Latest news with #CRUK
Scottish Sun
23-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in high-risk group
Trial shows much smaller dose than previously recommended would work BIG C HOPE Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in high-risk group Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ASPIRIN could be prescribed to try to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group. A Cancer Research UK study found a small daily dose offers protection for people with Lynch syndrome. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up More than half of people with the genetic condition develop bowel cancer at some point in their life. Experts will apply for a prescription license to give 'baby' 75mg pills to the nearly 200,000 Brits with Lynch syndrome. CRUK said fewer than half of GPs knew they should prescribe aspirin to Lynch syndrome patients and many were worried about the dose size. The trial found a much smaller dose than the previously recommended 600mg would work, reducing the risk of side effects. Professor Sir John Burn, from Newcastle University, said: 'This tells us that aspirin can prevent bowel cancer at lower doses, minimising the chances of side-effects whilst offering vital protection for people with Lynch syndrome. 'Only a quarter of people with Lynch syndrome are currently taking aspirin and too many are missing out on a potentially life-changing opportunity to prevent cancer.' Lynch syndrome is estimated to cause about one in every 33 bowel cancer cases in the UK. Bowel tumours are one of the most common types, with 44,000 cases per year and 17,000 deaths. The 4 signs of bowel cancer that mean it's 'too late' - as doctor reveals cause of surge in young people being diagnosed 1 Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in high-risk group
ASPIRIN could be prescribed to try to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group. A Cancer Research UK study found a small daily dose offers protection for people with Lynch syndrome. More than half of people with the genetic condition develop bowel cancer at some point in their life. Experts will apply for a prescription license to give 'baby' 75mg pills to the nearly 200,000 Brits with Lynch syndrome. CRUK said fewer than half of GPs knew they should prescribe aspirin to Lynch syndrome patients and many were worried about the dose size. The trial found a much smaller dose than the previously recommended 600mg would work, reducing the risk of side effects. READ MORE ON CANCER Professor Sir John Burn, from Newcastle University, said: 'This tells us that aspirin can prevent bowel cancer at lower doses, minimising the chances of side-effects whilst offering vital protection for people with Lynch syndrome. 'Only a quarter of people with Lynch syndrome are currently taking aspirin and too many are missing out on a potentially life-changing opportunity to prevent cancer.' Lynch syndrome is estimated to cause about one in every 33 bowel cancer cases in the UK. Bowel tumours are one of the most common types, with 44,000 cases per year and 17,000 deaths. Most read in Health The 4 signs of bowel cancer that mean it's 'too late' - as doctor reveals cause of surge in young people being diagnosed 1 Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group Credit: Getty What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer? IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough. While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver. If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems. The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include: Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction. Other signs include: Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools. But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
Medscape
03-06-2025
- Business
- Medscape
UK Cancer Deaths Drop 22% in 50 Years Despite Rising Cases
Cancer death rates in the UK have fallen by 22% over the past 50 years. However, diagnoses have risen by almost half, according to a new analysis by Cancer Research UK (CRUK). The Cancer in the UK Report 2025 provides the first 50 years of UK-wide data on cancer mortality and cases. Death rates fell from around 328 per 100,000 people in 1973 to around 252 per 100,000 in 2023. CRUK described the findings as 'profound'. The charity said improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and smoking reduction had helped drive the decline. People today are twice as likely to survive their disease for at least 10 years compared to 50 years ago. Survival rates improved from one in four people in the early 1970s to one in two today. Rising Incidence Despite Progress Cancer incidence rates increased sharply by 47% during the same period. Cases rose from around 413 to 607 per 100,000 people. However, the charity noted that because of the UK's growing and ageing population, actual numbers continue to rise. Nearly 1100 new cases are diagnosed daily, with more than 460 deaths each day. This occurs despite significant progress in prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment. CRUK called on the government to ensure that its upcoming National Cancer Plan for England is 'ambitious and fully funded'. Early Diagnosis Rates Stagnant Research into improving screening programmes, tests, and drugs helped reduce death rates. Policy action on smoking reduced rates for cancers with poor survival outcomes. Lung cancer mortality rates decreased from 80.9 per 100,000 people in 1971-1973 to 49.8 in 2021-2023. Bowel cancer rates fell from 48.0 to 26.3, whilst breast cancer dropped from 30.7 to 16.9. However, pancreatic cancer rates remained stable at around 15 per 100,000 people. Some cancers showed increases, including prostate cancer from 13.3 to 18.3 and oesophageal cancer from 9.2 to 12.0. Just over half of cancers (54%) were diagnosed at an early stage in England, the report found. This proportion has not changed for almost a decade. Around half of all new cancer diagnoses occur in people aged 70 and over. However, incidence rates are rising fastest in younger people, with a 23% increase in people aged 20 to 49 since the early 1990s. Screening Programmes Save Lives Three cancer screening programmes save around 5000 lives every year across the UK, according to CRUK. Smoking remains the biggest cause of cancer in the UK. It accounts for around a fifth of all cancer deaths each year. Around one in 20 UK cancer deaths are now linked to being overweight or obese. Michelle Mitchell, CRUK's chief executive, welcomed the reduced death rates and doubled survival rates. However, she stressed that too many cases are diagnosed at a late stage. "If we want to change that, we need bold action from the UK government," Mitchell said. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, highlighted recent innovations. These include lung cancer screening in car parks and AI technology to spot skin cancer. Mitchell urged that the upcoming National Cancer Plan for England must improve survival and transform services. She said the plan "could save countless lives across England and ensure people affected by cancer live longer, better lives". CRUK has also published devolved nation summaries of its findings for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
