Latest news with #Li-Fraumeni
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry's Ex Cressida Bonas Nails Baby Wearing Style in Adorable New Pic with Daughter Delphina
Prince Harry's former girlfriend Cressida Bonas posted a new photo with her baby daughter Cressida and her husband, Harry Wentworth-Stanley, welcomed their second child and first baby girl in May The couple named their daughter Delphina Pandora in a tribute to Cressida's late sister, Pandora Cooper Key, who died in 2024Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend Cressida Bonas is giving a peek behind the scenes of life with her new baby daughter, Delphina Pandora. On July 9, the Duke of Sussex's ex posted a new photo of herself wearing her infant in a stylish baby carrier on her personal Instagram page. "Had the best time judging at the @juniormagazineonline awards with my sister @lessonsfromourmothers," Cressida, 36, captioned the snap from the event. The shot showed her sporting Delphina in a patterned carrier and standing with her sister Isabella Branson, with whom she co-hosts the podcast Lessons from Our Mothers. "So many incredible creations, such a joy to be part of it!" Cressida wrote, shouting out the luxury baby wearing brand Artipoppe for the "dreamy sling." "She's the coziest little mole in there," she added. According to an announcement in The Telegraph, Cressida and her husband, Harry Wentworth-Stanley, welcomed Delphina on May 27. The couple were already parents to son Wilbur, 2, and chose a meaningful middle name for their baby girl. Cressida, a model, actress and podcaster, previously revealed that she conceived her second child with a frozen embryo after getting pregnant with Wilbur via IVF, and she named her daughter Delphina Pandora in a tribute to her late sister. Cressida's sister Pandora Cooper-Key died in July 2024 at age 51, decades after she was first diagnosed with cancer at a ceramicist and accessories designer, had Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a rare hereditary syndrome that can increase the risk of several types of cancer. Following her death, Cressida wrote about how "my heart is forever tied to yours" in an emotional post remembering her with love and honoring their special bond. After her daughter was born, Cressida shared how she sees her late sister in her new baby in a post featuring the first photos of Delphina. "Delphina Pandora 💫… Our first few weeks with Delphi 🤍…," she captioned the carousel of intimate family pictures on July 1. "Before she arrived, I wondered how it was possible to love anything as much as we love our boy. Then this little love bug showed up with a Mohawk hairdo and our hearts just expanded. Sometimes when I look into her eyes, I see a twinkle that reminds me of my sister Pandora 💫♥️" The montage featured shots of Cressida snuggled up with Delphi, plus a picture of her husband with their baby and big brother Wilbur looking at his new little sister. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! Cressida dated Prince Harry between 2012 and 2014 after being introduced by his cousin, Princess Eugenie, with whom she is thought to remain close. The model and actress later attended Prince Harry's royal wedding to Meghan Markle in May 2018, and Princess Eugenie and her sister, Princess Beatrice, were guests on Cressida's podcast during its debut season this spring. Read the original article on People
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Prince Harry's ex gives birth to 'miracle' second baby with very special name
Prince Harry's former girlfriend Cressida Bonas is said to have given birth to a daughter, her second child, and given her a name that is close to her heart Prince Harry's former girlfriend has given birth to her second child - and is said to have given her newborn a very poignant name. Cressida Bonas, who dated the Duke of Sussex for two years before they split, revealed earlier this year she was expecting a a second child with her husband, Harry Wentworth-Stanley. She opened up about how she had used an embryo she had frozen following struggles to conceive her first child, two-year-old son Wilbur. And now it has been reported that Cressida has given birth to a daughter and given her a name that is a fitting tribute to her half-sister, Pandora Cooper-Key, who passed away last year. According to the Daily Mail, the model and actress has named the newborn Delphina Pandora Wentworth-Stanley, with her middle name a sweet nod to Cressida's late half-sister. Pandora died last year aged 51 after being diagnosed with cancer as well as an inoperable brain tumour. Throughout Pandora's life, she had always lived with the risk of developing certain types of cancer, due to being affected by a condition called Li-Fraumeni, a rare genetic disorder, according to The Times. Cressida shared her pregnancy news in January and told the Spectator: "I am now well into my second pregnancy. Having conceived through IVF the first time, we were fortunate to have another embryo stored away in a freezer... I've been battling morning sickness. I've never had it before, and now feel like I've been swaying on a boat for months." She previously shared how she felt her "body was failing" her when she struggled to get pregnant. Yet, it is understood a specialist told the couple "there was nothing fundamentally wrong". Writing in The Sunday Times, Cressida had said: "I spent time and money on reflexology, nutritionists, acupuncture and psychics…Even a German healer who speaks to angels. I heard nothing, not a squeak. "My mind was on a constant worry loop and my obsession with getting pregnant became overwhelming, No matter how many Mystic Megs I saw or expensive supplements I took, nothing was working, and I felt as if my body was failing me." But in July 2022, Cressida confirmed she was pregnant after undergoing IVF, and she gave birth to Wilbur in November of that year. Cressida had dated Harry for around two years until they split amicably in April 2014. Harry had been introduced to Cressida, who has been in several West End plays including The Great Gatsby, by his cousin Princess Eugenie. Cressida was a guest at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018. They split when Cressida reportedly became overwhelmed with the spotlight that came with dating a royal.
