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
Friday, 28 January 2011
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s news…
Introducing Indian head massage and No Hands Massage Therapy…
We are pleased to announce that Cancerkin will be offering a six week trial of ‘Indian Head Massage’ and ‘No Hands Massage therapy’ with Karen Bernard. Karen has been a massage therapist for 7 years, after she was given massage during a period of ill health to alleviate symptoms. She is completely passionate about massage, and loves seeing the positive response she gets from her clients.
‘Indian Head Massage’ is done fully clothed in either seated or laying position on a massage couch. The treatment consists of massage to the head, neck, face and shoulders and is extremely relaxing. Each session will last 20 minutes.
‘No Hands Massage Therapy’ can be deep, relaxing, rejuvenating and nourishing. The therapist does not use her hands but instead uses the soft surfaces of her forearms. This means it is both deeper and more relaxing than conventional massage and for this reason it has been called the Gentle Giant of Massage. Each session will last 30 minutes.
Appointments will take place on Mondays between 11am and 3pm, from 21st February 2011. If you are interested in booking an appointment, please contact Henry on h.ezenwa@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.
Inaugural Cancerkin Annual Lecture in February…
As you may already know, Cancerkin has the honour of welcoming Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for Cancer at the Department of Health and UK cancer Tsar, to speak at our inaugural annual lecture in the Atrium at the Royal Free on 28th February 2011. He will be giving a talk entitled ‘tackling breast cancer in England: progress and challenges,’ beginning at 5.30pm.
Appointed in October 1999, Prof Sir Richards led the development of the NHS Cancer Plan in 2000, the first comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer in England and since then has been responsible for overseeing its implementation. During 2007 he led the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy. He is also leading the development of the End of Life Care Strategy, due for publication in summer 2008.
If you are interested in attending the lecture, please contact Laura Smith at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323 to reserve a place.
Comedy with a Cause…
This February 21st, the Jewish Community Centre for London will be holding a charity comedy evening at London’s famous Comedy Store in association with Cancerkin. Ivor Baddiel and Tracy-Ann Oberman will host the ‘Comedy with a Cause’ evening and will be introducing some of the UK’s leading stand-up comedians including Comedy Store regulars Josh Howie, Bennett Arron, Adam Bloom and Mark Maier as well as the hilarious Helen Lederer.
There will be a raffle on the night, as well as a display and auction of spectacular customised bras by a host of celebrities. More than 40 big names have decorated plain white bras donated by Triumph for the online charity auction. Contributors to the auction include Kelly Brook, Rachel Stevens and Isla Fisher to name but a few. Their creations will be auctioned online from February 1st to 27th at www.jccbigbraauction.org.uk.
All proceeds from the comedy evening and the auction will be split between Cancerkin and the JCC for London. If you would like to know more about the event or would like to reserve tickets, please click here.
In the news…
Global cancer rates compared…
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has this week published its analysis of World Health Organisation (WHO) data that ranks cancer rates across the world. The analysis reveals that in the overall ranking of cancer rates in both sexes the UK is placed at 22nd. Also revealed however is a considerable difference in ranking between UK male and female cancer rates. In terms of male cancer rates, the WCRF ranks the UK at 33rd, whilst for cancer rates in women it is ranked 12th. UK breast cancer rates are placed high in the global ranking at 11th.
The research finds that cancer rates are generally higher in high-income countries such as the UK. This tendency is attributed to elevated rates of obesity and drinking and lower levels of exercise in more affluent countries, with many cancers, for example breast cancer, being linked to such lifestyle factors. Martin Wiseman, WCRF’s medical and scientific adviser, said of this trend: "Lifestyle changes can make a real difference to people's risk. Scientists estimate that about a third of the most common cancers in the UK and other high-income countries could be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, being more physically active and eating more healthily. Of course, not smoking will have an important effect beyond that, as will having sunburn."
