Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30 | Sat 09:00 - 16:00 (GMT)
19 January 2018 09:14
Women over-30 should be tested
According to new research, all British woman over the age of 30 should be tested for breast and ovarian cancer gene mutations to help save lives and cut costs.
Researchers from the Barts Cancer Institute at Queen Mary University of London say screening the entire population, rather than just those at high risk of carrying the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, would be more cost effective and help prevent more cancers.
'Faulty genes'
Actress Angelina Jolie is among the women who carry the "faulty" BRCA1 gene, which increases the risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
In 2013 the actress had a double mastectomy to reduce her higher chances of developing breast cancer.
Researchers now believe that by developing a programme in which all women over 30 are tested for the gene, up to 17,000 fewer ovarian and 64,000 fewer breast cancer cases could be recorded.
If you're travelling abroad, you can enjoy protection against unexpected medical costs by taking out cancer-specific medical travel insurance.
' Many lives' saved
Dr Ranjit Manchada, consultant gynaecological oncologist at Barts Cancer Institute, said: "This [programme] could prevent thousands more breast and ovarian cancers than any current strategy, saving many lives.
"With the costs of testing falling, this approach can ensure that more women can take preventative action to reduce their risk or undertake regular screening."
Carriers of either gene have a 17%-44% chance of developing ovarian cancer and a 69%-72% chance of developing breast cancer over their lifetime.
For women who do not have the genes, the risk drops to just 2% for ovarian cancer and 12% for breast cancer.
The programme is considered "an exciting step forward in prevention," according to chief executive of cancer research charity The Eve Appeal, Athena Lamnisos.
17 November 2018
London Stansted could soon welcome 43 million passengers a year, after a bid to raise its capacity was approved by the local council.
[more...]
16 November 2018
Switching to a diet low in carbohydrates could see people lose up to 10kg over a three-year period, according to new research.
15 November 2018
Smokers who regularly use vapers are more likely to try and quit smoking for good, new research has suggested.
14 November 2018
Leukaemia patients are now a step closer to personalised treatments after a British study looked at the role gene mutations play in blood cancers.
13 November 2018
A quick scan of the blood vessels in a patient's neck could soon be a critical part of future dementia screening, new research has suggested.
10 November 2018
The NHS spends more than £1 billion a year on prescriptions for people with diabetes, new figures show.
09 November 2018
Woman who smoke, have diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to suffer a heart attack than men with the same risk factors, a new study claims.
08 November 2018
Millions of UK pensioners feel they don't have anyone they can turn to for help, a leading charity has warned.
07 November 2018
Over a quarter of medical workers are still reluctant to recommend e-cigarettes to smokers despite being told to do so by health authorities, a new survey has revealed.
06 November 2018
A new direct flight between Manchester and Mumbai could boost the economy of northern England to the tune of £400 million, a new report suggests.
02 November 2018
Air travellers could soon face restrictions on the amount of alcohol they can drink before flying, under plans currently being considered by the government.
01 November 2018
A vegan diet could help people living with diabetes to better manage their condition, a new review suggests.