𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Early cancer detection can save lives. When cancer is found in its early stages, treatment is more effective, survival rates are higher, and patients often have a better quality of life. Despite advances in cancer treatment, detecting cancer early remains one of the most important factors in improving outcomes. Here’s why early detection matters and how it can make a difference: 𝟭. 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺e When cancer is detected early, it allows for less aggressive treatment, fewer side effects, and a higher chance of success. For many cancers, such as breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, early detection significantly improves survival rates. 𝟮. 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 With early-stage cancer, patients often have more treatment options available to them, including less invasive procedures. In some cases, early detection can prevent the need for major surgery or long-term chemotherapy, reducing the overall burden of treatment. 𝟯. 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 Treating cancer in its later stages is not only more complex but also more expensive. Early detection can help reduce healthcare costs by allowing for simpler and shorter treatments. Preventative screenings and early diagnosis are cost-effective ways to manage cancer. 𝟰. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 Early intervention can reduce the physical and emotional toll that comes with more advanced-stage cancers. 𝟱. 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 Routine screenings, such as mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests, are key to early detection. These tests can catch cancers before symptoms appear, giving patients the best chance of a successful outcome. Be sure to follow screening guidelines based on your age, gender, and family history. 𝟲. 𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 In addition to regular screenings, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential warning signs of cancer, such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in the skin, unusual lumps, or prolonged pain. 𝟳. 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 Pharmacists can also play a vital role in early cancer detection. They are accessible healthcare professionals who can educate patients about the importance of screenings, help them understand their risk factors, and provide guidance on what to do if they notice potential warning signs. Don’t hesitate to ask your pharmacist about cancer screenings—they’re here to help. Stay proactive, ask your healthcare provider about screening options, and take charge of your health. If you have questions about cancer screenings, speak to your #pharmacist or healthcare team today. Early detection could save your life.
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AI’s role in helping to prevent skin cancer through behaviour change Skin cancer is no exception, and we expect AI diagnostic tools to be widely implemented across this clinical arena in the future. What does AI assistance look like for skin cancer? A 2024 study led by researchers at Stanford Medicine compared the performance of clinicians diagnosing at least one skin cancer with and without deep learning-based AI assistance. In an experimental environment, clinicians without AI assistance achieved an average sensitivity of 74.8% while for AI-assisted clinicians, sensitivity was around 81.1%. Cancer is on the rise among younger people. According to a study published in BMJ Oncology, the number of under-50s worldwide being diagnosed with cancer has risen by nearly 80% in three decades. And, over the last decade melanoma skin cancer incidence rates have increased by almost two-fifths (38%) with Spain seeing a steady incidence increase of 2.4% during this time. If detected early enough, skin cancer is easily treated and prognosis is very good. But busy lives and competing concerns mean fewer people are getting checked out, resulting in delays to diagnosis and treatment, which is dramatically changing the survival rates. Those who do, often wait to speak to a doctor. In fact, new research from Bupa, Attitudes Towards Digital Healthcare, indicates only 9% of people would immediately go to get a mole they were concerned about examined by a professional. However, the same research found that if people were able to have a mole assessed by an AI-powered phone app at the time of their choosing, that percentage increases more than threefold (33%). This signifies emerging technology can have a significant impact on positive behaviour change in healthcare and improve clinical outcome of a potentially severe disease. At Bupa, we see lots of opportunities to use AI and are exploring its use to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and help our customers to live longer, healthier and happier lives. We know that people want their healthcare partner to be by their side, not just when they are sick, but supporting them constantly to keep them well. That’s why we launched Blua, our digital healthcare service that’s available in over 200 countries. Blua provides access to three lifechanging healthcare innovations that drive convenience and accessibility. They are virtual consultations so that a customer can connect to a health professional from wherever they choose. Digital health programmes that allow customers to proactively manage their health and remote healthcare services such as prescription delivery and at home monitoring equipment. The tool’s algorithms are able to discern between 302 different skin pathologies. If the tool suspects that there is a cause for concern it will let the customer know to book a follow up appointment with a doctor so that it can be looked at further and preventative action can be taken if needed.
