Tuesday 24 October 2023
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M&S refreshes its post-surgery bra range in consultation with Breast Cancer Now and people affected by breast cancer
Kaz was diagnosed a second time with a local reoccurrence in 2019, at the age of 33. She has a mastectomy and DIEP flat reconstruction using her tummy fat and skin. Kaz is now in remission and reclaiming her confidence through fashion and storytelling, and supporting others through her charity and platform.
New range includes a first of its kind clip-on pocket which can be adapted to fit any bra
Breast Cancer Now played an integral part in the design process of the new range – enlisting a panel of people affected by breast cancer to test, trial and share feedback on the products
M&S has more than 2,000 expert Bra Fitters who are trained in post-surgery fitting
Coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this October Marks & Spencer is launching a refreshed post-surgery bra range in consultation with its long-term charity partner Breast Cancer Now – the leading breast cancer research & support charity.
M&S first introduced a post-surgery bras more than two decades ago which has grown to a collection of 24 products comprising full-cup shapes, non-wired styles, including camis and – for the first time – Post Surgery Pockets.
The Post Surgery Pockets (£10 for a pack of two) are designed for use with any bra simply by attaching the pocket to the strap using a popper fastening and gives customers the choice to wear with their own prothesis or M&S’ soft breast forms.
M&S has more than 2,000 Bra Fit experts who are trained in post-surgery fitting and understand the wide range of different needs depending on the treatment and recovery stage of the customer.
In collaboration with Breast Cancer Now and M&S colleagues
M&S has worked in partnership with Breast Cancer Now (via its heritage charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer) since 2001, and in that time, has raised £34 million to fund breast cancer research and life changing support.
For the updated post-surgery range, Breast Cancer Now enlisted a panel of people affected by breast cancer and clinical nurse specialists to consult on the design and development of the latest collection which resulted in the identification of new styles, more colour choices, modernised silhouettes, fabric innovations and greater versatility.
As well as working with Breast Cancer Now, M&S gathered feedback from its expert Bra Fitter and Customer Service colleagues, which included inviting 25 colleagues to be part of a ‘voice of the colleague roundtable.’
Earlier this year, M&S and Breast Cancer Now came together to raise vital awareness of signs and symptoms of breast cancer by including guidance in more than 2,000 M&S fitting rooms.
Laura Charles, M&S Lingerie Director, comments; “Since we first introduced post-surgery bras more than twenty years ago, we have been continually evolving and innovating to ensure our range stays relevant to the needs of our post-surgery customers.
“We know that no two post-surgery journeys are the same which is why it was so important for us to work with our long-term partners, Breast Cancer Now – and our experts Bra Fitters - on the design and development of our latest offering. The feedback we received was so helpful in ensuring each product in the range met the needs of all different types of post-surgery customers.
“We know the post-surgery journey is incredibly emotional and highly personal, but we hope knowing that this refreshed range has been created with the help of those closest to this journey provides customers with comfort and reassurance that our post-surgery range is inclusive, thoughtful and designed with them in mind. We can’t wait to hear their feedback as we continue to develop our future ranges.”
Rachael Franklin, Director of Fundraising, Communications, and Engagement, says: “Through our long-standing relationship with M&S we’ve played a part in the development of many of their post-surgery ranges, and we’re excited to be partnering with them once again, contributing the expertise of women affected by breast cancer and our nurses to the development of their most innovative range to date.
“For many women, breast cancer treatment can affect their self-esteem and they may feel unsure and overwhelmed about choosing post-surgery lingerie. By drawing on the direct experiences of women affected by the disease, M&S is helping to ensure people facing a breast cancer diagnosis can find lingerie that feels right for them and will ultimately help them to feel more comfortable after treatment.
“Thank you to all of the women who have shared their story to help develop this range, and to all M&S colleagues and customers for their unwavering support of Breast Cancer Now’s work.”
The refreshed post-surgery range
The new line up incorporates best-selling customer favourites, such as the Cami and Body Soft™ Bra as well as five new styles which were informed by the Breast Cancer Now focus group.
The FlexiFit™ Lace Non-Wired Bra is made with 360-degree stretch lace that moves in every direction for extra comfort and freedom of movement. Like all M&S’ post-surgery bras, is available with an inner discreet and breathable cotton pocket to hold a prosthetic.
The supportive Recovery Bra is designed for use directly following surgery and features easy-front fastening with supersoft Velcro and adjustable straps at the front and back so the individual can tailor to their exact needs.
The Hills are Alive to the sound of charity fund-raising
A total of fourteen dedicated individuals, including five participants from the prominent solicitors, Scott Row, completed the walk, showcasing their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer in the Axminster and Lyme area by raising £ 2,512.78.
Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support is a local charity dedicated to providing invaluable assistance and support to individuals and families affected by cancer. Their mission is to improve the lives of cancer patients by offering practical help, emotional support, and a strong sense of community.
The Sponsored Walk: A Journey Through Dorset's Beauty
The sponsored walk event took participants on a trulymemorable journey through Dorset's breath-taking countryside, offering stunning views throughout the day and especially on the summits of the three hills: Colmers Hill, Hardown Hill, and Golden Cap. Participants embraced the challenge, with each step they took symbolising their unwavering commitment to supporting those battling or affected by cancer.
Community Spirit and Corporate Support
The event was made even more remarkable by the participation of five individuals from Scott Row, a reputable solicitors firm known for their commitment to community involvement. Their involvement highlights the importance of local businesses coming together to make a positive impact on the community they serve. Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support is their Charity of the Year.
A Message of Gratitude
Mary Kahn, who is the MD of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support said: “I'd like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible. Every step taken during the walk represents a step towards improving the lives of cancer patients and their families”.
Get Involved
If you would like to join the effort to support those affected by any cancer, in the Axminster and Lyme area, consider donating to Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support or volunteering your time to make a difference.
For more information about the charity, to donate and how you can get involved, please visit www.axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk.
Monday 23 October 2023
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Saturday 21 October 2023
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The Failures of Virtual Wards: Navigating the Pitfalls of Modern Healthcare
These innovative systems aim to monitor and support patients remotely, providing timely interventions and preventing unnecessary hospitalisations. While the concept of virtual wards holds great potential, they are not without their shortcomings. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the failures and challenges associated with virtual wards.
