Latest news with #cancerScreening
Medscape
3 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Colonoscopy Screening Effective in 45- to 49-Year-Olds
Screening colonoscopies in 45- to 49-year-olds yield similar rates of cancer and lesions as in 50- to 54-year-olds, according to a new analysis. Researchers at Kaiser Permanente Northern California sought to compare yields between the two age groups to assess how a change in guidance in 2021 urging screening in the younger cohort was borne out in a real-world setting. The researchers published their findings in JAMA , concluding that the results supported screening colonoscopy in 45- to 49-year-olds. The study compared 4380 individuals aged 45-49 years, with 7651 who were aged 50-54. All of them underwent their first colonoscopy during 2021 to 2024. Thirty-five percent of the younger group and 40% of the older group had any adenoma. About 4% of each group had an advanced adenoma, 10% had any sessile serrated lesion, a little under 2% had an advanced serrated lesion, and 0.1% in each group had colorectal cancer. There were no significant differences in neoplasia prevalence between the groups by sex. The authors did note that the study group included more Asian individuals (30%) than in the general population. Swati G. Patel, MD, MS, associate professor of medicine, at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Denver, said the Kaiser study is important because its data was aggregated after the US Preventive Services Task Force lowered the screening age in 2021. The Kaiser research 'validates the initial studies' done to support that recommendation and the 2022 consensus statement by the US Multi-Society Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, which also advocated screening in 45- to 49-year-olds. Even though the new JAMA study found a similar rate of cancers and precursor lesions as in previous trials, it provides 'reinforcement of the rationale for decreasing the screening age,' Patel, the lead author on the consensus statement, told Medscape Medical News . The Kaiser research is 'really powerful information,' she said. 'It certainly validates our current guidance to start screening for colorectal cancer at age 45,' said Audrey Calderwood, MD, professor of medicine, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth, New Hampshire. The Kaiser data provides granular information to share with younger patients who might think that they don't need screening because they are healthy and don't have symptoms, said Calderwood, also director of the Comprehensive Gastroenterology Center at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Colon cancer rates for Americans under age 50 have been steadily rising for the past decade, hitting about 10 cases per 100,000 in 2022, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In 2023, about 73% of eligible 50- to 75-year-olds received colorectal cancer screening based on the most recent guidelines, according to the NCI. But screening rates in the under-50 age group are much lower. Researchers estimated in a study that only about 34.5% of those aged 45-49 received colorectal cancer screening, which included colonoscopy, stool-based tests, and CT colonography. Patel said that estimate is 'spot on' in terms of other estimates. 'I think there's a perception that it's a cancer of older adults and that young healthy people don't need to worry about it,' she said, adding that getting the word out to younger Americans is a 'PR challenge,' in part because of squeamishness about discussing anything to do with stool and changes in how they access information. Calderwood agreed. Younger people 'aren't chatting to their friends about' colon cancer screening the way they might about mammography, said Calderwood. Both she and Patel noted that educating the public was an ongoing project, but that a physician's recommendation was key. Patel said she hoped that data provided in the Kaiser study might help 'dismantle the systemic skepticism around decreasing the age recommendation' for screening. Calderwood and Patel reported having no relevant financial relationships.
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How to identify if you have 'stage 0' cancer BEFORE any symptoms appear
There's a myriad of reasons – and excuses – people will use to skip a cancer health check screening. Life can get busy, attending an appointment can be complicated and let's face it, there's far more enjoyable things to do with your time. But sticking to the recommended health check screening schedules could potentially be the difference when it comes to early detection of cancer or potentially cancerous cells, also known as Stage 0 cancer. Catching cancer risk sooner than later is the reason why doctors and organisations like Cancer Council Australia continuously spruik the message: 'Early detection saves lives'. The Screening and Immunisation Committee Chair Karen Canfell explained to FEMAIL that the aim of the national cancer screening programs is 'to find and treat cancers in healthy individuals as early as possible or, even better, in a precancerous stage'. The role that regular scheduled screening programs have in this early detection process ties into Stage 0 cancer – and how screenings offer a rare chance to assist with catching cancer risk at an extremely early stage. Understanding Stage 0 cancer and symptoms In cancer diagnoses, staging is used by medical practitioners as a measure of how far a cancer has spread in the body. In its simplest form, Karen explained: 'Stage 1 is a cancer contained in its primary site, Stage 2 cancer has spread to local lymph nodes, Stage 3 to tissue beyond local lymph nodes and Stage 4 cancers have metastasised to other organs and distant parts of the body.' 'Diagnostic tests and examinations will help show if you have cancer, the size of the tumour, if it has spread from the original site to other parts of the body, and whether lymph nodes are affected. These factors are combined to determine which stage a cancer is in, from Stage 1 to 4.' Sitting outside this scale is Stage 0 cancer, also 'referred to as in situ', which is a precursor to all the above stages. 'A collection of abnormal cells that has not yet spread or become invasive is assigned Stage 0, or referred to as in situ, as it is an early form of cancer,' Karen explained. Common cancer symptoms like lumps are rarely associated with a Stage 0 cancer diagnosis – meaning they're almost exclusively detected after participating in a screening program or a self-initiated health check. 