Latest news with #DCIS
Glasgow Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
'My sister pushed for cancer test, without her I might not be here'
The physiotherapist is in remission from cancer but she knows things could have turned out very differently. 'I felt fortunate to have Nadia by my side that day,' says Djennah, who is 33, and mother to five-year-old Millie. Djenna with her daughter Millie (Image: CRUK) Djennah, from Motherwell, first visited her GP after discovering a lump in her right breast in February last year. Initial tests showed there was "no cause for concern" but over time, the lump continued to grow. Nadia, who lives in Blantyre, had been treated for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), an early breast cancer, in 2021 when she was 39. DCIS means some cells in the lining of the ducts of the breast tissue have started to turn in to cancer cells. Djenna is taking part in the Race for Life (Image: CRUK) Djennah returned to the breast clinic in September last year and this time, she took Nadia with her. The two women persuaded medical staff to do a mammogram, which picked up an area of concern. Djennah was referred for a biopsy, and on October 1, 2024, she was told she too had DCIS. 'Your world collapses when you hear the word cancer,' says Djennah. 'My daughter had just started school and we'd been making plans for her fifth birthday which was three days away. 'But I felt lucky that the cancer had been caught early." READ NEXT: Glasgow apprentices hail sport programme as "life-changing" READ NEXT: Pupils' fears over selfish parking outside Glasgow school following 'near misses' She adds: 'If my sister hadn't come with me to that appointment, I don't know if I would have pushed for a mammogram and the outcome could have been very different. 'I'd been told that mammograms are harder to read in younger women because the breast tissue is denser. They agreed to go ahead with the test because of our family history. 'We've always been close as sisters and I felt fortunate to have her by my side that day. I'm grateful for her support all through the treatment that followed.' Djenna in hospital during treatment (Image: CRUK) Djennah's story did not end there, however. A week before her surgery to remove the lump, blood tests picked up a fault in the ATM gene, which is important for repairing DNA damage and maintaining the health of cells. It means she has a higher risk of breast cancer than the general population. 'That was a lot to take in,' she admits. 'I also knew this was information I'd now need to share with my wider family so the news came with a feeling of responsibility. 'I worried that I was giving people something to worry about and I couldn't help feeling guilty about it.' Nadia, who is now 42, has since discovered she has the ATM gene fault. The women's other sister Luisa, and mum Sandra, have not taken the test. After the operation and radiotherapy, Djennah rang the bell to mark the end of treatment at the Beatson Cancer Centre. Djenna with her daughter Millie and partner Ross (Image: CRUK) She said: 'It's been an emotional time but I'm stronger now. There have been tears but my wonderful sisters and mum were there for me every step of the way. 'My partner Ross has been incredible. I don't know what I'd have done without him.' She adds, smiling: 'And my daughter Millie is my ray of sunshine, who makes me smile every day.' Djennah is sharing her story as she prepares to take part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life at Glasgow Green on May 18. The family have vowed to complete the 5k, crossing the finish line together, and are calling on people to join them. 'The ATM gene fault was only discovered in the 1990s so I'm aware we're being helped by science which in the past was simply not known about,' says Djennah. 'Now I want to do what I can for people going through similar situations and to raise awareness that cancer can happen at any age. 'I firmly believe that knowledge is power. It has allowed me to make plans. I will definitely be having a double mastectomy to reduce my risk in the near future.' Every year around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research. Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK's spokeswoman Scotland, said: 'We are grateful to Djennah for her support and know her story will make an impact on everyone who hears it. 'Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We're proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact.' To enter, visit
CNA
30-04-2025
- Health
- CNA
Commentary: Don't overlook Stage 0 cancer. It could be your earliest warning sign
LONDON: At 71, Tina Knowles – the fashion designer, businesswoman, and mother of Beyonce – made headlines not for her career, but for a deeply personal revelation: Her breast cancer diagnosis. In 2023, a routine mammogram uncovered two tumours in her left breast, one benign and the other malignant. Diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer, she underwent surgery and is now cancer-free. Knowles had initially hesitated to share her story, even considering leaving it out of her upcoming memoir Matriarch. A private person by nature, she ultimately chose to speak out to educate and inspire others – especially women balancing busy lives – about the critical importance of regular screenings. Knowles candidly revealed that her cancer might have been caught even earlier, at Stage 0, if she hadn't missed a mammogram during the COVID pandemic. Like many, she delayed rescheduling, and it wasn't until nearly four years later that she returned for screening. Her sister, a breast cancer survivor herself, reminded her that if she had stayed on schedule, doctors might have detected her cancer before it had begun to invade surrounding tissue. Thankfully, Knowles' tumour was small and slow-growing. Still, the experience shook her and reinforced a message she now shares widely: Early detection saves lives. IS 'STAGE 0 CANCER' CANCER? Knowles' story opens the door to an important medical conversation: What exactly is Stage 0 cancer, and why does it