Limited Access and Connectivity
One of the most significant issues with virtual wards is that they heavily rely on technology. While this reliance on technology can be efficient and cost-effective in many cases, it also poses challenges for those who do not have reliable internet access or the digital literacy needed to use these systems effectively. This digital divide can exclude vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, from receiving the benefits of virtual ward services.
Data Security and Privacy Concerns
The transfer and storage of sensitive patient data in virtual wards are essential for their operation. However, this also brings forth a myriad of privacy and security concerns. Ensuring that patient data remains protected from breaches and unauthorised access is a constant challenge, especially when dealing with numerous data points and interconnected devices. As the healthcare industry faces a growing number of cyberattacks and data breaches, the security of virtual wards is a significant concern.
Lack of Personalised Care
Virtual wards often rely on algorithms and automated systems to monitor patients' vital signs and assess their health status. While this approach is cost-effective and efficient, it can neglect the nuances of individual patient needs. Virtual wards can lack the personal touch that healthcare professionals can provide in traditional hospital settings. This can lead to misdiagnoses or inadequate care, as well as patient dissatisfaction.
There can also be issues with a patient, who previously would have been hospitalised for treatment, remaining at home in the care of elderly and often poorly family members or relying on visiting carers with the potential problems this can bring with it.
Technological Glitches
As with any technology, virtual wards are susceptible to glitches and technical malfunctions. When these issues occur, patients may experience disruptions in their care, and healthcare providers may struggle to respond promptly. Relying on technology in a healthcare setting means that there is a risk of system failures, which can have severe consequences for patient safety.
Staffing and Training Challenges
To ensure the success of virtual wards, healthcare providers must have well-trained staff who can use the technology effectively and provide the necessary support to patients. Staffing virtual wards with skilled professionals and providing ongoing training can be costly and challenging. This could lead to a lack of qualified personnel, undermining the effectiveness of the virtual ward model.
Regulatory and Legal Hurdles
The healthcare industry is highly regulated, and virtual wards are no exception. Navigating the complex web of regulations and compliance requirements can be a significant challenge for healthcare organizations. Additionally, legal questions surrounding issues like liability and informed consent in virtual ward settings have yet to be fully resolved.
Conclusion
While virtual wards hold promise in improving patient care and reducing hospital readmissions, they are not without their failures and challenges. Limited access and connectivity, data security and privacy concerns, the potential for a lack of personalized care, technological glitches, staffing and training challenges, and regulatory and legal hurdles are all significant issues that need to be addressed to make virtual wards a viable and safe healthcare solution.
As virtual ward technology continues to evolve, it is crucial to learn from these failures and work toward solutions that make remote healthcare monitoring more accessible, secure, and patient-centred. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can ensure that virtual wards can fulfil their potential and help shape the future of healthcare in a positive way.
Thursday 19 October 2023
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Oticon is First to Embrace the Revolutionary Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT™) Diagnostic Test to Take on the Number One Challenge with Hearing Loss
Oticon is pleased to announce it will be the first hearing aid company to incorporate the new Audible Contrast Threshold (ACT™) diagnostic test, invented by Interacoustics Research Unit (IRU), into its Oticon Genie 2 fitting software. The move affirms Oticon’s commitment to supporting hearing care professionals to conduct more personalised and effective hearing aid fittings and ensuring better outcomes for hearing aid users.
The problem:
ACT has been developed to address the number one challenge with hearing loss experienced by 1 in 5 of the world’s population: Difficulty hearing speech in background noise. Going beyond the traditional audiogram, the ACT diagnostic test is a significant opportunity for the field of audiology. It will objectively quantify hearing in noise ability for people with or without hearing loss. ACT is a simple, evidence-based method to diagnose hearing in noise difficulties, a well-known challenge for hearing care professionals globally.
The solution:
Thanks to the introduction of ACT, hearing care professionals will have additional diagnostic information to provide a more personalised solution quickly and easily for specific hearing loss and to optimally fit a hearing aid the first time. Through diagnostic integration, the Oticon Genie 2 fitting software will automatically and immediately calculate the optimal amount of help a client needs in noise.
Based on the language-independent ACT test which takes an average of 2 minutes to conduct, the software auto-generates personalised help-in-noise settings, providing the correct dose of ‘contrast’ to better separate speech from noise, based on a person’s ACT value. The prescription enables hearing care professionals to fully deploy the advanced capabilities of Oticon hearing aids (Oticon Real and onwards) in the most effective way. The integration is expected to be available in the next release of the Genie 2 fitting software in 2024.
Thomas Behrens, Vice President of Audiology, Oticon comments: “At Oticon, we have dedicated decades of research into BrainHearing™, and have demonstrated the considerable effort for hearing aid users to understand speech in complex noise environments. Hearing aids should support a user to tackle this important challenge optimally and with an ACT assessment, hearing care professionals can ensure our advanced hearing aids do that to the best of their ability. Embracing the new ACT diagnostic test, we are challenging the conventions to explore a new way of working with hearing care and improve the benefit of hearing aids for our users from the first fit. ACT redefines how we can compensate for hearing loss, and we are proud to be the first company to make the introduction and make strong contributions to making it a new industry standard.”
Oticon is renowned for its research into hearing aid technology that can support hearing aid users to thrive in complex listening environments. For the 7 years that ACT has been under development, Oticon has been supporting this research initiative, as well as taken the lead in developing an evidence-based prescription of Oticon hearing aids using ACT values. For the past 2 years, Oticon has worked alongside the IRU team and the Eriksholm Research Centre, also under the Demant umbrella, to clinically trial ACT, heading up the biggest clinical study Oticon has ever conducted, spanning several countries around the world. For more details on the trial, visit: https://www.oticon.global/act
EDITOR: As someone who suffers with difficulty with hearing speech in background noise, I'm really pleased to be able to share this wonderful news!
18 million Brits could have prediabetes. Improved testing is needed to halt a diabetes tsunami, warns expert
New analysis from London Medical Laboratory has revealed up to 18 million UK adults may well have prediabetes, meaning they're on the edge of developing type 2 diabetes. That’s considerably higher than the 7 million figure that is normally quoted.
Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), who is the Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: ‘Our analysis of the latest research into prediabetes raises some big questions. Why is the potential number of people with prediabetes so high? More vitally, how can we prevent them from developing “full-blown” type 2 diabetes, creating massive pressure on the NHS and altering millions of lives?
"Prediabetes means your blood sugars are higher than normal, but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with diabetes.