'This is why cancer screening is important, as screening programs can identify early-stage cancers and precancerous conditions through signs that might otherwise go unnoticed,' the spokesperson confirmed. 'Often, precancerous or abnormal cell development, like the changes that precede cervical cancer, won't cause symptoms. 'It's also important to know that some cancers, such as breast and bowel cancer, may show no symptoms at any stage of tumour growth.' Karen explained that the cancers most commonly detected at Stage 0 'include breast cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma' – which are also among 'the most common cancers in Australia at all stages of diagnosis combined'. The absence of symptoms accompanying a Stage 0 diagnosis circles back to the importance of stringently adhering to the recommended schedule times from health cancer screenings as an absolute minimum. 'For most cancers, clinical outcomes are better if they are detected and treated at early stage.' Screening programs that could assist in Stage 0 cancer detection At present in Australia, there are organised screening programs available for bowel, cervical and breast cancers, with a lung cancer screening program being introduced in Australia from July. Using the example of National Bowel Cancer Screening Program, the Cancer Council chair explained that when 'detected early, over 90 per cent of bowel cancers can be successfully treated'. 'Between 2021 – 2022, only 40 per cent of eligible Australians participated in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program,' she said. 'We know, through modelling, that if this figure increased to 60 per cent, 84,000 lives could be saved by 2040.' 'The key is, if you are eligible for a cancer screening program, participate – it could save your life, whether that's through detection of a precancerous condition or an early-stage cancer that would have spread if not detected through screening.' So how often should those who are eligible be participating in these screenings? The health expert confirmed that the requirements vary between the screening programs. 'The BreastScreen Australia Program invites women aged 50 – 74 to have a free mammogram every 2 years,' said Karen. The expert explained that women aged 40 - 49 and those aged over 74 are also eligible to receive free mammograms, but will not receive a direct reminder notification. 'To participate in the program, you need to book in for an appointment at a BreastScreen Australia clinic,' Karen added. The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program is an at-home test called a faecal occult blood test (FOBT), which is mailed to people aged 50-74 every two years. Additionally, people aged 45 – 49 can also request to be sent a kit through the National Bowel Cancer Screening Register. 'This test looks for traces of blood in the poo which you collect two samples of and mail it to a pathology lab for analysis,' Karen explained. 'If your result is positive, follow-up tests, like a colonoscopy, are recommended to determine the origin and cause of the blood.' The National Cervical Screening Program is open to women aged between 25-75, and they're invited to screen every five years. 'The test looks for signs of HPV, which causes 93 per cent of cervical cancers, and other pre-cancerous abnormalities, which if left untreated may progress to cervical cancer,' Karen said. 'The program offers two screening options – self-collection or clinical-collection.' You can find out more about your eligibility for the National Breast, Bowel and Cervical Cancer Screening Programs HERE. The new National Lung Cancer Screening Program starting in July is for Australians aged 50 -70 as well as those who currently smoke or have quit smoking in the past 10 years and have a heavy smoking history. Australians will need to speak to their GP to be referred to the screening program. 'The test involves undergoing a low-dose CT scan, which takes around 10-15 minutes,' Karen explained. Staying on screening track If you have gone longer than the recommended amount of time between screening appointments, the health expert suggests doing it sooner than later. 'If you're eligible for one of these screening programs and you've put off or missed participating in one, it's important to make sure you catch up.' The health expert adds that it's important to remember that 'most screening tests are not diagnostic tests – and are most often used to look for 'early indicators of cancer', which are then subsequently 'used alongside other tests to determine cancer diagnosis'. 'That's why it's also important to get to know your own body and keep an eye out for any unusual changes,' she said. 'If you notice any changes, such as a lump in your breast or a spot growing on your skin, it's important to see your doctor for further investigations.' Next steps: what happens after a Stage 0 cancer diagnosis If a screening followed by further diagnostics returns a Stage 0 cancer diagnosis, Karen said the upside is that most cancers diagnosed at Stage 0 'will have a good treatment outcome'. 'Outcomes can, however, vary, given there are more than 200 cancer types and subtypes,' she added. Following a Stage 0 cancer diagnosis, Karen explained that your doctor will advise the best suited treatment plan for your situation and cancer type. Some of the common cancer treatment options 'include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy'. But in the case of a Stage 0 diagnosis, Karen noted that none of these measures may be initially necessary. 'Your doctor may also advise that you need routine monitoring, but do not need active treatment.' There's never a good time to find out you have cancer. But if you do, finding out that it's at Stage 0, or cancer in situ, increases the amount of time for investigation and treatment options to be fully explored. Beyond adhering closely to the national schedule screenings and being vigilant about health self-checks, Karen also suggests some other simple lifestyle measures. 'For all cancers, the keys for prevention are aiming to lead a cancer-smart lifestyle,' she explained. 'Not smoking, protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, having a healthy diet and exercise, moderating alcohol use – and screening for cancer if eligible and having regular health checks.'
CBC
21-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Self-referral for colon, breast cancer screening launches through MyHealthNL app
Health officials in Newfoundland and Labrador have announced residents can now self-refer for colon and breast cancer screening through the province's MyHealthNL app. The Department of Health and Community Services first announced the implementation in February when the recommended screening age for breast cancer was lowered to 40. Women aged 40 to 74 can now self-refer for breast cancer screening, while people aged 50-74 can now self-refer for colon cancer screening. "Residents will have another way to easily access preventative care, and receive timely guidance and follow up information," Health Minister Krista Lynn Howell told reporters Wednesday. "Right now, you have the opportunity to do that in the palm of your hand." Dr. Pat Parfrey, head of Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, called the announcement an important one for a province with among the lowest life expectancy in Canada — driven in part by cancer mortality rates. "The highest rate of death from colon cancer in the world is here in this province. So the effectiveness of our screening is really, really important," Parfrey said. Dr. Jerry McGrath, medical director for the provincial colon screening program, says colon cancer mortality rates are high in the province. "In terms of comparing ourselves to the rest of Canada, the rates here are 50 per cent higher and the mortality rate is almost 100 per cent higher," he said. McGrath says it means Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are almost twice as likely to die from colon cancer compared to the rest of Canadians. WATCH | An app aims to get more people screened for breast and colon cancer: Eligible N.L. patients can now book their own screening for breast and colon cancer 3 hours ago Duration 1:52 The rates of colon cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador are dramatically higher compared to the rest of the country. Breast cancer rates are also higher. Now, waiting for a referral to get screened for the diseases is no more. The CBC's Mark Quinn reports. Self-referral through the app will prompt an appointment letter or follow-up phone call by a health professional. Once screening is complete, users can view their results in the app or through a letter in the mail. Howell says the app, which can also show things like lab results, imaging reports, resource links and more, has seen strong uptake. More than 131,000 people are registered through the MyHealthNL platform, she says, including more than 40,000 through the app. Parfrey says Wednesday's announcement is a first step in improving cancer screening in Newfoundland and Labrador. Future steps include giving people who need continued screening the opportunity to book their own appointment times through an electronic system, he said. However, he says the screening program's success entirely depends on people — no matter what their risk factor — availing of it. "Part of the cancer program's major endeavour is to make these screening programs more effective," he said. "The whole thing behind this app is to help people get screened."
