Latest news with #cancerscreening


BBC News
7 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Wiltshire woman's life "saved" after smear test detected cancer.
A woman who put off having a smear test "for years" has said finally deciding to go for the appointment "saved her life". Joanne Male from Chippenham, Wiltshire, attended her smear appointment last October and a follow-up procedure confirmed she had cervical 40-year-old said: "It's easy to ignore the screening letters… [but] If I hadn't had that smear test I can't imagine what situation I would be in now as I had no symptoms."She hopes her story encourages more women to have the test when first invited, and to raise awareness of the work of Cancer Research UK (CRUK) in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. According to the NHS England Cervical Screening Programme, between 2023-2024, three in 10 people in the South West were overdue for their cervical her options Ms Male chose to have a hysterectomy as she "wanted to make sure there was no chance of my cancer returning" then received the news she was cancer-free on Christmas Eve."I'm painfully aware had I left it any longer, it could have been a very different story," said the mum of one. CRUK said it believes barriers to screening include women previously finding cervical screening painful, or worrying about it being painful and not wanting a man to carry out the screening have also reported being too embarrassed about going for cervical screening and some assume they are not at risk of cervical cancer, a spokesperson Male, who works in a jewellers, said: "You never think cancer will happen to you.""But screening only takes a couple of minutes and there's always time to fit in an appointment for something like this that can change your life," she two in four people currently surviving cancer for at least 10 years, CRUK is working to accelerate progress towards three in four people surviving their cancer by 2034, they Male said she is so grateful to CRUK and the cancer specialists and feels "so lucky to be here to enjoy so many more precious moments with my loved ones," she added. What to look out for Most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:Unusual vaginal bleedingPain or discomfort during sexVaginal dischargePain in the area between the hip bones (pelvis)Not everyone diagnosed with cervical cancer will have symptoms. That's why it is important to attend regular cervical Cancer Research UK

ABC News
7 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Control measures have prevented 230,000 Australian cancer deaths, study finds
More than 230,000 lives have been saved in Australia due to cancer control measures over the past six decades, new research shows. A study led by the Cancer Council of Victoria found advances in cancer screening and strategies to reduce smoking, in particular, had prevented thousands of deaths. "What we're seeing is a snowball effect — we're now seeing the result of investments made in cancer control over the many decades," lead researcher Associate Professor Brigid Lynch said. Although there has been a significant decline in deaths related to certain types of cancers, not all were following the trend. With cancer rates expected to increase about 50 per cent by 2044, researchers said the study highlighted the need for measures to help keep the disease under control. Cancer remains Australia's leading cause of death, accounting for about 17 per cent of the national disease burden. There were an estimated 169,000 cases of cancer diagnosed in 2024, according to the Australia Institute of Health and Welfare. The rates were rising due to factors such as an ageing and growing population. Although cases were increasing, the individual risk of dying from cancer has dropped sharply. Since the 1980s, the risk has fallen by 11 per cent for women and 20 per cent for men, the study found. The research, published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, analysed cancer-related death rates from 1950 to 2018. It found that more than 230,000 deaths have been avoided to date, with more than 65 per cent in the final 10 years of the study period (2009 to 2018). Associate Professor Lynch said there was a substantial decrease in the mortality from lung cancer. The rates have been dropping since the 1980s, which she said reflected the success of anti-smoking campaigns. Researchers expect lung cancer mortality to decrease further in coming years with the introduction of a national screening program for people at high risk. Mortality rates for breast and cervical cancer had also dropped "markedly", Associate Professor Lynch said. "We know more women are diagnosed with breast cancer today because of increased screening, thanks to early detection and improved treatment options, that mortality rate is falling," she said. A decline in cervical cancer deaths since the 1960s has been largely attributed to screening and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. The greatest number of deaths averted was for stomach cancer. In the 1920s, stomach cancer was the leading cause of cancer death in Australia, and peaked in the mid 1950s. But its mortality rate fell over the course of the 20th century, in part due to increased safe food storage and people eating less salt-preserved food. Overall, the report found a combination of factors was helping to curb deaths, including advances in prevention, screening, and treatments. But societal changes, such as reduced salted food intake, exposure to smoke from indoor fires, and improved access to clean water also played a role. Professor Finlay Macrae, a gastroenterologist at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, said measuring deaths avoided was difficult, so seeing the results was "encouraging". "And underpins the need for public health advocacy to mitigate risk factors and engage in population-based screening and vaccination," he said. The researchers said significant advances in understanding cancers had underpinned evidence-based preventive strategies. But lifestyle factors were still playing a role in some types of cancers that continued to kill a large number of Australians. Liver cancer deaths have more than tripled since the 1980s, mainly due to obesity, alcohol use, and metabolic disease. "We did not observe any downturn in liver cancer mortality through to 2018," researchers said. Although liver cancer remained "highly fatal", advances in treatments had increased the five-year survival rate, they added. About 24 per cent of Australians diagnosed with liver cancer had a five-year chance of survival. Mortality rates for brain cancer were also continuing to rise. While other some cancer sites, such as nervous system cancers, leukaemia and pancreatic cancer, had remained relatively stable. Associate Professor Lynch said Cancer Council Victoria was leading the world's largest study of risk factors into glioma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. "If we can better identify this cancer's risk factors, we can work to reduce mortality and incidence through prevention measures," she said. With Australia's ageing and growing population, a significant increase of cancer diagnoses is expected over the coming years. Associate Professor Lynch said it was crucial to learn from the success of control measures and prevention campaigns. "It's vital that society increases investment in cancer prevention and early detection efforts to help save lives," she said. Professor Adrian Esterman, the chair of bio-statistics at the University of South Australia, said the study highlighted the need for continued investment in cancer prevention, early detection and new treatments. He noted several major recent advancements in Australia, such as a new national cancer screening programs and enhanced reading of mammograms using AI. "These will ensure the downward trend in cancer deaths continues," he said. The study involved the Cancer Council Victoria, The University of Melbourne and Monash University, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. It did not receive any specific grants from funding agencies.