Whilst female cancer rates are recognised as high, the overall UK’s ranking at 22nd has been described as relatively low by the government’s cancer advisor, Professor Sir Mike Richards. He attributes this overall ranking to Britain’s early handling of the ‘tobacco epidemic’ in comparison with other countries. Of the difference in ranking in male and female cancer rates, Prof Richards said: “I am encouraged by what I see for men. For women [the rate] is still too high but I am confident our picture will improve for both. As smoking rates come down, things like alcohol and obesity are highly important.”
To read more about the results, click here for The Guardian’s report and here for The Independent’s.
Laura Smith 28th January 2011
Cancerkin’s news…
Introducing Indian head massage and No Hands Massage Therapy…
We are pleased to announce that Cancerkin will be offering a six week trial of ‘Indian Head Massage’ and ‘No Hands Massage therapy’ with Karen Bernard. Karen has been a massage therapist for 7 years, after she was given massage during a period of ill health to alleviate symptoms. She is completely passionate about massage, and loves seeing the positive response she gets from her clients.
‘Indian Head Massage’ is done fully clothed in either seated or laying position on a massage couch. The treatment consists of massage to the head, neck, face and shoulders and is extremely relaxing. Each session will last 20 minutes.
‘No Hands Massage Therapy’ can be deep, relaxing, rejuvenating and nourishing. The therapist does not use her hands but instead uses the soft surfaces of her forearms. This means it is both deeper and more relaxing than conventional massage and for this reason it has been called the Gentle Giant of Massage. Each session will last 30 minutes.
Appointments will take place on Mondays between 11am and 3pm, from 21st February 2011. If you are interested in booking an appointment, please contact Henry on h.ezenwa@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323.
Inaugural Cancerkin Annual Lecture in February…
As you may already know, Cancerkin has the honour of welcoming Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for Cancer at the Department of Health and UK cancer Tsar, to speak at our inaugural annual lecture in the Atrium at the Royal Free on 28th February 2011. He will be giving a talk entitled ‘tackling breast cancer in England: progress and challenges,’ beginning at 5.30pm.
Appointed in October 1999, Prof Sir Richards led the development of the NHS Cancer Plan in 2000, the first comprehensive strategy to tackle cancer in England and since then has been responsible for overseeing its implementation. During 2007 he led the development of the Cancer Reform Strategy. He is also leading the development of the End of Life Care Strategy, due for publication in summer 2008.
If you are interested in attending the lecture, please contact Laura Smith at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 0207 830 2323 to reserve a place.
Comedy with a Cause…
This February 21st, the Jewish Community Centre for London will be holding a charity comedy evening at London’s famous Comedy Store in association with Cancerkin. Ivor Baddiel and Tracy-Ann Oberman will host the ‘Comedy with a Cause’ evening and will be introducing some of the UK’s leading stand-up comedians including Comedy Store regulars Josh Howie, Bennett Arron, Adam Bloom and Mark Maier as well as the hilarious Helen Lederer.
There will be a raffle on the night, as well as a display and auction of spectacular customised bras by a host of celebrities. More than 40 big names have decorated plain white bras donated by Triumph for the online charity auction. Contributors to the auction include Kelly Brook, Rachel Stevens and Isla Fisher to name but a few. Their creations will be auctioned online from February 1st to 27th at www.jccbigbraauction.org.uk.
All proceeds from the comedy evening and the auction will be split between Cancerkin and the JCC for London. If you would like to know more about the event or would like to reserve tickets, please click here.
In the news…
Global cancer rates compared…
The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) has this week published its analysis of World Health Organisation (WHO) data that ranks cancer rates across the world. The analysis reveals that in the overall ranking of cancer rates in both sexes the UK is placed at 22nd. Also revealed however is a considerable difference in ranking between UK male and female cancer rates. In terms of male cancer rates, the WCRF ranks the UK at 33rd, whilst for cancer rates in women it is ranked 12th. UK breast cancer rates are placed high in the global ranking at 11th.
The research finds that cancer rates are generally higher in high-income countries such as the UK. This tendency is attributed to elevated rates of obesity and drinking and lower levels of exercise in more affluent countries, with many cancers, for example breast cancer, being linked to such lifestyle factors. Martin Wiseman, WCRF’s medical and scientific adviser, said of this trend: "Lifestyle changes can make a real difference to people's risk. Scientists estimate that about a third of the most common cancers in the UK and other high-income countries could be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, being more physically active and eating more healthily. Of course, not smoking will have an important effect beyond that, as will having sunburn."
