All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
23 January 2017 11:19
MRIs could avoid 27% of men having to undergo a biopsy
Thousands of men may be able to avoid undergoing a biopsy to detect prostate cancer, as research shows MRI scans could be used to detect aggressive forms of the disease.
A study of 570 men with suspected prostate cancer - those found to have elevated levels of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein in their blood or other symptoms - correctly identified 93% of aggressive cancers.
Comparatively, the commonly used biopsy only diagnosed around 50% of cases.
A biopsy collects a small tissue sample from the body for examination.
A report, now published in British medical journal The Lancet, estimates that 27% of men could avoid having to undergo the procedure.
Lead author Dr Hashim Ahmed, of the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), says the random selection of tissue samples means the current biopsy test could be inaccurate and does not confirm the aggressiveness of a cancer.
It could also miss aggressive cancers that are actually there, Dr Ahmed claims.
"Because of this, some men with no cancer or harmless cancers are sometimes given the wrong diagnosis and are then treated even though this offers no survival benefit and can often cause side effects," he added.
"On top of these errors in diagnosis, the current biopsy test can cause side effects such as bleeding, pain and serious infections."
Sufferers of prostate cancer can take out specialised medical travel insurance when planning a holiday.
Huge leap forward
Prostate Cancer UK is now working with clinical experts and professional bodies to determine how a rollout of the MRI scan method can work.
Chief executive of the research organisation, Angela Culhane, praised the findings as a "huge leap forward".
She said: "The results from the (trial) make it clear that giving men with raised PSA an mpMRI scan before a biopsy can help increase the number of aggressive cancers detected whilst reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies for men."
"This is the biggest leap forward in prostate cancer diagnosis in decades with the potential to save many lives."
04 January 2021
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
[more...]
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.
Is it possible to fly green? Discover five ways to fly more eco-friendly and reduce the impact of your air travel.
From sustainable architecture to reduced energy consumption, here's how airports around the world are helping to reduce their carbon footprints.