More Brits developing cancer than ever before but survival rates have doubled since 70s
MORE Brits are developing cancer than ever before but we are twice as likely to survive the disease than patients in the 1970s, a report shows. Cancer Research UK studied 50 years of data and found tumour rates increased by nearly half – 48 per cent – between 1973 and 2023. Advertisement 1 More Brits are developing cancer than ever before but we are twice as likely to survive the disease than patients in the 1970s Credit: Getty There are now 607 cases per 100,000 people per year, compared to 413 per 100,000 then. Cancer has become more common as people live longer and the risk rises with age, but cases are now increasing fastest in younger people. Scientists are investigating whether unhealthy lifestyles now are driving up the disease further. Meanwhile, treatment advances mean cancer is less deadly than ever, with the death rate tumbling from 328 per 100,000 to 252. Advertisement The proportion of people who survive 10 years or more after diagnosis has doubled from 24 to 50 per cent. Michelle Mitchell, chief of Cancer Research UK, said: 'It's fantastic to see that thanks to research, cancer death rates have drastically reduced over the last 50 years, and survival has doubled. 'However, there is more that can be done. 'This report highlights that over 460 people die from cancer every day in the UK, and too many cases are diagnosed at a late stage. Advertisement 'If we want to change that, we need bold action from the UK government and the upcoming National Cancer Plan for England must improve cancer survival and transform cancer services.' The Cancer in the UK report warned that there has been almost no improvement to early diagnosis in the past 10 years. If I had access to more information on breast health when I was younger, I may have caught my symptoms earlier Nearly half of cases are still diagnosed in the later stages three and four, when a cure is much less likely. CRUK said: 'The Government must make a concerted effort to reduce the number of people diagnosed with cancer at a later stage, with a focus on cancers that would lead to the greatest benefit in survival such as lung and bowel.' Advertisement
Irish Times
26-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Men and women develop skin cancer in different parts of the body
Areas of the body most likely to develop skin cancer vary between men and women, research has found, as cases of melanoma are expected to rise this year. According to analysis by Cancer Research UK (CRUK), four in 10 melanomas in men are found on the torso, including the back, chest and stomach, the equivalent of 3,700 cases a year. More than a third – 35 per cent – of melanomas in women are found on lower limbs, from the hips to the feet, and account for 3,200 cases every year. It is thought the variations are due to differences in behaviour, with men more likely to be in the sun without a shirt while women might wear shorts or skirts as the weather gets warmer. READ MORE The study found that 87 per cent of melanoma cases, the equivalent of 17,100 in the UK each year, are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. Last year, rates of melanoma skin cancer reached an all-time high in the UK, with new diagnoses increasing by a quarter from 21 to 28 in every 100,000 people between 2007 and 2009 and 2017 and 2019, according to CRUK figures. There has been a 57 per cent rise among the over-80s and a 7 per cent rise in those aged 25 to 49. The charity has also warned that melanoma cases are expected to rise again this year, with 21,300 cases. Michelle Mitchell, CRUK chief executive, said: 'Improvements in skin cancer survival rates highlight the remarkable progress driven by our research. But the growing number of people diagnosed with melanoma is still concerning, especially when we can see that rates are rising faster in men. 'If you notice anything different on your skin, like a new mole, a mole that's changed in size, shape or colour, or any patch of skin that looks out of the ordinary – don't ignore it, speak to your GP. We want to beat skin cancer for everyone, no matter who they are or where they're from – early diagnosis is key and could make all the difference.' [ Sunbeds, melanoma and me: 'I knew the risks but thought it could never happen' Opens in new window ] Fiona Osgun, head of health information at CRUK, said: 'As the weather gets warmer, it's really important to look after yourself in the sun. Getting sunburned just once every couple of years can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer, compared with never being burned. And it's not just the hot, sunny days you need to watch out for – UV rays can be strong enough to cause skin damage between mid-March and mid-October in the UK, even when it's cloudy or cool. [ Nine in 10 with melanoma skin cancer survive at least five years Opens in new window ] 'That's why we encourage people to take some simple steps to stay safe. Try to stick to the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest, wear clothes that help cover up your skin, with a hat and sunglasses, and use a sunscreen with at least SPF30 and 4 or 5 stars.' Professor Peter Johnson, the national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: 'Prevention is by far the best plan with skin cancer, so avoid the sun when it is at its hottest and ensure you use sunscreen. For skin cancer, as for any cancer, it is vital that you are seen and diagnosed as early as possible, so people should come forward if they are concerned about symptoms. Getting checked saves lives.'