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Why early cancer detection is so essential: Early diagnosis of cancer is crucial because it often means better treatment outcomes, less invasive treatment options, and an improved quality of life for patients. Increased Survival Rates: Cancer detected at an early stage is typically more treatable and has higher survival rates. For many cancers, like breast, colorectal, and melanoma, early-stage detection drastically improves the chances of long-term survival. Less Aggressive Treatment Options: When cancer is diagnosed early, treatment may involve less aggressive options like surgery or localized therapies rather than extensive chemotherapy or radiation, reducing the side effects and improving recovery time. Better Quality of Life: Early diagnosis often allows for treatment that has fewer side effects, preserving a higher quality of life for the patient during and after treatment. Reduced Healthcare Costs: Treating cancer at an advanced stage is costly due to complex, prolonged treatments. Early diagnosis and intervention are generally more cost-effective and place less financial strain on both patients and healthcare systems. Improved Chances of Curative Treatment: Some cancers, when caught early, can be completely removed or eradicated, offering a potential cure. Advanced stages are more challenging to treat and may require long-term management rather than a cure. Enhanced Treatment Success: Early-stage cancers generally respond better to treatments. By detecting the disease before it has spread or become more aggressive, doctors can tailor treatments to be more effective and personalized. Prevention of Metastasis: Cancer that spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body becomes much harder to control. Detecting it early minimizes the chances of metastasis, containing the disease within its primary location. Reduced Emotional and Physical Burden: Late-stage cancer diagnoses are often accompanied by a heavier emotional burden, both for patients and their families. Early diagnosis provides an opportunity for a more optimistic outlook and better-coping mechanisms. Increased Awareness and Monitoring: An early diagnosis often leads to better follow-up care, screening, and monitoring, both for the patient and potentially for family members who may be at risk, enhancing overall health vigilance. Encouragement for Preventive Health Practices: Early detection underscores the importance of regular health screenings, awareness, and preventive measures, promoting a proactive approach to health that benefits the entire population. Early cancer diagnosis is pivotal not only for saving lives but also for improving the experience of those undergoing treatment and reinforcing the value of routine health screenings. To read in more detail, Visit: https://lnkd.in/d-AZetB8
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🚀🌟 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰🌟🚀 The ASCO 2024 conference has unveiled some of the most promising advancements in oncology, potentially transforming treatments and outcomes for cancer patients. Here are the key highlights: 𝗢𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗯 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗚𝗙𝗥 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 🦠LAURA trial positioned osimertinib as new standard of care for unresectable Stage III EGFR-mutated NSCLC. This treatment significantly improves PFS and will likely alter treatment protocols for patients with EGFR mutations. 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗯 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗟𝗞+ 𝗡𝗦𝗖𝗟𝗖 🧬Phase III CROWN study shown lorlatinib yields the longest PFS ever recorded for ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗧 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘀𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 🔬A study comparing treatment protocols for locally advanced, resectable esophageal adenocarcinoma confirmed that the FLOT protocol (preoperative and postoperative chemotherapy) improves survival compared to the CROSS protocol (chemoradiotherapy before surgery). 𝗕𝗿𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗗𝗗 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮 💉GHSG HD21 trial shown that the BrECADD regimen is more effective and has fewer side effects vs BEACOPP in treating Hodgkin lymphoma. This regimen also offers a higher 4-year PFS rate and better fertility outcomes. 𝗛𝗣𝗩 𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆 🦠A new study reinforced HPV vaccine effectiveness in reducing risk of several HPV-related cancers, particularly head and neck cancers in men. 𝗔𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗯 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗠𝘆𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝘂𝗸𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮 (𝗖𝗠𝗟) 💉ASCEND phase 3 trial found that asciminib is superior to imatinib in terms of major molecular response (MMR) rates at 12 months for chronic phase CML. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘂𝘇𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗯 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝘂𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗻 (𝗛𝗘𝗥𝟮-𝗗𝗫) 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 🦠DESTINY-Breast04 phase 3 trial demonstrated that HER2-DX significantly improves PFS in patients with previously treated HER2-low/HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer. 𝗡𝗕𝗗 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗸𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝘆𝗺𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗮 🧬ECHELON-2 phase 3 trial showed that combination of nivolumab, bendamustine, and doxorubicin (NBD) cured 80% of patients with previously untreated classical Hodgkin lymphoma vs 66% with the standard regimen. Stay tuned for more updates as these findings begin to reshape oncology care! For more detailed information, visit: - ASCO 2024: breaking news, key talks and takeaways - Oncology Central (oncology-central.com) - https://lnkd.in/d455gAG2 - 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) (urotoday.com) - https://lnkd.in/dCX4wGyb #ASCO2024 #Oncology #CancerTreatment #HealthcareInnovation #PatientCare #ClinicalResearch #CancerBreakthroughs
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🔬📊 Understanding the CA-19.9 Test: Clinical Significance in Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer 🌟🧬 Let’s explore the importance of the CA-19.9 Test, a crucial biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal cancers. What is the CA-19.9 Test? The CA-19.9 Test measures the level of the carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA-19.9) in the blood. Elevated levels of CA-19.9 can indicate the presence of pancreatic cancer, as well as other types of cancer, such as bile duct, gallbladder, and colorectal cancers. Sample Type Blood Serum Clinical Significance: 1.Diagnosing Pancreatic Cancer: The CA-19.9 Test is commonly used to help diagnose pancreatic cancer. While not definitive, elevated levels of CA-19.9 can prompt further diagnostic investigations, such as imaging studies and biopsies. 2.Monitoring Treatment Response: For patients with confirmed pancreatic cancer, the CA-19.9 Test is valuable in monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. A decrease in CA-19.9 levels often indicates a positive response to therapy, while increasing levels may suggest disease progression. 3.Assessing Recurrence: After successful treatment, regular CA-19.9 testing can help detect cancer recurrence. Rising levels of CA-19.9 in a previously treated patient may warrant further diagnostic evaluation. Patient Impact and Clinical Considerations: 1.Early Detection: Although not specific enough for early screening, the CA-19.9 Test can aid in the early detection of pancreatic cancer when used alongside other diagnostic tools, improving the chances of successful treatment. 2.Personalized Treatment Plans: By monitoring CA-19.9 levels, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans based on individual patient responses, optimizing therapeutic outcomes. 3.Holistic Patient Care: Regular monitoring of CA-19.9 levels supports comprehensive patient care, ensuring timely interventions and continuous assessment of the disease status. The CA-19.9 Test is a vital tool in the fight against pancreatic cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies. Join me in recognizing the significance of the CA-19.9 Test and its impact on advancing cancer care. 🌍🔬 ⚕️I’m Dennis Odoi empowering you to seize control of your health. ⚕️Follow along to join a community of like-minded commanders. ♻️ Repost to save a life #CancerDiagnosis #CA199Test #PancreaticCancer #ClinicalSignificance #HealthcareInnovation Day 157/366 Days
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Why Isn’t Prostate Cancer Screening Routine in the NHS Programme? With so much focus on routine screenings for breast, cervical, and bowel cancers, many men wonder why there isn’t a similar programme for prostate cancer screening, especially given that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. Here’s a breakdown of why prostate cancer screening isn’t yet standard on the NHS and the ongoing efforts to change that: 1. Challenges with the PSA Test: The main tool currently available to screen for prostate cancer is the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. However, it’s not as straightforward as it sounds. PSA levels can be elevated due to various reasons, not just cancer – including benign conditions like prostatitis or an enlarged prostate. This makes it harder to accurately determine which elevated PSA levels indicate cancer and which do not. 2. Risks of Over-Diagnosis and Over-Treatment: Because PSA tests can lead to false positives, routine screening could result in men undergoing unnecessary treatments that carry their own risks and side effects. In some cases, prostate cancers detected may grow so slowly that they wouldn’t actually cause any harm during a man’s lifetime, leading to potential overtreatment. 