Latest news with #CancerResearchUK
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Mum of two, 44, suffers gut problem that affects everyone...15 months later she was dead from bowel cancer
A 'kind' and 'generous' mother-of-two died just 15 months after receiving a devastating bowel cancer diagnosis—after initially putting her bloating down to the menopause. Laura Dawson, 44, from London, suffered with bloating and fatigue for months before her diagnosis, which she suspected was linked to hormonal changes in her body. But after the pain became so bad she 'could not move', she was rushed to A&E where scans revealed the true devastating cause. Doctors removed the obstruction from her bowel that was causing the debilitating pain and a biopsy confirmed stage three cancer in March 2024. This meant the disease had already spread to nearby lymph nodes. While the family received a clear scan in August, following six months of chemotherapy, just a month later, Ms Dawson was told the cancer had spread further. At stage four, only ten per cent of bowel cancer patients will survive five years after their diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK. Recalling the moment they got the devastating news, her husband, Ben, 49, said the family were heartbroken. 'In September we got the news that the cancer was back and it had spread. 'That was absolutely gut wrenching.' Ms Dawson underwent more than six months of grueling chemotherapy. But, unfortunately, this failed to bring the disease under control and the mother-of-two was only getting sicker. Two months ago, Ms Dawson made the decision to discontinue treatment and spend what little time she had left surrounded by friends and family. Shortly before her death, Ms Dawson was transferred to in-hospice care at St Christopher's Hospice in Sydenham, where she spoke about how the diagnosis changed her view on dying. 'Some of the happiest days of my life have been in the last few weeks,' she said. 'As a society, we shy away from the process of dying. By doing that, we reinforce negative ideas around death. 'People think death is always going to be painful and traumatic, but it doesn't have to be. 'Deep down we all know we are going to die. Cancer has forced me to acknowledge it. Since then I've lived more fully than I've ever done, and that has been a gift'. She died 'peacefully' with her husband by her side on June 29. Ben also commented on the impact the cancer had on their two sons, Jacob, 17, and Theo 15. 'We've spoken very openly about it all the way through', he said. 'We've always told them what the possible outcomes are—because we want to prepare them for what might happen and we want them to be able to trust what we're saying. 'That's definitely helped us throughout.' He added that whilst his wife will be missed 'endlessly', the way she turned her story into something to help other people facing the death of a loved one was 'incredible'. 'I don't think there was a day that Laura truly let this get to her,' he said. 'They say people are glass half empty or glass half full. Laura was always happy enough just to have a glass and she wanted to share that with people.' Ms Dawson's devastating story comes amid a rise in bowel cancer among young people, defined in cancer terms as those under 50. Common symptoms of the disease include changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, rectal bleeding, needing to go more frequently or with more urgency, abdominal pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. A recent global study found rates of bowel cancer in under 50 year-olds are rising in 27 of 50 nations. England is averaging a 3.6 per cent rise in younger adults every year-one of the highest increases recorded. While the disease is known linked to obesity, experts have noted that the disease also seems to also be occurring in fit and healthy patients. Some experts believe the explanation must lie in environmental factors young people have been exposed to more than previous generations. There are around 2,600 new bowel cancer cases in people aged 25-49 in Britain every year, and around 44,100 new cases among all ages. Around 44,000 cases of bowel cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK, with about 130,000 in the US. The disease kills almost 17,000 Britons each year, with the death toll rising to about 50,000 in America. Overall, just over half of bowel cancer patients are expected to be alive 10 years after their diagnosis. Ms Dawson's family are now encouraging people to St Christopher's Hospice, or Cancer Research, and to take pleasure in the small things, because 'life can be cut short unexpectedly.'
