Latest news with #MacmillanCancerSupport
Medscape
2 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Cancer Concerns Spark Caution Over Weight Loss Injections
Cancer patients should seek medical advice before using weight loss injections, a leading UK charity has said. Macmillan Cancer Support urged patients not to view these drugs as 'quick fixes', following a rise in helpline queries over whether they should take them. Obesity is a well-established risk factor for several cancer types and is linked to worse outcomes in patients who already have a cancer diagnosis. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have seen rapid uptake for weight loss. Their popularity has helped fuel speculation that they could reduce the risk of cancer or improve outcomes in people with obesity-related cancers. Mixed Findings on Cancer Risk and Benefits A study published in The Lancet eClinical Medicine in May compared outcomes in patients treated with GLP-1 RAs versus bariatric surgery. The research involved 3178 age- and BMI-matched pairs in Israel. Despite surgery achieving greater weight loss, both groups had similar rates of obesity-related cancers. The researchers suggested that there could be additional pathways beyond weight loss through which GLP-1RAs might lower cancer risk, for example by reducing inflammation. Other experts have proposed additional pathways, including enhanced immune responses, improved insulin sensitivity, hormonal modulation, and changes to gut microbiome. As a result of the study, clinical trials of GLP-1RAs as potential anti-cancer agents are planned. Potential Risks: Thyroid and Pancreatic Cancer Some studies have suggested that GLP-1RAs carry a minor increase in the risk of thyroid cancer, which is one of the 13 cancers known to be linked with obesity. Some GLP-1RAs now carry warnings about this potential link, although the evidence is conflicting. One meta-analysis of 64 studies by Italian researchers, published in March 2024, found a significant increase overall thyroid cancer risk. However, the data did not show a significant rise in papillary or medullary thyroid cancer when analysed separately. The researchers concluded that GLP-1RA treatment could be associated with a moderate increase in the relative risk of thyroid cancer, though the absolute risk remained small. They called for longer-term studies to clarify the link. In contrast, a Scandinavian cohort study published in April found no substantial increase in thyroid cancer risk over an average follow-up of 3.9 years. The authors said the findings did not rule out a slight increase but suggested no more than a 31% relative risk rise. Similar concerns have been raised about a theoretical risk of pancreatic cancer, but no conclusive evidence has been found. Macmillan Helpline Sees Spike in Inquiries Following recent media coverage, Macmillan Cancer Support reported a surge in calls and messages about weight loss medications, including the potential risk to people with thyroid cancer. Dr Owen Carter, Macmillan's national clinical adviser, said in a press release that there had been "a noticeable increase" in calls to the charity's free support line, alongside "a flurry of messages" on its peer-to-peer online community platform. In response, the charity has published updated information about weight loss injections and cancer on its website. Carter said that some callers were concerned about taking weight loss drugs while undergoing cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. While there is currently not enough evidence, "we do know that these drugs may affect how other drugs are absorbed by your body," he said. "This may include some anti-cancer drugs." Weight Loss Before Surgery and Pre-habilitation Other patients have asked whether weight loss medication is safe to take before surgery for cancer. "Understandably, people are keen to do what they can to get ready for cancer treatment," Carter said. Healthcare professionals often recommend pre-habilitation to help patients prepare for treatment by improving their fitness and overall health. However, Carter warned against unprescribed use of weight loss injections as 'quick fixes'. 'We simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight loss medications to recommend them if they're not prescribed by a specialist,' he said. Carter also emphasised the importance of making lifestyle changes alongside use of medications. "We know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels, and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment", he said. Risks of Unregulated Online Purchases Macmillan also raised concerns about people buying GLP-1 RAs online from unregulated sources. Some patients are reported to have experienced severe side effects from counterfeit medicines. The charity urged people to speak to their GP before taking weight loss drugs. Macmillan noted that potential side-effects of GLP-1RAs include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea or constipation, and fatigue. They can also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. There have been reports of unplanned pregnancies occurring while taking these drugs, which may be particularly hazardous in cancer patients, as some cancer treatments are teratogenic.
