Etiket: meme kanseri

New Drug Enhertu Approved: A Game Changer for Breast Cancer Patients in England

Patients in England suffering from a specific form of incurable breast cancer can now breathe a sigh of relief as they gain access to the life-extend

Patients in England suffering from a specific form of incurable breast cancer can now breathe a sigh of relief as they gain access to the life-extending drug, Enhertu, through the NHS. This momentous change comes two years after the drug was initially deemed too costly by health authorities. With Enhertu, patients can expect to gain nearly seven additional months of life on average, and some even manage to survive for up to three years longer.

While women in Scotland have been able to access this vital drug since 2023, patients in England have had to wait. The drug is also available in 26 other European nations. Charities and patient advocates have been tirelessly campaigning for broader access since 2024 when the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded that Enhertu was not a good value for the money. However, from Thursday onwards, doctors in England are now empowered to prescribe it, and Wales is expected to follow suit soon.

The impact of this decision is significant, with around 1,000 women diagnosed with HER2-low breast cancer expected to benefit each year. Claire Rowney, the chief executive of the charity Breast Cancer Now, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Today we can finally say we did it.” But she also highlighted the bittersweet nature of the announcement, stressing that there are still many friends and loved ones who will not have the opportunity to benefit from this treatment in time.

Kate Wills, a 51-year-old mother who has HER2-low metastatic breast cancer, knows all too well about this emotional rollercoaster. The disease has spread to her bones and lungs, yet one would never guess she is terminally ill. With a demanding job and a family, her social media reflects a vibrant life, although the occasional medical appointment serves as a reminder of her struggle. “I really can’t believe it. I’m so relieved, I’m overjoyed,” she shares, her voice filled with emotion.

Kate’s children, teenagers and in their early 20s, have been her motivation to keep fighting. “I’ve been aiming to stay alive long enough for my youngest to finish school,” she says, her eyes glistening with tears of joy and sorrow. For her, this news is a double-edged sword; while she feels elated, she can’t help but think of those who were not able to access the drug in time. The thought of not being able to witness her children fall in love or get married has haunted her.

The approval of Enhertu has been a much-needed victory, but Kate and many others are also left feeling frustrated over the delays. “I’m thrilled but also angry at how long it’s taken and how rejected we felt,” she admits. These changes have come about in part due to persistent patient campaigns advocating for Enhertu and other similar drugs, which have undoubtedly shifted the balance in favor of access.

Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca, the manufacturers of Enhertu, have welcomed NICE’s decision but emphasize the need for strong collaboration throughout the healthcare system to ensure that patients can reap the benefits effectively. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, acknowledged the importance of a “commercial solution” but also lamented that this decision may have come too late for many families who have already suffered.

As Kate reflects on her journey, the painful thought of dying unnecessarily weighs heavily on her heart. The fight for access to essential medications continues, and many are left wondering how many more lives could have been saved if these treatments had been available sooner.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Study Reveals Breast Cancer Checks Missing 95% of Women Under 50 at Risk

The NHS criteria for screening women under 50 years for breast cancer are alarmingly narrow, resulting in up to 95% of those at higher risk being ove

The NHS criteria for screening women under 50 years for breast cancer are alarmingly narrow, resulting in up to 95% of those at higher risk being overlooked, researchers have warned. The current guidelines, set by the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), primarily focus on inherited genes, ignoring key lifestyle factors that could also play a significant role. While older women are routinely offered mammograms, those under 50 receive no breast screening unless they have a strong family history of the disease.

A new risk assessment tool has shed light on this issue, identifying eight times as many women in the under-50 age group who developed breast cancer compared to what was previously recognized. The guidance from NICE suggests that GPs should inquire about family history if a woman expresses concern about her risk. However, this recommendation often only applies to women over 35 using oral contraceptives or considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

It’s shocking to note that about one in seven women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, yet only 5-10% of cases are linked to inherited genes. Lifestyle choices, like alcohol consumption and obesity, have been linked to a significantly higher risk, with hormones contributing to a slight increase as well. Just take the case of Natasha Finch, who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer at the tender age of 23, despite having no known risk factors. Her experience has turned her into a powerful advocate for breast cancer awareness, urging young women to pay attention to any symptoms they notice. “I’m so glad I went when I did — because if I hadn’t, who knows?” she reflects on her journey.

Breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women under 50 in the UK, with 96% of cases occurring in women over 40 and 25% in those over 75. It’s important to note that men can also develop breast cancer, with around 420 new cases reported each year in the UK. The message is clear: awareness and timely action are crucial.

Natasha’s story is just one among many that highlight the flaws in the current screening process. Changes to the system must be accessible and equitable for all women, taking into account the anxiety that additional referrals might cause. While the screening program aims to balance early cancer detection with the risk of overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment, the underlying goal is to remain cost-effective without compromising on health outcomes.

All women are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with what is normal for their bodies and to consult a doctor if they notice any changes. The conversation around breast cancer screening needs to evolve, and the voices of those affected are essential in driving that change. Are you or someone you know impacted by these issues?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber