Latest news with #screening
Daily Mail
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Test ALL women for breast cancer from age 30 - one in five are 'at higher risk', warns top expert
Millions of women in England could soon be offered breast cancer checks in their 30s on the NHS. Currently, all women aged between 50 and 70 are invited for screening every three years, with the first invitation between the age of 50 and 53. But every year, more than 10,000 British women who are too young to be offered a check are diagnosed with the disease, with 2,000 deaths among those below the age of 50. Now, a groundbreaking new trial has found almost one in five women tested in their thirties have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Dr Sacha Howell, a consultant at the world-renowned Christie hospital in Manchester who led the study, said all women should now undergo a 'comprehensive risk assessment' from the age of 30. He was also Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding's consultant when she was being treated at the Christie. She was 39 when she died from triple negative breast cancer in 2021, a little over a year after being diagnosed. One of her final wishes was to find new ways of spotting breast cancer early, when it is more treatable. Ms Harding's former bandmates said the findings were 'astounding' and that the singer, who died in 2021, would have been 'thrilled' that her legacy was making such a difference. The study, funded by the Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, began in May 2023 and has recruited 719 women from the Greater Manchester and Cheshire area aged 30 to 39. Women who take part are asked to complete a questionnaire, have a risk assessment mammogram and provide a saliva sample for genetic testing. So far, of the 548 cases analysed, 104 (19 per cent) were identified as higher-than-average risk. All are now being offered tailored health advice, including how to cut their risk of cancer through diet and exercise, with annual mammograms scheduled once they cross risk thresholds. The definition of 'higher risk' means a 3 per cent chance of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years. This is the average risk for a woman aged 50 and over, which is why mammograms are offered routinely then. The trial is also being expanded to other hospitals across the UK as senior NHS officials develop a national cancer plan, which will aim to improve diagnosis and treatment. Dr Howell said: 'About two thirds of women who develop breast cancer don't have a family history of it. 'What we want to do is to try and identify women at increased risk so that we can start screening early and reduce the chances of these women dying. 'I would like all women over 30 to have a breast-cancer risk assessment; that doesn't have to be a mammogram, probably the most powerful part of this is the DNA analysis.' On Saturday, he will chair a panel on prevention, risk reduction and genetics at the world's largest cancer conference, held by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. In a statement, Girls Aloud—Cheryl Tweedy, Nadine Coyle, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh—also said: 'To hear that women who had no idea they could be at risk of breast cancer are being identified and able to take preventative measures is astounding. 'This study in Sarah's name has the potential to be lifesaving and we are hopeful the results will be rolled out across the UK allowing doctors to predict and prevent breast cancer for many women. 'Sarah was an amazing woman and we couldn't be more proud of the legacy she has left.' One in seven women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime around 56,000 a year—making it the most common cancer in the UK. The figure stands at roughly 300,000 annually in the US. Around 85 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive more than five years. Earlier this year, however, a shock NHS survey found women are avoiding mammograms because they are worried about being topless, think it will hurt, or haven't found a lump. The poll of 2,000 women found 16 per cent claimed they would not or were not sure they would attend a breast screening if invited. When asked why, 21 per cent said they would be embarrassed to be topless in front of someone else. Almost one in five also said they would not get a mammogram because they don't have potential breast cancer symptoms, like having found a lump. Figures show that currently a third of women asked for screening do not attend. That rises to almost half of women who are invited for the first time.