Health Line
08-05-2025
- Health
- Health Line
Stage 2 Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Outlook
Stage 2 colon cancer means that the cancer has spread to the outer walls of the colon but hasn't yet spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body. Colon cancer may sometimes start as polyps growing on the walls of the colon. These polyps aren't always malign, or cancerous, but they can carry certain cells that may turn into cancer without treatment. With stage 2 colon cancer, the cancer has spread to the outer walls of the colon but not to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the United States. It's the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Colon cancer-related deaths in the United States have been decreasing in older adults for the past several decades. This could be due to colon cancer screening becoming more common. With regular screening, doctors can identify polyps and remove them before they turn into cancer, or they can detect cancer when it's still in its early stages and is more easily treatable. However, from 2012 to 2021, people ages 50 years and younger saw a 2.4% increase in new diagnoses of colorectal cancer every year. That's also according to the ACS. Read on to learn more about stage 2 colon cancer, including its symptoms and treatment. What is stage 2 colon cancer? Colon cancer can be split into five different stages, from stage 0 to stage 4, depending on the presentation and severity of the condition. Stage 0 is the earliest stage, where the cancer cells haven't spread to nearby sites. Stage 1 usually means that the cancer has spread to the innermost layers of the colon but hasn't spread further to the lymph nodes or any other organs in the body, like the lungs. Stage 2 means that the cancer has spread to the outer walls of the colon but hasn't spread to the lymph nodes or other organs in the body. Stage 2 colon cancer isn't as advanced as stage 3 or stage 4, where the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and nearby or distant organs. Causes of colon cancer There is no specific cause of colon cancer. That said, gene mutations can cause a small portion of cases. Gene mutations that make someone more likely to develop cancer make up around 10% of colon cancer cases. Most cases of colon cancer aren't due to gene mutations, and some people with certain mutations may never develop cancer. There are also certain risk factors that can increase the lifetime risk of developing this condition. These include: having overweight or obesity having type 2 diabetes not getting enough exercise having a diet that consists largely of red meats and processed foods smoking drinking alcohol being over age 50 years being Black being male having had your gallbladder removed having a personal history of colorectal polyps having inflammatory bowel disease undergoing radiation to the abdomen or pelvic area Having one or more of these risk factors doesn't mean you'll ever have cancer. These factors can increase your risk of developing colon cancer throughout your lifetime, but they don't actually cause cancer. What are the symptoms of stage 2 colon cancer? At this stage of the condition, you might not experience or display any obvious symptoms of colon cancer. If you do have symptoms, some may appear similar to those of other, less harmful conditions, such as diarrhea, constipation, or even inflammatory bowel disease. You may discover that these symptoms persist without any known cause. Some of the symptoms you may experience if you have colon cancer include: blood (either bright red or very dark) in your stool a change in your bowel habits diarrhea constipation feeling that your bowel doesn't empty completely stools that are narrower or have a different shape than usual bloating cramps or fullness weight loss for no known reason fatigue vomiting iron deficiency anemia (from blood loss) What is the treatment for stage 2 colon cancer? Treatment for stage 2 colon cancer will depend on your specific condition and the presentation of the tumor. Surgery is the main treatment for stage 2 colon cancer. Depending on the subtype of colon cancer you have, where it's currently located, its potential to spread, and your other health factors, your clinical team may suggest getting other treatments before surgery, after surgery, or both. Options may include: chemotherapy radiation therapy targeted therapy immunotherapy Treatment for colon cancer may cause certain side effects, including: anemia bleeding and bruising bowel obstruction constipation diarrhea swelling (edema) fatigue fertility issues flu-like symptoms hair loss infection memory or concentration problems nausea and vomiting pain sexual health difficulties skin and nail changes sleep difficulties weight changes Symptoms vary, and they depend on the specific treatment pathway you follow. Not everyone will have the same symptoms or have all the symptoms listed above. Your clinical team can help you manage your symptoms with medications or behavioral strategies. Prevention There's no way to prevent colon cancer, as the cause is still unknown. That said, reducing any risk factors related to your lifestyle may be beneficial, and attending regular screening if your risk is high can ensure early detection of the cancer. This can make it easier to manage and treat. Screening for colon cancer involves different methods and procedures, including: A colonoscopy is usually necessary to accurately diagnose colon cancer once a doctor has identified it. Outlook The 5-year relative survival rate for localized colon cancer is 91%. With treatment, the outlook for stage 2 colon cancer is positive, as it hasn't yet spread to any nearby structures, lymph nodes, or organs, and it's still confined to the colon. This has been the 5-year relative survival rate over the past few years, but as experts are testing new treatments for colon cancer in clinical trials, survival rates might improve over time. Takeaway Stage 2 colon cancer usually means that the cancer hasn't spread outside the colon to the lymph nodes or other organs. Many treatment pathways are available for colon cancer, and the survival rate when the cancer is still localized is high. At this stage, you might not have any noticeable symptoms, or you might just be starting to experience them. They can involve bleeding, unusual changes to your bowel movements, or more constipation and diarrhea.