Whilst female cancer rates are recognised as high, the overall UK’s ranking at 22nd has been described as relatively low by the government’s cancer advisor, Professor Sir Mike Richards. He attributes this overall ranking to Britain’s early handling of the ‘tobacco epidemic’ in comparison with other countries. Of the difference in ranking in male and female cancer rates, Prof Richards said: “I am encouraged by what I see for men. For women [the rate] is still too high but I am confident our picture will improve for both. As smoking rates come down, things like alcohol and obesity are highly important.”
To read more about the results, click here for The Guardian’s report and here for The Independent’s.
Laura Smith 28th January 2011
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s News…
Spiritual healing at Cancerkin…
We are pleased to announce that, beginning next month, Cancerkin will be offering a six week trial of one-to-one spiritual healing sessions. 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.
Sessions will be individual 45 minute appointments from 2pm until 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.
Comedy with a cause…
This February 21st, the Jewish Community Centre for London will be holding a charity comedy evening at London’s famous Comedy Store in association with Cancerkin. Ivor Baddiel and Tracy-Ann Oberman will host the ‘Comedy with a Cause’ evening and will be introducing some of the UK’s leading stand-up comedians including Comedy Store regulars Josh Howie, Bennett Arron, Adam Bloom and Mark Maier as well as the hilarious Helen Lederer.
There will be a raffle on the night, as well as a display and auction of spectacular customised bras by a host of celebrities. More than 40 big names have decorated plain white bras donated by Triumph for the online charity auction. Contributors to the auction include Kelly Brook, Rachel Stevens and Isla Fisher to name but a few. Their creations will be auctioned online from February 1 to 27 at www.jccbigbraauction.org.uk.
All proceeds from the comedy evening and the auction will be split between Cancerkin and the JCC for London. If you would like to know more about the event or would like to reserve tickets, please click here.
In the news…
Can cancer be normal?
Last weekend The Guardian published a extract taken from a forthcoming book ‘The Emperor of all Maladies: A Biography of Cancer’ written by cancer physician and researcher Siddartha Murkerjee. Interestingly written from a doctor’s perspective, the extract tells the story of Carla Reed, a woman who overcomes a rare and particularly aggressive form of leukaemia. Murkerjee’s depiction of Carla’s story is interspersed with analysis of the causes, characteristics and treatment of cancer, which lead him to raising questions about how ‘normal’ the disease is.
As he describes in the course of the extract, cancer cells seem to use normal cell process to generate, grow and survive – they are, he states, ‘more perfect versions of ourselves.’ When distorted by cancer, the ability of a normal human cell to divide, reproduce and repair allows a cancer cell to do the same - only at a much faster rate. This uncontrollable cancer cell growth is unleashed by genes that are already present in normal cells and that are distorted by carcinogens or viruses. Some scientists have also suggested that cancer cells use the normal ‘immortal regeneration’ process of the body’s stem cells to multiply infinitely. In this way, Murkerjee suggests that, as ‘Cancer is inherently stitched into our genetic being’, it seems to be more normal than unnatural.
Murkerjee also suggests that cancer has become more ‘normal’ because we are living longer than ever before. While certain cancers such as lung, liver, or cervical cancer have identifiable causes and therefore clear preventative steps to reduce risk, the risk of developing others, like prostate or breast cancer, seems for the most part reliant on age. As cells age, more mistakes are made as genes are copied, leading to mutant genes triggering cancer growth. The general rise in life expectancy in the developed world has been paralleled by a rising incidences of cancer. In the US for example, one in two men and one in three women will have cancer during their lives. Murkerjee therefore questions how, in such a society, cancer can be thought of as abnormal.