"But it does mean you are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes (also known as Impaired Glucose Regulation or non-diabetic Hyperglycaemia) have higher than normal blood glucose levels, suggesting early features of diabetes. Recent research has shown prediabetes may already be causing long-term damage to the body, affecting the heart and circulatory system.
"Concerningly, prediabetics are really unlikely to experience any symptoms, meaning the condition goes unnoticed even at the threshold of type 2 diabetes, when irreversible damage has already occurred. This invisible killer shortens lives by up to ten years. That’s why we launched our “Give the finger to diabetes” campaign to identify undiagnosed cases with a simple fingerprick blood test. In 2019, there were almost 14,000 diabetes-related deaths in the UK. The earlier people are diagnosed, the better the outcome.
‘The most commonly quoted figure for the number of people who have prediabetes is around 7 million. That figure dates back to 2009 research by Diabetes UK which, two years ago, released updated estimates suggesting 13.6 million people were at risk of developing diabetes.
‘This is still considerably smaller than our calculation, which is based on results from the most comprehensive research into prediabetes ever conducted in the UK. This study, published on the British Medical Journal’s “BMJ Open” website, found 35.3% of randomly selected participants were prediabetic. Growing obesity rates and an increasing population (there are now 53 million adults in the UK) mean that some 18.5 million Brits are now likely to be prediabetic.
‘Increased testing is needed to establish which of us are among this at-risk population. The most accurate test to identify prediabetes is known as the HbA1c test, which can be done at your local medical practice but is also now available as a revolutionary and convenient home-fingerprick test from London Medical Laboratory."
He went to to provide more details: "What will these test results tell you?
• An HbA1c of 41mmol/mol or below is considered normal.
• An HbA1c of 42 - 47 mmol/mol is considered in the prediabetic range.
• An HbA1c of 48mmol/mol or above indicates that you have diabetes.
‘The sooner this problem is detected the better we can manage it. Those who discover they have prediabetes should take it as a warning sign that they are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that prediabetes is not “full” diabetes yet and, with the right support, up to 50% of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Remember, type 2 diabetes can come on slowly, usually in people over the age of 40.
"London Medical Laboratory’s fingerprick HbA1c “Diabetes - Diagnosis and Monitoring” test is considered the gold standard in regular testing. It is used to measure the average level of blood glucose over the previous two to three months and both accurately monitor and diagnose diabetes. It can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 95 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/diabetes-check."
Revolutionising Global Healthcare: TBD Media Group Launches Inspiring Global Health Campaign
This innovative campaign spotlights pioneers shaping the future of healthcare, presenting state-of-the-art technologies, ground-breaking research, and revolutionary strategies. Dive into a world where healthcare intersects economic development, social justice, and global security.
Paolo Zanini, CEO of TBD Media Group, passionately stated, "We're convinced healthcare evolution is vital for global well-being. Through our Global Health campaign, we illuminate the remarkable endeavours of trailblazers, inspiring action and change worldwide."
Beyond celebrating healthcare leaders, our campaign unveils innovative solutions to urgent issues, from COVID-19 challenges to healthcare accessibility in developing nations and disparities in underserved communities. Witness the transformative influence of technology, collaboration, and community engagement.
TBD Media Group's Global Health campaign is a testament to its commitment to innovation, development, and social responsibility. Through pioneering technology, digital progress, and visionary leadership, TBD Media Group strives to make a positive mark on society and the world.
To find out more about the Global Health campaign, click here: https://www.reuters.com/plus/tbd-media-group/global-campaign
Social Care Future
Commissioned by the #SocialCareFuture movement, the star of Marvel’s Loki 2 and The Witcher warns that ‘without big changes to the way we think about social care, we and the people we care about face losing control of our lives and contact with the people and things that make our lives worthwhile.’
Liz says: “I am thrilled to support this movement – everyone should have the right to live in a place they call home with the people and things that we love, in communities where we look out for one another, doing things that matter to us. I hope everyone can get behind calling for a brighter #SocialCareFuture.”
The campaign calls for greater investment by central government in growing these and other innovative approaches like community micro-enterprises and personal assistance, as well as the adoption of different behaviours and practices by local councils, in partnership with the people and communities they serve.
Anna Severwright, a convener of the Social Care Future movement, who herself draws on social care to live her life says: ”Social care isn’t just under-resourced, it’s also under-imagined. That is getting in the way of growing the care and support we and our families need and deserve. Progress depends on shifting how the public thinks and feels about social care and on building stronger support for investment and reform. The public must see social care as more relevant to themselves and their families, more valuable to the wider community, and feel more optimistic about the potential for change for it to get greater investment.”
Dr Anna Dixon, who chaired the Archbishops Commission on Reimagining Care says: ”Our commission concluded that without a shift in public attitudes both to care and to those who draw on care or support to live our lives, then much needed investment and reform will continue to elude us. I’m pleased to see Social Care Future lead the way in striving to positively shift how the wider public imagines and feels about social care and its importance to everyone in society.”
The film is premiering in Manchester at a gathering to mark the 5th anniversary of the movement and is available to watch at https://bit.ly/SCFLiz
#SocialCareFuture (www.socialcarefuture.org.uk) is an influential group of disabled people, campaigners, providers and organisations that are committed changing public attitudes to social care. hosted by the registered charity In Control Partnerships and convened on a voluntary, unpaid basis by Anna Severwright, Julie Stansfield, Martin Routledge and Neil Crowther.
Monday 16 October 2023
New out-of-hours service to support working people with neuro conditions
Exercise is good for you, as everyone knows, but for people with neurological conditions it can help to manage the complexities of the condition. Physical activity can improve muscle function, aerobic fitness, mobility and quality of life. Studies have even shown that intense work-outs can also help with fatigue and cognition, two widely reported symptoms affecting people with neurological conditions.
A diagnosis of MS or Parkinson’s, or even a stroke can occur when people are still within working age. In fact, for people with MS, diagnosis often occurs when they are still in their thirties and for Parkinson’s patients many people are in their 50s and 60s.
The out-of-hours classes are designed to accommodate the busy schedules of these working people, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
“Our vision at the Centre is to help people with neurological conditions to live life to the full and for many of our members that means staying in work,” said Jody Barber, Head of Integrated Clinical Services at the Chilterns Neuro Centre. “We want to do what we can for all people affected by MS, Parkinson’s and strokes so our new out-of-hours service is another step towards achieving that.”
"Exercise helps maintain independence, strength and function for people with neuro conditions,” said Joe Harman, Exercise Lead and Musculoskeletal Therapist at the Centre. It helps our members to positively manage and cope with the progression of their condition."
