All Policies Include Coronavirus 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.
29 July 2014 09:04
Scientists said a new blood test could offer many women an early warning of breast cancer even if they do not inherit genes linked to the disease
Women could be offered a blood test in the future that warns if they are at greater risk of developing breast cancer.
The simple test could be created after "promising" research by scientists at University College London, who discovered a molecular 'switch' that can raise the possibility of a woman developing a non-inherited form of the disease.
The researchers found a marker associated with women with the BRCA1 breast cancer gene - which massively increases the risk of developing the disease - was also present in women without the hereditary gene.
Women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation sometimes opt to have a double mastectomy, with one of the most famous examples being Angelina Jolie. The Hollywood film star took the drastic option in order to reduce her chances of developing breast cancer.
However, there is currently no way of reliably predicting which women are likely to develop a non-inherited form of the disease, and scientists believe it is these women who will benefit from the new blood test.
The knowledge provided by the blood test would allow women to decide how best to proceed in terms of reducing the risk of getting breast cancer.
Of course there is still the chance that breast cancer could develop, and that leads to further difficult choices for women, including how to live with the disease.
As well as the health effects, there are practical problems to overcome in order to carry on leading as normal a life as possible, including when enjoying a holiday abroad.
Travellers with the condition may wish to consider taking out travel insurance for cancer patients before embarking on their journey.
It is hoped though, that the blood test will allow women to take action that stops the cancer developing, including options less drastic than the double mastectomy.
Doctors might be able to suggest lifestyle changes that can help reduce the chances of getting breast cancer, or recommend risk-reducing drugs.
The researchers' findings are published in the online journal Genome Medicine.
28 February 2020
From tulip-filled trips to rose-tinged rests, these destinations are the perfect way to see in the new season.
[more...]
04 January 2021
Join us on a journey to Ancient Greece to discover more about history's most revered statue.
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
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.