In the past, after treatment by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy cancer was thought of as having only one of two outcomes – being cured or being incurable. As treatment has changed and attitudes have developed, binary outcomes seem no longer to apply. Murkerjee takes the example of a young woman with breast cancer who will undergo a mastectomy, then chemo and radiation over several months followed by further drugs and treatments. She might receive anti-oestrogen therapy over a number of years, mammography for decades after and genetic testing for her family, meaning her therapy could span 5 or 10 years, possibly more. He suggests that, over this length of time, ‘cancer will become the new “normal”’ in a person’s life.
To read more of this fascinating extract, please click here.
Cancerkin’s News…
Spiritual healing at Cancerkin…
We are pleased to announce that, beginning next month, Cancerkin will be offering a six week trial of one-to-one spiritual healing sessions. 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.
Sessions will be individual 45 minute appointments from 2pm until 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.
Comedy with a cause…
This February 21st, the Jewish Community Centre for London will be holding a charity comedy evening at London’s famous Comedy Store in association with Cancerkin. Ivor Baddiel and Tracy-Ann Oberman will host the ‘Comedy with a Cause’ evening and will be introducing some of the UK’s leading stand-up comedians including Comedy Store regulars Josh Howie, Bennett Arron, Adam Bloom and Mark Maier as well as the hilarious Helen Lederer.
There will be a raffle on the night, as well as a display and auction of spectacular customised bras by a host of celebrities. More than 40 big names have decorated plain white bras donated by Triumph for the online charity auction. Contributors to the auction include Kelly Brook, Rachel Stevens and Isla Fisher to name but a few. Their creations will be auctioned online from February 1 to 27 at www.jccbigbraauction.org.uk.
All proceeds from the comedy evening and the auction will be split between Cancerkin and the JCC for London. If you would like to know more about the event or would like to reserve tickets, please click here.
In the news…
Can cancer be normal?
Last weekend The Guardian published a extract taken from a forthcoming book ‘The Emperor of all Maladies: A Biography of Cancer’ written by cancer physician and researcher Siddartha Murkerjee. Interestingly written from a doctor’s perspective, the extract tells the story of Carla Reed, a woman who overcomes a rare and particularly aggressive form of leukaemia. Murkerjee’s depiction of Carla’s story is interspersed with analysis of the causes, characteristics and treatment of cancer, which lead him to raising questions about how ‘normal’ the disease is.
As he describes in the course of the extract, cancer cells seem to use normal cell process to generate, grow and survive – they are, he states, ‘more perfect versions of ourselves.’ When distorted by cancer, the ability of a normal human cell to divide, reproduce and repair allows a cancer cell to do the same - only at a much faster rate. This uncontrollable cancer cell growth is unleashed by genes that are already present in normal cells and that are distorted by carcinogens or viruses. Some scientists have also suggested that cancer cells use the normal ‘immortal regeneration’ process of the body’s stem cells to multiply infinitely. In this way, Murkerjee suggests that, as ‘Cancer is inherently stitched into our genetic being’, it seems to be more normal than unnatural.
Murkerjee also suggests that cancer has become more ‘normal’ because we are living longer than ever before. While certain cancers such as lung, liver, or cervical cancer have identifiable causes and therefore clear preventative steps to reduce risk, the risk of developing others, like prostate or breast cancer, seems for the most part reliant on age. As cells age, more mistakes are made as genes are copied, leading to mutant genes triggering cancer growth. The general rise in life expectancy in the developed world has been paralleled by a rising incidences of cancer. In the US for example, one in two men and one in three women will have cancer during their lives. Murkerjee therefore questions how, in such a society, cancer can be thought of as abnormal.
In the past, after treatment by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy cancer was thought of as having only one of two outcomes – being cured or being incurable. As treatment has changed and attitudes have developed, binary outcomes seem no longer to apply. Murkerjee takes the example of a young woman with breast cancer who will undergo a mastectomy, then chemo and radiation over several months followed by further drugs and treatments. She might receive anti-oestrogen therapy over a number of years, mammography for decades after and genetic testing for her family, meaning her therapy could span 5 or 10 years, possibly more. He suggests that, over this length of time, ‘cancer will become the new “normal”’ in a person’s life.