Euronews
09-06-2025
- Health
- Euronews
Sperm donation policies in Europe questioned after cancer scare
The disparity of sperm donor laws in Europe has been called into question after a Danish sperm donor with an inherited cancer mutation is said to have helped conceive at least 67 children across Europe, mostly in Belgium. The European Sperm Bank (ESB) allegedly used gametes from a Danish donor who unknowingly carried a rare variation of the TP53 gene that increases the risk of early cancer. Out of the 67 children he helped to conceive, 23 of them are carriers of the variant, 10 of whom have developed cancer. The case was revealed at the end of May by Dr. Edwige Kasper, a biologist at Rouen University Hospital, at a meeting of the European Society of Human Genetics in Milan. "It's a syndrome called Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which will give rise to multiple cancers with a very broad spectrum, so children who are carriers of this variant need to be monitored very closely," the specialist in hereditary predispositions to cancer told Euronews. Of the 10 children who have developed a form of cancer, the doctor counts four haemopathies, four brain tumours and two types of sarcoma that affect the muscles. The case has highlighted the shortcomings of sperm donation policies across Europe. While most European countries limit the number of children fathered by a single donor, or the number of families that can be helped by a single donor, there is no limit at international or European level. The conditions around anonymity also vary from country to country. "We will end up with an abnormal spread of a genetic pathology, because the sperm bank involved in this case has set a limit of 75 families from the donor. Other sperm banks have not set a limit," explained Kasper. Although donors are subject to medical examinations and genetic tests, "there is no perfect pre-selection," explained Ayo Wahlberg, researcher and a member of the Danish Council on Ethics. "Technology is developing so fast. Genetic testing technologies and their costs are falling so fast that, if we compare 10 or 15 years ago and today in terms of recruitment and the types of genetic tests that can be carried out as part of the screening process, a lot has changed," the professor explained. The rules governing sperm donation vary from one European country to another. The maximum number of children from a single donor varies from 15 in Germany to one in Cyprus. Other countries prefer to limit the number of families that can use the same donor to give them the opportunity to have brothers and sisters. For example, the same donor can help 12 families in Denmark and six families in Sweden or Belgium. In addition, donations are kept anonymous in countries such as France and Greece. In other member states such as Austria, the person born of a gamete donation may have access to the identity of his or her parent. In Germany and Bulgaria, donations may or may not be anonymous, depending on the circumstances. In the Netherlands, the process is not anonymous. Danish, Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian National Medical Ethics Councils raised concerns over a lack of regulation at an international and European level, claiming it increases the risk of the spread of genetic diseases and consanguinity. "The risk that a genetic disease will unknowingly spread much more widely (with a large number of offspring) than if the number (of offspring) had been smaller," Wahlberg said. "The first step is therefore to establish or introduce a limit of families per donor. The second step is to create a national register. And the third step is of course to have a European register based on the national registers," Sven-Erik Söder, President of the Swedish National Council on Medical Ethics, told Euronews. In the age of social media and thorough DNA testing, donor anonymity can no longer be 100% guaranteed, which some have argued could put off people from donating. When asked if the introduction of regulations could lead to a shortage of sperm donations, Söder said the solution is not the absence of restrictions, but instead encourage people to donate. A referendum in Italy on citizenship requirements and job protection is likely to have failed, as turnout was far below the required threshold, polling agency YouTrend said on Monday. Turnout needed to be at least 50% plus one vote to make the referendum results binding, but based on data collected from 60,000 polling stations, turnout was around 30%. The referendum, proposed by trade unions and civic organisations, addresses issues that have generated political debate in Italy in recent years, particularly labour market reform, primarily the 2016 Labour Act, as well as migrant reception and integration policies. The first four questions relate to labour issues and concern the increasing protection of workers, small enterprises and their obligations towards employees, short-term contracts, and the responsibility of clients towards subcontracting parties and employees' safety. The fifth question concerns the period of time necessary for non-EU nationals residing in the country to be eligible for Italian citizenship, proposing to reduce it from 10 to five years. The parties of the ruling coalition, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy, opposed the referendum, with some politicians urging citizens not to participate in the vote. According to the advocacy group International Democracy Community, although opposition parties have supported the referendum, it is primarily a citizens' initiative and not a political matter. "The referendum questions were proposed through a bottom-up approach, and did not come from parliament," the International Democracy Community said in a statement. "Members of the Europa+ party launched the initiative on the citizenship question, whilst the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) has been the initiator of the Labour Act ones, with support from the Democratic Party, the Five Star Movement, and the Green and Left Alliance." According to exit data after polls closed at 3 pm, the "yes" vote for the four labour law questions stood at around 85%, while 60% of voters said yes to the citizenship question. The referendum coincided with local elections in several Italian regions and municipalities.
