Latest news with #TheEveAppeal
ITV News
25-06-2025
- Health
- ITV News
Buckinghamshire cancer survivor says finally going to cervical screening 'saved' her life
ITV News Meridian's Wesley Smith spoke to a woman who says her life was saved by a cervical screening. Home testing kits are to be offered to women who've consistently missed opportunities for cervical screening. The news is welcomed by a mother from Buckinghamshire, who put off cervical screening and had to undergo life-saving treatment. Toyah Myall, who's 33, had to live with the fear of not knowing what the future might hold for her backing an NHS campaign getting underway in the Thames Valley called, "Love Your Cervix" to encourage younger women to get checked as under 35s are the most vulnerable age group for a positive diagnosis of cervical cancer. Family is everything to Toyah Myall from Aylesbury. So the thought that she might not be there to see her children grow up, because she'd put off cervical screening, was a wake-up call. Ms Myall says her diagnosis would have been worse if she had left it any longer. Toyah Myall said: "I didn't have a single symptom. Had I not gone, it could have been so much worse. "Please, please go. I can't stress how important it is. It's uncomfortable, it's only two minutes, but it's going to save your life. It saved mine. "I put it off for an awful long time, in actual fact, it was eight years, but now I sit here and think, gosh, I'm so lucky that it was just laser that was needed, there was no chemotherapy or anything and it could have been so much worse had I left it even longer. "It was really difficult because having to explain to the children that actually something wasn't quite right with Mum and Mum needs to be seen by the doctors. "Young people think, with cancer, death automatically and it was just reassuring them that wasn't the case. I was in good hands." Toyah's condition was caught in the nick of time, but hundreds of other women, whose lives could potentially have been saved, die from the disease annually. Athena Lamnisos from gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal said: "It's theoretically an eliminable disease. "Now, you can't say that about any other cancer type and we know how to detect cancer before it even starts with cell changes and that's part of the national cervical screening programme. "If you do have symptoms, don't wait for a screening appointment, that's not what you need, you need to go and see a medical professional." Cervical screenings are a preventative procedure and were formerly known as smear tests. They involve collecting cells from the cervix to see if there's evidence of HPV, human papillomavirus, which can lead to cervical cancer. Women aged between 25 and 64 are invited for regular screenings and trans men and non-binary people with a cervix are also eligible. A third of those invited, do not book an appointment. The disease still kills 800 people a year.
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Major change to NHS cancer screening tests as health chiefs reveal millions of women affected
MILLIONS of women will be offered NHS cervical screening less often under radical new changes. Those under 50 will only be called forward every five years - instead of three like they currently are. 3 The plans, announced on Tuesday by NHS England, are said to be "in line" with "major" clinical evidence that suggests just as many cancer cases would be detected. Health chiefs said the changes would enable 'millions of women and people with a cervix in England to benefit from more personalised cervical screening'. "This new guidance is good news for those at low risk because they will no longer need to go for cervical screening as often," Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal, said. Scotland and Wales have already introduced this protocol, which will start in England from July 1. Under the NHS screening system, which replaced smears, cells are tested for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancer. Traditional smear tests, also known as pap smears, looked for all abnormal cells directly but were less accurate than the new cervical screening tests. Currently, women aged 25 to 49 in England are offered such checks every three years, with screening every five years for those aged 50 to 64. If HPV is found, checks are then repeated each year, with further investigations if any cell abnormalities are found. More regular screening is also offered to those with a recent history of HPV. Under the new system, checks on those with positive results will remain annual. Cervical cancer could be eradicated as HPV vaccine slashes 90% of cases But the standard gap for those who test negative will extend from three years to five for women aged 25 to 49. This is because research shows they are at very low risk of cervical cancer for the next ten years and can safely wait longer to be screened again. "This brings it in line with the screening gap for older women, following a similar approach to that used in Australia, the Netherlands, and Sweden Under the NHS plan, if a woman aged between 25 and 49 had a negative result, but previously had a positive test, they would still get a test three years later. Health chiefs said the new approach was more 'personalised' than previous approaches. Screening will also continue to be offered to trans men if they still have a cervix. 3 Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of Cancer Research UK, said: 'We welcome this change to cervical screening in England, which is the result of years of vital research to make screening more effective and has shown it is safe to extend the time between tests. 'Screening, alongside the roll out of the HPV vaccine – which Cancer Research UK scientists helped develop – have seen cervical cancer rates drop by around a quarter since the early 1990s, and we look forward to even more progress. 