To read more of this fascinating extract, please click here.
Laura Smith 21st January 2011
Friday, 7 January 2011
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s News…
Welcome back…
Art Therapy Classes starting this January…
Milena Petrova will be conducting four introductory art workshops this January and February. The workshops aim to be a liberating experience for patients where they can discover the freedom to explore their creativity. The workshops will use a specific approach to painting on damp paper that allows colour to flow easily and combine into beautiful and spontaneous patterns. No previous art experience is necessary.
The workshops will be held on Tuesdays at 11am-12.45pm on 18th January, 1st February, 8th February and 15th February 2011. Please note that no workshop will take place on 25th January. If you would like to book a place at the workshops or require additional information, please contact our office manager, Habeeb, on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk.
In the news…
New research into cancer survival figures…
Over the Christmas period, the findings of an international study into cancer survival figures in different countries were published in the Lancet Medical Journal, which indicate that figures in the UK have improved but are still lower that in other countries. The research, carried out by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership, looked at numbers of one-year and five-year survivors of newly diagnosed cases of four major cancers – breast, ovarian, bowel and lung – in Australia, Canada, Sweden, the UK (excluding Scotland), Denmark and Norway.
Results revealed that, between 1995 and 2007 survival figures of these types of cancer in the UK had improved but remained lower than the Australian, Canadian and Swedish equivalents. For example, statistics for five-year bowel cancer survival between 2005 and 2007 revealed a survival rate of 66 percent in Australia compared to 54 percent in the UK. One-year lung cancer survival was 30 percent in the UK compared with 43 percent in Australia and 44 percent in Sweden. However, the study also shows that relative survival had improved in all four cancers in the UK between 1995 and 2007, and that one and five-year breast cancer survival rates had improved more in the UK and Denmark than in other countries. This suggests that the NHS Cancer Plan, introduced in England in 2000, Northern Ireland in 1996 and Wales in 2004, is having an impact on survival figures.
The study proposed late diagnosis and differences in treatment, as well as differences in public awareness of cancer, the stage of cancer at diagnosis and the occurrence of other serious illnesses at the time of diagnosis, as possible explanations for the differing results. As the study is only the first stage in the Partnership’s research, further stages will look deeper into theses explanations.
Sara Hiom, Cancer Research UK’s director of health information said of the study: "It's encouraging to see that survival for breast, bowel, lung and ovarian cancers has improved across the board and this study shows how far survival has improved for some of the most common cancers in the UK. But we still have work to do. Now we know how we currently compare to other countries, we must look at exactly why these differences in survival exist."
To read more and to watch a video about the study released by Cancer Research UK, please click here.
Blood test for cancer…?
Much discussion in the press this week has focused on details of a new blood testing technique that is able to identify cancer cells, currently being developed by the drugs firm Johnson & Johnson. The firm announced this week that, following preliminary research, the technology will be tested in larger-scale clinical trials. The test technology uses a small chip covered in 78,000 tiny ‘bristles’, each coated in different antibodies that are able to catch cancer cells from a sample of blood. The cells are stained, making them glow, allowing doctors to count and analyse them. If successful during trials, the technique could be useful for detecting cancer at an early stage and in a non-invasive manner, and could provide doctors with useful information concerning the molecular makeup of a cancer, allowing them to personalise treatment.
Amid the excitement surrounding the announcement, Cancer Research UK has been quick to highlight that the technique is still in its very early stages and is far from being made available for patient use. While development of the technique is expected to take 5 years and cost £19 million, it was emphasised in CRUK’s online science blog that before the test is made available to the public it must first be proved effective on a large scale and must be produced in a cost-effective manner. Dr Kat Arney, Cancer Research UK’s science information manager, said: "Diagnosing cancer early and selecting the right treatment is vital if we are to improve survival rates in the UK, and many labs around the world are working on techniques to help doctors do this. This test looks promising, but we need to see the results of large-scale clinical trials to prove how helpful and practical it would be for general use."
To read the blog in full, please click here, or to read The Express and The Independent’s take on the story please click here and here.
