Latest news with #LynchSyndrome
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Low aspirin dose 'reduces cancer risk in some patients', Newcastle University-led study says
A study to find the right dose of aspirin to reduce the risk of cancer in some patients has found the smallest amount works just as well as larger ones, according to a leading trial involved 1,879 people with Lynch syndrome who were given three different-sized doses of the Sir John Burn, from Newcastle University, said he would ask health regulators to formally advise a low dose of 75mg be prescribed to those with the genetic condition, which puts them at a greater cancer James, who has Lynch syndrome - and who has lost nearly all of his family to cancer - was the first person to sign up to the trial. He said the findings were "massively reassuring". The furniture maker, based in Newcastle, no longer has any family left alive in the UK."Quite a few members of my family have had cancer - like colorectal cancers, or endometrial," he explained."My grandfather had bladder cancer, my mum had a certain kind of cancer. When you start looking at the family tree - it becomes quite apparent what's going on. "We didn't actually know it was Lynch syndrome until 13 years ago, and that's when I learned about the aspirin trials." To try and stop himself from developing cancer, Mr James was the first person to sign up to the latest trial nearly 10 years Cancer Prevention Project 3 study (CaPP3), supported by Cancer Research UK, involved patients taking a different daily dose of aspirin: 100mg, 300mg or 600mg. In the trial, a European-sized dose of 100 mg aspirin was used. The established dose is 75mg per day in the UK, and 81mg in the was only at the end of the study that Mr James learned he had been put on a 300mg dose."The fact that I can now go down to a baby aspirin makes it feel less scary," he said. "I didn't have any major side effects - but it potentially reduces any."That the research has shown that taking an aspirin reduces your risk of getting a cancer if you have Lynch syndrome is massively reassuring for me - and my family." Optimal dose People with Lynch syndrome have inherited a faulty gene which can increase their chances of developing some cancers - including bowel and womb Burn, who was involved in discovering Lynch syndrome and who led the international study, said he focused his research on those patients "because they get so many cancers". "We already have NICE guidance saying people with Lynch syndrome should be recommended to take aspirin. Now we should recommend a baby aspirin." An earlier study led by Prof Burn found a protective effect in those taking 600mg of aspirin every day for just over two said the new results showed the lowest dose worked just as well as the larger doses."So what we can now say with statistical confidence is that the people taking a baby aspirin are as protected as the people taking two aspirins - but also much less likely to have side effects," he added. In some people, aspirin can cause bleeding, so Prof Burn said he wanted health regulators to now recommend the lowest dose be given to Lynch syndrome patients."Roughly speaking, if someone with Lynch syndrome has about a 2% a year chance of getting mostly bowel cancers, we think if they take aspirin, that is halved - down to about 1% a year," he explained. Prof Burn said the next big challenge was to find those who were unaware they even have Lynch said "about 150,000 patients in the UK" have the condition, but a small number are only tested when they realise cancer runs in their family."It was only when they get cancer in their 40s and 50s, and remember their auntie had cancer, and their granddad." NHS England said with only 5-10% of patients diagnosed, identifying more people with Lynch syndrome was a strategic priority. Once diagnosed, they can then be offered cancer screening and monitoring. Prof Burn said: "We can also put them on to a baby aspirin - and cut their risk." The findings of the study will be presented at the Cancer Prevention Research Conference, taking place in London from Wednesday, in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Huge boost in fight against colon cancer: Daily over-the-counter pill already in millions of medicine cabinets PREVENTS disease, study reveals
Taking a daily aspirin could help prevent bowel cancer in thousands of people at high risk, new research suggests. A major British study has found that even a low dose of the over-the-counter drug can halve the chances of developing the disease—offering protection with fewer side effects than previously thought. The findings are particularly important for people with Lynch syndrome—an inherited condition that affects about 175,000 people in the UK. It dramatically increases the lifetime risk of bowel cancer and other types of cancer. While the NHS already recommends aspirin for those with the condition, only around a quarter are currently taking it—often due to fears over side effects such as indigestion, ulcers and kidney problems. Researchers, led by Professor Sir John Burn of Newcastle University and funded by Cancer Research UK, found that a daily dose as low as 75 to 100mg—commonly known as 'baby aspirin'—was just as effective as the 600mg dose used in previous studies. 'The trial now tells us that aspirin can prevent bowel cancer at lower doses, minimising the chances of side-effects whilst offering vital protection,' said Professor Burn. He added: 'Too many people are missing out on a potentially life-changing opportunity to prevent cancer.' Lynch syndrome is thought to be responsible for around three per cent of bowel cancer cases in the UK. People with the condition are also more likely to be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 50. As well as bowel cancer, Lynch syndrome also significantly increases the risk of other cancers—including womb, ovarian and prostate cancer. One of those to benefit from the trial is Nick James, 46, who discovered he had the condition after undergoing genetic testing. 'Finding out I had a faulty gene that causes Lynch syndrome was extremely daunting,' he said. 'But taking part in this trial has given me hope that there's something that can reduce the chances of me and others developing cancer. Following the results, experts are now calling on the NHS to update its guidelines so more people at risk can benefit from the protective effects of aspirin. Professor Sir Burn said: 'We're now engaging with the regulators to change prescribing guidelines so that aspirin can be used more widely for people with a high risk of bowel cancer. 'We have a chance to give more people with Lynch syndrome protection which would reduce their fear of bowel cancer in the future.' Bowel cancer is on the rise in younger adults, even as rates fall among older generations. People born in 1990 are three times more likely to develop bowel cancer than those born in the 1950s, according to global research. In the UK, the disease kills nearly 17,000 people a year. While the vast majority of cases still occur in over-50s, around five per cent now affect adults aged 25 to 49—and that figure is steadily climbing. The main symptoms include changes in toilet habits, such as softer stools, diarrhoea or constipation. Going more or less often than usual, blood in the stool, or a feeling that you still need to go even after just going, can also be warning signs. Cancer Research UK estimates that more than half—54 per cent—of bowel cancer cases are preventable. Known risk factors include a diet low in fibre, eating too much red or processed meat, and obesity.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Aspirin could be prescribed to prevent bowel cancer for those in high-risk group