The Sun
a day ago
- General
- The Sun
Women aged 30 will get breast cancer checks in trial led by doctor who treated late Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding
WOMEN aged 30 will get breast cancer checks in a trial led by the doctor who treated Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding. An NHS study set up in the singer's name has been expanded after tests shed more light on the risk posed to younger women. 1 It showed that nearly one in five in their 30s — 19 per cent — face an increased threat. Those taking part will be offered a mammogram scan or DNA analysis of a saliva sample. It is hoped the research could pave the way for the NHS breast cancer screening age to be reduced from 50 to 30. Dr Sacha Howell treated Sarah, who died in 2021 aged 39. He said breast cancer killed more British women aged from 35 to 50 than anything else. Dr Howell added: 'We want to try to identify women at increased risk so we can start screening early. I'd like all women over 30 to have an assessment.' Charity Breast Cancer Now said: 'The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment.' Remaining Girls Aloud members Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle and Nicola Roberts said: 'This study in Sarah's name has the potential to be life-saving. 'Sarah was an amazing woman. We couldn't be more proud of the legacy she's left.' How to check your breasts It is important to regularly check your breasts for any changes. Breast tissue reaches all the way up to your collarbone and across to your armpit, so it's vital to check these areas too. If you feel or see any changes in your breast you should always consult your GP. Charity CoppaFeel! recommends checking your breasts monthly, so you can pick up on any changes quickly. Breasts do change naturally as part of your monthly menstrual cycle, so you should get to know your breasts, how they feel and what changes they usually go through to know if anything is out of the ordinary. Five-step check There is a five-step self exam you can do at home to check for any changes. Step one: Begin by looking in a mirror, facing it with your arms on your hips and your shoulders straight. You should be looking for any dimpling, puckering, bulging skin, redness, soreness, a rash or changes in the nipple. Step two: Still looking in the mirror, raise both arms above your head and check for the same changes. Step three: With your arms still above your head, check for any fluid coming from the nipples. This can include milky, yellow or watery fluid, or blood. Step four: While lying down use your opposite hand to check each breast. Using a few fingers, keeping them flat and together, go in a small circular motion around your breasts. Make sure you feel the entire breast by going top to bottom in these small circles. It helps to develop a system or pattern to make sure every inch is covered. Use light pressure for the skin and tissue just beneath, medium pressure for the tissue in the middle of your breasts, and firm pressure to feel the tissue at the back, feeling down to your ribcage. Step five: Feel your breasts while either standing or sitting, using the same small circular motions.
Telegraph
a day ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Breast-cancer checks could begin as young as 30 to catch disease early
Women could be offered breast-cancer checks from the age of 30 under a new approach being trialled by the NHS. Early findings show almost one in five of those in their 30s have significantly increased risks of breast cancer, the most common cause of death in young women. Every year, more than 10,000 women in the UK who are too young to be offered screening are diagnosed with the disease, with 2,000 deaths among those below the age of 50. The study is being led by a consultant at the world-renowned Christie hospital in Manchester, which treated Sarah Harding, Girls Aloud singer, who died from breast cancer aged 39. Dr Sacha Howell, the lead oncologist on the study, said that in future, all women should undergo 'comprehensive risk assessment' from the age of 30. This would mean DNA tests and health questionnaires as a minimum, with annual mammograms for some and lifestyle advice for all. Currently, NHS breast-cancer screening normally starts at age 50, but around one in three women do not come forward for checks. Ms Harding's former bandmates said the findings were 'astounding' and that the singer, who died in 2021, would have been 'thrilled' that her legacy was making such a difference. The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment in Young Women (Bcan-Ray) study has tested more than 700 women aged 30 to 39 so far, and aims to recruit 1,000 by the end of June. The research will compare 750 women who have not had breast cancer and have no strong family history of the disease, with 250 women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer. The research is being expanded to other hospitals as NHS officials work on a national cancer plan, which will have the aim of speeding up diagnosis and treatment. Under the new model, every participant receives a low-dose assessment mammogram, completes a detailed questionnaire, and provides a saliva sample for genetic testing. The team works with scientists from Cambridge University to calculate each woman's personalised breast-cancer risk score. On Saturday, Dr Howell will chair a panel on prevention, risk reduction and genetics at a cancer conference hosted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago. Speaking ahead of the event, the oncologist said: 'Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women aged 35 to 50 in this country and about two-thirds of women who develop breast cancer don't have a family history of it. 