Laura Smith 7th January 2011
l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk
Friday, 24 December 2010
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s News…
Message from Victoria....
Dear Supporters and Friends
Wishing you all a scrumptious Festive Season and much joy in the New Year from us all (left to right Henry, Victoria, Habeeb, Asini and Laura). It has been another wonderful year with so much to thank you all for. I am so lucky to have the most dedicated, hard working staff, all of whom have a great sense of humour and the most supportive Trustees. A big thank you also to all of you who came through our doors to enjoy our services. Every one of you have had the most positive effect on us all and have inspired us to do more to make Cancerkin an even more inviting sanctuary in 2011. I look forward to returning in the New Year to work with you all and continue to grow Cancerkin.
With my very best wishes
Victoria
Art Classes
Cancerkin is pleased to welcome Milena Petrova who will be conducting 4 introductory art workshops in January next year. These workshops aim to be a liberating experience for patients where they can discover the freedom to explore their creativity. The workshops will be held on Tuesdays at 11am-12.45pm on 18th January, 25th January, 1st February and 8th February. No previous art experience is necessary.
If you would like to book a place at the workshops or require additional information, please contact our office manager, Habeeb on 020 7830 2323 or at h.ahmed@cancerkin.org.uk.
Finally, please note that the Cancerkin Centre is closed from Friday 24th December to Monday 3rd January inclusive.
In the news…
Radiotherapy effective for women with DCIS…
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. It occurs when cells in the ducts of the breast have become cancerous but do not spread to the surrounding breast tissue or to other parts of the body. The survival rate of this kind of breast cancer following treatment is high at around 98 percent but the risk of DCIS recurrence, development of an invasive breast cancer, or development of a new cancer in the other breast remains. A new study, known as the UK, Australia and New Zealand (UK/ANZ) DCIS trial, has found that the use of radiotherapy after surgery may significantly reduce the risk of developing invasive breast cancer for such women. The study furthermore found that tamoxifen after surgery may protect against the risk of breast cancer development in the other breast.
The study recruited 1,710 women between 1990 and 1998 and followed their progress over a long period of time. In terms of radiotherapy after surgery, the study’s most recent results found that the risk of new invasive breast cancer in the same breast fell by 70 percent, the risk of DCIS returning fell by 60 percent, but the risk of developing a new cancer in the opposite breast was unaltered. Meanwhile, tamoxifen did not affect the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the same breast as the original DCIS, but did reduce the risk of DCIS recurrence by 30 percent and the risk of a cancer developing in the other breast by 65 percent. However, it seemed that women who received treatment by tamoxifen in addition to radiotherapy did not gain further benefits.
Kate Law, Cancer Research UK's director of clinical research, said of the study’s latest findings: "These important trial results prove that a small but significant number of women may benefit from radiotherapy after surgery to reduce the risk of their DCIS coming back or developing into invasive cancer. Modern radiotherapy is a cornerstone of today's cancer treatment and in fact helps cure more people of the disease than cancer drugs.”
To read more about the study, please click here..
Victoria Todd & the Cancerkin Team
Friday, 17 December 2010
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s News…
Season’s greetings…
I have been working on our weekly editions of On the Pulse now for almost three months and would like to take this chance to thank you for the all the positive feedback I have so far received. It is encouraging to hear that so many of you enjoy reading our newsletter and your comments and suggestions are always gratefully received. If you would like to get in touch, you can contact me at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk. As I will be away next week, I will be leaving On the pulse in the trusted hands of the Cancerkin team until I return on 4th January. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Tombola extravaganza…
As you will know, we held our annual Christmas Tombola at the Royal Free last Friday. The event was a huge success and exceeded all expectations, as, with the help of Cancerkin’s fabulous team of volunteers, we were able to more than meet our target. Hundreds of patients and staff from around the hospital took part, along with many of Cancerkin’s supporter, with over 100 lucky winners taking home a prize.
We would like to say a big thank you to those who volunteered to help out on the stall and collected money – we could not have done it without you. A huge thank you also to all those who donated prizes to Cancerkin – without such generosity the event would not have been such a hit. Thank you all!