ASPIRIN could be prescribed to try to prevent bowel cancer for those in a high-risk group. A Cancer Research UK study found a small daily dose offers protection for people with Lynch syndrome. More than half of people with the genetic condition develop bowel cancer at some point in their life. Experts will apply for a prescription license to give 'baby' 75mg pills to the nearly 200,000 Brits with Lynch syndrome. CRUK said fewer than half of GPs knew they should prescribe aspirin to Lynch syndrome patients and many were worried about the dose size. The trial found a much smaller dose than the previously recommended 600mg would work, reducing the risk of side effects. Professor Sir John Burn, from Newcastle University, said: 'This tells us that aspirin can prevent bowel cancer at lower doses, minimising the chances of side-effects whilst offering vital protection for people with Lynch syndrome. 'Only a quarter of people with Lynch syndrome are currently taking aspirin and too many are missing out on a potentially life-changing opportunity to prevent cancer.' Lynch syndrome is estimated to cause about one in every 33 bowel cancer cases in the UK. Bowel tumours are one of the most common types, with 44,000 cases per year and 17,000 deaths. The 4 signs of bowel cancer that mean it's 'too late' - as doctor reveals cause of surge in young people being diagnosed 1 What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer? IT'S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest - yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough. While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease. Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver. If you notice any of the signs, don't be embarrassed and don't ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems. The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include: Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo A change in your normal toilet habits - going more frequently for example Pain or a lump in your tummy Extreme tiredness Losing weight Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness. In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction. Other signs include: Gripping pains in the abdomen Feeling bloated Constipation and being unable to pass wind Being sick Feeling like you need to strain - like doing a number two - but after you've been to the loo While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools. But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Gaps in genetic testing mean some patients not informed about cancer risk
A new study reveals inconsistencies in genetic testing for Lynch syndrome, potentially leaving cancer patients and their families unaware of their risk of developing other cancers. Lynch syndrome is a rare hereditary condition that elevates the risk of bowel, womb, and ovarian cancers due to a gene mutation affecting DNA error correction. The University of Edinburgh study examined data on 2,500 womb cancer patients and found that while 91 per cent of tumours were tested for Lynch syndrome markers, the results were not always communicated to clinical teams, hindering follow-up genetic counselling. Of the 181 eligible participants, only 64 per cent were referred for genetic counselling, and due to long waits and high dropout rates, only 48 per cent ultimately received the test. Dr. Neil Ryan from the University of Edinburgh emphasises the need for mainstream testing to be truly mainstream to ensure timely diagnosis and reduce cancer risk for patients and their relatives.
The Independent
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
More testing needed for genetic cancer risk as too many women ‘missed', experts say
A new study has revealed that families of some cancer patients are being denied the opportunity to learn about their potential cancer risk due to inconsistencies in genetic testing. Academics have warned that the absence of adequate testing for Lynch syndrome is leaving some cancer patients unaware of their risk of developing other cancers. Lynch syndrome, a rare hereditary condition, elevates the risk of cancers of the bowel, womb, and ovaries. It arises from a gene mutation affecting DNA error correction during replication, potentially leading to uncontrolled cell growth. NHS guidelines stipulate that patients with bowel or womb cancer should undergo tumour assessments for Lynch syndrome markers. The identification of these markers should prompt a referral for genetic testing, confirming the diagnosis and enabling access to support and guidance regarding cancer risks for both the patients and their families. A new study by academics at the University of Edinburgh found not all womb cancer patients are being sent for genetic testing. Researchers examined data on 2,500 womb cancer patients across the UK and Ireland between 2022 and 2023. They found that 91 per cent of tumours were tested for markers of Lynch syndrome, but the test results were not routinely communicated to the wider clinical team. This means that follow-up genetic counselling and blood tests were not always arranged. Of the 181 participants eligible for genetic counselling, just under two-thirds (64 per cent) were referred for appointments, according to the study, which has been published in the journal BMJ Oncology. Researchers said those who were referred faced long waits, resulting in high dropout rates, meaning only 48 per cent of those eligible went on to get the test. Experts from the university said gaps in testing mean some womb cancer patients with Lynch syndrome go undetected. Family members are also left vulnerable to cancer risk, unaware they may have the condition. Dr Neil Ryan, from the University of Edinburgh, who leads the UK audit and research collaborative in obstetrics and gynaecology, said: 'Despite clear guidance and excellent rates of tumour testing, too many women with Lynch syndrome are still being missed because they're not referred for definitive blood testing in a timely way. 'This not only denies them the chance to reduce their future cancer risk but also prevents their relatives from being tested and protected. 'Tumour testing is only cost-effective if it leads to diagnosis — we urgently need to make mainstream testing truly mainstream.'
