Latest news with #Stebbing
Daily Record
a day ago
- General
- Daily Record
Earliest signs of 'Stage 0' cancer often overlooked by GPs as Jessie J diagnosed
'Stage 0' cancer is an often overlooked condition that could offer the best chance of a positive outcome The reality or even the possibility of a cancer diagnosis is stark. Over 35,000 individuals are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland each year and, according to the Scottish Government, the number of cases is unfortunately increasing. The disease doesn't discriminate, either. On Wednesday (June 4), pop star Jessie J revealed she has been diagnosed with "early breast cancer" and plans to undergo surgery after her performance at this month's Summertime Ball. The Price Tag singer, 37, shared the emotional news in a candid Instagram video, saying he'd been "in and out of tests" recently. But our understanding of cancer is constantly evolving and earlier diagnosis typically leads to better outcomes. 'Stage 0' cancer is an often overlooked condition that could provide the best chance of a positive outcome. 'Stage 0' is when cancer cells are non-invasive and have not spread to surrounding tissue. Stage 0 cancers seldom cause symptoms or lumps and are typically detected through screening, namely a mammogram. The breast is where stage 0 is most commonly diagnosed. Some individuals may experience a small, hard lump or nipple discharge, which can be bloody. Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, explained: "Stage 0, often referred to as 'carcinoma in situ', is the earliest form of cancer. "The Latin term in situ translates to 'in its original place', and that's precisely where these abnormal cells stay – they haven't yet spread to nearby tissue or other parts of the body. "In breast cancer, the most common type of stage 0 is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), where abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts." Similar early changes can be found in other organs, such as the cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) or the colon (certain types of polyps). Professor Stebbing told The Conversation: "Research suggests that up to 40 per cent of untreated DCIS cases may eventually develop into invasive breast cancer, although the risk in any given year is relatively low at three per cent. "Because we currently lack a reliable way to predict which cases will progress, most doctors recommend treatment such as surgery to remove abnormal cells." Treatment for stage 0 cancer is typically less aggressive than for more advanced stages, but it's still personalised. Breast cancer treatment options may include surgery to excise the lump or the entire breast, as well as radiotherapy or hormone therapy. Professor Stebbing went on: "Some experts are exploring a different approach - active surveillance. This strategy involves closely monitoring low-grade lesions without immediate treatment." While promising for some patients, it's still controversial since there's always a risk the cancer could progress silently. "The prognosis for stage 0 cancer is overwhelmingly positive," Stebbing said. "The five-year survival rate for stage 0 breast cancer approaches 99 per cent and most people diagnosed at this stage will never experience a recurrence. "This remarkable outcome is a testament to the power of early detection and effective treatment. Mammograms and other screening tools like colonoscopies are vital for catching cancers at the earliest, most treatable stages." Screenings There are several methods to diagnose cancer or assess cancer risk earlier, thereby improving the chances of successful outcomes, such as screening programmes. Various screenings are available on the NHS for early cancer detection. Breast cancer Breast cancer screening involves an X-ray being taken of both breasts, called a mammogram. "Routine mammograms help detect cancers in breast tissue that might not otherwise be found," Lester Barr, consultant breast surgeon and founder of the charity Prevent Breast Cancer, explains. "This is either because they're too small to be felt or because they are deep within the breast. "Finding these cancers before they present symptoms usually means less aggressive treatment and a higher chance of going back to a completely normal life after cancer." You have to be registered with a GP to be automatically invited for screening. "You will be automatically invited for screening every three years from age of 50 up to your 71st birthday as part of the breast screening programme," says Sally Kum, associate director of nursing at Breast Cancer Now. "This may not happen the year you turn 50, but it will happen by the time you're 53. "If you're 71 or over, while you won't automatically be sent an invitation for screening, you can continue to have breast screening every three years if you contact your local breast screening unit and ask for it." Lung cancer In 2022, the UK National Screening Committee, an independent body of experts, recommended lung screening for people at high risk of lung cancer. "It will take some time for this to be rolled out, but when it is, people will be invited if they are 55-74 years old and they currently smoke or used to smoke," says Lenza. "If eligible, you'll be invited for an initial assessment where a health professional will ask some questions. "Based on this you may then be offered a low-dose CT scan to check for changes in the lungs. "For a screening programme to be introduced there needs to be a test that can accurately identify cancer at an early stage, before someone has symptoms," says Lenza. "Research is still ongoing to find these tests for other cancers, but it's important that any harms from the test are outweighed by the benefits." Cervical cancer "Cervical cancer develops from abnormal cell changes in