Initially the out-of-hours services includes classes that can be accessed live online before or after the working day, although the Centre will keep this under review and could expand further depending on demand.
If you have MS, Parkinson’s or experienced a stroke and feel you would benefit from the services offered by the Centre, or you know someone who would then please get in touch by phoning 01296 696133 or by emailing info@chilternsneurocentre.org.
Saturday 14 October 2023
The Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire: A Herbal Heart Medicine and Dr. William Withering
The story of this herbal remedy, which later became known as Digitalis purpurea or foxglove, holds a significant place in the history of medicine and pharmacology. This report aims to shed light on the key individuals involved, the context of the discovery, and the lasting impact of this encounter on the world of medicine.
1. Introduction:
The Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, remains an enigmatic figure in the history of medicine. Her name may have been lost to time, but her contribution to the field was nothing short of remarkable. The story begins in the late 18th century when the renowned Dr. William Withering lived in the quaint town of Wellington in Shropshire, England, which was his birthplace.
2. The Wise Woman of Wellington:
The identity of the Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, is not definitively known. She was a local herbalist who possessed an extensive knowledge of native plants and their medicinal properties. Her reputation for effective remedies had spread beyond the town, and this reputation reached the ears of Dr. William Withering.
3. Dr. William Withering:
Dr. William Withering was a prominent English physician, botanist, and geologist. He was a respected figure in the medical community and had a keen interest in botanical medicines. In 1785, he made a fateful visit to Wellington, his home town, where he encountered the Wise Woman and her herbal remedy for heart ailments.
4. The Discovery:
During his visit to Wellington, Dr. Withering was introduced to the Wise Woman's herbal medicine for heart conditions. This remedy was made from the purple foxglove plant (Digitalis purpurea). Recognising the potential significance of this treatment, Dr. Withering obtained samples of the herbal remedy and started conducting extensive research to understand its properties and effects.
5. Digitalis purpurea (Foxglove):
The purple foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea, is a biennial plant native to Europe. The plant contains cardiac glycosides, including digitoxin and digoxin, which have a profound effect on the heart's contractions. These compounds, when used in appropriate doses, can help regulate heart rhythm and strengthen the heartbeat.
6. Medical Impact:
Dr. William Withering's research on Digitalis purpurea led to the development of an effective treatment for heart conditions, which he named "digitalis." This marked a significant breakthrough in the treatment of heart diseases and laid the foundation for modern cardiology and the use of digitalis-based medications. Digitalis preparations, such as digoxin, continue to be used today to manage various heart conditions.
7. Legacy:
The legacy of the Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, lives on through the invaluable contribution of her herbal remedy and Dr. William Withering's ground-breaking research. The encounter between the Wise Woman and Dr. Withering underscores the importance of traditional knowledge and the synergy between local healers and scientific inquiry.
8. Conclusion:
The story of the Wise Woman of Wellington, Shropshire, and her herbal heart medicine is a fascinating episode in the history of medicine. Her contribution, when combined with the scientific rigor of Dr. William Withering, resulted in a ground-breaking discovery that continues to impact the field of cardiology. This tale serves as a testament to the collaborative potential between traditional wisdom and modern medicine, offering a valuable lesson in the evolution of medical knowledge.
Although there is much speculation about the exact location of the birthplace of Dr William Withering in Wellington, it is speculated that the family home was in Wellington's Market Square or also perhaps on what later became known as Park Street. But researchers have, as yet, been unable to establish the address of his family home, from which his father practiced as an apothecary. Although a drawing of the birthplace does exist.
He is commemorated in the town by the Wetherspoon Pub Company which named their pub in the town the William Withering in his honour. There is a display in the pub (including an animated portrait of the great man) which is well worth a visit.
https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/all-pubs/england/shropshire/the-william-withering-wellington
Sunday 8 October 2023
Chair of Manchester children’s hospice retires after 31 years as trustee
Mr Roberts joined the charity as a trustee in 1992, quickly becoming part of the fabric of Francis House. He took over as Chair in 2014 following the retirement of Robin Wood.
Francis House was established in 1990 to benefit the families of children with life-limiting conditions from across the Greater Manchester area. The hospice opened in 1991 and it was only the fifth children’s hospice to be built in the entire UK.
During his nine years as Chairman, Chris has overseen a period of significant growth with the development of two residential properties providing a place of permanent residence for young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
The ground-breaking projects in Didsbury and Heaton Moor, operated by Francis House Families Ltd, offer a comfortable and supportive living environment to a dozen young people.
Chris stood down as Chair at a trustee meeting on October 5 with Jane Kempler taking over the position having been duly voted in as the new Chair.
As a chartered accountant in the early 1990s, Chris was visiting Wardley Hall, the Bishop of Salford’s residence and the finance office for the Diocese of Salford, when Father Thomas Mulheran, told him that the Bishop was looking for an accountant to join the Trustees at Francis House and was requesting volunteers. He felt unable to refuse and Chris has served on the main trustee body and the finance sub committee since its inception.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to be involved at Francis House. The devotion of the staff to the young people and their parents is inspirational to say the least.
“My first impression of Francis House was walking into the reception to see a young girl running with a long tube attached to an oxygen tank, this being carried as fast as he could by a carer.
“This was Kirsty Howard whose spirit and enjoyment in life embodied much of what Francis House is about. Whilst of course there are sad moments at the hospice, it's evident from the reactions of the young people and their families, and the testaments they give that it is a place they look forward to coming to and which provides a service not available elsewhere.
“When I joined the trustees, Sister Aloysius was running the hospice and Robin Wood was Chair, sister was a true force of nature to whom nothing was impossible and let little stand in her way.
“In more recent years the development of Francis Lodge and the residential accommodation has proved to be an outstanding project. Once more this is largely down to the vision and hard work of David Ireland and his team.
“Thank you to David, all the staff, young people and volunteers that have and continue to make Francis House a truly wonderful place. Thanks also to the other trustees who willingly give up their time and expertise in many areas to help make Francis House what it is today. An especial thank you to Martin Lochery who is retiring with me. I am positive that Jane Kempler as the new Chair will be an asset to the hospice, the trustees and the chief executive.”
Jane Kempler joined the board of trustees in 2020 having recently retired from corporate life with experience in operational management of call centres, sales and customer service.
