Latest news with #mastectomy
BBC News
17 hours ago
- General
- BBC News
Airport apologises for Cornwall woman's breast form shock
Bristol Airport has apologised to a woman in Cornwall who had her prosthetic breast form "prodded and patted" after she went through the security body scanners before taking a flight. The woman, who did not want to be named, said she was repeatedly asked "What is that?" and then told she would have to be strip-searched. She said: "I was really upset, really shocked. I didn't want to prove to two security women in an airport that I'd had a mastectomy."Bristol Airport said: "Customers can speak to a member of staff just before screening to make them aware of any prosthetics and medical devices." She said she pulled out her breast form from her bra and then the security guard peered down her regards to her anonymity she said: "I don't want to be known as the woman who has had a mastectomy" but she wanted to highlight it to other woman said she did not complain to the airport but she did tell Boost, the Cornish company which manufactures the breast form that she has chosen to wear, instead of the usual heavier prosthesis. As a result Sam Jackman, the founder and CEO of Boost Innovations, has been working with Cornwall Airport Newquay to inform security staff about mastectomies and breast forms. "We just wanted to say to airport security these are the type of products that you might see that might set off your system," she said."Of course airport security staff have to investigate when something comes up as an anomaly on their systems and we expect that we want to be safe when we fly."But to treat women with the dignity they deserve to make sure they have the opportunity to explain what they wearing and why, in privacy with a female security officer."And to have that awareness about the broader issues that might be affecting someone's stress levels and anxiety when they travel after breast cancer, she said. Steve Ferridge, the security trainer at Cornwall Airport Newquay, explained how the new security scanners at some airports work. "The system works by sending millimeter waves through to your skin and reflecting back so anything above the skin that is not part of the body will show as an anomaly."We would identify with the passenger that they have had a mastectomy or are wearing a body form and offer them a private said since engaging with Boost they had now incorporated suggestions into their training with regards to body searching."I understand with bigger airports the pressures are different but we all have the ability to give humility to people and understanding and I think that's the important thing to follow through," he said. A spokesperson for Bristol Airport said "We are very sorry to hear about our customer's experience. We urge them to contact us directly, so we are able to fully investigate. We take these matters very seriously."Customers can speak to a member of staff just before screening to make them aware of any prosthetics and medical devices. They can also request a private search."Screening of passengers travelling with medical devices and prosthetics has always formed part of the security training syllabus, and all searches are carried out in accordance with the Department for Transport regulations and the CAA guidance."
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
The 2 surprising factors that ‘increase your breast cancer risk' as Kara Tointon reveals brave mastectomy
BREAST cancer, it's a disease we've all heard of - most of us will know someone affected - but do you know your risk of developing it? Yesterday, former EastEnders star Kara Tointon revealed she's taken the decision to have a double mastectomy after discovering she carries a gene that increases her risk. But did you know, there are everyday factors that can influence your chances of the disease - including your height? 8 8 The 41-year-old posted an Instagram video to raise awareness of the preventative measure, after discovering she was at risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. She said: "You may have heard of the BRCA genes 1 and 2 and as a carrier it means I am at a greater risk of both breast and ovarian cancer." The soap star was asked to take a genetics test when her mum Carol was undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer back in 2018. Sadly, her mum died in 2019. After having her second son in 2021 and deciding her family was complete, she underwent two preventative surgeries - the first a double mastectomy and the second a two-part procedure involving the removal of the fallopian tubes and later the ovaries. BRCA stands for BReast CAncer. It refers to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are tumor suppressor genes that play a role in DNA repair and preventing uncontrolled cell growth. When these genes have alterations (mutations), it can increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other cancers. According to Dr Deborah Lee, of Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, women who carry abnormal BRAC 1 and BRAC2 genes have an 85 per cent increased lifetime risk of breast cancer. She added: "Breast cancer is more likely to occur at an earlier age and to affect both breasts. "The risk of ovarian cancer is also increased." Individuals are at a higher risk of carrying BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations if they have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, particularly if multiple close relatives have been diagnosed. If you think you could be at risk, Dr Lee advises seeing your GP. She said: "After a consultation, you may be referred for predictive genetic testing. "There are pros and cons of having the predictive test and not everyone will want to have it. "Before you have the test, you will be offered genetic counselling. The test is a blood test." Two risk factors that might surprise you BRCA genes aren't the only risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Kerri Palmer-Quinn, senior scientific research officer at Breast Cancer UK, says the biggest risk factor is ageing - something we unfortunately cannot control. Like many cancers, family history of the disease and various lifestyle and environmental factors can also influence your risk But other risk factors for breast cancer may surprise you. Being tall Studies suggest there's a slight link between height and breast cancer risk, with taller women potentially having a slightly higher chance of developing the disease. Dr Palmer-Quinn said: "Being tall can slightly increase your risk of breast cancer. "The reasons behind this association are still being investigated, however it may be linked to the growth spurts taller woman have during early development. "These growth spurts mean that taller women may have higher levels of certain growth factors as well as the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). "IGF-1 can promote cell growth and prevent programmed cell death which can increase the risk of cancer, including breast cancer." High breast density 8 Having high breast density (also known as mammographic density) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "having dense breasts means you have higher proportions of fibrous and glandular tissue which is