Billy Joel says he feels ‘good' after being diagnosed with brain condition
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Daily Mail
15 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
I suffered one extremely bizarre symptom before 'worst cancer diagnosis possible'
A 'fit and healthy' father received a devastating cancer diagnosis after a bizarre symptom triggered a trip to the doctors—a lasting smell of caramel. Stoke-on-Trent chip shop owner Costas Fantis, 57, knew something was wrong when once a month he kept smelling the scent of the sweet treat. After several tests and a biopsy, the dad-of-four was diagnosed with stage 4 IDH-wildtype glioblastoma—the most aggressive type of brain cancer—in April 2024. Costas' son, Antonio, 27, a quantity surveyor, from Stoke-on-Trent, said: 'All of our lives have just been flipped upside down. 'His sense of smell changed and he kept getting this strange sweet caramel smell. 'We didn't think much of it. We definitely didn't know it was a symptom of something so serious.' The unusual change of smell was also Consta's only symptom. Antonio said: 'It's really bizarre because symptoms wise he didn't have much at all. 'On the odd occasion he would have a caramel smell, a sweet smell. But it would happen very quickly, and once a month or so. 'From what we now know, they define them as mini seizures, they last seconds, nothing happens to you whilst you do it.' Costas initially suspected epilepsy, having dealt with it as a child. 'As a family we didn't really look into it much,' Antonio said. 'But we told him to have a scan and said it's probably going to be in relation to the epilepsy. 'We weren't really thinking anything of it at all as he was a really fit and healthy man.' But in April, the family were hit with the life changing diagnosis, Costas had stage four brain cancer. And it wasn't until a biopsy that the full extent of Costas' condition was revealed—the tumour was inoperable. 'We didn't really know how to take it,' Antonio added. 'We were worried, scared, nervous but then still trying to get to grips with the situation and what was going on because he had no symptoms. 'It just kind of proves that you can be a fit and healthy man yet still have something wrong with you.' Since the diagnosis, Costas, from Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, has completed NHS radiotherapy and chemotherapy - the only treatment currently available in the UK. The family are now fundraising for alternative treatments in Germany. Antonio said: 'The only things the NHS offer, which is the massive problem, and why we're doing the fundraising, is a course of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. 'In the last 20 years the treatments haven't changed for glioblastomas in the UK. 'So it's quite a scary thing to be diagnosed with, knowing that there's not much the NHS can do. 'Put it this way, they're telling us in the consultancy meetings not to cut back on anything and just enjoy your life, in the most harrowing way possible.' The disease strikes around 3,000 Britons and 12,000 Americans each year. The Wanted singer Tom Parker (pictured with his wife Kelsey Parker in October 2021) died in March 2022 following an 18-month battle with stage four glioblastoma. He said after his diagnosis that he was 'shocked' at the limited treatment options for GBM and 'massive improvements' were needed Average survival time for glioblastoma is between 12 and 18 months, according to the Brain Tumour Charity. Only 5 per cent of patients survive five years, it says. The disease killed the Labour politician Dame Tessa Jowell in 2018. In 2023 , The Wanted singer Tom Parker also died following an 18-month battle with stage four glioblastoma. He said after his diagnosis that he was 'shocked' at the limited treatment options for GBM and 'massive improvements' were needed. Diagnosed patients usually undergo surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible. This is followed by daily radiation and chemo drugs for around six weeks, after which the drugs are scaled back. Radiation can be then used to destroy additional tumour cells and treat those who are not well enough for surgery. But the cancer can double in size in just seven weeks. For comparison, the fastest-growing lung cancers take 14 weeks to double. Common symptoms include headaches that keep getting worse, nausea and vomiting, blurred or double vision, trouble speaking, altered sense of touch, and seizures.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
The 5 ‘pillars of ageing' doctors use to determine if you will live a long and healthy life – so how do you fare?