'If you notice any unusual changes for you, do not wait for a screening invitation – speak to your doctor.' DIY cancer check Cervical screening programmes and HPV vaccines have reduced rates and save 5,000 lives each year. Around 3,300 new cases are identified annually - that's around nine every day. And one in 130 women in the UK will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in their lifetime. Earlier this year, the NHS announced an at-home cervical screening tests could be rolled out in England from early 2026 for free. A new trial, known as the King's College London YouScreen trial, is the biggest to date and shows how the DIY kit can boost the numbers of women getting screened. Figures show that cervical screening uptake is declining, with nearly a third of women in England - particularly younger women - not taking up their most recent test. Experts say women may refuse testing due to a lack of convenient appointments, embarrassment and worries about the test causing pain. The new plan includes expanding the "ping and book" service, which sends reminders for screening appointments. Who's at risk of cervical cancer? Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name for a very common group of viruses that most people will get some type of HPV during their lives. It's very common and nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about. You can get HPV from any kind of skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, not just from penetrative sex. This includes: Vaginal, oral or anal sex Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area Sharing sex toys In most cases your body will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. But sometimes HPV can stay in your body for a long time and some types of high risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. If high risk types of HPV stay in your body, they can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes may become cervical cancer if not treated. How to lower your risk of cervical cancer You can't always prevent cervical cancer. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of getting cervical cancer. Cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer. All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they can turn into cancer. All children aged 12 to 13 are offered the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer, as well as some other cancers and genital warts. You can also lower your chance of getting cervical cancer by: Using condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV – but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals so you're not fully protected Quitting smoking – smoking can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer Source: NHS
Powys County Times
10-06-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
Women with genetic cancer risk being ‘missed' due to testing gaps
Families of some cancer patients are being denied the chance to find out about their cancer risk due to gaps in genetic testing, a new study has suggested. A lack of testing for Lynch syndrome also means some cancer patients are unaware of their risk of developing other cancers, academics said. Lynch syndrome is a rare condition which runs in families which puts people at a higher risk of developing cancers of the bowel, womb and ovaries. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that fixes mistakes in DNA when it is copied, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Patients with bowel or womb cancer should have their tumours assessed for markers of Lynch syndrome, according to guidance for the NHS. If these markers are identified, patients should be referred for genetic testing so the diagnosis can be confirmed and they can get support and advice about cancer risk for themselves and their family. A new study by academics at the University of Edinburgh found not all womb cancer patients are being sent for genetic testing. Researchers examined data on 2,500 womb cancer patients across the UK and Ireland between 2022 and 2023. We have launched a Guide to #LynchSyndrome to help provide information and support to anyone who thinks they may have it, that it may run in the family, or have found out they have it. — The Eve Appeal (@eveappeal) February 13, 2023 They found that 91% of tumours were tested for markers of Lynch syndrome, but the test results were not routinely communicated to the wider clinical team. This means that follow-up genetic counselling and blood tests were not always arranged. Of the 181 participants eligible for genetic counselling, just under two-thirds (64%) were referred for appointments, according to the study, which has been published in the journal BMJ Oncology. Researchers said those who were referred faced long waits, resulting in high dropout rates, meaning only 48% of those eligible went on to get the test. Today's #LynchSyndromeAwarenessDay. Our policy team sat down with our supporter, Jane, to share her experience. As well as highlighting what else needs to be done to improve Lynch syndrome care. Read our blog: — Bowel Cancer UK (@bowelcanceruk) March 22, 2025 Experts from the university said gaps in testing mean some womb cancer patients with Lynch syndrome go undetected. Family members are also left vulnerable to cancer risk, unaware they may have the condition. Dr Neil Ryan, from the University of Edinburgh, who leads the UK audit and research collaborative in obstetrics and gynaecology, said: 'Despite clear guidance and excellent rates of tumour testing, too many women with Lynch syndrome are still being missed because they're not referred for definitive blood testing in a timely way. 'This not only denies them the chance to reduce their future cancer risk but also prevents their relatives from being tested and protected.