the cervix and can affect anyone with a cervix at any age, although it is more common between the ages of 30 and 34," explains Helen Hyndman, Ask Eve nurse at gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal. "Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer by testing for high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), found in more than 99 per cent of all cervical cancers and which can cause abnormal cells to develop on the cervix. "If HPV is found on a sample, a further test is done for abnormal cells as they can, over time, turn into cancer if left untreated or unmonitored." Cervical screening, also known as a smear test, is free for individuals with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 in Scotland. "All eligible individuals who are registered with a GP (as female) automatically receive an invitation by post," explains Hyndman. "Trans men (assigned female at birth) do not receive invitations if they are registered as male with their GP but are still entitled to screening if they have a cervix. "Screening is offered every three years from age 25 to 49 and every five years from age 50 to 64. If high risk HPV or abnormal cells are found, screening is offered more frequently." Bowel cancer "The bowel cancer screening programmes use a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) which is sent to you through the post," explains Rachel Rawson, lead cancer nurse at virtual cancer clinic Perci Health. "For the test, you'll collect a small amount of poo and this is sent to a lab where they'll test for blood in your poo. "Screening can also help to find polyps (non-cancerous growths) which may be growing in the bowel. Polyps can become bowel cancer over time, screening can help to find them so they can be removed before they do. "Bowel cancer screening is offered to people in Scotland every two years between the ages of 50 and 74," says Maxine Lenza, health information manager at Cancer Research UK. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. 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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Science
- Newsweek
How Dinosaurs Could Help Us Fight Cancer
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Dinosaurs might be more than just fascinating relics of the past—they could help pave the way towards new and better treatments for cancer. This is the conclusion of a new study by researchers from the Anglia Ruskin University and Imperial College London, both in England, that reveals that dinosaur fossils still carry biological clues—specifically, preserved proteins—that can teach us how ancient species dealt with diseases like cancer. Their research, published in the journal Biology, could pave the way for future medical breakthroughs. "Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years," explained paper author and Anglia Ruskin oncologist professor Justin Stebbing. Representative SEM images of fossilized erythrocyte-like structures, highlighting surface topography and density-dependent contrast. Representative SEM images of fossilized erythrocyte-like structures, highlighting surface topography and density-dependent contrast. Angela Ruskin University/Angela Ruskin University A Closer Look at Ancient Tissues The team closely examined the fossilized remains of Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus—a plant-eating "marsh lizard" that lived some 70 million years ago in what is now Romania. Using a high-powered microscope, they found red blood cell-like shapes hidden in the fossil. These, the team say, are preserved well enough to still reveal information about the dinosaur's biology. This discovery opens up exciting new opportunities to study ancient diseases—including cancer—at the molecular level and highlights the importance of preserving fossilized soft tissues, not just skeletal remains. The study of ancient diseases through fossilized soft tissues offers a unique opportunity to trace the evolutionary history of cancer and how it relates to species' life-history strategies. Dinosaurs such as T. transsylvanicus can provide useful insights, with evidence like the identification of a tumor (ameloblastoma) suggesting that cancer was a recurring biological challenge in prehistoric ecosystems. As so-called "paleoproteomic" techniques improve, these tissues may help detect ancient proteins and tumor-suppressor pathways. Why Proteins Matter Normally, DNA breaks down over time, especially over millions of years. But proteins—especially those found in hard tissues like bones—can survive much longer. That's why they're so valuable. "Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination," said Stebbing. "This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens." Looking to the Future Interestingly, a previous study had already found evidence of cancer in Telmatosaurus, suggesting that the disease has deep evolutionary roots. By studying it in extinct animals, researchers hope to gain new insights into how cancer behaves, adapts, and might be better treated in humans. "Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease," said Stebbing. "Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans." The scientists emphasize that fossil conservation is more important than ever—not just the bones, but the delicate soft tissues that might still hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. However, Stebbing added, "it is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations." Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about dinosaurs? Let us know via science@ Reference Chandrasinghe, P. C., Cereser, B., Bertazzo, S., Csiki-Sava, Z., & Stebbing, J. (2025). Preserving Fossilized Soft Tissues: Advancing Proteomics and Unveiling the Evolutionary History of Cancer in Dinosaurs. Biology, 14(4).