matter? Stage 0, often called 'carcinoma in situ', is the earliest form of cancer. The Latin phrase in situ means 'in its original place', and that's exactly where these abnormal cells remain – 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. Because Stage 0 cancers rarely cause symptoms or lumps, they're usually detected through screening – most often, a mammogram. In fact, the breast is where Stage 0 is most commonly diagnosed, thanks to the effectiveness of these screening programmes. But Stage 0 cancer is not unique to the breast. Similar early, non-invasive changes can be found in other organs, such as the cervix (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) or the colon (certain types of polyps). There's a growing debate in the medical community about whether Stage 0 cancers should be labelled as 'cancer' at all. Some experts argue that terms like 'pre-cancer' or 'non-invasive cancer' might better reflect the low risk posed by these abnormal cells. Others caution that, while not invasive yet, some Stage 0 cancers can become dangerous over time, especially if left untreated. 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 around 3 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. POWER OF EARLY DETECTION Treatment for Stage 0 cancer is typically less aggressive than for more advanced stages, but it's still personalised. In breast cancer, options often include: Lumpectomy – surgery to remove only the affected area Mastectomy – removal of the entire breast Radiation therapy – often recommended after lumpectomy to reduce the risk of recurrence Hormone therapy – for cancers that have hormone receptors, medication may be used to lower future risk. However, 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. 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. However, the rise in Stage 0 diagnoses also raises questions about so-called over-diagnosis and over-treatment and whether this means some people are undergoing unnecessary procedures for abnormalities that might never have caused harm. ROUTINE CARE IS IMPORTANT Despite its early stage, a diagnosis of Stage 0 cancer can carry a heavy emotional toll. There's comfort in knowing the cancer was caught early but also anxiety about what might have happened if it hadn't. Many patients struggle with the uncertainty of whether treatment was necessary or whether watchful waiting would have been safe. Knowles, for instance, spoke of disbelief, fear and the emotional rollercoaster that followed her diagnosis. She credits her daughters and friends for getting her through, providing love, laughter and perspective in a frightening time. Her openness underscores how vital it is to have a strong support system and a healthcare team that encourages open dialogue. Mammograms and other screening tools like colonoscopies are vital for catching cancers at the earliest, most treatable stages. While the increase in Stage 0 diagnoses has fuelled debate about over-treatment, it's clear that early detection gives people options and a chance at a cure before cancer becomes more aggressive. My research team is working to develop more effective methods for distinguishing which early abnormalities truly require treatment and which can be safely monitored. Until those tools are widely available, public health experts continue to stress one clear message: Stay up to date with recommended screenings. Knowles' story is more than a celebrity health headline, it's a powerful reminder that prioritising routine care can change the course of your life. Stage 0 cancer represents a rare window of opportunity: A chance to intervene early, often with excellent outcomes. But it also requires careful decision-making, emotional resilience and support. The message is simple and urgent: Take care of yourself. Reschedule that appointment. Get screened. It might just save your life.
Gulf Today
16-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
India is set to become a leading global data centre hub: Survey
India's data centre stock is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% between 2024 and 2030 to reach 3,400 MW IT by 2030, according to Savills survey. Data centres in India are primarily concentrated in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Delhi-NCR due to their connectivity, infrastructure, power availability, and demand from enterprises and cloud service providers. Mumbai is often regarded as the data centre capital of India due to its robust infrastructure, proximity to undersea data cable landing stations and financial hub status. It is followed by Chennai, a key location for data centres, complimented by multiple submarine data cable landing stations, which make it ideal for data centre establishments and global connectivity. In 2024, absorption of 407 MW IT capacity and supply addition of 191 MW of IT capacity was witnessed across cities. This demand was driven by hyperscalers, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), IT & ITeS, and service sectors, all relying heavily on data centre operators. In 2024, Mumbai maintained its lead, contributing 53% to total absorption, followed by Hyderabad at 14%, Chennai and Pune at 10% each. The overall operational capacity stood at 1,110 MW IT as of 2024, reflecting a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22% since 2014. Hyperscalers accounted for 22% of the total stock, while enterprises held 10%. The remaining 68% was utilised by a combination of hyperscalers and enterprises, showcasing a diverse utilisation pattern within the data centre industry. Considering the proliferation of internet usage and the advent of 5G, India's data centre market was already primed for rapid expansion. Realising the growth potential, the government has granted 'Infrastructure' status to the data centre industry, resulting in easier access to financing and investment incentives, while the proposed National Data Centre Policy aims to enable ease of doing business, simplify clearances for setting up data centres, and implement a Data Centre Incentivisation Scheme (DCIS) to foster a favourable ecosystem