously) in reducing the recurrence of cancer. At the moment, Lapatinib is used to treat secondary breast cancers that are not responding to other treatment.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1207194/Why-Casualty-star-Rebekah-Gibbs-trying-new-potentially-dangerous-breast-cancer-drug.html
19th August 2009
[1] http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.800
[2] http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.397
Monday, 17 August 2009
DEADLY STING OF NANOBEES
There has been much reporting in the press this week of new trials using ‘nanobees’ that effectively sting cancerous tumours to death. The poisonous chemical in a bee sting, melittin, is attached to ‘nanoparticles’ (tiny molecules) which are in turn injected into the patient. The melittin attacks cancerous cells, but leaves healthy cells alone. So, one of the potential advantages of this form of treatment over chemotherapy is that it is more targeted, meaning doses could be lower with far fewer side effects. Tests on groups of mice with cancerous breast tumours showed that after 4-5 injections of melittin-carrying nanobees over several days, the growth of these tumours was slowed by nearly 25%. The team working on these studies plan to start human trials next year.
The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation on 10th August 2009.
Read more about these trials at:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6790927.ece
and
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174226.htm
12th July 2009
The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation on 10th August 2009.
Read more about these trials at:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article6790927.ece
and
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810174226.htm
12th July 2009
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
Only 3% aware of link between weight and cancer…
This is according to a survey by Cancer Research UK, the results of which were released on 4th August 2009. Each year, they survey a sample of the population to find out what they know about cancer risk factors and symptoms.
This year, 3,947 people were asked ‘What are the main changes people can make to their lifestyles to reduce the risk of cancer? ’Participants were not given any hints as to what these might be, but named the following:
Smoking – 66%
Food and diet – 59%
Exercise – 29%
Alcohol – 22%
Sun and skincare – 11%
Bodyweight – 3%
Don’t know/nothing – 7%
Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK said:
“We have estimated that more than 13,000 cases of cancer could be prevented each year if everyone maintained a healthy weight.”
“While many people associate weight with being healthy in general, this survey shows that most people don’t link it directly with their risk of cancer, or don’t know how much it can reduce their risk.”
“Leading a healthy life with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise does not guarantee that a person won’t get cancer but these healthy habits can help to cut the odds."
Being overweight is seen to be a risk factor as the fat tissues in overweight people produce more hormones and other growth factors than those in people of a healthy weight. High levels of some of these hormones can increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer in women after the menopause.[1]
5th August 2009
[1] Source: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/obesityandweight/
This year, 3,947 people were asked ‘What are the main changes people can make to their lifestyles to reduce the risk of cancer? ’Participants were not given any hints as to what these might be, but named the following:
Smoking – 66%
Food and diet – 59%
Exercise – 29%
Alcohol – 22%
Sun and skincare – 11%
Bodyweight – 3%
Don’t know/nothing – 7%
Sara Hiom, director of health information at Cancer Research UK said:
“We have estimated that more than 13,000 cases of cancer could be prevented each year if everyone maintained a healthy weight.”
“While many people associate weight with being healthy in general, this survey shows that most people don’t link it directly with their risk of cancer, or don’t know how much it can reduce their risk.”
“Leading a healthy life with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise does not guarantee that a person won’t get cancer but these healthy habits can help to cut the odds."
Being overweight is seen to be a risk factor as the fat tissues in overweight people produce more hormones and other growth factors than those in people of a healthy weight. High levels of some of these hormones can increase the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer in women after the menopause.[1]
5th August 2009
[1] Source: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/obesityandweight/
Spotlight on Cancer
In August, the Community Channel [1] is running The C Word, a month long season of programmes highlighting the need to spot cancer early to get the best chance of successful treatment and also the work of the organisations in this field.
A new series of films called Spotting Cancer Early are being premiered on the Channel during this season. They are covering lung, bowel, mouth and breast cancer.
There are two other programmes specifically relating to breast cancer - one on how to spot the symptoms of breast cancer in a new film called Being Breast Aware and another on how to get back to health after breast cancer, where women share experiences of how diet and exercise have improved their wellbeing called Eating Well, Being Active. There are a number of other films and programmes relating to other cancers.
On their website, they are featuring personal stories of those affected by cancer.
For more information see their website at www.communitychannel.org/cword
Cancer Research UK are also campaigning for the early detection of cancer and have information on their website at www.spotcancerearly.com
5th August 2009
[1] Sky 539: Virgin TV 233: Freeview 87 (6-9am)
A new series of films called Spotting Cancer Early are being premiered on the Channel during this season. They are covering lung, bowel, mouth and breast cancer.
There are two other programmes specifically relating to breast cancer - one on how to spot the symptoms of breast cancer in a new film called Being Breast Aware and another on how to get back to health after breast cancer, where women share experiences of how diet and exercise have improved their wellbeing called Eating Well, Being Active. There are a number of other films and programmes relating to other cancers.
On their website, they are featuring personal stories of those affected by cancer.
For more information see their website at www.communitychannel.org/cword
Cancer Research UK are also campaigning for the early detection of cancer and have information on their website at www.spotcancerearly.com
5th August 2009
[1] Sky 539: Virgin TV 233: Freeview 87 (6-9am)
Report reveals that Britain is spending less on latest generation of cancer drugs
On 26th July, the Daily Express (www.express.co.uk/posts/views/116468) referred to a new report showing that Britain is spending less than other major European countries on the latest generation of cancer drugs. Dr Graeme Poston, director of surgery at University Hospital in Aintree and leading cancer specialist has collated the figures which show that the NHS bill for cancer treatments works out at 60p per head of population. This compares to Italy who spend £2.94, Germany - £3.63, Spain - £4.58 and France £7.35.
Dr Poston said: “There’s a limit to what surgery can do. We need modern drugs to help survival rates and in many cases, people are unable to get them.”
Dr Poston said: “There’s a limit to what surgery can do. We need modern drugs to help survival rates and in many cases, people are unable to get them.”
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