Jane said: “I would like to thank Chris for his many years as a trustee and Chair of the trustees and guiding me into this role. Francis House plays a key part in the community on so many levels, as well as the clinical care there is the physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual care that can never be underestimated.
“I am looking forward to working with the Francis House team and my fellow trustees in taking Francis House through the next phase in the history of the hospice, continuing the excellent delivery of care and working through future innovations.”
David Ireland, chief executive of Francis House said: “Francis House has been fortunate to attract so many people who have given time and expertise freely in order to benefit our many families. Chris and Martin have been part of the fabric from the very beginning and Francis House has benefited so much from their guidance and leadership.
“Whatever the situation I have personally relied on their wise advice and unerring support and will miss having them on the end of the telephone particularly in the difficult times, I’m sure that Sister Aloysius felt the same way. We wish them long and healthy retirements and look forward to the next phase of our history as we move forward with Jane as Chair.”
To find out more about the work of Francis House visit www.francishouse.org.uk.
Bodyline Medical Wellness Clinics engages DocHQ to introduce a revolutionary menopause testing solution
DocHQ has been appointed to produce their unique women's health blood testing kit under co-branded DocHQ and Bodyline’s M Plan.
The testing kit is designed to offer comprehensive insights into women's hormonal health with a primary emphasis on menopause-related indicators, including Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and other critical female hormones.
DocHQ will provide Bodyline Medical Wellness Clinics with access to its user-friendly patient platform for seamless patient registration, sample collection, testing and results service. The blood results provide a benchmark for initial and ongoing clinical menopause treatment and support.
DocHQ’s CEO Madhur Srivastava told us: “At DocHQ, we're excited to work with Bodyline Medical Wellness Clinics, marking a significant stride in our commitment to scalable and innovative healthcare. This cooperation symbolises our shared vision to empower and support fast-growing health businesses, providing them with the tools and insights they need to thrive. Together, we’re crafting a future where every woman can access personalised and comprehensive healthcare solutions, facilitating informed decisions for enhanced wellbeing.”
Sally-Ann Turner, Founder and MD of Bodyline Medical Wellness Clinics, says: “Our collaboration with DocHQ increases patient accessibility to Bodyline’s M Plan personalised clinical menopause treatment and support plan. We can now treat and support women UK-wide through all stages of the menopause when the M Plan option chosen incorporates blood analysis. DocHQ has worked with Bodyline Medical Wellness Clinics’ team to develop an industry-leading blood test to our required specification, which is available exclusively under the M Plan brand.”
The home blood test samples will then undergo analysis at Alderley Lighthouse Labs, a UK registered laboratory. Here, a comprehensive assessment of hormones, vitamins and minerals will be conducted to provide accurate and reliable results.
Bernie Murphy, Head of Clinical Services at Bodyline Medical Wellness Clinics, says: “The M Plan delivers life-changing results for women suffering with menopause symptoms and improves their quality of life during what can be daunting stages of ageing, from perimenopause to menopause and through to post-menopause.
“A woman’s menopause treatment and support is typically diagnosed on clinical grounds by understanding her personal symptoms, discussing her medical history, and undertaking hormonal blood tests, which are a means of checking and monitoring the presence and level of menopausal hormones in a woman’s blood. They provide the benchmark that can be beneficial to effectively treat, monitor and modify medical menopause treatments. M Plan hormone blood tests also combine screening of essential minerals and vitamins which, if a woman is deficient, contribute further to menopause symptoms.”
Following analysis, DocHQ will prepare and deliver patient test results through its secure system, allowing expert medical guidance to be offered to patients based on their individual results, ensuring a holistic approach to managing hormonal health. In the event of critical results, DocHQ is committed to promptly notifying Bodyline Medical Wellness Clinics to facilitate swift and appropriate patient care.
DocHQ and Bodyline Medical Wellness Clinics share a common commitment to empowering women with valuable insights into their hormonal health, thereby promoting proactive and informed decision-making. The M Plan test kit represents a significant stride toward enhancing women's wellbeing and overall quality of life.
Friday 6 October 2023
That's Food and Drink: Introducing Chapmans of London: A New Frontier in ...
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That's Food and Drink: Mindful Extracts Launches Functional Fungi at Holl...: Mindful Extracts is launching its range of functional mushroom supplements at Holland & Barrett. Functional mushrooms have been used in ...
Charity makes use of disused building to raise awareness of childhood arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that is most commonly associated with the elderly, yet around 20 children each week are diagnosed with arthritis in the UK.
Juvenile Arthritis Research is a charity based in Tonbridge, Kent, that supports children, young people and families impacted by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an autoimmune condition where the body’s natural defences attack the joints causing inflammation, pain and reduced mobility. It can affect children of any age. Once diagnosed, someone with JIA has the condition for life.
The charity was founded 5 years ago by Tonbridge resident Richard Beesley whose wife and daughter both have the condition.
“Before working at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, I used to work as a researcher an statistician, so I wanted to go back to my roots in science to help find a cure for JIA,” Richard told us.
The charity soon realised as well as wanting a cure for the condition, families also lacked information and support.
“We worked together with parents, young people, the medical profession, and even with teachers and schools to develop information resources to support families when a child is diagnosed with JIA.”
Awareness of childhood arthritis is low and this can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The condition can cause permanent joint damage if left untreated, as well as complications with eyesight from JIA-related uveitis (inflammation inside the eye).
“Prompt diagnosis really is utterly vital. The delays aren't due to long waiting lists. The delays are happening because of a lack of awareness that children and young people can even get arthritis so we need to increase awareness amongst families, amongst schools, amongst healthcare professionals such as GPs and A&E staff who might be amongst the first medical professionals that a family sees. They need to know that it is ok for them to refer to specialist paediatric rheumatology services if they suspect that it could be JIA.” (EDITOR: As a child, my wife's JIA was dismissed as "growing pains" by her doctors.)
To enable communities and health professionals to learn about the signs and symptoms of JIA, Juvenile Arthritis Research have developed an awareness campaign called “ThinkJIA”, the idea being to just “Just thInk and Ask” if it could be JIA if a child is experiencing any issues with their joints lasting over six weeks.
Juvenile Arthritis Research have just moved into new premises in Tonbridge on the site of the old SCI gym on the industrial estate.
“We’ve been welcomed by all the neighbours in the area who are pleased to see the building back in use again. They are particularly excited to know it's a charity which is making a difference and having a real impact that has moved in here. We’re very happy to be there too as it means we can support even more families in the local area as well as the work we do across the entire UK.”