The Independent
20-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Sir Chris Hoy says public support has ‘lifted him' amid terminal cancer diagnosis
Sir Chris Hoy, 49, revealed he was diagnosed with terminal stage four prostate cancer in 2023 at age 47, which has since spread to his bones. His diagnosis at a younger age than the typical NHS high-risk group (over 50) highlights his urgent call for earlier prostate cancer screening. Sir Chris advocates for systemic changes to testing protocols, including proactive PSA blood tests for high-risk men like those with a family history or Black men. Prostate Cancer UK supports his plea, urging the UK Government to overhaul NHS guidelines to encourage GPs to discuss testing with high-risk men from age 45. He has launched the Tour de 4 charity cycling challenge to raise awareness and inspire action, with his advocacy already prompting many to use online risk checkers.


CBS News
19-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
San Francisco mayor announces pilot program for firefighters to get cancer screening tests
San Francisco's firefighters could get cancer screening tests through a proposed city initiative, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced Tuesday. The initiative would give active-duty firefighters over the age of 40 with at least five years of service access to image scans and screenings, the city said. "You are the protectors of our city, and now, we're here to protect you," Lurie said. "I'm proud to announce this investment for cancer screenings for firefighters across San Francisco. We know screenings save lives—when we catch cancer early, it drastically increases the survival rate of our firefighters. This investment is about honoring the people who dedicate their lives to protecting ours." Lurie said his proposed budget includes a $500,000 investment for the program, and that it would be led by the city's fire department. The initiative is modeled after the San Francisco Firefighter Cancer Prevention Foundation's program. "The SFFCPF program this pilot program will be modeled after demonstrated high participation and effective early detection, identifying cancers that might have otherwise gone undiagnosed until more advanced stages," the city said. According to the city's press release, Lurie would use private contributions to fully fund the program and ensure it continues to operate. The mayor's office said Lurie is currently working with the Board of Supervisors on legislation to allow him to raise that money. The mayor's office said the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 798, the SFCPF, and the Fire Department will be helping design the pilot before its launch.