Scotsman
a day ago
- Health
- Scotsman
How lung cancer screening offered in England could save 2,300 lives a year in Scotland
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Sir Chris Hoy was exactly the kind of fortysomething who was not on any cancer specialist's radar. The Olympian could hardly have pursued a healthier lifestyle, but when he went to the doctor complaining of a pain in his shoulder, it led to a shock diagnosis of stage-four prostate cancer. In 2024, he announced he had been given two to four years to live. Statistically, most fortysomethings will not receive such a shattering diagnosis, but for those like Sir Chris, who have a family history of the disease, earlier screening could have made all the difference. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad His campaign to roll out prostate screening for younger at-risk men is already forcing governments to revise their policies. And there's more the Scottish Government should do. Cancer is Scotland's biggest killer and lung cancer is one of the most common, but only England has screening for 55 to 74-year-olds with a history of smoking. According to Cancer Research UK , an equivalent programme in Scotland could lead to early diagnoses, saving 2,300 lives a year. Yet we trail behind the rest of the UK. Sir Chris Hoy, pictured with his wife Sarra, has said raising awareness of prostate cancer has given him 'a purpose' following his diagnosis (Picture: Martin Rickett) | PA Home testing kits That smokers should be screened for lung cancer is no revelation, but too often the SNP government knows what to do, but fails to act. The SNP's Women's Health Plan identified the need for DIY tests for cervical cancer to overcome the barriers of pain, embarrassment and time that stop many women from receiving this crucial screening. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Currently a third of women don't get checked regularly and the rate is worse in our most disadvantaged areas. Only one health board, Dumfries and Galloway, had piloted the self-sampling test. The UK Labour government has confirmed women across England will be offered home-testing kits. But screening must be part of a wider plan to stop cancer in its tracks – and here, again, the SNP government falls short. In March, I wrote about Jenny who spent a year living in limbo after abnormal cell changes associated with cervical cancer were identified in a routine smear test, but could not get a follow-up appointment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In June, I met the family of Isla Sneddon , who died from cancer aged 17 after a suspected cancer referral was downgraded from urgent because she was young. And just last week, official figures showed the proportion of cancer patients receiving treatment within the target 62 days was the worst on record . Scientific breakthroughs We need to roll out screening but also to improve the infrastructure so that treatment is rapid. While the SNP government is failing to implement what doctors know works, we are on the threshold of a new age in medicine. Scientific breakthroughs in genomics – the study of our DNA and how it changes – will soon make it possible to identify who is most at risk of cancer. It would both be a tragedy and a social injustice if all Scots cannot take advantage of these leaps in screening science. That is why a Scottish Labour government will invest in preventative healthcare – including targeted screening for those who need it most – while also tackling the barriers that lead to waiting lists. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad NHS staff and patients need a government that will invest in improving cancer services – it's time for a new direction and Scottish Labour is ready to deliver it.
Sky News
3 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Heatwave live: Health alert extended to more areas; record-breaking day for Wimbledon
Explained: How to pick out the right sunscreen If you're going out in the sunshine, it's crucially important to have the right suncream protection. Not only does it help protect you against sunburn and skin cancer, but it can also help your skin as you age. Some of the UK's most popular sunscreens have failed safety tests in the past, offering far less protection than promised. Here's how to make sure you have the best protection... Choose a suncream with "broad spectrum" protection - this means it will protect against the two main types of UV (ultraviolet) rays in sunlight - UVA and UVB. While UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and skin cancers, UVA rays can also contribute to skin cancer and premature ageing. You should also pick a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. The SPF number tells you how well the suncream protects against UVB rays. What is the star rating? While the SPF rating will tell you how well a suncream protects against UVB, star ratings are the indicator for UVA protection. You should look for a high star rating of four or five stars, according to Cancer Research UK, or "UVA" in a circle, which indicates it meets the EU's minimum standard. Cancer Research UK's tips for applying sunscreen: Use a lotion, pump-spray or roll-on over an aerosol, as the coverage from aerosols can be patchy and thin; Put enough on, applying sunscreen evenly and thickly; Reapply regularly, even if your sunscreen says it's "once a day" or "water resistant"; Don't rely on SPF in moisturiser or make-up, as often these products don't give enough protection on their own; Check the expiry date on your sunscreen to make sure it's still providing protection. For more on sunscreen and how to pick what's best for you, click on the link below...
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Young woman who hid cancer fears behind 21st birthday smiles battles back to beat disease
Chloe Reid was diagnosed with cancer on March 8, 2023, just weeks after her 21st birthday. A courageous young woman who hid cancer fears behind smiles at her 21st birthday has battled back to beat the disease. Chloe Reid, 23, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma - an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system - on March 8, 2023. She looked picture perfect in the weeks beforehand as she posed in photos to mark her 21st birthday in December 2022. But behind the smiles, Chloe was masking worries about a lump in her neck and constant tiredness. The health care assistant, from Aberdeen, went on to receive several biopsies and was told she had cancer that had spread to some lymph nodes under her arm. Speaking of her diagnosis at the time, Chloe said: "When doctors told me I had cancer it felt like I'd walked into someone else's life, a life much more frightening than mine. "It forced me to make a lot of decisions at a young age like, 'do I want to have kids one day?' There were days when I cried and life felt cruel. "I think I will ask why for the rest of my life. But cancer also opened my eyes and made me appreciate the special people in my life. I faced some of the most challenging moments of my life at 21." Chloe underwent surgery, several gruelling rounds of chemotherapy and hormone treatment to freeze some of her eggs. In July 2023, she rang the bell at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to mark what she hoped was the end of treatment. However, she was hit with a further blow when scans later that summer showed lumps on her collarbone and armpit. Her final chemotherapy session followed on September 27, 2023 - a date so significant she now has it tattooed on her right arm. Now in remission, Chloe was guest of honour at Cancer Research UK's Race for Life in Aberdeen on Sunday. She completed the 5k event and was cheered by family and friends as she crossed the finish line with her boyfriend Jack McGinness who had supported her every step of the way through treatment. Chloe's brother, Thomas Reid, 26, and his girlfriend Lydia Buchan, 24, also took part. Chloe said: 'I am grateful I can take part in Race for Life this year and I am so grateful to be doing it with my biggest supporter Jack. 'I have the best family and we're closer than ever. Almost everybody goes through some hard stuff in their lives. I've just been through mine young. "Life is good. I'm proud to support research for people going through cancer right now and to help find better treatments for people in the future.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokeswoman in Scotland, said: 'We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in Race for Life Aberdeen. 'No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for. Sadly nearly one in two of us will get cancer in our lifetime but all of us can support the research that will beat it. "We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years. 'It was a fantastic day at Race for Life Aberdeen, full of emotion, courage, tears, laughter and hope as people celebrated the lives of those dear to them who have survived cancer and remembered loved ones lost to the disease. 'Now we're asking everyone who took part to return the money they're raised as soon as possible. Every donation, every pound raised will make a real difference."