New window signage has been installed with thought-provoking, yet positive, imagery. It features local children, young people and families from the local area who came along to the building for a recent photoshoot. Local photographer Janet Penny from Hushabye Photography donated her time and skills to enable the window signage awareness-raising project to happen.
The images are bright and colourful and feature some of the core messages families affected by JIA wanted others to know.
Richard went on to tell That's Health: “We try to get a balance in all we do between the serious side of raising awareness and showing that living with JIA can bring it’s challenges whilst also giving hope to those diagnosed so that they know that with the right treatment and support, they can still lead full lives.”
As a very small volunteer-run charity, Juvenile Arthritis Research would love to hear from any businesses or funders who are able to offer their skills, services or funding towards their work.
“We’re thrilled to have such a visual presence in Tonbridge with the new building as we hope that it will enable us to continue to strengthen our links with the local community.”
To learn more please visit them at https://www.jarproject.org
Thursday 5 October 2023
Immedicare celebrates 10-year anniversary with its enhanced virtual support services for care homes
An innovative healthcare partnership is celebrating its tenth anniversary and has increased the services it provides to mark the milestone.
Immedicare, a partnership between Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and Involve Visual Collaboration, provides digital services delivered by an NHS clinical team, enabling care home residents to receive clinical consultations at home, rather than travelling to hospital.
Recently, Immedicare enhanced its services to care homes, to include seven care elements which align with the Enhanced Health in Care Homes (EHCH) framework. In addition to the core online consultation service, which has received over 150,000 calls from care homes over a 4-year period, Immedicare can now offer support in the following areas:
Falls
Medicines Optimisation
Tissue Viability
Core Skills Training
Enhanced end-of-life care
Nutrition and Hydration
Care Connect
As one example, falls are the leading cause of attendance at hospital A&E departments for older people. In response to this, Immedicare has developed its falls service to provide remote assessments of residents who have fallen, and the development of a falls risk assessment and prevention plan can also be carried out remotely.
This has resulted in 85.5% of residents being able to remain in their home after a fall, instead of a potentially unnecessary trip to A&E. Immedicare has a Consultant Pharmacist as part of our multi-disciplinary team to support medicines optimisation and offer advice in complex cases.
To provide further value to care homes as part of its service development, Immedicare now offers a series of core skills training programmes that can be accessed by care home staff at all levels with over 1,200 care staff having completed our courses over the past year. The training consists of 15 core skills courses which have been specifically designed to upskill care home staff so they can provide the best possible outcomes for their residents.
As part of the new service package, Immedicare has launched a new brand identity, to highlight its enhanced services that care homes now have access to. The new branding will be seen across all of Immedicare’s digital marketing channels as well as having a presence within the Digital care Hub, based at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.
Marie Buchan, Head of Digital Care Hub at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust commented; “We’re proud of our new branding and how it will be used to raise awareness of the enhanced clinical service offerings, knowing how the new care elements will improve the support Immedicare provides to staff and residents in care homes.”
Mick Roach, who is the Director of Digital Healthcare Alliances, Immedicare said: “We’re so proud to have reached this 10-year milestone and to launch our new brand identity, which reflects the significant development Immedicare has undergone over the past two years to further enhance the services it delivers to its users.
For more information on Immedicare’s services please email: enquiries@immedicare.co.uk or visit our website at www.immedicare.co.uk
Here's why you might have diabetes and not even know it
Potentially thousands of people are mistaking the warning signs of diabetes for harmless skin conditions. Itchy or tingling skin, or cuts that take a while to heal, could well be down to common, everyday skin problems.
But! They are also little-known symptoms of type 2 diabetes and need much greater awareness, warns a blood testing expert.
Everyday skin problems could have a more sinister cause. Itchy skin, tingling hands or a cut that takes a while to heal are usually given a quick scratch or covered with a sticking plaster. However, they are also little-known symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
London Medical Laboratory’s latest analysis reveals one million people in the UK are likely to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
As a result, it's launched a campaign to fight this invisible killer, which can shorten lives by up to ten years. ‘Give the finger to diabetes’ aims to identify undiagnosed cases with a simple fingerprick blood test. In 2019, there were almost 14,000 diabetes-related deaths in the UK. The earlier people are diagnosed, the better the outcome for them and their families.
Leading blood testing expert, Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: "The chances are your itchy skin is down to dryness, the tingling feeling is because you sat in an odd position and that cut that refuses to heal is because it has been covered by a plaster for too long. However, that may not always be the case.
‘We know Britain currently has 4.3 million registered diabetics, but it’s likely a million more Brits may have the disease without even knowing it. And what seems like a stubborn skin irritation may be your body warning you. Medical professionals are increasingly aware seemingly harmless skin conditions could be a symptom of type 2 diabetes.
Dry, itchy skin:
‘Poor circulation can cause skin dryness and itchy skin and diabetes could well be the cause. Chronic high blood sugar (glucose) levels affect blood circulation by damaging the lining of your small blood vessels, which impedes circulation.
‘Similarly, this can also be seen in the development of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetic patients. It’s believed 1 in 3 people over age 50 with diabetes may have PAD. Fatty deposits adhere to unhealthy blood vessels in the lower limbs, leading to blood vessel narrowing and circulation issues. This is often a cause of poor-healing wounds, nerve damage and even “limb ischaemia” (a severe blockage of the arteries), leading to a risk of amputation.
"Also, abnormal sensations that can be perceived as itches, or an itch that's hard to locate and doesn’t go away, may be related to nerve damage from chronic diabetes.
Tingling or numbness in hands, legs or feet:
"Nerve damage can cause pain, tingling or numbness. America’s Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that half of all people with diabetes have nerve damage, known as neuropathy.
"Over time, abnormal blood circulation and changes to how cells get their oxygen and nutrient supply, due to poor blood flow, will lead to nerve fibres becoming damaged, and they may eventually die or stop working altogether.
"As a result, this blocks the brain from sending and receiving signals to and from different parts of the body, causing numbness or a tingling sensation. Such nerve damage may also lead to burning, discomfort or shooting pains. Vascular disease starts in the hands and feet before progressing centrally to the body, so nerve damage and symptoms are most notable in these areas first.
‘Diabetic neuropathy can't be reversed. Once the nerves are damaged, they cannot repair themselves. Treating neuropathy is difficult and management only addresses symptoms, so early diagnosis is vital.