South Wales Guardian
10-06-2025
- Health
- South Wales Guardian
Women with genetic cancer risk being ‘missed' due to testing gaps
A lack of testing for Lynch syndrome also means some cancer patients are unaware of their risk of developing other cancers, academics said. Lynch syndrome is a rare condition which runs in families which puts people at a higher risk of developing cancers of the bowel, womb and ovaries. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that fixes mistakes in DNA when it is copied, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Patients with bowel or womb cancer should have their tumours assessed for markers of Lynch syndrome, according to guidance for the NHS. If these markers are identified, patients should be referred for genetic testing so the diagnosis can be confirmed and they can get support and advice about cancer risk for themselves and their family. A new study by academics at the University of Edinburgh found not all womb cancer patients are being sent for genetic testing. Researchers examined data on 2,500 womb cancer patients across the UK and Ireland between 2022 and 2023. We have launched a Guide to #LynchSyndrome to help provide information and support to anyone who thinks they may have it, that it may run in the family, or have found out they have — The Eve Appeal (@eveappeal) February 13, 2023 They found that 91% of tumours were tested for markers of Lynch syndrome, but the test results were not routinely communicated to the wider clinical team. This means that follow-up genetic counselling and blood tests were not always arranged. Of the 181 participants eligible for genetic counselling, just under two-thirds (64%) were referred for appointments, according to the study, which has been published in the journal BMJ Oncology. Researchers said those who were referred faced long waits, resulting in high dropout rates, meaning only 48% of those eligible went on to get the test. Today's #LynchSyndromeAwarenessDay. Our policy team sat down with our supporter, Jane, to share her experience. As well as highlighting what else needs to be done to improve Lynch syndrome care. Read our blog: — Bowel Cancer UK (@bowelcanceruk) March 22, 2025 Experts from the university said gaps in testing mean some womb cancer patients with Lynch syndrome go undetected. Family members are also left vulnerable to cancer risk, unaware they may have the condition. Dr Neil Ryan, from the University of Edinburgh, who leads the UK audit and research collaborative in obstetrics and gynaecology, said: 'Despite clear guidance and excellent rates of tumour testing, too many women with Lynch syndrome are still being missed because they're not referred for definitive blood testing in a timely way. 'This not only denies them the chance to reduce their future cancer risk but also prevents their relatives from being tested and protected. 'Tumour testing is only cost-effective if it leads to diagnosis — we urgently need to make mainstream testing truly mainstream.'
North Wales Chronicle
10-06-2025
- Health
- North Wales Chronicle
Women with genetic cancer risk being ‘missed' due to testing gaps
A lack of testing for Lynch syndrome also means some cancer patients are unaware of their risk of developing other cancers, academics said. Lynch syndrome is a rare condition which runs in families which puts people at a higher risk of developing cancers of the bowel, womb and ovaries. It is caused by a mutation in the gene that fixes mistakes in DNA when it is copied, which can lead to uncontrolled cell growth. Patients with bowel or womb cancer should have their tumours assessed for markers of Lynch syndrome, according to guidance for the NHS. If these markers are identified, patients should be referred for genetic testing so the diagnosis can be confirmed and they can get support and advice about cancer risk for themselves and their family. A new study by academics at the University of Edinburgh found not all womb cancer patients are being sent for genetic testing. Researchers examined data on 2,500 womb cancer patients across the UK and Ireland between 2022 and 2023. We have launched a Guide to #LynchSyndrome to help provide information and support to anyone who thinks they may have it, that it may run in the family, or have found out they have — The Eve Appeal (@eveappeal) February 13, 2023 They found that 91% of tumours were tested for markers of Lynch syndrome, but the test results were not routinely communicated to the wider clinical team. This means that follow-up genetic counselling and blood tests were not always arranged. Of the 181 participants eligible for genetic counselling, just under two-thirds (64%) were referred for appointments, according to the study, which has been published in the journal BMJ Oncology. Researchers said those who were referred faced long waits, resulting in high dropout rates, meaning only 48% of those eligible went on to get the test. Today's #LynchSyndromeAwarenessDay. Our policy team sat down with our supporter, Jane, to share her experience. As well as highlighting what else needs to be done to improve Lynch syndrome care. Read our blog: — Bowel Cancer UK (@bowelcanceruk) March 22, 2025 Experts from the university said gaps in testing mean some womb cancer patients with Lynch syndrome go undetected. Family members are also left vulnerable to cancer risk, unaware they may have the condition. Dr Neil Ryan, from the University of Edinburgh, who leads the UK audit and research collaborative in obstetrics and gynaecology, said: 'Despite clear guidance and excellent rates of tumour testing, too many women with Lynch syndrome are still being missed because they're not referred for definitive blood testing in a timely way. 'This not only denies them the chance to reduce their future cancer risk but also prevents their relatives from being tested and protected. 'Tumour testing is only cost-effective if it leads to diagnosis — we urgently need to make mainstream testing truly mainstream.'