3. Ongoing Research and Advocacy: Prostate Cancer UK and other organisations have been campaigning for years to improve prostate cancer screening, especially for men over 50 who are at higher risk. They advocate for further research into more accurate screening tools and better diagnostic approaches that could support a national screening programme. Efforts are being made to develop tests that could reliably differentiate aggressive cancers from slow-growing ones, making routine screening safer and more beneficial. 4. Current Recommendations: While routine screening isn’t offered on the NHS, men over 50, or those at higher risk, are encouraged to speak to their GP about PSA testing. It’s a personal choice, and a GP can help discuss the benefits and risks based on individual circumstances. Even with the limitations of the PSA test, this shouldn’t put men off from taking that first step. A result doesn’t mean immediate treatment is necessary; it just opens the door to more informed decisions with a healthcare provider. It’s similar to ovarian cancer testing for women, where false positives are possible, but early awareness and follow-up can make a critical difference. So don’t let this be an excuse to delay – an informed approach to your health could be the best decision you make. https://lnkd.in/edHTVdx6 #bodiesbehavingbadly #MensHealthMatters #prostatecanceruk
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📰 Breaking News: FDA Advisory Committee Recommends Approval of Guardant Health’s Shield Blood Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening 🩺 In a pivotal decision, the FDA's advisory committee has recommended approval of Guardant Health’s Shield blood test as a non-invasive option for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. This endorsement could reshape the early cancer detection landscape, posing significant implications for competitors like Exact Sciences and Freenome. 📈 Key Highlights: 🩸 Blood-based Screening: Easier than traditional colonoscopies, potentially increasing patient compliance 📊 CRC Detection Performance Metrics: Guardant Shield shows 83% sensitivity and 90% specificity. In comparison Freenome’s test reports 79.2% sensitivity and 91.5% specificity. 🔬 Detection Rate of Advanced Adenomas: Guardant Shield demonstrates a detection rate for advanced adenomas at 22%. Comparatively, the next-generation Cologuard test reports 43% sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions. 🔍 Implications for Competitors: 📉 Exact Sciences' Cologuard: Guardant's Shield test poses a significant threat to Exact Sciences' stool-based Cologuard test. However Exact Sciences has reported positive results from their next-generation Cologuard test, which shows 94% sensitivity and 91% specificity and is pursuing FDA approval with this new version of its stool based test. Notably, the next-gen Cologuard's superior detection rate of advanced adenomas at 43% could be critical for its competitive positioning. Howver there is a clear need for Exact Sciences to expedite their own blood-based CRC screening programs to maintain market leadership catering all patients prefernces. 📊 Freenome’s CRC test: With lower sensitivity than Cologuard and Shield, Freenome must focus on enhancing their test's performance and differentiating it clinically in a competitive market. Performance improvements and strategic partnerships will be crucial as otherwise Freenome might face a "too little, too late" scenario in CRC and signficant pricing pressure to gain market share once the test is launched. 🔍 Critical Considerations: The battle between blood-based and stool-based CRC screening is intensifying. As Guardant Health and Freenome push forward with their blood tests, Exact Sciences may need to accelerate their innovation cycle to maintain a competitive edge. 🔮 Looking Ahead: Blood based CRC screening could revolutionize non-invasive cancer screening, but careful implementation is key. Guardant Health, along with Freenome, is set to pressure Exact Sciences to innovate further and address gaps in patient preferences and follow-up protocols. 🔗 Read more about the FDA decision here: https://lnkd.in/epTjMJmy #HealthcareInnovation #CancerScreening #GuardantHealth #FDADecision #ExactSciences #Cologuard #Freenome