Cuts that won’t heal:
‘Damaged blood vessels also result in slow wound healing and greater risk of infection. If coupled with nerve damage, wound complications may often go unnoticed until they've progressed. According to Diabetes.org, diabetics may experience more bacterial and fungal infections than people without diabetes as a result of their immune system not working as well.
"Most concerning are foot ulcers. Unhealed ulcers are the leading cause of diabetes-related amputations. Diabetes is the most common cause of lower limb amputations in the UK; someone living with the disease is 20 times more likely to have an amputation.
"Diabetic foot ulcers precede more than 80% of amputations. Again, they develop because high glucose levels damage blood vessels, affecting how blood flows to the feet and legs.
"We’ve only looked at three, lesser-known, symptoms of diabetes. There are many more hidden signs. However, one simple, diagnostic blood test, either with your GP or as a fingerprick test taken in your own home, will tell you if you have the condition before any symptoms develop. Moreover, a fingerprick blood test can also identify if you are pre-diabetic, which is an entirely reversible condition.
‘London Medical Laboratory’s fingerprick diabetes test measures “glycated haemoglobin” – commonly known as HbA1c. The “Diabetes - Diagnosis and Monitoring test” can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 95 selected pharmacies and health stores. For full details, see: https://www.londonmedicallaboratory.com/product/diabetes-check
Imager used courtesy of Gary VandenBergh from Pixabay)
Wednesday 4 October 2023
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Caution raised Over Potential Immune System Impact of Cosmetic Filler
Hyaluronic acid, which is the key compound in most fillers, has been found to block lymphatic channels, which help the body drain fluid and are obviously a key component of the body's immune system that helps to fight disease. Fillers have also been linked to cysts, lumps, swelling and facial pains.
A US research team unveiled the findings during the Annual Scientific conference of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons in London which brings together the best surgeons from around the world to speak about advancements in facial surgery & body contouring.
Dr Spero Theodorou, one of the conference speakers and director of the leading bodySCULPT plastic surgery practice in New York, spoke out about the study that will be published later this year in the international plastic surgery literature.
“Under-eye filler is one of the biggest problems. You see women everywhere with swollen eyes. It’s taken us 20 years but we’ve proved it I don’t gain anything from doing this. I will be a pariah. You have young women having fillers in their faces. It’s never going to go away. It’s very hard to remove and it blocks lymphatics in your face. This is a very important system. Not all patients will have swelling, but evidence suggests all will have some degree of lymphatic blockage,” said Dr Theodorou.
BAAPS president Marc Pacifico added: “People don’t need to panic and have fillers dissolved as if it's an emergency. This is preliminary research but it gives us a scientific explanation for side-effects we are witnessing with fillers. Whether it has more medical ramifications is not known at this stage. But this does highlight the importance of using a medically trained clinician for injectable fillers.”
Earlier this year a study of BAAPS Facelift surgeons showed a trend in women enquiring and having facelifts at a younger age which could be linked to the rise in concerns about using fillers.
The study found:
70% of surgeons had observed a trend of younger patients, under 50, enquiring about facelifts.
65% of surgeons observed that patients interested in facelifts are more circumspect about using facial fillers.
80% surgeons noticed an increase in intra-operative anatomical distortion due to the use of fillers in facelift patients.
Commenting on the findings of the study President Marc Pacifico said “Our surgeons have seen filler lasting longer than expected, well over a year in many cases. Many have noted that anatomical structures are certainly more tethered and scarred when fillers have previously been used and have seen an increase in intraoperative and preoperative anatomical distortion due to the overuse of fillers.”
Currently, the UK does not tightly regulate who can inject fillers and what they can use, with government officials now developing strategies to regulate the industry.
“This research will help us recognise some of the previously unappreciated biological impacts of these products. Even if it’s only a small percentage who are affected, the numbers will be quite high” said Pacifico.
The BAAPS based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join.
Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the website, http://www.apscouk.org or by contacting their office at 020 7430 1840.
(Image courtesy of 13687374 from Pixabay)
NHS workforce crisis needs immediate reforms alongside longer-term plans
Tania Bowers, Global Public Policy Director at APSCo commented: “The workforce crisis in the NHS isn’t easily resolved and while the NHS Workforce Plan has been designed to create a more sustainable access to resources, the impact of most tactics could take 15+ years to be truly felt. APSCo has previously highlighted that access to globally trained healthcare professionals needs to be more widely available, but conversations with our members have highlighted a number of additional changes needed in this strategy.
“This includes a plan to ensure there are not only sufficient, but also appropriate, flexible training pathways that enable new routes into careers in healthcare. We also believe that there needs to be an assessment of how the funding and contractual terms for the supply of clinical staff are affecting the ability to change the supply pipeline and skill-mix.
“While attracting resources is a problem, retention issues also prevail and haven’t been covered in much detail in the plan. Workforce unrest and burnout are real problems in the healthcare sector and if these aren’t adequately addressed, the success of any recruitment strategies will be limited.
“Conversations with our members have also highlighted that there needs to be a more detailed assessment as to how the plan can be successfully delivered across all regions and what the implications of over or under supply will be.
“With strikes once again plaguing the sector, more immediate solutions are required beyond the Workforce Plan. In particular, the red tape many employers face when hiring agency workers needs to be cut. An example is the lack of conformity around pre-hiring compliance and safety checks of permanent and agency staff which is contributing to the increased costs and delays of getting nurses and doctors in front of patients.
"A specialist, compliant to work for a Trust hospital under one CCG, may not necessarily be so at another hospital or primary care centre that operates under the same group, meaning there is minimal agility or responsiveness in workforce management.”
Find out more: www.apscouk.org
HSE campaign highlights dangers from metalworking fluids
It’s a highly technical, specialist field applying precision engineering, but can also cause harm to the lungs and skin.
Past inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have uncovered poor performance around control of metalworking fluids in businesses that use computer numerical control (CNC) machines.
Exposure to metalworking fluids, also referred to as ‘white water’ or Suds Oil, can cause harm to lungs and skin through inhalation or direct contact with unprotected skin; particularly the hands, forearms and face.
Breathing in the mist generated by machining can result in lung diseases like occupational asthma and occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Manufacturing businesses must implement control measures and undertake health surveillance checks with qualified occupational health professionals.
More about the campaign, and tips on how to keep workers safe, can be found here https://tinyurl.com/2u3d69kk
Machinists and metalworking fluid - Work Right to keep Britain safe
Said HSE inspector Fiona McGarry: “Lung problems and irritated skin don’t have to be associated with working with metalworking fluid if you've taken the correct precautions.
