Latest news with #TheLancetRegionalHealth
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The children's cancer that takes the longest to diagnose – and the signs to watch for
TEENAGERS and children with bone cancer face longer waits for a diagnosis than those with other types of the disease, a new review has revealed. The longer cancers are left untreated the bigger they can grow and harder they are to cure, Cancer Research UK warns on its website. 3 Most childhood cancers are only picked up during emergency trip to A&E or hospital Credit: Getty Scientists from the University of Nottingham analysed data on 2,000 young patients diagnosed with the disease between September 2020 and March 2023. They found the average time to diagnosis was 4.6 weeks – but some children waited up to six years. Young people aged 15 to 18 had the longest delays, waiting an average of 8.7 weeks to be diagnosed. But kids with bone cancer faced the worst delays overall, waiting an average of 12.6 weeks – more than three months. Read more on bone cancer In contrast, babies under one were diagnosed after just 3.7 weeks on average, and children with kidney cancer were diagnosed in just 2.3 weeks. The most common form of bone cancer in children is osteosarcoma - with 30 new cases diagnosed in the UK year, according to Although it can develop in any bone, it occurs most often in the bones on either side of the knee (tibia or femur) and in the upper arm. The symptoms are: Most read in Health Bone pain – this may come and go initially but then become more persistent Tenderness Redness Swelling Fracture may occur after a minor injury at the site of the weakened bone Experts said half of all children and young people with cancer in the UK are still waiting four weeks or longer for a diagnosis. 3 Symptoms of bone cancer, including swelling, tenderness, redness and fractures The signs and symptoms of cancer Most cases (67 per cent) were only picked up after an emergency trip to A&E or hospital. Writing in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, the researchers said there were 'disparities for age and diagnostic groups' and called for urgent action to speed up diagnosis for those facing lengthy waits. Dr Shaarna Shanmugavadivel, from the University of Nottingham, said: 'For the first time, we understand the current landscape of childhood cancer diagnosis in the UK. 'There is an urgent need to focus efforts on young people and tumour types such as bone tumours that are still experiencing lengthy intervals. 'Earliest possible diagnosis is key as time is crucial. Untreated, tumours grow bigger and can spread around the body, requiring more extensive surgery and more intensive therapies to offer cure. 3 Kids with bone cancer faced the worst delays overall Credit: Getty 'The findings will help focus efforts towards closing the gap for these groups, ensuring more children and young people receive a diagnosis sooner.' Ashley Ball-Gamble, chief executive of The Children and Young People's Cancer Association, and co-author of the study, added: 'It's crucial that we understand why certain groups, such as older teenagers, or those with certain cancers, such as bone and brain tumours, are likely to face a lengthier diagnosis. 'By recognising these differences, we hope to work towards faster diagnoses and improved survival rates.' How long it takes to diagnose different childhood cancers Bone cancer – 12.6 weeks Skin and other carcinomas – 9.6 weeks Lymphoma – 7.9 weeks Brain and spine tumours – 7.6 weeks Soft tissue cancers – 6.9 weeks Germ cell tumours – 5.9 weeks Liver tumours – 5.1 weeks Neuroblastoma – 4.4 weeks Eye cancer (Retinoblastoma) – 4.1 weeks Leukaemia – 3.1 weeks Kidney cancer – 2.3 weeks Source: University of Nottingham
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Top virologists sound the alarm on bird flu and plead with world leaders to prepare for another pandemic
Leading virologists from over 40 countries are sounding the alarm over the increasing threat of H5N1 avian flu—which can cause coughing, body aches, fatigue, pneumonia, and other symptoms in humans—urging global leaders to step up with a range of measures and to use knowledge gained during the COVID pandemic. 'In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,' Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists write in a commentary published this week in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. 'Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.' The experts compel leaders to address the issue by boosting surveillance, enhancing biosecurity, and preparing for potential human-to-human viral transmission. The authors note that more than 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 people have been infected with H5N1, including severe cases and the first reported U.S. death. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' Dr. Sten H. Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, said in a press release. 'The virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' The highly pathogenic influenza virus is now circulating in all 50 states and Canada, the virologists warn, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry animals in the U.S. since 2022. While human-to-human transmission is not documented, experts warn that virus mutations or the combination of two flu viruses could increase transmissibility. The researchers made several recommendations: Continuously monitoring animals, including testing milk, wastewater, and people working with infected animals, to track virus evolution that may lead to human-to human transmissibility. Accelerating the sharing of genomic data among global research networks to track virus evolution and spread. Using personal protective equipment and strict farm-cleaning protocols. Advocating for self-administered diagnostic tests for farmworkers and health care access for frontline medical workers. Providing more funding for responses, especially in high-risk regions. Investing in predicting traits of avian flu viruses from genetic data. Developing and rapidly administering vaccines to people and animals. Conducting clinical studies on the properties of emerging virus strains, potential therapies, and vaccines. 'A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to curb further spread and human infections,' said Elyse Stachler, GVN member and a research scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 'Further, we believe it is crucial to maintain trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farmworkers.' 'We are advocating for community-driven strategies to ensure the successful implementation of vaccines, if necessary,' said Dr. Christian Bréchot, president emeritus of the GVN and director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research in global affairs in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 'The situation with H5N1 demands heightened vigilance and collaboration across public health sectors. Early detection and robust surveillance are critical to prevent further spread.' More on infectious disease: At this rate, measles could become endemic again within 2 decades, researchers warn As measles spreads throughout the U.S., here's how to tell if you need a booster shot What are the symptoms of bird flu and how does it spread? This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Top virologists sound the alarm on bird flu and plead with world leaders to prepare for another pandemic
Leading virologists from over 40 countries are sounding the alarm over the increasing threat of H5N1 avian flu—which can cause coughing, body aches, fatigue, pneumonia, and other symptoms in humans—urging global leaders to step up with a range of measures and to use knowledge gained during the COVID pandemic. 'In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,' Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists write in a commentary published this week in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. 'Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.' The experts compel leaders to address the issue by boosting surveillance, enhancing biosecurity, and preparing for potential human-to-human viral transmission. The authors note that more than 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 people have been infected with H5N1, including severe cases and the first reported U.S. death. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' Dr. Sten H. Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, said in a press release. 'The virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' The highly pathogenic influenza virus is now circulating in all 50 states and Canada, the virologists warn, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry animals in the U.S. since 2022. While human-to-human transmission is not documented, experts warn that virus mutations or the combination of two flu viruses could increase transmissibility. The researchers made several recommendations: Continuously monitoring animals, including testing milk, wastewater, and people working with infected animals, to track virus evolution that may lead to human-to human transmissibility. Accelerating the sharing of genomic data among global research networks to track virus evolution and spread. Using personal protective equipment and strict farm-cleaning protocols. Advocating for self-administered diagnostic tests for farmworkers and health care access for frontline medical workers. Providing more funding for responses, especially in high-risk regions. Investing in predicting traits of avian flu viruses from genetic data. Developing and rapidly administering vaccines to people and animals. Conducting clinical studies on the properties of emerging virus strains, potential therapies, and vaccines. 'A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to curb further spread and human infections,' said Elyse Stachler, GVN member and a research scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 'Further, we believe it is crucial to maintain trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farmworkers.' 'We are advocating for community-driven strategies to ensure the successful implementation of vaccines, if necessary,' said Dr. Christian Bréchot, president emeritus of the GVN and director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research in global affairs in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 'The situation with H5N1 demands heightened vigilance and collaboration across public health sectors. Early detection and robust surveillance are critical to prevent further spread.' More on infectious disease: At this rate, measles could become endemic again within 2 decades, researchers warn As measles spreads throughout the U.S., here's how to tell if you need a booster shot What are the symptoms of bird flu and how does it spread? This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Top virologists sound the alarm on bird flu and plead with world leaders to prepare for another pandemic
Leading virologists from over 40 countries are sounding the alarm over the increasing threat of H5N1 avian flu—which can cause coughing, body aches, fatigue, pneumonia, and other symptoms in humans—urging global leaders to step up with a range of measures and to use knowledge gained during the COVID pandemic. 'In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,' Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists write in a commentary published this week in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. 'Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.' The experts compel leaders to address the issue by boosting surveillance, enhancing biosecurity, and preparing for potential human-to-human viral transmission. The authors note that more than 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 people have been infected with H5N1, including severe cases and the first reported U.S. death. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' Dr. Sten H. Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, said in a press release. 