NDTV
06-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Are You At Risk Of A Brain Tumour? Read To Find Out
A brain tumour is an abnormal growth of cells within or around the brain. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and may originate in the brain (primary tumours) or spread from other parts of the body (secondary or metastatic tumours). Depending on their size and location, brain tumours can interfere with normal brain functions like memory, speech, vision, and motor control. While anyone can develop a brain tumour, certain genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors can increase the risk. Read on as we share factors that increase risk of brain tumours. Factors that put you at a risk of having a brain tumour 1. Family history and genetic disorders Individuals with a family history of brain tumours or certain inherited genetic conditions like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis, or tuberous sclerosis have a higher risk. These genetic mutations can promote abnormal cell growth in the brain or nervous system, making tumour development more likely. 2. Age The risk of developing brain tumours increases with age. While some tumours, such as medulloblastomas, are more common in children, many types like glioblastomas and meningiomas tend to occur more frequently in adults over the age of 50 due to prolonged exposure to risk factors and age-related genetic mutations. 3. Exposure to radiation People who have been exposed to high doses of ionising radiation, either through cancer treatments like radiotherapy or from environmental exposures such as nuclear accidents are at a greater risk of developing brain tumours, as radiation can damage brain cell DNA. 4. Weakened immune system Those with compromised immune systems due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, or prolonged immunosuppressive therapy are more susceptible to developing certain brain tumours, especially lymphomas, as the immune system plays a key role in detecting and destroying abnormal cells. 5. Occupational and environmental exposure Long-term exposure to certain industrial chemicals or toxins such as pesticides, formaldehyde, vinyl chloride, and petroleum-based substances may increase the likelihood of brain tumours. People working in industries like rubber manufacturing or oil refining may face higher risks. 6. Previous cancer history Survivors of childhood cancer or those who have received radiation therapy to the head or spine earlier in life have a significantly higher risk of developing secondary brain tumours later. The long-term effects of treatment can alter healthy cell function and structure. 7. Electromagnetic fields and mobile use Although still debated, prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields, especially from excessive mobile phone use near the head, has raised concerns. Some studies suggest a possible link to brain tumour development, although conclusive evidence is lacking. 8. Gender Certain types of brain tumours, like meningiomas, are more common in women, possibly due to hormonal influences. On the other hand, glioblastomas tend to occur more frequently in men. Hormonal imbalances may play a role in tumour growth and development. 9. Head trauma and inflammation Chronic inflammation or past head injuries might contribute to a higher risk of brain tumour development. Though not a primary cause, long-term inflammation and tissue damage can potentially lead to abnormal cellular changes in the brain over time. Early detection and treatment are essential, as the tumour's impact can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening complications.