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Climate
- Wales Online
Met Office hour by hour weather forecast for Wales as temperatures set to push 30°C
Met Office hour by hour weather forecast for Wales as temperatures set to push 30°C Parts of Wales are set to reach nearly 30°C today - see when and where It could be a great time to visit Barry Island (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) Parts of Wales are set to reach nearly 30°C today, with dangerously high UV levels forecast that will reach a level eight - causing a high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Fair-skinned people may burn in less than 10 minutes according to Cancer Research UK. The heat will be experienced nationwide, with Caernarfon, Cardiff, Pembroke and Aberystwyth all set to reach at least 27°C. The hottest temperatures in Wales are set for Monmouth, as the Met Office has predicted highs of 29°C for the town. The Met Office hourly forecast shows that, for most, the hottest part of the day will be between 1pm and 6pm. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Warm weather has been predicted for Wales over the coming days as temperatures look set to soar past the 30°C mark in parts of the country. The hottest day of the year so far was Thursday, June 19, with temperatures reaching 30C in Cardiff and at Trawscoed in Ceredigion. Article continues below Here is your hour-by-hour forecast as heat and humidity is set to take over the nation on Monday. 9am By 9am the morning mist will have cleared, and the sun will be shining with temperatures of around 20°C nationwide. There will be scattered clouds but wind speeds will be a mere 3mph. Humidity will reach the day's high of 83% at this hour. 10am Scattered clouds will remain at 10am but temperatures will rise to 22°C in most places. Humidity levels drop to around 76% but the UV index hits level 5. 11am From 11am, temperatures will continue to rise and sit at around 23°C, it will continue to be less humid, and the UV index rises to a level 7. 12pm The UV reading reaches its peak at level eight from 12pm, and temperatures continue to increase. In Newport, Cardiff, Pembroke and Caernarfon temperatures will be around 25°C. From this hour there will be blue skies, with little cloud. 1pm High UV levels remain with temperatures of around 25°C. Humidity levels have dropped dramatically by the afternoon and are now at 60%. 2pm Temperatures continue to increase at this hour, to 26°C. UV drops to level 7. 3pm Temperatures continue to increase at this hour, to 27°C. UV drops to level 6. 4pm At 4pm, temperatures will reach their peak across the nation, ranging from 27°C- 29°C. UV continues to drop and humidity continues to rise. 5pm Temperatures remain at their peak at this hour. 6pm UV levels drop to four, meaning there is no longer as high a risk of sun damage, but temperatures remain extremely high at 27°C in most places. 7pm Humidity levels begin to creep back up and will continue to rise from 7pm, temperatures remain at 27°C in most places. 8pm Temperatures drop slightly to around 25°C, with humidity set to be around 67%. 9pm The Met Office has warned of uncomfortable sleeping conditions as temperatures remain at 25°C from 9pm, dropping to around 18°C in the night. What the Met Office has to say: A spokesperson for the Met Office has said that for many there will be a "tropical night". Met Office chief meteorologist, Matthew Lenhert, said: "Overnight temperatures will remain high, with some locations not dropping below 20°C in what is called a tropical night. "These sorts of temperatures make it hard to sleep and prevent any recovery from the high daytime temperatures too. "Tuesday will be another hot day, though the highest temperatures will be more confined to the south east of England where 35°C is possible. "Fresher air will move in from the west through the middle of the week, bringing an end to this heatwave." Article continues below
