'There must be a joke in this': British comedian Mark Steel on his cancer memoir
"It wasn't until later, I look back and think 'that is quite funny that a doctor is relying on superstitions'," he told us.
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France 24
2 hours ago
- France 24
New cancer plan urged as survival improvements in England slow
The study, conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, measured the survival index for 10.8 million adults diagnosed with cancer between 1971 and 2018, accounting for variables like age, sex, and cancer type. It found substantial improvements over the 48-year period, with the five-year survival index increasing from 28.8 percent in 1971–72 to 56.6 percent in 2018. However, the pace of progress has slowed in recent years. The 10-year survival index improved by four percent between 2000–01 and 2005–06 and only 1.4 percent between 2010–11 and 2015–16. The slowdown since 2010 "is likely to be at least partly explained by longer waits for diagnosis and treatment," said the report. The deceleration has been observed across many individual cancers, "implying a system-wide challenge," said the study, funded by the Cancer Research UK charity. Most notably, the 10-year survival index for breast, cervix, rectum, prostate, testis, and uterus cancers plateaued in the last 10–15 years, while the index for larynx cancers decreased. Pancreatic cancer survival, at 4.3 percent in 2018, has shown minimal change since 1971–72. The study calls for a "new, long-term National Cancer Plan" to "bring cancer survival trends back towards the best in the world". National cancer strategies have been part of health policy in England and Wales since 2000. The fourth national cancer strategy was published in 2015 but is now considered outdated as the current trajectory has failed to match its ambitious targets. Plans for a fifth plan were withdrawn in January 2023, "leaving England as one of the few high-income countries in which a national cancer plan was not a central pillar of national health policy," said the report.
Sustainability Times
17 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
"They Found A Virus Hiding In Her DNA": Doctors Shocked As Beta-HPV Drives Aggressive Skin Cancer Until Stem Cell Transplant Saves Her Life
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 Researchers found beta-HPV can integrate into DNA, directly promoting skin cancer growth. can integrate into DNA, directly promoting skin cancer growth. 🧬 The study focused on a 34-year-old woman with recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma . . 🤝 A collaborative medical approach led to a successful bone marrow stem cell transplant for treatment. for treatment. 💡 The findings suggest new avenues for personalized cancer treatments targeting viral factors in immunocompromised patients. A groundbreaking study has unveiled new insights into the role of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of certain skin cancers. Previously, beta-HPV was considered a minor player in cancer progression, primarily exacerbating UV-induced damage. However, recent findings indicate that this virus can integrate itself into cellular DNA, directly promoting cancer growth. This revelation emerged from a detailed examination of a 34-year-old woman affected by recurrent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) on her forehead. The discovery that beta-HPV can hijack the body's cells to sustain cancer growth signals a significant shift in our understanding of viral contributions to cancer. Unveiling the Mechanism of Cancer Development The study centered on a young woman who faced persistent cSCC despite undergoing multiple treatments, including surgeries and immunotherapy. Researchers delved into the genetic makeup of her tumors, uncovering that beta-HPV had not only infiltrated her DNA but was also producing viral proteins that facilitated cancer's resilience and growth. This marked the first time beta-HPV was observed integrating into cellular DNA, challenging previous assumptions about its role in cancer. Immunologist Andrea Lisco from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) highlighted the broader implications of this finding. It suggests that there could be more cases of aggressive cSCC linked to underlying immune defects, which might be better addressed through treatments targeting the immune system rather than conventional methods. Asteroid Impact 'It's Not Sci-Fi Anymore' Research Led by Carrie Nugent Compares Odds to Lightning, Rabies, and Car Crashes—Public Left Reeling The woman's condition underscored a critical aspect of the study: her inherited immune disorder, specifically an issue with the ZAP70 protein, hampered her T cells' ability to combat HPV. While her immune system could still repair UV-induced DNA damage, the impairment allowed beta-HPV to invade and trigger cancer. Her case illustrates the complex interplay between viruses, immune function, and cancer development. A Collaborative Approach to Treatment Upon identifying the viral integration, the patient received a bone marrow stem cell transplant aimed at replacing her faulty T cells with functional ones. This intervention proved successful, resolving her aggressive skin cancer and other HPV-related issues. Over a three-year follow-up, none of her conditions recurred, highlighting the potential of personalized, targeted treatments. Scientists Warn 'These Ice Quakes Could Shatter' After Detecting Mysterious Deep Tremors In Greenland's Frozen Rivers 'This discovery and successful outcome would not have been possible without the combined expertise of virologists, immunologists, oncologists, and transplant specialists,' Lisco noted. The interdisciplinary effort was crucial in navigating the complexities of the patient's condition and devising an effective treatment strategy. While UV radiation remains a well-known cause of skin cancer, this case underscores that other factors, such as viral infections, can also play a significant role, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems. The study's findings advocate for a more nuanced understanding of cancer etiology and the development of tailored treatment approaches. 'This Changes Everything': Scientists Unearth Pristine Ancient Forest Frozen For Thousands Of Years In Rocky Mountains Lessons from Related Viral Diseases The success of vaccination programs against alpha-HPV, which is responsible for many cervical and throat cancers, provides a hopeful perspective. These efforts have led to a substantial decline in deaths from such cancers, emphasizing the impact of targeted preventive measures. The parallels between alpha-HPV and beta-HPV suggest that similar strategies could be beneficial in managing virus-associated skin cancers. While the prospect of a universal cure for cancer remains distant, the ongoing advancements in understanding the molecular and viral underpinnings of various cancer types are promising. The new research on beta-HPV contributes to this growing body of knowledge, potentially paving the way for more effective interventions for cSCC and beyond. The Future of Cancer Treatment As research continues to unravel the intricate relationships between viruses, immune function, and cancer, the medical community is prompted to reconsider treatment paradigms. This study highlights the importance of recognizing viral factors in cancer development, especially in immunocompromised individuals. It raises the question of how personalized medicine can be further integrated into standard cancer care. With the findings published in The New England Journal of Medicine, the study opens new avenues for research and treatment. As we advance in our understanding of cancer's multifaceted nature, the question remains: how can we best leverage these insights to improve outcomes for patients with diverse genetic and immunological backgrounds? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
Le Figaro
a day ago
- Le Figaro
"We're Looking for an Escape From Fatigue": The Worrying Explosion of Drug Use in the Workplace
Réservé aux abonnés Cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD. The use of illicit substances in the workplace is becoming increasingly widespread. There are many reasons for this, whether to keep up with the pace of work, or to feel part of a group. Faced with this phenomenon, employers are on the front line. 'Eight joints a day.' That's what Romain*, 33, consumed for 10 years. 'One in the morning before going to work, one at lunch and the rest in the evening,' the network technician said. Little by little, his professional life went off the rails: 'Repeated lateness, inability to make decisions, loss of concentration. My situation was becoming worrying.' Romain is not an isolated case. The phenomenon of drug-taking in the workplace, more marked among men than women, is exploding: In eight years, the use of alcohol and drugs in the workplace has jumped by 107%, according to an Ithylo study, with a 13-fold increase in cocaine-positive cases. 'It's almost becoming the norm,' said Jean-Claude Delgènes, founding president of the Technologia group, which specializes in occupational risk prevention. He cites the alarming case of a deputy director of a consulting firm who showed his subordinates how to order LSD over the internet to 'unleash their brains.' Easier access to substances via the internet…