where breast cancers are more likely to arise, in comparison to fat tissue. "Breast density can only be determined by a mammogram scan and isn't related to how your breasts look or feel. "Having dense breasts can make these mammogram scans more difficult to interpret meaning potential cancers are harder to identify. "Breast density can be influenced by your genetics and potentially the environment; it also may change overtime and tends to reduce with age." Other risk factors to be aware of While some breast cancer risk factors are unavoidable, including age, others are modifiable and can be addressed to potentially lower your risk. Weight gain throughout adulthood Weight gain throughout adulthood increases the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer; particularly if the weight gain occurs after menopause has taken places, advised Dr Palmer-Quinn. She added: "After menopause, the body's production of the sex hormone oestrogen shifts from the ovaries to fat tissue. Therefore, increased body fat can lead to higher levels of circulating oestrogen, which is a known risk factor for breast cancer. "In addition, excess body fat can contribute to chronic inflammation and disrupt hormone regulation in ways that may further increase breast cancer risk." What you can do: To maintain a healthy weight, focus on a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle habits. Prioritise fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and limit sugary drinks and processed foods. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week. Alcohol consumption 8 Any level of alcohol consumption can increase the risk of developing breast cancer - there is no safe threshold. Dr Palmer-Quinn explained: "Alcohol raises levels of circulating oestrogen. "It is also broken down into acetaldehyde, a compound that can damage DNA and potentially lead to cancer. "Additionally, alcohol can contribute to weight gain, which may further increase risk, particularly after menopause." What you can do: When it comes to giving up alcohol it can help to tell your family and friends that you're aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why. This way, you can share your successes with them, and they'll understand why you've started turning down drinks or trips to the pub. Try to identify the times when you would usually drink and fill the gap with something else. And remember to enjoy the benefits, including weight loss, better sleep, and more energy. Smoking Studies have shown a small but statistically significant increased risk of breast cancer in women who smoke compared to those who have never smoked. Dr Lee said: "Current smoking increases the risk of breast cancer by 10 per cent compared to those who have never smoked." What you can do: The most effective way to quit smoking is to combine nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or other medications with professional support from a local stop smoking service. Lack of exercise A lack of physical activity is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer. Dr Lee explained: "Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer by around 20 per cent. "Exercise lowers hormone levels and reduces inflammation as well as helping control body weight." What you can do: To begin exercising, start with low-impact activities like brisk walking, swimming, or yoga, and gradually increase intensity and duration. Set realistic goals, choose activities you enjoy, and schedule exercise into your routine. Consider finding an exercise buddy, using a journal or app to track progress, and varying your workouts to stay motivated. As well as doing what you can to reduce your risk of breast cancer, make sure you're well aware of the symptoms to look out for - see a GP if you experience any of the below...
The Sun
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Inside Kara Tointon's very different new life overseas after quitting the UK and double mastectomy
KARA Tointon has a wonderful life with her two kids in Norway after quitting the UK. The former EastEnders actress yesterday revealed she had undergone surgery to have a double mastectomy as a preventative measure after finding out she carries the BRCA1 gene. 6 6 6 6 That gene raises the risk of breast cancer and Kara told fans how she made the decision to have the operation after her mum died of ovarian cancer in 2018. Kara posted an emotional video to Instagram where she described how she had both her breasts and her Fallopian tubes removed to lower her chances of getting breast cancer. The mother-of-two, said her family was at the forefront of her mind when making the decision. "I wasn't an easy decision, but one I am very glad that I made," she said. Kara added later in the video: "I wanted to talk about it because hearing other people's experience, helped so much and knowledge is power, communication is key, getting to know our bodies, our cycles is only a good thing, but I'll be talking about this a lot more." She is mum to Frey, six, and Helly, four, who she shares with ex-fiance Marius Jensen. Kara and Marius got engaged in 2018 with plans of getting married in his Norwegian homeland, but split four years later. While the exact date of her move to Norway is not known, Marius recently opened his own chiropractic clinic there after a few years in London. The actress opened up on loving her life in the Nordic country. "It happened really naturally as we were spending more and more time over here," she told the Daily Mail. EastEnders and Strictly star Kara Tointon reveals she's undergone double mastectomy "It's so easy to get back to London and it just seems to work." She added: "It's such a beautiful country and a great place to bring up children and I'm definitely adapting to the Scandinavian lifestyle." In 2024 she told the Mirror: "Now I have children so my priority is to be at home as much as possible. "I live in Norway now - we've upped sticks and we're there. At the moment, we're settling into Norwegian lifestyle and loving it, so I'm lucky." Despite their split, Kara and Marius stay in touch to co-parent their children. Much of Kara's Instagram shows her life in Norway, including plenty of time fishing and enjoying the waterside with her kids. The actress rose to fame on the BBC soap playing Dawn, a bright teen from an impoverished home. Kara played Dawn for more than 300 episodes until 2009 after joining four years earlier. She has plenty of film and TV credits under her belt, including the lead role in prestige series, The Teacher and Too Good To Be True. In 2010, she won Strictly Come Dancing alongside professional dancer, Artem Chigvintsev. Before joining EastEnders, Kara had dated Busted band member, James Bourne and even appeared in the band's reality series, America or Busted. 6
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Rosey visits Kelly's Boutique 3
Ottawa Watch Rosey checks out the wide-ranging selection Kelly's Boutique has to offer for women who have undergone mastectomies.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Rosey visits Kelly's Boutique 2
Ottawa Watch Rosey takes a closer look at the technology that goes into building the prosthetic inserts that go into the undergarments for women who have undergone mastectomies.
