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New test taken two weeks after starting treatment for breast cancer can tell if the disease is likely to return

New test taken two weeks after starting treatment for breast cancer can tell if the disease is likely to return

Daily Mail​6 days ago
A new test taken two weeks after starting treatment for breast cancer can tell if the disease is likely to return.
The breakthrough could spare thousands of patients unnecessary therapy while allowing others to receive more intensive care sooner.
Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, found taking hormone drugs for a fortnight changed the characteristics of some tumours, causing them to shift their subtype.
Patients with the highest risk of relapsing had a type of tumour called Luminal B that did not change after this short-term therapy.
These cases, accounting for 6 per cent of the 213 patients studied, require more intensive treatment that others could avoid.
Experts say the findings, published in the journal eBioMedicine, highlight the benefit of taking hormone therapy before surgery to help guide doctors' decision making.
The new test works for a type of breast cancer known as oestrogen receptor positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive, of which there are around 200,000 cases globally each year.
Study author Dr Maggie Cheang, from the ICR, said: 'To deliver truly personalised care, we need to refine how we classify breast cancer, so that each patient receives the treatment most likely to benefit them.
'While current classification relies on hormone receptor and HER2 status, we know that patients within these groups can respond very differently to the same therapy.
'Our earlier research identified distinct molecular subtypes within HER2-positive, oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
'In this new study, we've shown that these subtypes can shift after just two weeks of hormone therapy.
'This insight helps us identify which patients are likely to respond well and which may show early signs of treatment resistance, offering the opportunity to tailor treatment strategies sooner.
'Ultimately, our findings move us closer to more precise, patient-centred care for this overlooked breast cancer subtype.'
Professor Kristian Helin, chief executive of the IRC, added: 'By decoding the underlying biology of tumours, we can tailor treatments to individual patients.'
Dr Simon Vincent, chief scientific officer at charity Breast Cancer Now, which part-funded the study, said: 'These findings add to the growing evidence that genomic testing can play a powerful role in helping to predict the risk of a woman's breast cancer coming back, particularly in people with ER-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer.
'There's potential for women to benefit hugely from this research in the future, with it ensuring they avoid undergoing unnecessary treatment and leading to more personalised treatment plans, so that women receive the most effective therapy for their specific type of breast cancer.'
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Powerful photograph taken by Linlithgow veterinary nurse shortlisted in UK-wide competition
Powerful photograph taken by Linlithgow veterinary nurse shortlisted in UK-wide competition

Daily Record

timean hour ago

  • Daily Record

Powerful photograph taken by Linlithgow veterinary nurse shortlisted in UK-wide competition