In the news…
New discovery in breast cancer genetics…
Of the 45,700 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, 30,000 will have hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Scientists at Cancer Research UK have recently made important developments in the understanding of this type of breast cancer, having identified a single gene, known as FOXA1, which controls the growth of breast cancer cells fuelled by the hormone oestrogen.
The research used a technique called ChIP-sequencing to reveal FOXA1 to be the gene that allows oestrogen receptors to interact with the DNA inside breast cancer cell. This in turn switches on the genes that stimulate unchecked cell growth. In breast cancer cells lacking the FOXA1, these genes were not activated.
The discovery of the FOXA1 gene may have important implications for women with ER positive breast cancer and who do not respond to the hormone treatment Tamoxifen. The drug is one of the most effective treatments for oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer and works by blocking the oestrogen receptors in some, but not all, breast cancer cells. Around a third of those who take the drug will not respond to it or will develop a resistance to it over time. Lead author Dr Jason Carroll said of the discovery: “this is exciting because it suggests that developing drugs to block FOXA1 could provide an effective treatment for women with ER positive breast cancers who have become resistant to standard hormone treatments, like tamoxifen.” Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “We know that some women with breast cancer stop responding to tamoxifen, making them more prone to relapsing. This important discovery could one day lead to new drugs that help improve the outcome for these patients.”
To read more about this fascinating research, please click here.
Laura Smith 17th December 2010
l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk
Cancerkin’s News…
Season’s greetings…
I have been working on our weekly editions of On the Pulse now for almost three months and would like to take this chance to thank you for the all the positive feedback I have so far received. It is encouraging to hear that so many of you enjoy reading our newsletter and your comments and suggestions are always gratefully received. If you would like to get in touch, you can contact me at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk. As I will be away next week, I will be leaving On the pulse in the trusted hands of the Cancerkin team until I return on 4th January. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!
Tombola extravaganza…
As you will know, we held our annual Christmas Tombola at the Royal Free last Friday. The event was a huge success and exceeded all expectations, as, with the help of Cancerkin’s fabulous team of volunteers, we were able to more than meet our target. Hundreds of patients and staff from around the hospital took part, along with many of Cancerkin’s supporter, with over 100 lucky winners taking home a prize.
We would like to say a big thank you to those who volunteered to help out on the stall and collected money – we could not have done it without you. A huge thank you also to all those who donated prizes to Cancerkin – without such generosity the event would not have been such a hit. Thank you all!
In the news…
New discovery in breast cancer genetics…
Of the 45,700 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, 30,000 will have hormone-sensitive breast cancers. Scientists at Cancer Research UK have recently made important developments in the understanding of this type of breast cancer, having identified a single gene, known as FOXA1, which controls the growth of breast cancer cells fuelled by the hormone oestrogen.
The research used a technique called ChIP-sequencing to reveal FOXA1 to be the gene that allows oestrogen receptors to interact with the DNA inside breast cancer cell. This in turn switches on the genes that stimulate unchecked cell growth. In breast cancer cells lacking the FOXA1, these genes were not activated.
The discovery of the FOXA1 gene may have important implications for women with ER positive breast cancer and who do not respond to the hormone treatment Tamoxifen. The drug is one of the most effective treatments for oestrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer and works by blocking the oestrogen receptors in some, but not all, breast cancer cells. Around a third of those who take the drug will not respond to it or will develop a resistance to it over time. Lead author Dr Jason Carroll said of the discovery: “this is exciting because it suggests that developing drugs to block FOXA1 could provide an effective treatment for women with ER positive breast cancers who have become resistant to standard hormone treatments, like tamoxifen.” Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “We know that some women with breast cancer stop responding to tamoxifen, making them more prone to relapsing. This important discovery could one day lead to new drugs that help improve the outcome for these patients.”
To read more about this fascinating research, please click here.
Laura Smith 17th December 2010
l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk
Thursday, 9 December 2010
On the pulse
Cancerkin’s News….