'What we want to do is to try and identify women at increased risk so that we can start screening early and reduce the chances of these women dying.' Dr Howell added: 'I would like all women over 30 to have a breast-cancer risk assessment; that doesn't have to be a mammogram, probably the most powerful part of this is the DNA analysis.' The study is one of the first in the world to identify new ways to predict the risk of younger women getting breast cancer. So far, of the 548 cases analysed, 104 – or 19 per cent – were identified as higher-than-average risk. These are now being offered tailored health advice, including how to cut their risk of cancer through diet and exercise, with annual mammograms scheduled once they cross risk thresholds. The definition of 'higher risk' means a 3 per cent chance of developing breast cancer in the next 10 years. This is the average risk for a woman aged 50 and over, which is why mammograms are offered routinely then. The study is the first of its kind for young women, helping to identify those more at risk to offer breast surveillance to detect cancers earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful. 'Wanted to leave a legacy' The research is being funded by the Christie Charity's Sarah Harding Breast Cancer Appeal, and contributions from her family and former bandmates. Dr Howell said the singer had spoken to him many times about 'wanting to leave a legacy for future women'. The appeal was initiated by the Christie Charity in collaboration with the singer's family, friends, and her Girls Aloud bandmates: Cheryl Tweedy, Kimberley Walsh, Nadine Coyle, and Nicola Roberts. They said: 'We are so pleased about the progress of the Bcan-Ray study and know that Sarah would be thrilled. 'To hear that women who had no idea they could be at risk of breast cancer are being identified and able to take preventative measures is astounding. 'This study in Sarah's name has the potential to be life saving and we are hopeful the results will be rolled out across the UK allowing doctors to predict and prevent breast cancer for many women. Sarah was an amazing woman and we couldn't be more proud of the legacy she has left.' Together, the appeal, which is also backed by Ms Harding's family and friends, has raised over £1 million for breast-cancer research. Around 2,300 women aged 39 and under are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. The programme began in the Christie hospital but is being expanded to other NHS cancer units across the UK, including units in Lancaster, Wirral, Bolton, Tameside, Leighton, Wigan and Macclesfield. Results are expected to be published next year, and fed into the UK national screening committee, after which trials may be rolled out more widely. It will see how far breast density is a risk factor in younger women, who are known to often have more dense breasts, but are rarely screened. Women with dense breasts are four times more likely to develop breast cancer, but tissue can also mask tumours on a mammogram, making disease harder to spot. Separate research will compare different methods, to see whether mammograms are required to check breast density. Breast screening is routinely offered to women aged 50 and over, but millions of women miss out on mammograms, with around one third failing to come forward. Programmes saw a significant dip in uptake during the pandemic, with services closed during the first lockdown. Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influencing at charity Breast Cancer Now, said: 'While breast cancer is less common in younger women, it's a leading cause of death in women aged under 50. 'Around 2,400 women aged 39 or under hear the words 'you have breast cancer' each year in the UK, and this is why ongoing research, like Bcan-Ray, plays a vital role in helping us to further understand breast-cancer risk in younger women and, importantly, whether the introduction of risk-based screening or screening at a younger age could save more lives from the disease.' He said the upcoming national cancer plan for England 'presents a critical opportunity to focus on improving access to risk-reduction treatment and early diagnosis tools, that can ultimately help reduce deaths from breast cancer'. Prof Peter Johnson, NHS national clinical director for cancer, said: 'We are working closely with the Government on a national cancer plan to ensure the NHS continues to deliver progress in diagnosing more cancers earlier and saving lives, and this research provides valuable information about the potential for more personalised approaches to screening. 'If women are worried about any symptoms, whatever their age, or if they notice a change in their bodies or something that's unusual for them, then I would encourage them to contact their GP.'