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Can mRNA cancer vaccine save Steve Jobs¹ from pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is the 5th most common cancer, and is almost completely insensitive to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy². Surgery is the only curative treatment³. Despite surgery, about 90% of patients have relapses in 7-9 months, and the 5-year overall survival (OS) is only 8-10%. Although adjuvant chemotherapy, after resection surgery, can delay relapses, about 80% of patients still have relapses in ~14 months, and the 5-year OS is less than 30%³. Steve Jobs survived 8 years after diagnosis¹. BioNTech's cancer vaccine BNT122 (autogene cevumeran), in combination with anti-PD-L1 and chemotherapy, served as an adjunct/adjuvant therapy to resection surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer patients (Stage I-III)³. BNT122 belongs to the class of personalised predefined antigen⁴, with 11% of predicted neoantigens (25 out of 230 antigens, all patients inclusive) yielding CD8⁺ T-cell responses³ or 24% rate (25 out of 106 antigens, only responders inclusive)³, all of which was in sync with other cancer vaccines' (~15-30%)⁵. Only half of patients had T-cell responses³, which persisted up to 2 years for responders³ (recurrence-free survival, not reached). Based on the efficacy, this mRNA cancer vaccine most likely can NOT save Steve Jobs from pancreatic cancer, even if resectable. In terms of KPC (with mutated KRAS & P53) mouse model, which is well regarded for faithful recapitulation of human pancreatic cancer⁶, Imunami's in-situ (i.e. no need for antigen prediction)⁴ cancer vaccine, as a primary therapy in combination with adjuvants, required a priming cycle plus 'six' booster cycles to eradicate tumours, multiple cycles of which was an indicative of hard-to-treat pancreatic cancer similar to lung cancer in our experience. After 34 weeks from curative complete responses, we rechallenged with live tumours, emulating cancer relapses, on the contralateral flanks of cured mice. ALL mice were absent from grown tumours after rechallenges, showing long-term anti-tumour immunity against relapses. Human lives 30-50 times that of mouse⁷. Thus a murine 34-week anti-tumour immunity can be extrapolated to a human's 26 years (34wk/52wk x 40 = 26 yr). Although our cancer vaccine can cure pancreatic cancer patients, we could not save Steve Jobs in time. After he died two years later, in memory of Steve Jobs (an avid Zen meditation practitioner⁸ as myself and computer guru), we decided to start this project to really cure cancer patients for them to resume normal lives! 1. https://lnkd.in/gXuvNTzw. 2. Yarchoan, N. Eng. J. Med., 2017 3. Rojas, Nature, 2023 4. Lin, Fig. 1, Nat. Cancer, 2022 5. Sellars, Cell, 2022 6. N. Niknafs, Nat. Commun, 2019 7. Rangarajan, Nat. Rev. Cancer, 2003 8. https://lnkd.in/gqgdztD8 About #immunotherapy #oncology #mRNA #vaccine #biotechnology #pharmaceutical
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🚨 Blood Pressure and Cancer: A Match Made in Mortality?🚨 When we think about cancer, blood pressure often doesn’t come to mind. But it should. High blood pressure (hypertension) is more common in cancer patients than in the general population—and research has demonstrated that it's a real risk factor for both heart disease and cancer-related mortality. 🫀🎗️ Studies have shown that high blood pressure is associated with higher cancer-related mortality rates and may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Moreover, untreated hypertension can complicate cancer treatment by raising the risk of heart failure, particularly with therapies like anthracyclines, ibrutinib, and VEGF inhibitors. This makes early detection and effective management of blood pressure in cancer patients essential. But here’s the crucial point: Hypertension isn’t just a short-term concern. It can develop during cancer treatment—or even years later. Whether it’s adjusting treatment plans, closely monitoring blood pressure or referring patients to a cardiologist, timely intervention can improve health outcomes. ⏱️👨⚕️ 💡 A large, long-term study from the Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer Project, which included over 577,000 participants across Norway, Austria, and Sweden, found that higher blood pressure levels were associated with increased cancer risk and mortality. Interestingly, the relationship between blood pressure and cancer outcomes was stronger in men compared to women. While routine blood pressure management may seem straightforward, in the context of cancer care, it is anything but. Regular monitoring and timely intervention can have a significant impact on both patients during treatment and into their survivorship journey. ✅ 🔍 When was the last time you checked the blood pressure of your cancer patients, or those with a history of cancer? References: - Askarinejad, A., Alizadehasl, A., Jolfayi, A.G. and Adimi, S., 2023. Hypertension in Cardio-Oncology Clinic: an update on etiology, assessment, and management. Cardio-Oncology, 9(1), p.46. - Stocks, T., Van Hemelrijck, M., Manjer, J., Bjørge, T., Ulmer, H., Hallmans, G., Lindkvist, B., Selmer, R., Nagel, G., Tretli, S. and Concin, H., 2012. Blood pressure and risk of cancer incidence and mortality in the Metabolic Syndrome and Cancer Project. Hypertension, 59(4), pp.802-810. 📌 Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals who can evaluate each patient's unique medical needs. Please speak with your healthcare provider for personalised advice. #CardioOncology #Hypertension #CancerCare #HeartHealth #PatientOutcomes #BloodPressure #CancerSurvivorship #OncologyCare #CardiovascularHealth #HeartFailure #CancerTreatment #OncologyNurses #HealthMonitoring #CancerSupport #Cardiology #CardioOncologyCare #LongTermHealth #PreventiveCare #oncoheart