Christmas Tombola this Friday…
The final preparations for our Tombola are now being made ready for this Friday, 10th December. We have had a fantastic response to our appeal for volunteers and donations, with now over a hundred prizes to be won. These range from meals out and cinema tickets to cosmetics and Belgian chocolates. We will also be selling Cancerkin Christmas cards, make-up, books and more. We hope to see as many of you as possible at the stall, which will be open from 10am to 4pm by the Atrium at the Royal Free.
Yoga and Dance classes reminder …
All those who are interested in attending our final trial session of Kundalini yoga and Nia technique dance should note that the Yoga class will take place at 11am with Dance Therapy following at 12pm on Monday 13th December 2010.
Kundalini yoga is a powerful practice where your body is gently stretched and toned, inducing deep relaxation and including postures and meditations specifically for women. The Nia Technique is an expressive, dance-based movement form that is an exhilarating treat for body, mind and soul. Absolutely no experience is necessary and all those who have attended so far have very much enjoyed the classes. To reserve your place, please email Laura at l.smith@cancerkin.org.uk or call 020 7830 2323.
In the news…
Cancer, food, drink and smoking
For many years now, it has been a widely accepted notion that eating your ‘five-a-day’ fruit and veg will help ward off cancer. The idea of “cancer-fighting” fruit and vegetables has been developing since the 1970’s, when early studies into the food group yielded positive results. However, a review of research conducted over the past decade into the effects of eating increased amounts of fruit and vegetables has concluded that such a diet will have little impact on cancer risk. It is not eating more fruit and veg, but cutting down on alcohol and smoking that will really help to reduce overall risk, the review has concluded.
Professor Tim Key, of Cancer Research UK, reviewed evidence found by large, high-quality studies know as “cohort-studies,” involving more than a million people collectively. These studies ask a wide range of healthy individuals to record their diets over a long period of time and analyse which individuals go on to develop cancer, rather than examining the diet of those who already have cancer, as in much earlier “case-control studies”. Prof Key focused on four recent major studies into the impact of fruit and vegetables on overall risk, as well as reviewing evidence about mouth, throat, stomach, bowel, lung, prostate and breast cancer risk. Results pointed to little or no impact on the risk of developing these types of cancer. Prof Key also highlighted that, after smoking, the two biggest cancer risks were being overweight and drinking alcohol.
Although the review may change our opinions towards what were previously considered as “cancer-fighting” foods, it should not change our attitude towards eating fruit and veg. They do of course contain nutrients needed for good health, can help us to maintain a healthy weight and can play an important role in protecting against high blood pressure and coronary disease. What Prof. Key’s review emphasises is that healthy living – that is decreasing alcohol intake, not smoking and eating adequate amounts of fruit and vegetable as part of a balanced diet – is what is most important in the fight against cancer.
For more on this subject, please click here to read an article from The Guardian, and here to read Cancer Research UK’s science blog.
Drug developments for postmenopausal women…
A new trial into anastrozole, a drug given to postmenopausal women with hormone sensitive early breast cancer, has confirmed its long-term benefits for helping stop breast cancer reoccurrence or development of cancer in the other breast. Led by Professor Jack Cuzick of Cancer Research UK at Queen Mary, University of London, the study examined over 9,000 women in 21 countries, including the UK. Each woman took either anastrozole or tamoxifen as an adjuvant treatment after surgery, to help stop their cancer coming back. Both drugs were highly effective but over a ten year period, 80 percent of patients taking anastrozole remained free of cancer, compared with 76 percent taking tamoxifen.
Anastrozole belongs to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors. Earlier trials into the drugs revealed them to be the best treatment for preventing breast cancer recurrences in post-menopausal women and, in 2009 they replaced tamoxifen as the gold standard hormone treatment. Professor Cuzick said of the latest study’s results: “tamoxifen has been in use for at least 25 years and remains one of the most effective breast cancer treatments ever developed. But these results provide further support for using anastrozole as the first line treatment for postmenopausal women with hormone sensitive breast cancer, as it’s even more likely to stop the disease coming back and was better tolerated than tamoxifen.”
If you would like to read the article in full, please click here.
Laura Smith 9th December 2010
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