The National
15-06-2025
- Health
- The National
Breast cancer support group marks 20 years as services more in demand than ever
From zero awareness to a full package of world-class care and patient support, breast cancer treatment has come a long way in the UAE. It is 20 years since the founding of Brest Friends, a patient support group which has helped thousands of women deal with the uncertainty and fear surrounding the life threatening condition. Although survival rates are on the increase, so are cancer rates in general – with the founders of Brest Friends warning complacency is the biggest barrier in the way of further progress. The latest National Cancer Registry showed breast cancer remained the most common form of the disease, but just 25 per cent of at-risk women were being screened. One of the UAE's first female consultant breast surgeons, Dr Houriya Kazim, is medical director of the Well Woman Clinic and founding president of Brest Friends. While great strides have been made in attitudes towards breast cancer, she said there is still work to do. 'In 1998 when I first arrived here, there was absolutely no awareness of breast cancer, I mean zero,' she told The National. 'I was seeing advanced breast cancer cases, and it was very difficult to develop advice and awareness within the cultural boundaries of the time.' 'I put together videos in five different regional languages, basically showing women how to examine their breast without actually showing a breast. Then some women started asking for a support group, as they liked to talk. 'I had people actually call patients up, ask them what they thought and the majority wanted something like that, so it began from there.' Soaring cancer cases Cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in the UAE, and responsible for about eight per cent of all deaths. Since 2019, there has been a 60 per cent increase in cancer cases, largely due to better diagnostic screening and a growing population, but also more lifestyle related risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Since the launch of Brest Friends in 2005, scores of women and their families have benefited from support and guidance from health professionals, and others who have experienced cancer. The group meets monthly in hotels in Dubai, bringing the cancer community together to discuss a shared view and pass on advice. A WhatsApp group also exists to offer quick tips and answer questions. Dr Kazam now believes more is needed to be done for other forms of cancer. 'Our therapy has always been talking to friends and other women, that's just been our way of dealing with life in general,' she said. 'We have several patients with other types of cancer because there aren't any support groups for them. Cancer affects everyone, it doesn't know who's rich, or who's poor.' While arduous radiation treatments and chemotherapies can be physically demanding, the psychological toll on patients is an often underreported aspect of recovery. Since 2015, the Al Jalila Foundation has been working with Brest Friends to operate a drop-in centre to support women trying to navigate the path to recovery. Charity partnership The Majlis Al Amal cancer drop-in centre in Dubai Healthcare City offers a safe space for patients and their families to relax and receive both support and expert advice. All services are offered free of charge, with volunteers often having experienced cancer themselves. British primary schoolteacher Charlotte Rule was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2022 when she was seven months pregnant with twin boys. Doctors decided to deliver the babies early through emergency Caesarean section due to an unrelated medical condition, pre-eclampsia. Three years on and the boys Reuben and Ezra are healthy, while Ms Rule has almost fully recovered. 'The hardest bit was the fact that I actually found a lump in February and it took until July to get diagnosed,' she said. 'Originally my condition was misdiagnosed as fibroids, and I was told not to worry about it. 'As it was getting bigger, I moved hospitals to see a breast specialist, but had to wait for my insurance to come through before I was able to get an appointment, which delayed my treatment." In response to the most recent national cancer figures that showed more than half of cancer (56 per cent) is found in women, doctors said there was an urgent need for a national insurance code for cancer management to improve access to care. Because of the variation in policies and approvals, early detection can be delayed due to administrative delays, doctors said. The Al Jalila Foundation said it had seen a huge increase in applications for financial support from cancer patients, largely as a result of increasing cases, insufficient insurance coverage and high treatment costs. Psychological impact in recovery Dealing with the long term psychological impact of breast cancer can also be a challenge, and is where support groups come into their own. Dr Melanie Schlatter, a health psychologist at American Hospital Dubai, said Brest Friends offers support that otherwise may be out of reach. 'Post-diagnosis, women often face emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression, body image struggles and social isolation,' she said. 'Longer term, there is psychological impact, trauma, lingering anxiety and identity challenges that can persist for years, even after remission.' Through Brest Friends, women can access peer connections, survivorship activities and general psychological safety through shared experiences and community building. Dr Schlatter, from New Zealand, said the model could be replicated to offer similar support for other cancers. 'Financially, it's typically high treatment costs and lack of insurance coverage for mental health care which create barriers to accessing psychological support,' she said. 'The success of Brest Friends really shows the value of culturally sensitive, long-term community spaces that normalise emotional struggles and basically foster belonging. 'The model could be adapted or other cancers. There are women who joined many years ago who are still participating now and helping new women. Longer term survivors have a lot to teach the newly diagnosed, it's a really lovely model.'