Metro
4 days ago
- Science
- Metro
70,000,000-year-old dinosaur could unlock key cancer discoveries
Scientists believe they could develop new cancer treatments by studying the disease in the remains of prehistoric creatures. Researchers discovered structures similar to red blood cells in dinosaur fossils, which they believe could help better understand tumours and even give rise to new treatments. The ten-year study at Anglia Ruskin University was launched following the discovery of a fossil of a herbivorous Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus – known as a 'marsh lizard' – in Romania with a tumour in its jaw in 2016. Oncologist Professor Justin Stebbing led researchers in a project to see if any parallels could be drawn between the tumour and human cancers. Cancer specialist Dr Biancastella Cereser was part of the team of scientists that conducted a study into the unusual fossil. She told the Independent: 'We contacted the town in Romania, which was very excited to loan us the fossil.' The team then used a 'very, very, very fine drill' and a microscope to look inside the specimen, where they found structures resembling human red blood cells. The development has helped researchers understand 'the role of environment on cancer', Professor Stebbing said. He added that understanding the disease from a 'very ancient perspective' is another piece in the jigsaw. The project in some ways bears a similarity to that of the upcoming Jurassic World movie, which is due to be released in cinemas on July 2. The fourth film in the series follows a group of scientists trying to locate the remains of prehistoric species on an Atlantic island in a bid to create a life-saving drug for humans. More Trending However, after getting stranded on the island, the team discovers it is home to the results of failed dinosaur experiments which have been thriving for decades. They encounter some frightening mutations such as a Distortus Rex – a deformed, alien-like version of a T-Rex with six limbs. But while the claim that dinosaurs can be somewhat resurrected using DNA from their fossils is inaccurate, Professor Stebbing says the discovery of proteins in soft tissues means prehistoric remains could help with the development of better treatments in the future. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Diarrhea left me in hospital – but I never expected my diagnosis MORE: Biden jokes he 'can beat the hell out of' authors on his decline after cancer diagnosis MORE: Adele Roberts facing fresh health issue three years after being declared cancer-free
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Dinosaurs may hold key to cancer breakthroughs say scientists
Researchers explored the fossil of a Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a 'marsh lizard' that existed between 66 and 70 million years ago Dinosaurs might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering cancer treatment. Yet scientists now believe these prehistoric creatures could actually provide valuable insights on how to tackle the complex, cell-mutating disease. Ne w research from Anglia Ruskin University and Imperial College London explored this subject, using pioneering techniques to closely examine the fossil of an ancient species. Now they theorise that soft tissue and cellular structures are perhaps preserved in ancient remains more frequently than previously understood, potentially offering crucial information for future illness prevention. Senior author Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University, said: "Dinosaurs, as long-lived, large-bodied organisms, present a compelling case for investigating how species managed cancer susceptibility and resistance over millions of years. "Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination. This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens." The researchers specifically highlighted the Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a duck-billed 'marsh lizard' that roamed what is now Romania between 66 and 70 million years ago. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), researchers discovered 'red blood cell-like structures' within a fossil of this creature. Now, by examining preserved proteins and biomarkers, scientists hope to gain insights into diseases that impacted prehistoric animals, including cancer. This project builds on a previous study that found evidence of cancer in the same marsh lizard. Professor Stebbing continued: "Unlike skeletal structures alone, soft tissues contain proteins that provide molecular information that can reveal the underlying biological mechanisms of disease." With this in mind, scientists also emphasised the importance of gathering and preserving dinosaur tissue, not just skeletons. They asserted that future analyses could enhance our understanding of disease evolution over time, potentially informing treatments for humans. "Our research, using relatively underused methods, invites further exploration that could hold the key to future discoveries that could benefit humans," Professor Stebbing added. "However, it is crucial that long-term fossil conservation efforts are coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Can dinosaur fossils unlock the future of cancer treatment? Scientists say yes
A dinosaur's jaw might just open a new chapter in cancer research. In a study spanning a decade, scientists from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Imperial College London used advanced paleoproteomic techniques — a method that holds promise for uncovering molecular data from ancient specimens — to discover red blood cell-like structures preserved in a dinosaur fossil. The fossil belongs to Telmatosaurus transsylvanicus, a duck-billed herbivore 'marsh lizard' that roamed what is now Romania some 66–70 million years ago. The findings raise the possibility that ancient tumours could help unravel cancer's molecular origins and potentially inform future treatments. The idea for the research began in 2016 when Professor Justin Stebbing, an oncologist at ARU, read about a dinosaur fossil with a tumor in its jaw. This tumor, known as an ameloblastoma, is a benign growth that also occurs in humans, sparking curiosity about the molecular similarities between ancient and modern cancers. By 2017, a multidisciplinary team—including Dr. Biancastella Cereser from Imperial and Professor Pramodh Chandrasinghe from Sri Lanka—secured the fossil and began meticulous analysis. 'We brought it back and basically drilled into it with a very, very, very fine drill,' said Dr Cereser. An image of fossilised erythrocyte-like structures. Anglia Ruskin University Using high-resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), a very sophisticated microscope, the team identified structures that resembled erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the fossilised bone. 'Until recently, fossils were mostly useful for examining hard structures like shells and bones, noted Stebbing. 'But if we're trying to look at the building blocks of life or cancer, we now know we can actually see soft tissues too. We could actually see the flesh of the cancer.' This ancient evidence offers a rare opportunity to study the long-term environmental factors that may have shaped cancer across millions of years. The findings raise the possibility that soft tissue and cellular components are more commonly preserved in ancient remains than previously thought. By identifying preserved proteins and biomarkers, scientists believe they can gain insights into the diseases that affected prehistoric creatures, including cancer, potentially influencing future treatments for humans. 'Proteins, particularly those found in calcified tissues like bone, are more stable than DNA and are less susceptible to degradation and contamination. This makes them ideal candidates for studying ancient diseases, including cancer, in paleontological specimens,' Stebbing said. While popular culture often imagines recovering dinosaur DNA to bring these creatures back to life, Stebbing was clear: 'Jurassic Park isn't right... we can't get DNA out of this because it's broken down by time and weathering. But what we have found is that we've actually found proteins in soft tissues that can survive over time.' The team believes that studying cancer in such ancient organisms could 'help us understand the role of environment on cancer,' and ultimately inform better treatments for humans. The researchers also emphasize the importance of fossil conservation, urging that 'long-term fossil conservation efforts are coordinated to ensure that future researchers have access to specimens suitable for cutting-edge molecular investigations.'The study has been published in the journal Biology.