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With an abysmally low colon or colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rate of only 59% of screening-eligible individuals over the age of 45, nearly 50 million adults in the U.S. are not up to date on CRC screening. One solution is a test that encourages better compliance and will increase screening rates to a goal of at least 80%. Until recently the two available options were routine colonoscopy (expensive and inconvenient) or the Cologuard stool test (yuck). What about a blood test? Is the recently FDA approved Guardant Shield blood test the answer to improved screening rates? "The FDA approval of the blood test has brought mixed reactions from clinicians. Proponents are excited about offering a convenient modality that patients will be more likely to agree to and complete in higher numbers. The yield from the test will dictate the need for a colonoscopy or not. Opponents see it as an inferior screening test to colonoscopy or even stool-based test options. They worry that it will cannibalize colonoscopy screening -- the most sensitive and complete test for colon cancer screening -- instead of bringing additional people in for screening." This story highlights the challenges of developing and commercializing new diagnostic tools for physicians. Sometimes better sensitivity or specificity is not what medicine needs to provide better care. Many times, the market solution needed is a less expensive or more convenient test, not necessarily a higher quality test. https://lnkd.in/edjJPMeP
Opinion | Blood Test for Colon Cancer: Panacea or Hype?
medpagetoday.com
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Fixing the Chaos in Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines Prostate cancer is one of the most diagnosed cancers among men, yet the medical community is failing to provide clear, unified guidance for screening. The result? Confusion, missed diagnoses, and preventable deaths. It’s time to address the disparities in prostate cancer screening guidelines and offer real solutions. The Problem: A Patchwork of Confusion Different organizations provide conflicting recommendations, creating a fragmented system that leaves patients and doctors unsure of how to proceed: USPSTF: Suggests shared decision-making for men 55-69 but largely dismisses screening for men over 70, ignoring age as a significant risk factor. AUA: Recommends selective screening but suggests overly cautious intervals that risk missing aggressive cancers. NCCN: Takes a progressive stance, recommending risk-based screening starting at age 45, but still fails to comprehensively address high-risk populations. VA Guidelines: Inconsistent implementation across facilities leaves Veterans—who are at significantly higher risk—underserved. These disparities exacerbate late-stage diagnoses, particularly in high-risk groups such as African Americans, Veterans, and men with a family history of prostate cancer. Fear of "overdiagnosis" and "overtreatment" paralyzes progress, while many men avoid screening altogether due to confusion and mistrust. Why It Matters The stakes are enormous. Prostate cancer caught early is treatable, yet the current system fails to serve those at highest risk. A fractured approach discourages early detection, disproportionately impacts underserved populations, and contributes to rising rates of metastatic prostate cancer. The Solution: Unified Risk-Based Guidelines We must cut through the noise with actionable solutions: Adopt Risk-Stratified Screening: Move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. High-risk groups—such as African Americans, Veterans, and men with family histories—must be screened earlier and more frequently. Start Conversations Early: Physicians should initiate discussions about prostate cancer screening by age 40, not 55, to inform and empower patients. Leverage Advanced Diagnostics: Incorporate tools like biomarkers, MRI-targeted biopsies, and PSMA imaging to improve accuracy and avoid unnecessary procedures. Standardize VA Protocols: Ensure the VA adopts and enforces consistent screening practices nationwide to serve Veterans equitably. Launch Awareness Campaigns: Federal and state agencies should implement targeted campaigns to normalize screening and reduce stigma in high-risk communities. A Call to Action Prostate cancer screening guidelines must be unified, modernized, and focused on risk. The medical community has a moral obligation to eliminate confusion, embrace technology, and provide clear protocols that save lives. Men and their families deserve better. Let’s end the chaos and deliver the care Men need before it’s too late.
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Truly agree!