for data centre operations. Data centre stock is expected to grow at a CAGR of 21% between 2024 and 2030 to reach 3,400 MW IT by 2030. The annual growth in capacity varies from 8% to 46% across different cities. Higher annual growth is likely to be witnessed in emerging cities such as Kolkata (46%) and Hyderabad (44%). Kolkata is gaining traction as it serves as a gateway to Eastern and Northeastern India, with proximity to a planned undersea cable landing station expected to be operational by 2026, while Hyderabad and Ahmedabad are benefitting from growing IT & ITeS and manufacturing industries. Outlook: The current momentum positions India as a promising global data centre hub. We project a strong demand for data centres in India in 2025, with an estimated demand of over 450 MW IT across major cities, while supply addition is expected to reach 600 MW IT during the same period. Given the country's rich network connectivity, cost advantages, availability of skilled labour, low climate risk and strong data protection laws, India is well positioned to serve as a leading global data centre hub. We expect data centre stock to increase to 3,400 MW IT by 2030 across major cities. There has been a surge in demand for edge data centre set-ups in Tier II and Tier III cities due to increased 5G penetration and mobile application usage and increasing demand on the same. Tier II & III cities such as Bhubaneswar, Patna, Lucknow, Jaipur, Kochi, Vizag, Coimbatore, Madurai, Raipur and Hubli are expected to witness higher activity with growing demand for data centres. Although the major take-up has been from hyperscalers across cities, enterprise colocation is witnessing significant growth. Factors such as high CAPEX and OPEX and other aspects such as the high cost of security systems and high-performance GPUs, and high real estate costs are making it more appealing for enterprises. period. Apart from colocation services, data centre operators are increasing their service offerings to networking, private and public cloud, GPU-powered solutions and other managed services. Edge data centres are a big opportunity in India. Edge data centres are smaller and closer to customers, and away from submarine cable networks. Smart City and Digital India initiatives will also create demand for Edge data centres. My father died intestate and we are two brothers and one sister. How do we legally apportion his assets? Sudhakara, Sharjah. The legal heir certificate establishes relationship and enables smooth transfer of immovable property to the entitled family members. You can submit the application form to the municipal corporation or local revenue department. You can also apply online, upload the documents and pay fees. It takes 15-30 days to get the legal heir certificate. As an NRI, can I prepay the home loan by selling a property? Are there restrictions? Akash Saxena, Dubai. In order to minimise tax liability, capital gain can be used for prepayment of home loan. If the house was purchased within one year using the home loan, capital gains tax can be avoided. Otherwise, it entails payment of capital gains tax.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Yahoo
Former Marine from Massachusetts admits to false Purple Heart claim and disability fraud
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A former U.S. Marine has pleaded guilty after an investigation found he applied with false information regarding injuries he received in the line of duty. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, 54-year-old Paul John Herbert of Shelburne Falls pleaded guilty to one count of making false statements in Springfield Federal Court on Tuesday. Governor Healey promotes tax cuts in Springfield before deadline Investigators say that on October 24, 2018, Herbert filed a false Purple Heart application to the United States Marine Corps through his local Congressman claiming he had been injured by a roadside explosion. Additionally, beginning on October 13, 2010, Herbert filed false claims to the VA concerning IED-related injuries to get disability compensation. As a result, between January 1, 2010 and March 1, 2023, the VA overpaid Herbert $344,040. 'Military veterans deserve the respect of every citizen for their service to our country. Veterans know well that the Purple Heart honors those brave service members who were injured or killed in the line of duty. Mr. Herbert knew that he did not deserve this widely recognized and respected award, but that did not stop him from lying about a traumatic brain injury and stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in disability benefits, intended to take care of veterans truly in need.' said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. 'Claiming valor for a false injury is an affront to all the members of the military who serve our country with courage and honor.' 'Today's guilty plea holds this defendant accountable for falsifying his service record to steal funds intended for our nation's deserving veterans,' said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General's Northeast Field Office. 'The VA Office of Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate those who would represent themselves as something they are not in order to exploit VA programs and services.' 'The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement component of the Department of Defense's Office of Inspector General, will continue to partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and the Department of Justice to protect the interests of those who selflessly serve our country,' said Patrick J. Hegarty, Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. 'We are committed to investigating individuals who falsely represent themselves as decorated veterans and steal benefits intended for our nation's servicemembers.' Herbert could face up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 17th. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Hannah Storm's breast cancer diagnosis was a shock. Now the veteran sports journalist is helping others understand their risk.