Associated Press
07-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Revealia Breast(TM) Offers Glimpse Into the Future of Early Cancer Detection With a Simple Cheek Swab
Ludwig Enterprises, Inc. (OTC:LUDG), previews its first in a pipeline of non-invasive cancer screening tests powered by mRNA biomarker analysis. MIAMI, FL / ACCESS Newswire / May 7, 2025 / Ludwig Enterprises, Inc. (the 'Company'), a biotech innovator in mRNA diagnostics and AI-driven health solutions, announced today the initial introduction of its lead product, Revealia Breast™, a non-invasive breast cancer screening test currently in advanced development. This innovative diagnostic tool uses a simple cheek swab to detect cancer-related inflammation early, aiming to identify breast cancer even before physical symptoms appear. Revealia Breast™ is currently in advanced development, with an expected release in the third quarter of 2025. Recent data presented at the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBS) underscores the urgent need for early detection: patients evaluated through multidisciplinary breast cancer clinics had significantly better outcomes, with 39.7% showing non-invasive disease compared to just 13.2% in traditionally managed groups (1). Revealia Breast™ is designed precisely to facilitate this kind of early diagnosis - and do so more affordably, accessibly, and comfortably than mammograms. 'This is more than just a test - it's a lifeline,' said Marvin S. Hausman, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Ludwig Enterprises, Inc. 'The earlier we find breast cancer, the better the chance for survival. By analyzing specific mRNA biomarkers from a simple cheek swab, Revealia Breast™ aims to provide that critical early insight, potentially leading to the kind of improved outcomes highlighted in recent clinical findings.' Revealia Breast™ is the first of many early cancer screening tests the Company plans to introduce, targeting most major cancers. Each test is based on the company's proprietary mRNA inflammatory biomarker panel and AI technology, with the mission of enabling earlier, more accurate detection and intervention. Why This Matters to Patients - and Investors Easy, Non-Invasive Testing Just a quick cheek swab. No needles, no radiation, no painful compression. High-Tech Early Detection Uses proprietary mRNA biomarkers and artificial intelligence to evaluate a patient's cancer risk - even before symptoms appear. Addressing Mammogram Gaps Mammograms can miss early signs, especially in women with dense breast tissue (2). Revealia Breast™ helps close that diagnostic gap. Massive Market Potential The global breast cancer screening market is valued at over $4 billion, and Revealia Breast™ is poised to disrupt it. Improved Patient Outcomes The ASBS study confirms what the science suggests: earlier detection often means less invasive disease and better treatment success. Revealia Breast™ aims to democratize that early access. Commitment to Transparency and Education While previous estimates targeted an earlier launch, the Company is now focused on a Q3 2025 rollout. The team is committed to transparency and will provide timely updates as key milestones are achieved. Today's release is part of a larger public and investor education initiative. Upcoming videos, expert commentary, and insights into the Company's technology and team will be shared throughout the coming months. The Company will also be announcing newly appointed members of its scientific advisory board and expects to submit additional clinical validation papers this quarter. The Technology Behind Revealia Breast™ The Revealia Breast™ test analyzes a panel of inflammatory mRNA markers linked to cancer progression. Collected through a painless cheek swab, these biomarkers are interpreted using artificial intelligence to generate a personalized risk score. Unlike traditional methods, Revealia Breast™ does not rely on imaging. Instead, it taps into the molecular biology of inflammation, which research shows is often a precursor to tumor development. This positions Revealia Breast™ as a first-of-its-kind frontline screening tool. About Ludwig Enterprises, Inc. Ludwig Enterprises, Inc. (which is in the process of changing its name to Revealia Diagnostics, Inc.), a biotech and healthcare holding company, is a global - innovator in mRNA genomics and machine learning AI technology. Our mission is to identify, monitor, and create solutions to - mitigate chronic inflammation, the causative agent of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease, which are responsible for more than 50% of deaths worldwide. For more information, please visit: About Revealia Breast™ Revealia Breast™ is a proprietary mRNA-based breast cancer screening test that establishes a personalized inflammatory index to assist individuals in understanding and managing their health. Artificial intelligence helps derive a unique risk score by comparing a person's biomarker profile to a growing clinical database. For more information, please visit: SAFE HARBOR Forward-looking statements in this release are made under the 'safe harbor' provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Ludwig Enterprises Inc.'s forward-looking statements do not guarantee future performance. This news release includes forward-looking statements concerning the future level of business for the parties. These statements are necessarily subject to risk and uncertainty. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements due to certain risk factors that could cause results to differ materially from estimated results. Management cautions that all statements as to future results of operations are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties, and events that may be beyond the control of Ludwig Enterprises, Inc., and no assurance can be given that such results will be achieved. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability to procure, appropriately price, retain, and complete projects and changes in products and competition. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: CONTACT: Ludwig Enterprises, Inc. Twitter: @LUDG_inc [email protected] References: (1) Kobzeva-Herzog AJ, Palaniappan S, Jiangliu Y, et al. Evaluating the effect of a multidisciplinary breast cancer clinic on time to treatment at an urban safety net hospital. Presented at a press conference for the American Society of Breast Surgeons; April 24, 2025. (2) Jiawei, L. et al. 2020. Non-Invasive Biomarkers for Early Detection of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel).12(10):2767. doi: 10.3390/cancers12102767 SOURCE: Ludwig Enterprises, Inc. press release