“It's vital control measures and fluid quality checks are in place to keep workers healthy. Health checks are essential to identify signs of ill-health early.”
To support the campaign, HSE will carry out inspections to look at how employers are ensuring workers are protected from exposure to fluid or mist generated by CNC machines across Great Britain.
Britain’s workplace regulator plans to carry out unannounced inspections between now and March 2024.
One business to have received such a visit was Nottingham-based engineering firm CNTL Ltd, earlier this year. Dane Rawson, the firm’s director, was apprehensive at first but soon saw the inspector was only there to help.
He said: “I’m new to this side of the business, I haven’t dealt with a health and safety inspection before. At first, I was cautious, but it didn’t take long for the inspector to make us feel comfortable. She wasn’t trying to catch us out.”
The inspection showed the company had safe working practices in some areas, but it was asked to install local exhaust ventilation (LEV) on its CNC machines.
Dane and the team have noticed the difference: “We have several high-tech machines that constantly use pressurised coolant – it’s bound to create a mist.
“It was something we were aware of and had explored the option of installing LEVs, however as a result of HSE’s visit we wanted to follow their advice and action this sooner.
“We’ve noticed now that the smell of coolant is no longer there and air quality is much improved. It’s definitely a cleaner and safer environment to work in. The staff feel like we’ve done the right thing for them and know their wellbeing is a priority of ours.”
To reduce exposure, you must have control measures in place. Local exhaust ventilation (LEV) should be fitted on CNC machines to carry away any harmful metalworking fluid mist, which is difficult to see in normal lighting.
Fluid quality should be regularly checked focusing on concentration, pH, bacteria and contaminants. Fluid systems can become highly contaminated with harmful bacteria.
Where there is exposure to fluid or mist, it's a legal requirement to carry out health surveillance even when preventative controls are in place. You will need to involve an occupational health professional and workers should be encouraged to report any health symptoms that occur.
Regular fluid checks are a part of CNTL’s weekly routine. They outsource to a company that undertakes weekly coolant and dipslide checks.
The HSE inspection has had a positive impact on Dane, making him more interested in creating an environment that protects his team’s health as well as safety. He recently attended a trade fair in Germany, partly to understand the approach on the continent.
Dane’s message to any company that will be inspected is simple: “Don’t feel intimidated. They are only there to benefit you, your company and your staff."
(EDITOR: In the 1970s I worked as a technician in a grey cast iron foundry laboratory and we had a Denison Tensile Testing machine and we had a lathe for turning samples of cast iron to place in the Dension Tensile Testing Machine to pull them apart and register the breaking force required.
We used water-based Suds Oil to cool the metal when we or the machinist who usually operated the lathe were turning the cast iron sample pieces. There was no fume extraction of any kind for the Suds Oil fumes, although there was a window we could open.
And there was a special allowance of one pint of milk a day for Bert, the machinist, to drink. Although there was no real explanation given as to why it was thought that machinists such as Bert required a pint of milk to drink a day, other than a vague idea of "helping to settle the dust."
I am so pleased Health and Safety in the Workplace is taken much more seriously now than it was years ago.)
For general information and guidance on health and safety in the workplace in the UK please visit https://www.hse.gov.uk
(Image courtesy of Paul Reynolds from Pixabay)
Sunday 1 October 2023
New research can help policymakers prioritise funding needs and allocate resource for cancer
The review, published in BMC Cancer and funded by the National Cancer Research Institute, discovered 61% of all SPED trials focused on just three cancer types, colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer. This compares with 6.4% in lung cancer and 1.8% in liver cancer, which are responsible for 26.3% of global cancer deaths compared with 19.3% for colorectal, breast, and cervical cancer.
Researchers identified areas of unmet needs worldwide to highlight where more research and funding is required.
88% of all SPED trials were conducted in North America, Europe, or Asia, with a lack of trials conducted in Africa and South America and a very low number of trials per head of population in Asia.
Results also highlighted that significant disparities exist between the proportion of SPED trials for certain cancer types and their global burden of disease. EG, colorectal cancer accounted for 32.9% of all SPED trials and 9.4% of global cancer deaths, whilst gastric cancers accounted for 1.5% of SPED trials and 7.7% of global cancer deaths.
This study, led by researchers at the universities of Nottingham and Manchester, involved researchers from seven different universities across England and Scotland.
Said Dr Emma O’Dowd, who is Consultant Respiratory Physician and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham: “Cancer is the most common cause of death and disability in the UK and the second most common cause worldwide. Global annual cancer incidence is forecast to rise to 27.5 million by 2040, a 62% increase from 2018. For most cancers, prevention and early detection are the most effective ways of reducing mortality.
“We looked at all trials published between 2007 and 2020 covering cancer screening, prevention, and early diagnosis to map what research had been done by cancer type, trial focus and geographical area, and to highlight research gaps.
“Over 117,000 papers were identified, and 2888 trials were included. There were disparities in terms of geographical location, type of research conducted and a clear focus on a small number of cancer types. We hope that this important piece of work can be used to guide and prioritise future trial funding.”
Dr Samuel Merriel, GP and NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, went on to add: “There are finite resources governments can allocate for cancer healthcare and a limited amount of money available for cancer research. Until now there's not been a detailed summary of all the studies of cancer prevention, cancer screening, and earlier detection of cancer.
“We hope these findings and the database of studies we generated can be used by policymakers, healthcare commissioners, and cancer research funders to address the disparities in cancer screening, prevention, and early diagnosis trials.”
Dr Elizabeth Roundhill, who is Research Fellow in the School of Medicine, University of Leeds, commented: “Our research revealed even though lung and liver cancers together cause more than a quarter of cancer deaths worldwide, they are less likely to be examined in screening, prevention and early diagnosis (SPED) trials. We also found a distinct lack of trials in cancers common in children and young people including sarcomas, blood cancers and brain tumours.
“Importantly, only 12% of SPED cancer trials took place in the Global South, meaning that the benefits of implementing SPED interventions in some of the world’s most populous regions remain unknown. With almost half of all cancers in the UK having a potentially preventable cause, this work calls for a greater focus on SPED research, including in the UK. We hope that these findings will encourage funders, policy makers and researchers to target resources towards addressing these major health inequalities in the future.”
For further information, the full report can be found here https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-023-11300-8
(Image courtesy by Ernesto Eslava from Pixabay)
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