'The virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' The highly pathogenic influenza virus is now circulating in all 50 states and Canada, the virologists warn, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry animals in the U.S. since 2022. While human-to-human transmission is not documented, experts warn that virus mutations or the combination of two flu viruses could increase transmissibility. The researchers made several recommendations: Continuously monitoring animals, including testing milk, wastewater, and people working with infected animals, to track virus evolution that may lead to human-to human transmissibility. Accelerating the sharing of genomic data among global research networks to track virus evolution and spread. Using personal protective equipment and strict farm-cleaning protocols. Advocating for self-administered diagnostic tests for farmworkers and health care access for frontline medical workers. Providing more funding for responses, especially in high-risk regions. Investing in predicting traits of avian flu viruses from genetic data. Developing and rapidly administering vaccines to people and animals. Conducting clinical studies on the properties of emerging virus strains, potential therapies, and vaccines. 'A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to curb further spread and human infections,' said Elyse Stachler, GVN member and a research scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 'Further, we believe it is crucial to maintain trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farmworkers.' 'We are advocating for community-driven strategies to ensure the successful implementation of vaccines, if necessary,' said Dr. Christian Bréchot, president emeritus of the GVN and director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research in global affairs in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 'The situation with H5N1 demands heightened vigilance and collaboration across public health sectors. Early detection and robust surveillance are critical to prevent further spread.' More on infectious disease: At this rate, measles could become endemic again within 2 decades, researchers warn As measles spreads throughout the U.S., here's how to tell if you need a booster shot What are the symptoms of bird flu and how does it spread? This story was originally featured on
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Top virologists sound the alarm on bird flu and plead with world leaders to prepare for another pandemic
Leading virologists from over 40 countries are sounding the alarm over the increasing threat of H5N1 avian flu—which can cause coughing, body aches, fatigue, pneumonia, and other symptoms in humans—urging global leaders to step up with a range of measures and to use knowledge gained during the COVID pandemic. 'In the U.S. sporadic human infections with no known contact with infected animals highlight the possibility of viral adaptation for efficient human-to-human transmission,' Global Virus Network (GVN) scientists write in a commentary published this week in The Lancet Regional Health–Americas. 'Concurrently, the virus continues to circulate in wild birds, backyard flocks, and hunted migratory species, further amplifying the risk to humans and domestic animals.' The experts compel leaders to address the issue by boosting surveillance, enhancing biosecurity, and preparing for potential human-to-human viral transmission. The authors note that more than 995 dairy cow herds and at least 70 people have been infected with H5N1, including severe cases and the first reported U.S. death. 'Understanding the current landscape of H5N1 infections is critical for effective prevention and response,' Dr. Sten H. Vermund, chief medical officer of the GVN and dean of the USF Health College of Public Health at the University of South Florida, said in a press release. 'The virus's ability to infect both animals and humans, combined with recent genetic changes, underscores the importance of proactive surveillance and rapid response measures.' The highly pathogenic influenza virus is now circulating in all 50 states and Canada, the virologists warn, resulting in the loss or culling of more than 168 million poultry animals in the U.S. since 2022. While human-to-human transmission is not documented, experts warn that virus mutations or the combination of two flu viruses could increase transmissibility. The researchers made several recommendations: Continuously monitoring animals, including testing milk, wastewater, and people working with infected animals, to track virus evolution that may lead to human-to human transmissibility. Accelerating the sharing of genomic data among global research networks to track virus evolution and spread. Using personal protective equipment and strict farm-cleaning protocols. Advocating for self-administered diagnostic tests for farmworkers and health care access for frontline medical workers. Providing more funding for responses, especially in high-risk regions. Investing in predicting traits of avian flu viruses from genetic data. Developing and rapidly administering vaccines to people and animals. Conducting clinical studies on the properties of emerging virus strains, potential therapies, and vaccines. 'A robust nationwide monitoring system is essential to quickly detect and quarantine affected animals and implement preventive measures to curb further spread and human infections,' said Elyse Stachler, GVN member and a research scientist at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 'Further, we believe it is crucial to maintain trust and stakeholder buy-in for monitoring programs, particularly from farmworkers.' 'We are advocating for community-driven strategies to ensure the successful implementation of vaccines, if necessary,' said Dr. Christian Bréchot, president emeritus of the GVN and director of the USF Health Microbiomes Institute and senior associate dean for research in global affairs in the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. 'The situation with H5N1 demands heightened vigilance and collaboration across public health sectors. Early detection and robust surveillance are critical to prevent further spread.' More on infectious disease: At this rate, measles could become endemic again within 2 decades, researchers warn As measles spreads throughout the U.S., here's how to tell if you need a booster shot What are the symptoms of bird flu and how does it spread? This story was originally featured on