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Cut the Clutter in Gynaecological Cancer Diagnosis
More than 60% of patients with cervical cancer and 30% of those with endometrial cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when survival rates are lowest. Although intensifying screening may seem logical, unnecessary procedures can be harmful. Routine procedures such as ultrasound, though often considered harmless, can lead to poorly indicated hysteroscopies and unnecessary biopsies, causing physical and psychological discomfort, warned Louise De Brot, MD, PhD, in the Department of Pathology, São Paulo, Brazil. Therefore, prevention does not require as many clinical tests. 'The real challenge is applying screening to the population that will actually benefit from it,' explained Eduardo Batista Cândido, MD, PhD, president of the National Specialized Commission on Gynecologic Oncology of the Brazilian Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Associations (FEBRASGO). This is the principle behind quaternary prevention, which avoids unnecessary medical interventions that may cause more harm than good. However, this can be challenging for healthcare professionals who lack confidence. Studies have shown that less experienced doctors, particularly those with less than 10 years of practice, are more likely to prescribe unnecessary tests, leading to higher costs for patients. Cervical Screening International and Brazilian guidelines, such as those from the Ministry of Health and the National Cancer Institute, recommend cervical cancer screening using oncotic cytology in women aged 25-64 years who are sexually active. After two consecutive normal results, screening may be repeated every 3 years. In women aged under 25 years, human papillomavirus infections are often cleared without progressing to malignant disease. Cândido stated that 'If I identify a cellular alteration, I will have to perform a colposcopy, a targeted biopsy, and sometimes a mutilating procedure, such as high-frequency surgery, and this will have deleterious effects on the patient's health, without any benefit.' In the Unified Health System, oncotic cytology has been replaced by the human papillomavirus DNA test, a genomic test designed to identify viral subtypes 16 and 18, which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer precursor lesions. In addition to its high specificity, the test can be performed every 5 years. Andréia Gadelha, MD, a clinical oncologist and president of the Brazilian Group of Gynaecological Tumours, explained that patients who test positive should be closely monitored. It is important to perform diagnostic tests and assess their clinical relevance. Therefore, continuing the screening of older patients is often not beneficial for the patients. According to Louise, these patients may no longer be candidates for curative treatments. Other Cancers Although screening strategies for cervical cancer are well established, other types of gynaecologic cancers require a different approach. Ovarian and endometrial cancers should not be routinely screened in asymptomatic women without a family history of the disease. 'There is no evidence that imaging tests reduce mortality from a population perspective,' said Cândido. In these cases, imaging tests are not screening tools but serve as diagnostic aids when symptoms are present. 'If the patient has postmenopausal bleeding and endometrial thickening detected by ultrasound, the next step is to obtain a sample of the endometrium by biopsy,' explained Cândido. 'There's no need for an immediate biopsy if the lesion has completely benign characteristics and remains stable over time, if the complementary tests are reassuring, and if the patient is asymptomatic and at low epidemiological risk,' added Gadelha. According to the gynaecologic oncologist, further investigation is warranted in cases involving a complex mass or abnormal vascularisation, persistent bleeding with endometrial thickening, high-grade cytology or glandular atypia, growth of an adnexal mass, or elevated biomarkers with suspicious findings. 'Early detection is beneficial when it improves the prognosis without causing unnecessary harm. This means selecting patients with relevant risk factors and avoiding screening in low-risk populations,' explained Gadelha, reinforcing that clinical practice must be based on updated evidence and recommendations.
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- General
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong to launch second phase of free breast cancer screenings on June 10
Hong Kong health authorities will roll out the second phase of a free breast cancer screening programme next month under a pilot scheme that is expected to benefit thousands of women at high risk. Advertisement The Department of Health said on Thursday that the three-year scheme, which will be launched on June 10, will cover women aged 35 to 74, who either carry certain genetic mutations or have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. Dr Anne Chee, the department's head of non-communicable disease, said only 'thousands' were expected to benefit from this phase because just those at high risk, such as carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, or relatives of patients with both breast and ovarian cancer, were eligible for free screenings. The lifetime chance for a woman to develop breast cancer is about 12 per cent, but that could increase to 60 per cent for carriers of certain gene mutations. 'Many women in Hong Kong are health-conscious and would seek genetic testing on their own, especially family members of breast cancer patients … doctors also typically recommend screening for female relatives of their patients,' she said. Advertisement 'In the past, they all had to pay out of their pockets. We hope the second phase of the pilot scheme could cover this group of women, offering them free screening and one-stop services.'