As a trailblazer in the world of sports journalism, Hannah Storm has always known exactly what to say on camera. But when she received a breast cancer diagnosis in January 2024, the legendary journalist was lost for words. "It really came as a shock," Storm, 62, tells Yahoo Life. "It was something out of the blue." Storm was diagnosed with non-invasive ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a breast cancer in which cells that line the milk ducts of the breast become cancerous. Even though she had no symptoms or family history of breast cancer, Storm has always mindful about her health. She had more than 20 mammograms and ultrasounds over the years, and "absolutely nothing had come up." But this time, her physicians detected a problem. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. In the year since her diagnosis, Storm has channeled her experience into being an advocate for early detection, raising greater awareness of hereditary cancers and the crucial role of genetic testing. Here's a look at the lessons Storm has learned on the cancer journey that transformed her life. "Had I not been really good about my yearly screening, I never would have known it was there," Storm says. At the beginning of 2024, Storm had a biopsy and received her official cancer diagnosis soon after. Storm turned to her friend, tennis legend Chris Evert, who battled ovarian cancer and underwent a preventative double mastectomy due to having the BRCA1 variant. Evert connected Storm to her doctor, Dr. Elisa Port, whom she called right away. "She said, 'You're not going to die from this,'" Storm recalls. "And right away, I was like, 'Wow, thank you.' Just hearing those words was pretty powerful." Always one to establish a game plan, Storm wanted to know the next best steps to take, including undergoing a lumpectomy. When her physician broached the subject of genetic testing, Storm admitted she didn't really know what that was. But when asked about her family history, she didn't have many answers to provide besides her father's death from cancer. She's not alone: A survey conducted by Myriad Genetics in 2022 found that although half of women (51%) say they have no family history of breast or ovarian cancer, many are not sure if that's true. Storm says she "was just so blown away by the fact that it was just a simple blood test and all the incredible amount of information that resulted from that." Early detection saved Storm's life, and she's hoping to empower others to practice that same diligence. Just a year after her own diagnosis, Storm has also teamed up with Myriad Genetics's MyRisk with RiskScore hereditary cancer test to get educated on the importance of understanding your risk for hereditary cancers and how to get tested. The test evaluates 48 genes to help identify patients' risk of developing 11 types of hereditary cancer. While Storm understands that some people might be reluctant to learn about their risk, she views it as a way of taking control of one's future. "I think people are like, 'Well, I don't want to know. It's super scary,'" she says. "I look at it as, well, it's super empowering." Those who find out that they're at a heightened risk level shouldn't panic, however. Instead, Storm says that's the time to practice diligence. "That gives you a game plan for you and your health care provider. You have the science there, you know what your risk level is," she says. "Do you need to be hyper vigilant now? Even as a young person, do you need to undergo screening? Should you be having mammograms at a young age?" Storm will pass what she learned on to her three daughters, who she says will be undergoing the Myriad test. Storm says it's essential to stick to a rigorous preventative care schedule. "One of the things I learned is how many people don't prioritize themselves, especially women and their own health," she says, noting that she treats her health appointments with the same urgency as business matters. "Moms are working, taking care of kids or taking care of their parents. We tend to take care of everybody else but put ourselves last." Storm says that it takes a "family effort," and frequently tells the male athletes she works with to urge their wives and girlfriends to maintain their health appointments. "Whatever you have to do, just help her out," she tells them. "Nobody is an island." A healthy diet and exercise regimen are also things that Storm focuses on. Always a fan of exercise, Storm relies on a daily weight-lifting routine, "which is really important for your bone health." A hip replacement just a couple of months after her breast cancer surgery has required a lot of physical therapy, but Storm also enjoys cycling and walking. Her cancer diagnosis also made her more aware of the danger of processed foods. However, she's always been "pretty healthy. I try not to abuse my health all the time." Storm's willingness to advocate for herself throughout her cancer journey is reflective of her experience navigating the world of sports journalism, which hasn't always been hospitable to women. "I took a lot of abuse," Storm says of her early days in sports. "I definitely did the best I could at the time, but the one thing that I did not let it do was defeat me. I was like, 'You are not going to run me out of this or turn me away from following my dreams. It's not going to happen.' I would never give somebody like that that kind of agency and power over my life." Though she's faced a lot of obstacles in her ambition to make it in sports journalism, Storm is now grateful that she was able to "knock down some doors and smash some ceilings, and just provide a sort of a reference for women in terms of what the viable career options look like in sports." Storm won't be in attendance at the Super Bowl this weekend. However, she will be enjoying the big game the way she always does: hosting a Super Bowl party at her home. "I would like to see history," she says. "So I think would be cool to see Kansas City three-peat!"