Carena Schmid is representing Scotland with a photograph capturing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies Venice and Jasper receiving their second vaccinations in a setting carefully adapted to their needs. A powerful photograph taken by a Linlithgow veterinary nurse has been shortlisted in a UK-wide competition by leading home care provider Caremark, as part of its 'What is Care?' photography competition. ‌ Launched to mark 20 years of Caremark championing home care in communities, the competition asked the public to capture what care means to them in everyday life, from small gestures to big moments. ‌ Out of hundreds of entries, one finalist was chosen from each of the UK's 12 regions, following a rigorous judging process carried out by Caremark's head office. ‌ Carena Schmid is representing Scotland with a photograph capturing Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies Venice and Jasper receiving their second vaccinations in a setting carefully adapted to their needs. The image shows the pups in their favourite 'paws-up' position, supported by their owners Claire Staines and Tracey Grant at Lothlorien Dog Services in Linlithgow, where the vaccinations took place — making the experience completely stress-free for the animals. The image is now part of a nationwide public vote on social media to determine the overall winner of the competition. The photographer of the winning entry will receive a £1,000 luxury getaway. ‌ Carena said: 'This photo shows how working together can result in a calm, positive care experience — not just for animals, but for people too. 'The owners worked with me and the pups ahead of time to make sure their second vaccinations were completely stress-free. They chose the environment, used their favourite position, gave them treats, and practised gentle handling the week before. 'To me, care means compassion, kindness and adapting what you do to suit the individual, whether human or animal. This image is important to me as it shows how the best level of care can be achieved when everyone works together. ‌ 'Little things like this can have a such an important and powerful impact in animal welfare. 'I was shocked and surprised to be selected as a finalist — in a good way! I'm very happy that a photo which promotes positive care for dogs is representing Scotland. If I were to win, I'd love to go somewhere rural in Scotland with my husband and our lovely arthritic Border Collie Miss Darcy and spend some proper quality time together.' ‌ Voting is open to the public via Caremark's Facebook page and will close at 9am on September 29. The entry with the highest number of public votes will be announced as the winner shortly after voting closes. Emma Scholes, Caremark's Director of Marketing, said: 'We've been genuinely moved by the creativity and thoughtfulness behind so many of the entries. 'With such an incredible standard from across the country, narrowing it down to just 12 finalists was tough because each photograph carried a personal story, so judging them was emotionally challenging. We felt that Carena's photograph stood out as a powerful reflection of what care can mean. ‌ 'This competition marks 20 years of Caremark championing care in communities across the UK. It's about shining a light on what care looks like in everyday life, from small gestures to life-changing support, and how differently people experience and express it. 'Each finalist has brought a unique perspective, and it's been inspiring to see care interpreted so personally through their lens. 'We're excited to now share these images with the public, celebrate the value of care in all its forms, and see who the UK public chooses as their overall winner!' For more information about the competition and to view the finalists' photographs, visit:

I'm a doctor - this one household feature is slowly harming your health
I'm a doctor - this one household feature is slowly harming your health

Daily Mail​

time10 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

I'm a doctor - this one household feature is slowly harming your health

A common household feature may be unknowingly creating an unseen health risk – and it's hiding in plain sight. According to GP Dr Emily Carter, older carpets pose an unexpected health threat. 'People usually think of carpets as harmless,' said Dr Carter. 'But old carpets can be a major source of indoor pollution.' Carpets are known to trap allergens like dust mites, pet dander, pollen, mould spores, and even chemical residues from cleaning products or smoke. Over time, these build up in the fibres and can trigger or worsen health issues especially in children, the elderly, and those with asthma or allergies. The difficulty is that this build-up can occur gradually - even when older carpet is regularly vacuumed or appears clean. There are certain recurring health symptoms to be on the look out for that may indicate that your home environment could be be impacting on your health. Signs include frequent sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes while indoors, worsening allergy or asthma symptoms. Feeling tired or headachy without clear cause is another indicator. Sudden skin irritations - especially in younger children – can also result from carpet-trapped allergens. However, the tricky part with many of these symptoms is that many may be mistaken for seasonal allergies or minor colds. Dr Carter, who is also a UK-based mother of two young children, said she had seen first-hand the health issues that can be caused by older carpets. 'I've seen it in my own family, my youngest started getting skin rashes and breathing problems that we couldn't explain,' Dr Carter said. 'After having our carpets replaced and testing air quality, the symptoms started improving.' For anyone who is concerned about whether their carpet poses a possible health risk, the British doctor recommends a simple 'sniff test' as a first line assessment. 'If a room smells musty no matter how often you clean it, that's a red flag,' Dr Carter said. 'Especially in bedrooms, where people spend hours each night, clean air matters more than we think.' For families with babies, Dr Carter also urges extra caution: 'Young children spend a lot of time crawling and playing on floors.' 'Their immune systems are still developing, so they're more likely to react to mould spores and dust mites. If you notice frequent eczema flare-ups or a child often gets congested indoors, your flooring could be part of the problem.' According to My Home Improvements, most carpets should be replaced every 7–10 years, depending on usage, cleaning habits, and exposure to pets or dampness. The UK home renovation business suggests that any carpet over a decade old is likely to be 'past its best'. 'Your carpet is like a sponge, it absorbs everything that enters your home. Over time, it collects years of grime, allergens, and chemical residues that vacuuming can't always reach,' says an expert from My Home Improvements. 'Even professional deep cleans won't remove built-up toxins that have soaked into the padding underneath. 'Replacing old flooring might not be glamorous, but it could be the biggest upgrade you make for your health.'

Wales debit card to pay for gluten free food in shops
Wales debit card to pay for gluten free food in shops

BBC News

time13 hours ago

  • BBC News

Wales debit card to pay for gluten free food in shops

People in Wales who cannot eat gluten will be given debit-style cards preloaded with money to help pay for their UK-first move, which begins later this year, will be an alternative to the current system where those with conditions such as coeliac disease - which affects about one in 100 people - get food on prescription from the Cherylee Barker, 54, from Narberth, Pembrokeshire, took part in a pilot scheme and got £14 a month, which she said "scratches the surface of the cost".A Coeliac UK report said a gluten free diet added 35% to food bills and Health Minister Jeremy Miles said the Welsh government wanted to "de-medicalise the supply of gluten-free foods". The new card will work like a chip and Pin bank card and be taken in most places that sell gluten-free food, including supermarkets, shops, community pharmacies and online stores, according to the Welsh would not say how much people will be given - just that it will vary by person and be regularly reviewed - or how much would be spent on the anticipate it will be "cost neutral" and not add any more to the NHS prescription model will still be available in Wales, which is similar to schemes in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Those with coeliac disease cannot eat gluten as their immune system attacks their own tissues and their body cannot properly take in nutrients. It results in symptoms including bloating, vomiting and diarrhoea. There is also an added cost . with gluten-free food more expensive Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's and Morrisons, the four leading supermarkets. The average price of a own brand loaf of bread was 63p, compared with £2.26 for a gluten-free penne pasta averaged 56p per 500g whereas the lowest gluten-free option averaged £1.22. Ms Barker has been part of the pilot scheme in the Hywel Dda health board area for the past five gets £42 every three months, which equates to £14 a month, and described the previous prescription system as "slightly embarrassing" and the food "not that edible".She said: "I didn't want to take the money from the NHS. I thought 'just suck it up and see' but after a little while I just found it was just becoming more and more expensive."It isn't a lifestyle choice, it is a need."Despite saying the card was "fantastic" she said the amount she got was only "scratching the surface" of rising costs for everybody, especially coeliacs. Bethan Williams, 24, from Cardiff, said prescriptions did not work for her as the food was low a vegetarian, she said the cash cards could give people with additional dietary needs the freedom to make healthy choices."I am in a good position that I can afford the higher quality bread but that is not the case for all people," she said."Eating food and being able to eat a balanced diet isn't a privilege, it's something everyone should be entitled to." For businesses such as Plumvanilla Cafe and deli in Narberth, which accepts the cash card, making sure they can serve the community's needs is becoming more Beere, who works at the cafe, said: "We've noticed more and more people shopping with gluten-free requirements so we like to keep a big stock."But she added it was a challenge balancing stocking the shelves with the high cost items and making sure nothing goes to waste. Miles said the move would cut "administrative burdens on GPs and pharmacies".He added: "For people living with coeliac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet is not a lifestyle choice but a medical necessity."We want to de-medicalise the supply of gluten-free foods in Wales, giving people more freedom to access the food they want to eat, more conveniently, to help them to manage their condition." Tristen Humphreys from Coeliac UK said: "We need to recognise that a gluten-free diet is the treatment for coeliac disease, it's a serious autoimmune disease not a lifestyle choice – we want that recognised."He added supporting people's diets would help prevent health complications down the line and was "cost efficient" for the NHS and called on other UK nations to follow suit. Additional reporting by Sara Dafydd

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