Latest news with #CHEK2
Sky News
24-07-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Thousands of cancer cases could be prevented with more breast removal surgeries, study suggests
Thousands of cancer cases could potentially be prevented if more women were offered breast removal surgery, according to a study. A mastectomy is offered to some people who already have breast cancer, but research suggests about 6,500 cases could be prevented each year if more preventative procedures were done. Risk-reducing mastectomies (RRM) are currently only an option for women with the BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 genes. But the study says people with other genes - including ATM, CHEK2, RAD51C, RAD51D - might benefit if they also have other high-risk factors. These include family history of the disease, whether they breast fed, mammogram density and the number of children they've had. Researchers suggest that if all women 30 to 55 with a risk of 35% or more could be identified - and they all then had RRM - an estimated 6,538 cases could be prevented each year. That equates to about 11% of the 59,000 UK women diagnosed annually. The economic evaluation by Queen Mary University of London and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) said it would be a cost effective strategy. It added that women carrying one of the other genes linked to breast cancer could potentially be found by "cascade testing", in which tests are offered to family members. One of the authors said it was the first time a risk factor for offering RRM had been defined. "Our results could have significant clinical implications to expand access to mastectomy beyond those patients with known genetic susceptibility in high penetrance genes - BRCA1/ BRCA2/ PALB2 - who are traditionally offered this," said Professor Ranjit Manchanda, professor of gynaecological oncology at Queen Mary. "We recommend that more research is carried out to evaluate the acceptability, uptake, and long-term outcomes of RRM among this group," he added. Louise Grimsdell, Breast Cancer Now senior clinical nurse specialist, stressed that women should consider all options - not just surgery. "While this modelling provides valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of risk-reducing mastectomy for women with a high risk of developing breast cancer, each individual must be offered all risk-management options that are suitable for them," she said. "Choosing to have risk-reducing surgery is a complex and deeply personal decision that comes with emotional and physical implications," added Ms Grimsdell. "So, it's vital women can consider all their options, including screening and risk-reducing medications, and are supported by their clinician to make an informed decision that's right for them. "It's also crucial that the unacceptably long waits that far too many women who chose risk-reducing surgery are facing are urgently tackled."
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Prostate Cancer: Why are we ignoring prostate cancer? The silent epidemic affecting millions of men
It's time we discuss something that often flies under the radar in our homes, clinics, and chatter — prostate cancer. This condition, which strikes millions of men worldwide, continues to grow in prevalence, particularly in nations like India where awareness is in infancy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The silent intruder Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is one of the accessory gland of the male sex situated just beneath the bladder and ahead of the rectum. It has an important role along with seminal vesicle in male fertility, secreting seminal fluid that nourishes sperm and carries sperm. What is so risky about prostate cancer is that it can go on silently, particularly during its initial stages. Most men do not have symptoms until the cancer has progressed. Indeed, some are diagnosed by chance while undergoing standard health examinations or testing for other ailments. Identifying the symptoms Despite early prostate cancer not having symptoms, men should note warning signs that include: ● Frequent urination, particularly at night ● Straining or inability to start or stop urination ● Weakened or interrupted stream of urine ● Painful or burning sensation on urination ● Blood in urine or semen ● Pelvic, back, or hip pain (indicative of more advanced disease) It is noteworthy that the symptoms can also be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urinary tract infection. But neglecting them or attributing them to it's "just age catching up" can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Who's at risk? Though prostate cancer is diagnosed most frequently in men above the age of 50 years, some conditions raise the risk: ● Age: Risk becomes a lot higher after 50 years. Median age at diagnosis moved to 67 from 70 years a decade ago. ● Hereditary: >3 such cases in the same family or > 2 such cases diagnosed < 55 years have a high risk. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now ● Family history: 2 first-degree relatives or 1 first degree relative and > 2 second degree relative are at high risk. ● Genetic - Germline mutations such as BRCA2, HOXB13, BRCA1, CHEK2, ATM, MMR genes etc ● Race: African and Afro-Caribbean men are at higher risk, although data in Indian men is increasing ● Lifestyle: Metabolic syndrome, Alcohol, High fried food diet, red and processed meat and obesity have been linked to increased risk Diagnosis and screening Globally, the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) are the primary tools for screening. Though these are not foolproof diagnostic methods, they help identify men who may require further evaluation. Once there is suspicion, imaging examinations such as mpMRI - multiparametric MRI, and a prostate biopsy (in which a small amount of tissue is checked for cancer cells), are employed to establish the diagnosis. No national screening program exists in India, and routine screening is not practiced for all due to overdiagnosis concerns. Yet, for men over 50 — or 45 if there is a family history — yearly screening can be lifesaving. Modern treatment strategies Treatment varies by stage and grade of cancer, along with the patient's age, overall health, and personal preferences. The primary choices are: ● Active Surveillance: For low-risk cancer in older men, where active surveillance is preferred to treatment right away ● Surgery: Radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) is commonly performed when cancer is localized ● Radiation Therapy: External beam and internal radiation (brachytherapy) are utilized ● Hormone Therapy: Reduces testosterone levels, which prostate cancer requires for growth ● Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy: Applied in case of advanced or resistant diseases New methods such as robotic surgery and targeted therapy are becoming increasingly popular in top Indian hospitals on par with western hospitals, providing greater precision and quick recovery. Life after diagnosis Prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating. The good news is that survival rates are excellent, particularly if it is diagnosed early. In a well functioning man, early localized prostate cancer has a 5-year survival rate of more than 98%. After treatment, some men will have problems such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Rehabilitation, physiotherapy, counseling, and drugs can control these problems. Support groups, increasingly available in India's cities, also offer emotional support and solidarity. Breaking the silence In Indian society, where discussions about men's health — particularly below-the-belt matters — remain whispered, awareness is the priority. Men need to be motivated to open up, get regular checks, and make their wellbeing a priority equally as that of their families. Your life is important. Get tested. Speak with your physician. Live stronger. Dr. Chandan MN - MCh Urology - Consultant Apollo Hospital Sheshadripuram, Bengaluru