Follow top tips from the NHS to help you live longer TEST OF TIME The 5 'pillars of ageing' doctors use to determine if you will live a long and healthy life – so how do you fare? MANY of us want to live a long and healthy life - but how often do we think about the things we're doing now to help us get there? A five-part quiz created by experts may reveal how well you're ageing. Advertisement 3 Are you doing things right now to help you live longer? Credit: Getty Developed as part of the Take Five to Age Well project by The Open University and Age UK, the quiz asks a series of questions that may prompt you to take action. Many factors influence healthy ageing, some of which aren't in our control, while others are within our reach. Genetic factors cannot be controlled, but many affecting our physical, mental and social well-being can. Jitka Vseteckova, Senior Lecturer Health and Social Care at The Open University, and Lis Boulton, Visiting Research Fellow at the university, identified five key areas - known as the Five Pillars for Ageing Well - they say form a "strong foundation for staying well and thriving in later life". Advertisement Read more on living longer LIVE LONG & PROSPER The anti-ageing Ozempic effect: How fat jabs could help you live longer And it's these five pillars that form part of the quiz. 1. Are you eating well? Eating healthily means consuming a balanced diet with a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Writing for The Conversation, Vseteckova and Boulton say: "Diets like the Mediterranean plan are linked with a lower risk of dementia and other chronic conditions. "Malnutrition is a serious concern in older age, especially when it comes to maintaining strong muscles and bones." Advertisement 2. Are you staying hydrated? Drinking enough water is vital for maintaining bodily functions, promoting overall health, and preventing various health issues. Not drinking enough can cause dehydration and affect cognitive function, mood and energy. What healthy looks like Vseteckova and Boulton advise: "Cutting down on sugary drinks can help you to maintain a healthy weight and staying within recommended alcohol limits can also help lower your risk of conditions like dementia. Hydration really matters." But they add for people with life-limiting illnesses or conditions like advanced dementia, appetite and oral intake may be severely reduced. Advertisement And sugary drinks may be one of the few sources of calories they can tolerate, so hydration should take priority over strict nutritional guidelines. 3. Are you being physically active? 3 Just walking more can boost health and prevent diseases like osteoporosis Credit: Getty Being physically active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being, offering numerous benefits such as reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mood, and increased energy levels. Just walking more can boost health, say Vseteckova and Boulton, and when paired with good nutrition, can help prevent degenerative disease osteoporosis. Advertisement 4. Are you connecting socially? Social connection is a fundamental human need, crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Strong social bonds provide emotional support, reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and contribute to a sense of belonging and self-worth. Furthermore, social interaction has been linked to improved cognitive function, a stronger immune system, and even a longer life. Vseteckova and Boulton explain: "Loneliness increases the risk of depression and cognitive decline. Advertisement "Building strong social ties earlier in life can help protect well-being over the long term." 5. Are you challenging your brain? 3 Doing crosswords has been shown to potentially delay dementia Credit: Getty Challenging your brain is crucial for maintaining cognitive function, enhancing mental abilities, and potentially delaying cognitive decline. This could involve learning, reading, playing an instrument, or trying something new. Advertisement Studies show activities like crossword puzzles or new physical activities can potentially delay dementia. "There's no magic fix, but even small actions can have lasting benefits," quip Vseteckova and Boulton. The Take Five to Age Well quiz is part of a free, expert-led, month-long challenge which supports participants' current habits and needs. Vseteckova and Boulton say: "We developed the Take Five to Age Well quiz to help people reflect on how they're doing across these five areas – and where there might be room to grow. Advertisement "The follow-up resources are based on real-life experiences of ageing from diverse communities and offer small, achievable steps you can start today."
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
UEA criticised for cutting three NHS mental health courses
A union has claimed a university's decision to cut three mental health courses represents "abandoning" training the region "desperately needs". The University College Union (UCU) reacted after The University of East Anglia (UEA) confirmed it would be making cuts to three courses - the High Intensity Therapy programme, the Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner programme and the Clinical Associate in Psychology Masters Apprenticeship (CAPs) programme.A proposed reduction of 10.9 full-time equivalent roles has also been announced. A spokesperson for the UEA, said: "Applications for the courses only come from those in appropriate NHS roles, they are not open to self-funded students. Therefore, the continued delivery of the courses is no longer viable." The UEA said the courses had been affected by external factors including; NHS England restructuring, decreased uptake of NHS commissions for talking therapy programmes and a reduction in employment opportunities within the NHS for apprenticeship roles. It said the CAPs course, which is entitled to level-seven apprenticeship funding, ceases across all sectors from January mental health courses are open to NHS staff and current students already on the courses are said to have been informed of the cuts and will be supported by the university to complete their studies. However, the nearest university running these courses is in Essex. Staff have been informed and consultations with trade unions are under way. "Compulsory redundancies will always be a last resort," the university said. 'Turning its back' The UEA announced last year it would be shedding 170 full-time equivalent posts as it tried to save £ said it would be shaving 3% from its budget and could not rule out any compulsory redundancies. The UCU said the decision to cut the courses "directly contradicts" the NHS's mission and commitment to expanding psychological services. A spokesperson said: "UCU has heard from senior NHS leaders that the East of England needs 150 new psychological well-being practitioners and 150 new CBT therapists in the next year alone."By closing these programmes, in the midst of a regional and national mental health crisis, UEA is turning its back on the region and abandoning its responsibility to train the mental health workers that our region desperately needs." It claimed the decision was down to the University Vice Chancellor's desire to "smooth over" "poor financial planning" and decision making. The union has called for the university to work with it to find a solution. The BBC has contacted NHS England for comment. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
