Etiket: kanser

Urgent Call for Bowel Cancer Screening in People Over 50

The NHS is making a strong plea for individuals in their 50s to take part in bowel cancer screening, highlighting a concerning drop in participation

The NHS is making a strong plea for individuals in their 50s to take part in bowel cancer screening, highlighting a concerning drop in participation rates. Free test kits are sent out every two years to people aged 50 to 74, and catching bowel cancer early can be a lifesaver. When that NHS kit shows up on your doormat, it’s time to take action. As NHS representative Don Johnson stated, “People have extremely busy lives,” which might explain why some are putting off this crucial test.

Each year, the NHS dispatches around 8.7 million of these faecal immunochemical test (FIT) kits, which first rolled out in a pilot program back in 2021. Since January of last year, these kits have reached everyone in the target age group. The numbers are alarming: more than 130 folks are diagnosed with bowel cancer daily in the UK, making it the fourth most common cancer, accounting for about 12% of all new cancer cases. Cancer Research UK is urging both the government and health services to address the barriers that prevent people from participating in these vital screenings.

Take the story of Joanne Vernon from Wigan, for example. At the age of 54, she returned her FIT kit and, following further tests, found out she had early-stage bowel cancer. Now at 56, she reflects on her experience, saying, “It was so easy to do and for me, it was life-changing.” Thankfully, her cancer was caught in time, allowing her to undergo surgery without needing chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Imagine thinking you just had a stomach bug when, in reality, it was something far more serious…

The NHS wants to get the word out: over-50s in England are encouraged to utilize these home-testing kits for bowel cancer. Survivors like Vernon are stepping forward to inspire others to take the NHS test seriously. Look, early detection is key, and with such an easy process, there’s really no excuse to delay.

So, what’s the hold-up? The NHS is calling for action, and it’s not just about sending kits; it’s about saving lives. The message is clear: when that envelope lands on your doormat, don’t hesitate.

Let’s keep the conversation going. What will it take to get more people involved in screening?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Revolutionary Cancer Service Set to Transform Treatment Across England

Last year, Laraine Chung, a 63-year-old carer from Peterborough, faced a life-altering situation when she discovered a tumor lurking behind her left

Last year, Laraine Chung, a 63-year-old carer from Peterborough, faced a life-altering situation when she discovered a tumor lurking behind her left eye. The tests conducted at the time didn’t reveal what kind of tumor it was, leaving her with the terrifying prospect of losing her eye through a complex surgery that could also potentially impact her brain and face. But, yahu, she had a lifeline that many others in her shoes currently do not—Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. This cutting-edge technology analyzed her DNA, pinpointing the type and cause of her tumor, which turned out to be a benign meningioma. This meant she could avoid the more extensive surgery that was initially feared. “Without the test, I would have needed much more complex surgery, and it would have taken even more time to recover,” Chung said, a grandmother of four who felt an immense wave of relief when the hospital called with the results. “Getting the genetic results made everything clear. It was a long, anxious wait for the results but it was a huge relief for me and my family when they rang to say they knew what it was and that I wouldn’t lose my eye.”

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. WGS is already available on the NHS for children with cancer up to the age of 25, and for adults with various cancers including advanced ovarian cancers, triple-negative breast cancers, some sarcomas, blood cancers, and even cancers of unknown origin. However, some patients have found themselves unable to access this lifesaving test due to logistical issues—like the transportation of samples to regional testing labs, including the one at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH). When a biopsy is taken, the genetic material degrades quickly, often within hours, unless it’s properly preserved. Freezing the sample can keep it intact, but not all clinical facilities have the capability to do that.

But wait, there’s more! A new technique has been pioneered at Addenbrooke’s Hospital that allows samples to be preserved in a stabilizing solution, enabling them to be transported at room temperature instead. This game-changing method is set to be launched across the East of England by the end of 2025, making it easier for patients at hospitals like Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn, Peterborough City Hospital, and Ipswich Hospital to access testing. Dr. Jeffrey Rubasingham, a consultant clinical oncologist who was among the first to use this new technique, called it a “game-changer for our patients and clinical practice.” He explained, “It removes the need for minus 80C sample freezing and specialized transport, and opens the door to cutting-edge trial therapies when standard treatment options have been exhausted.”

The process is now nationally accredited and is expected to spread to other regions across England soon. Dr. John Tadross, a consultant molecular pathologist at CUH, who was instrumental in this change, emphasized the importance of removing barriers to testing. “Whole genome sequencing can make a huge difference to a person’s cancer journey, and it’s vital that we remove barriers to testing so as many people as possible can benefit,” he said. His dedication and the collaborative efforts of his team were recognized last night when they received the Royal College of Pathologists Achievement Award 2026 for Sustainability in a ceremony in London—an accolade that highlights the environmental benefits of transporting samples without the need for freezing.

So, what’s next for this revolutionary service? As it rolls out, more and more patients could benefit from timely and effective cancer treatment. Bakalım, önümüzdeki günlerde bu nasıl bir etki yaratacak? Gelişmeleri takip ediyoruz…

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

New Ovarian Cancer Drug Mirvetuximab Offers Hope for Patients

A breakthrough drug for ovarian cancer that is kinder on the body and extends lives is now available on the NHS. This revolutionary treatment, known

A breakthrough drug for ovarian cancer that is kinder on the body and extends lives is now available on the NHS. This revolutionary treatment, known as mirvetuximab soravtansine, is often referred to as a “biological missile.” Why? Because it delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to the cancerous tissue, sparing the rest of the body from the harsh side effects usually associated with traditional chemotherapy. Imagine being able to visit family, enjoy a night out at the theatre, or simply live life to the fullest again—this is the promise that mirvetuximab brings to patients like Patricia Hill.

Patricia, a 64-year-old from north London, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2023 and endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy that left her feeling exhausted and ill. Fast forward to January this year, when she began treatment with mirvetuximab. The transformation she experienced was staggering. “The difference was like night and day,” she says, visibly moved. This new therapy has given her “a lot of my life back.” Now she’s able to enjoy outings to the West End, dine at her favorite restaurants, and even attend the Chelsea Flower Show. “It actually opens up a lot of possibilities,” she adds, beaming with hope.

The statistics are equally compelling. Up to 400 patients a year in England could benefit from mirvetuximab, marking the first new treatment for hard-to-treat ovarian cancer in two decades. In the UK, nearly 7,750 cases of ovarian cancer are reported annually. The treatment not only extends life—averaging 16.5 months compared to 12.8 months on traditional chemotherapy—but crucially enhances the quality of life. Patients can keep their hair, experience fewer side effects, and receive treatment via drip every three weeks rather than a weekly regimen.

Mirvetuximab works by targeting specific markers on cancer cells, known as folate receptor alpha. These markers allow the drug to home in on cancer cells, deliver a potent dose of chemotherapy exactly where it’s needed, and then release its toxic payload to destroy the cancer. It’s often described as a “Trojan horse” therapy, reminiscent of the Greek myth, because it cleverly disguises itself to reach its target.

Jenny Green, a 71-year-old from Hertfordshire, was part of the clinical trials that confirmed the drug’s effectiveness. Diagnosed in 2017, she reports, “I seem to have tolerated it very well, with hardly any side effects at all.” Her recent scan showed that her cancer nodules were shrinking, and her blood levels were returning to normal—encouraging news for anyone facing such a daunting diagnosis.

Dr. Rowan Miller, who spearheaded the clinical trials at UCLH, expressed her excitement about the drug’s approval by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). “Finally, there’s a drug that’s available that improves survival for this group of patients and in addition, patients find it easier to manage than standard chemotherapy,” she shared. This is a sentiment echoed by Professor Ruth Plummer, NHS national clinical lead for cancer drugs, who hailed it as the “most significant breakthrough” in treating these challenging ovarian cancers in over two decades.

The NHS has committed to funding this life-changing drug, and while Wales and Northern Ireland typically follow similar guidelines, Scotland has its own decision-making process. Victoria Clare, chief executive officer at Ovacome, a UK ovarian cancer support charity, expressed her delight, stating, “This decision has the potential to make a real difference to those who are able to access this treatment.”

Mirvetuximab soravtansine was developed by AbbVie, and its availability on the NHS marks a crucial moment for women battling platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and their families, who have long faced limited treatment options.

So, what’s next for patients and healthcare providers? Will this landmark treatment pave the way for even more advancements in cancer care? Only time will tell, but the hope it brings is undeniable…

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber