logo
#

Latest news with #BRCA2

'No one deserves to be left waiting": The emotional toll of NHS waiting lists
'No one deserves to be left waiting": The emotional toll of NHS waiting lists

ITV News

time17 hours ago

  • Health
  • ITV News

'No one deserves to be left waiting": The emotional toll of NHS waiting lists

Two women are urging others to advocate for themselves when trying to get treatment on the NHS after waiting years for surgeries. Michelle Turnock, from Merseyside, waited nearly three years for breast reconstruction surgery following cancer. The long wait took a serious toll on her mental health. The mum-of-two finally had her operation in May. 'The staff were amazing,' Michelle said. I first spoke to Michelle as she waited for surgery in 2024. Now recovering, she rewatched her original interview from before the surgery. When asked if she recognised herself, she replied: 'No, it was a scary time, I just didn't know whether I was coming or going, we were very much in limbo." Michelle's story is not unique. In the North West of England alone, more than one million people are waiting for NHS care, and over 40,000 of them have been waiting more than a year. Gail Wild from Melling also knows what it means to wait and to fight for the care that she needs. She reached out after seeing Michelle's story on the telly. With a family history of cancer and a positive BRCA2 gene result, Gail made the difficult decision to have preventative surgery, including a double mastectomy, so that she could be around longer for her sons. She said: "It was too emotionally upsetting waiting for results that you think, Is this the year I'm going to get cancer?" But when it came to reconstruction, she hit wall after wall. Her local hospital said no, while other hospitals turned her away too - some didn't even offer the surgery. Asked what that was like, Gail replied: 'Soul-destroying. I didn't know whether I was going to get the surgery. "People need the surgery for a valid reason, I'm very high risk. I don't want to get cancer, and I know if I did get cancer, I would cost the NHS an awful lot more money." Eventually, a hospital in Sheffield agreed to carry out the surgery. It changed her life. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he acknowledges the long delays on the NHS and said his government is taking action. He said: "I am really pleased that we are making progress bringing the waiting lists down, but I don't want to diminish the experience of anyone in the North West who is on a waiting list. "All I can say is this, we are working as hard as we can, sleeves rolled up, and I have them in my mind's eye when I take the decisions that I do in relation to the NHS, we're determined to tackle this problem." There are signs of progress. At Warrington Hospital, a new 'super clinic' model allows patients to be seen, assessed, and booked for surgery in one visit. The Gynaecology Super Clinics, introduced by Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals in May 2024, have cleared the hospitals' Covid-19 backlog and are ensuring that patients receive appointments within weeks. Since the launch, the Super Clinics have seen more than 1,500 patients, with 80% starting or completing their treatment plan at the clinic. The Super Clinic is part of the national 'Further Faster 20' initiative. Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals are one of 20 trusts taking part in the initiative to transform patient pathways and improve access to treatment. Dr Anuradha Leburu, Senior Gynaecologist, said: "It has been a dream come true, actually we've been trying this for so many years. "It has come through actually for us and we are so pleased as clinicians were pleased and the patient, look at the feedback we get, they're very very happy." For Michelle and Gail, finally getting surgery gave them more than just physical healing. It gave them hope. Michelle now has a new job and is planning a holiday she has put off for three years. Gail, on the other hand, has been planning a wedding and looking forward to wearing her wedding dress. They want others to advocate for themselves, try different hospitals and push to be seen. They also want hospitals to do more to help their patients. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'We inherited a situation where too many people are waiting too long for care, but we are working at pace to turn this around. 'The latest figures show that NHS waiting lists fell in May for the first time in 17 years and have dropped by more than 260,000 since July 2024. 'This recovery through our Plan for Change is only just beginning, and we are working hard to improve access to services and bring down waits for treatments.'

Breast cancer screening: When you need a mammogram and what to expect
Breast cancer screening: When you need a mammogram and what to expect

Business Standard

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • Business Standard

Breast cancer screening: When you need a mammogram and what to expect

Mammography is a specialised breast imaging technique used to detect early signs of breast cancer, often before you can feel a lump or notice anything unusual. However, many women delay or avoid this screening due to a lack of awareness or misconceptions. Health experts stress the importance of understanding when and why mammograms should be done, particularly for women in their 40s and beyond, and for those at higher risk. 'Changes in breast could be subtle like microcalcifications or architectural distortions that would be impossible to catch on your own. Even if you're asymptomatic, a mammogram can be the difference between early detection and late-stage diagnosis,' said Dr Namrata Singal Sawant, Director and Senior Breast & Women's Imaging Consultant Radiologist at VCare Imaging, Mumbai. What is a mammogram and when should you start getting them? A mammogram is a specialised low-dose X-ray that captures detailed images of your breast tissue. According to guidelines by the Breast Imaging Society of India (BISI), routine screening mammograms should start at age 40 and continue annually until at least 70. If you are younger than 40 but have a family history of breast cancer, a known BReast CAncer genes BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation, or underwent chest radiation between ages 10–30, you're considered high-risk. In such cases, screening may begin as early as 30, and it involves both a mammogram and a breast MRI once a year. 'Even without a family history, women are advised to get annual mammograms starting at 40,' said Dr Sawant. 'Breast cancer doesn't always run in families, and many early-stage cases have no symptoms at all.' What's the actual process like? Is it painful? The idea of breast compression under a paddle might feel intimidating. But technology has come a long way. According to Dr Sawant, modern machines use 'Fit Sweep Paddles' that are gentler, applying pressure more near the nipples and less near the chest wall, making the experience nearly painless for most women. 'It's more like pressure than pain,' reassured Dr Sawant. And if your breasts are already tender, ultrasound may be used first. What about radiation exposure during a mammogram? 'The dose is very low, about 0.4 millisievert (mSv), and the benefits of early detection far outweigh the risks,' Dr Sawant affirmed. Is mammography always accurate? While mammography is 85–90 per cent accurate, there are limitations, especially in dense breasts. 'That's why we often recommend a supplementary ultrasound in such cases,' said Dr Sawant. Trained breast radiologists and the latest tech (like 3D mammograms and AI-assisted reads) can significantly reduce the margin of error, she explained. Some of the newer technologies for mammography include: AI-assisted readings for faster, more accurate diagnosis Contrast-enhanced digital mammograms (CEDM) that help with tricky cases Better compression paddles for minimal discomfort Dr Sawant strongly recommended getting it done at a centre equipped with Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) and trained breast radiologists to ensure accuracy. What happens if my mammogram shows something abnormal? An abnormal result doesn't automatically mean cancer. It just means something unusual was seen that needs more investigation. The next step is usually to consult a breast oncosurgeon, who will guide you through further tests like biopsy, MRI, or ultrasound. While India lacks a universal breast cancer screening programme, mammography is available at many government hospitals at subsidised rates and is also included in corporate or insurance-linked annual health check-ups. Dr Sawant emphasised the importance of choosing imaging centres with updated digital technology and experienced breast radiologists to ensure diagnostic accuracy. 'As professionals, we plan careers, finances, and families, but often neglect preventive health. Prioritising annual breast screenings is a vital step toward long-term wellbeing,' said Dr Sawant.

Actor Dipika Kakar undergoes mammography: Do women cancer survivors need to continue their mammograms?
Actor Dipika Kakar undergoes mammography: Do women cancer survivors need to continue their mammograms?

Indian Express

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • Indian Express

Actor Dipika Kakar undergoes mammography: Do women cancer survivors need to continue their mammograms?

Television actor Dipika Kakar, who is documenting her recovery journey after her liver cancer diagnosis and surgery, has now revealed that she underwent mammography to rule out any changes in her breast tissue. She says she did this because earlier in the year, before her liver cancer diagnosis, a mammography had revealed enlarged lymph nodes in her left breast. So she wanted to be sure. Do those in cancer therapy need to do mammography simultaneously? In a vlog, Kakar says that she consulted the doctor after she developed pain on her left side. Her first mammogram showed enlarged lymph nodes, which can arise from various reasons, including infection. Her doctor had said then that it didn't look suspicious but it would be good to do a repeat scan after three months. Other doctors said the pain could be the result of a muscle injury. She mentioned how, because of her surgery and her recovery, her time to get the mammography done had exceeded three months. Now the mammography has shown that her lymph nodes had shrunk. 'Women cancer survivors need to watch out for spread or recurrence once they are on follow-up therapy protocol. And that's why a mammogram is advised. Generally, we do not advise mammography alongside PET scan (which assesses spread, metastasis and treatment response) because any anomaly would automatically be picked up by the latter. We do not suggest it for all liver cancer survivors either without assessing individual cases and risks. But in cases of breast cancer, some survivors may be suggested to undergo mammography surveillance even while undergoing PET scans,' says Dr Jeyhan Dhabhar, consultant, medical oncology, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai. No matter where you develop cancer, you need surveillance through imaging tests of the breast. Unless the woman is a breast cancer survivor, we suggest mammograms to women survivors of other cancers only after they have completed their treatment protocol. Once they are on routine follow-up, we suggest mammography once in 12 to 18 months, the same as we advise any woman over the age of 45. However if the women are BRCA-positive, then there is a different screening protocol even if they develop cancer in any other part of the body. BRCA-positive women have a higher lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers due to inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Women with BRCA1 mutations have a 72% lifetime risk of breast cancer, while those with BRCA2 mutations have a 69% risk. Ovarian cancer risk also increases. So if a BRCA-positive woman has recovered from cancer in another part of the body, we recommend breast sonography once in six months and an MRI breast once in six months for monitoring purposes. Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images and are often used to further investigate abnormalities found during mammograms. Once they are through with the treatment protocol, they should because mammograms can tell you about breast tissue anomalies or new growth. While breast cancer can sometimes spread to the liver, liver cancer does not directly increase the risk of breast cancer. You need to screen for new growth. Especially if you've only had one breast removed, you should be screening the other breast to rule out abnormal tissue growth.

#HEALTH: Life saving knowledge from mother to daughter
#HEALTH: Life saving knowledge from mother to daughter

New Straits Times

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • New Straits Times

#HEALTH: Life saving knowledge from mother to daughter

FOR 59 year old Lee Yoke Woon, the first sign of trouble felt no different from a urinary tract infection. She had abdominal pain, but it didn't seem alarming. However, in June 2020, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. "It was shocking because I had always been healthy," recalls Lee. Her diagnosis shook her family, especially her daughter, but it also brought them closer and led to positive lifestyle changes. "My husband and daughter started to eat healthier and became more aware of early symptoms. My husband made a special effort to cook nutritious meals and keep me emotionally stable." Lee credits her family, friends, and church members for helping her through the difficult journey. It was both challenging and emotional, but also meaningful. For Lee, surviving ovarian cancer gave her more than just a second chance - it set her on a mission to protect her daughter through knowledge and conversation. "As a mother, my instinct has always been to protect my child. When I was diagnosed, it was devastating to see how shocked my daughter was. No one expected cancer to hit our family." That moment led to important changes - paying closer attention to their health, and more importantly, to speak up and go for a check-up if something feels off. For women, a quick visit to the gynaecologist can make all the difference and for Lee, these conversations are no longer optional. They are life-saving. "As mothers, we teach our daughters how to walk, how to study, and how to be kind. But we must also teach them to understand their bodies, recognise warning signs, and prioritise their health. That is one of the most important lessons I can pass down." Lee is well aware that if she had waited, her story might have ended very differently. This shared responsibility from mother to daughter can help break the silence around ovarian cancer because a single conversation can be life-saving, says Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) consultant gynaecologist Dr Tan Teck Sin. The National Cancer Registry Report 2017-2021, indicates that ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer among Malaysian women with 1 in 147 women at risk. More than half of all cases (54.4 per cent) are diagnosed at stages 3 and 4 when the disease has already spread and treatment becomes more complex. Dr Tan believes that knowledge and awareness are powerful tools in changing these statistics, especially for mothers who pass on this life-saving information to their daughters. While anyone can develop ovarian cancer, certain factors increase the risk. Age, subfertility or having no children, a family history of ovarian or breast cancer, and specific gene mutations like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes linked to a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer all contribute, explains Dr Tan. Other less significant risks include early menstruation, late menopause, and conditions like endometriosis. About 25 per cent of certain common types of ovarian cancer have a hereditary basis, making it vital for women with a family history to consider genetic testing. Dr Tan says that younger women today, especially the Gen Z, are increasingly choosing the DINK (Double Income, No Kids) lifestyle. While that is a personal choice, it is important to know that having children can offer significant protection against ovarian and uterine cancers, he says. This makes conversations about reproductive health even more important between mothers and daughters, he adds. Currently, there is no reliable universal screening method for ovarian cancer. Tools like the transvaginal ultrasound and the serum CA-125 tumour marker (a blood test that measures a protein sometimes elevated in ovarian cancer) are helpful but not foolproof. These tests can lead to false positives, resulting in unnecessary surgeries, cautions Dr Tan. This makes awareness all the more important. "We must teach women to listen to their bodies and act early, even if symptoms seem trivial. A mother who understands these signs can protect herself and educate her daughter. That's a legacy more powerful than anything material." Treatment for ovarian cancer often involves surgery and chemotherapy. While surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has gained attention in recent years. For younger women diagnosed in early stages, there is room for fertility-preserving approaches. "We have to consider fertility-sparing surgery, or cryopreservation (freezing) of eggs or ovarian tissue before treatment. Unfortunately, facilities for cryopreservation are still limited in Malaysia," says Dr Tan. A multidisciplinary approach remains crucial as ovarian cancer is complex and requires input from oncologists, palliative physicians, radiologists, fertility specialists, and supportive staff like oncology nurses and physiotherapists. This team effort ensures the best outcome and quality of life for patients.