Forbes
04-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How A Rare Mutation Exposed Weaknesses In Sperm Donation Oversight
A recent case in Europe has reignited debate over the regulation of sperm donation after a man unknowingly carrying a rare, cancer-causing genetic mutation fathered at least 67 children across eight countries. Ten of these children have been diagnosed with cancer, including leukemia, brain tumors and lymphomas. The case demonstrates how advances in reproductive medicine can outpace regulatory safeguards. It highlights the urgent need for robust genetic screening and thoughtful policy in reproductive medicine—a theme explored in greater depth in the new book, Destiny's Child No Longer: Rewriting the Genetic Future. The donor's sperm carried a mutation that causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome or LFS, one of the most severe inherited cancer predisposition syndromes. Individuals with the syndrome face a dramatically increased risk of developing a wide range of cancers, often at a young age, and may develop multiple cancers over their lifetime. The lifetime cancer risk for carriers is estimated at up to 90% by age 60, with about half developing cancer before age 40. The donor himself is healthy, and the mutation was not known to be cancer-causing at the time of his donations between 2008 and 2015. The issue came to light when two families, each with children diagnosed with cancer, independently contacted their fertility clinics. Genetic analysis linked the cases to the same donor. This prompted a more exhaustive investigation. Of the 67 children identified as having been conceived with the donor's sperm, 23 were found to carry the mutation. Children who inherit the mutation not only face a high risk of early-onset cancers but also have a 50% chance of passing the mutation to their own children. Ten of the children have developed cancer to date. The affected families now face lifelong medical surveillance for their children. The required medical procedures include regular whole-body MRI scans and specialist evaluations. The burden of this ongoing surveillance, uncertainty, and potential medical intervention is considerable. Still, while stressful, these protocols have been shown to improve outcomes by enabling the early detection of tumors. This case highlights a critical gap: the absence of internationally agreed-upon limits on the number of children conceived from a single donor. Some countries impose strict limits, such as a maximum of 10 children per donor. Others, including the United States, have no binding regulations. An absence of limits placed on children by donors can result in sibling groups that may number in the dozens or even hundreds. In Europe, regulations are inconsistent, with limits varying and enforcement complicated by cross-border reproductive care. Experts have long warned that having many siblings can pose psychological risks. These include the risk of unintentional inbreeding and the challenge of tracing family connections when health issues arise. This case shows how much harder it gets when a rare genetic disorder is involved, making it difficult to inform and support all affected families spread across different countries. While sperm banks routinely screen donors for common genetic diseases and conduct thorough medical and family history reviews, rare mutations like the one implicated here often escape detection. Whole-genome sequencing of all donors is not currently standard practice due to the high cost and the limited ability to interpret the clinical significance of many rare variants. The case has prompted renewed calls from geneticists, clinicians and ethics councils for the establishment of international standards that limit the number of children per donor and improve cross-border coordination in donor tracking and notification. There is also growing advocacy for enhanced genetic counseling and support for donor-conceived individuals and their families. This incident underscores the need for limits on the number of children each donor can have. Such limits can help reduce the risk of spreading rare genetic disorders and enhance communication in the event of a medical issue. Enhanced cross-border collaboration among fertility clinics, sperm banks and health authorities is also necessary to ensure timely notification and assistance when genetic risks are identified. Centralized registries could enable real-time tracking of donors. Denmark's model, which limits donors to 12 children across six families, offers a framework for regional coordination. There is also a need for enhanced genetic screening protocols, potentially incorporating more advanced sequencing techniques for donors while balancing considerations of cost, privacy and interpretive challenges. Cost-effective genetic screening in sperm banks is increasingly achievable through targeted approaches and technological innovation. Rather than relying solely on whole-genome sequencing, which remains expensive for routine use, many banks now employ tiered genetic panels that prioritize high-penetrance genes known to cause severe conditions. This focused strategy can reduce testing costs by 60% to 80% compared to broader, less targeted screening. Collaborative databases that enable sperm banks to share mutation libraries and screening results help reduce redundant testing, resulting in a 30% reduction in per-donor screening costs. Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are also contributing to this effort. These technologies can identify donors who are at a higher risk of carrying undetected mutations, lowering false-negative rates by up to 40% and enhancing overall efficiency. Public-private partnerships, such as those modeled after the National Institutes of Health's All of Us program, could further subsidize advanced screening, making comprehensive genetic assessments more accessible without significantly increasing costs. As technology and data-sharing practices advance, these combined measures offer a practical approach to enhancing donor screening while maintaining affordability for both clinics and recipients. As reproductive technology continues to advance and global mobility increases, this case serves as a cautionary tale regarding the unintended consequences that can arise when regulation and oversight fail to keep pace with scientific advances. The challenge now lies in ensuring that the promise of assisted reproduction is matched by a commitment to the safety and well-being of all involved—donors, recipient families and, primarily, the children themselves.