'My sister saved my life when she got cancer - I miss her so much'
'My sister saved my life when she got cancer - I miss her so much'

Daily Mirror

time6 days ago

  • Health
  • Daily Mirror

'My sister saved my life when she got cancer - I miss her so much'

Katie Allen went for a health check-up after her sister, Jen Bekker was diagnosed with cancer A woman who lost her sister to cervical cancer said her life was saved after it spurred her to undergo an early health check-up. Katie Allen, 33 and originally from New Forest, Hampshire, went for a health assessment in the light of her sister Jen Bekker's ordeal. A mammogram in April 2025 showed abnormal breast tissue, which was diagnosed as cancer following a biopsy in May. Katie has now had four rounds of chemotherapy and is considering a full mastectomy due to her positive test result for the BRCA2 gene - known to increase the risk of recurrent cancer. ‌ Jen died in March this year - around 18 months after being diagnosed in November 2023. Katie has been left devastated by her loss. ‌ Katie, the head of data for a marketing agency, said: "When Jen was sick I went to the doctors and explained. I wanted to get checked out. I wanted an MOT." Katie added: "I'm grateful for where I am - it was a gift from Jen. I have got checked out because of her." ‌ Jen's concerning symptoms were initially dismissed as prolapse, but upon pursuing a private ultrasound, her life-threatening ovarian cancer was detected in November 2023. She underwent five rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, completing her treatments by May 2024. But her hopes were dashed when scans in July 2024 revealed the cancer had metastasized. In September, she embarked on more treatment, including immunotherapy. Katie said: "In January she got a bit forgetful. She had constant headaches and her visions were blurry. It had metastasized to the brain." ‌ Despite the grim prognosis, Jen managed to make a final journey to South Africa with her daughter Jessica, age 14, where she delighted in seeing leopards - which she affectionately referred to as 'her spirit animal'. Jenni's courageous battle ended when she died on March 1, 2025. Katie said: "Jen was an absolute fighter. She tried everything she could to buy her more time with her daughter - Jess was her absolute world." ‌ She added: "It doesn't feel real yet. It feels like she's on holiday. "Losing Jen is harder than dealing with this. This I'm numb with. I haven't cried about my own cancer." Just a day after being diagnosed, Katie began an intensive treatment plan that will involve 16 chemotherapy treatments over 20 weeks. She will then need surgery - now likely to be a full double mastectomy. ‌ She may also need to have her ovaries removed due to the risk posed by the BRCA2 gene. Katie feels "grateful" for her timely diagnosis. It led to a life-saving mammogram despite having no symptoms. She also credits the support of her husband, Cody Allen, 34. Guidance in the UK means women here usually receive their initial breast screening invitation between the ages of 50 and 53. They rarely securing one earlier without the presence of symptoms. Katie concluded: "They wouldn't have seen me until the lump was bigger. I'm fortunate it was caught at the stage it was."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store