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Worried cancer patients are flooding charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use
The rise in queries prompted the charity's Dr Owen Carter to urge caution before using the jabs FAT JAB QUERIES Worried cancer patients are flooding charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WORRIED cancer patients are flooding a charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use. Some of the concerns are being raised by those already having treatment such as chemo or hormone therapy. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up But others are fretting that using weight loss medication could increase their cancer risk. Other questions posed to Macmillan Cancer Support's helpline include asking if they were safe for someone who has had a previous thyroid cancer diagnosis, or before cancer surgery. Studies suggest the jabs might reduce the risk of some cancers but research is ongoing and they may not be safe for everyone. The rise in queries prompted the charity's Dr Owen Carter to urge caution before using the jabs. He said: 'Recently we have seen a noticeable increase in calls to Macmillan's support line and a flurry of messages on our online community about weight loss drugs. 'It's understandable that lots of people are interested in new drugs which accelerate weight loss, particularly if they want to manage their weight before or after treatment for cancer. 'While 'quick fixes' may seem attractive, we simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight loss medications to recommend them if they're not prescribed by a specialist. 'Additionally, certain weight loss medications carry warnings about a potential link with thyroid cancer. 'However, we know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment.' Eating well and staying active were better ways to increase energy levels and strengthen immune systems, which, in turn, would help manage weight and cope with treatment, he added. Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Worried cancer patients are flooding charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use
WORRIED cancer patients are flooding a charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use. Some of the concerns are being raised by those already having treatment such as chemo or hormone therapy. But others are fretting that using weight loss medication could increase their cancer risk. Other questions posed to Macmillan Cancer Support's helpline include asking if they were safe for someone who has had a previous thyroid cancer diagnosis, or before cancer surgery. The rise in queries prompted the charity's Dr Owen Carter to urge caution before using the jabs. READ MORE ON FAT JABS He said: 'Recently we have seen a noticeable increase in calls to Macmillan's support line and a flurry of messages on our online community about weight loss drugs. 'It's understandable that lots of people are interested in new drugs which accelerate weight loss, particularly if they want to manage their weight before or after treatment for cancer. 'While 'quick fixes' may seem attractive, we simply do not know enough about the long-term impact of these weight loss medications to recommend them if they're not prescribed by a specialist. 'Additionally, certain weight loss medications carry warnings about a potential link with thyroid cancer. Most read in Health 'However, we know that eating well and staying as active as possible are proven to help people feel better, increase their energy levels and strengthen their immune systems, which can help them to manage their weight and cope better with cancer treatment.' Eating well and staying active were better ways to increase energy levels and strengthen immune systems, which, in turn, would help manage weight and cope with treatment, he added. Doc gives advice on how to tackle Mounjaro side effect of excess loose skin 1 Worried cancer patients are flooding a charity with calls asking whether fat jabs are safe to use Credit: Shutterstock
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Woman shares four cancer symptoms not to 'ignore' following stage 4 diagnosis
Around 3.5 million people in the UK are currently living with cancer. Hannah's life was turned upside down after her symptoms were repeatedly brushed off. A young woman has spoken out about her devastating stage 4 cancer diagnosis after her symptoms were repeatedly 'ignored' by doctors for nearly a year. Hannah, who shares travel content alongside her husband Charlie on social media, says she battled worsening health issues for eight months before finally discovering she had a 12cm tumour on her spine, reports the Mirror. The UK is home to an estimated 3.5 million people living with cancer, with experts stressing the importance of early detection. Macmillan Cancer Support states: "On average someone is diagnosed with cancer at least every 90 seconds in the UK. Each year, around 167,000 people die from cancer in the UK, an average of 460 people every day." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Hannah discovered she had a 12cm tumour on her spine in 2021 following a gruelling eight-month pursuit for answers. In a TikTok clip shared with her social media followers, Hannah shared her journey, explaining the ordeal she faced before her diagnosis. She claimed: "So I was medically gas-lit for over eight months which led to a late diagnosis of stage 4 cancer so no, me and my GP are not the best of friends." She experienced four persistent symptoms during that time A persistent cough A full body rash Severe tiredness Mysterious weight loss Hannah continued: "In July of 2021, I had a cough, a fully body rash, extreme fatigue and I lost a load of weight which I thought was a total slay at the time. "I was told to take antibiotics and come back if it doesn't help - spoiler alert, it didn't. I was refused an in person appointment - pretty sure if there was a 'hypochondriac button' on their computer, they clicked it." Without naming the specific GP, Hannah detailed how she "called repeatedly with worsening symptoms" and was advised to see a pharmacist for paracetamol, a suggestion that proved futile against the 12cm tumour "pushing" on her spine. While on a ski trip later that year, Hannah contracted pneumonia. Chest pains eventually sent her to A&E, where she says her symptoms were dismissed as 'period pains'. However, when her chest pains became "unbearable", Hannah ended up in A&E with what was suspected to be a heart attack. Struggling to breathe and "clutching [her] chest", she claimed the receptionist dismissed her condition as period pains. Hannah said: "If that doesn't just scream 'misogyny', I don't know what does." Fortunately, a nurse spotted her distress in the waiting room and rushed her through for care. A chest X-ray revealed a 'massive shadow' near her spine, prompting a CT scan and the eventual diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. A junior doctor's instinct that something "wasn't right" with her X-ray led to a vital CT scan and the discovery that Hannah was suffering from stage 4 cancer. Hannah praised the "hospital care after diagnosis", calling it "absolutely amazing" following her intensive treatment regime which included eight months of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and participation in a clinical trial. In the caption alongside her video, she added: "By the time anyone listened, it was stage 4 cancer. Eight months of chemo later, I'm still here. But it never should have got that far. "This is your reminder to fight for answers. If they won't give you a test, ask them to write it in your notes. It might save your life". The NHS advises that while many cancer symptoms are "very common and can be caused by other conditions", it's still crucial to get a check-up. It notes: "Having these symptoms does not definitely mean you have cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP. "If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat."
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BGT star who went viral in emotional moment quits job for new challenge
Britain's Got Talent star Reuben Gray rose to fame on the contest in 2017 with an emotional original song written for his then-girlfriend Former Britain's Got Talent star Reuben Gray, who shot to fame in 2017 in an emotional audition, has picked up a new challenge that will raise money for charity. The talented Reuben was only 16 years old when he auditioned for BGT, with him leaving the audience in tears when his father surprised him in the crowd after telling him he couldn't make it to the show. During the audition, he shocked the room by performing an original song he wrote about his then-girlfriend, which earned a standing ovation from all four judges. Years later, at 24, Reuben and pal Matt Brinkley, also 24, decided to ditch their jobs to go on an 801-mile trek from London to Val Thorens in France. The two men are hoping to raise £35,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Snow Camp, which helps young people through snow sports. Whilst on the 45-day trek, they're using the opportunity to promote their new application made to make adventure planning easy. Speaking about the dangers of the journey, he said: "My cousin's a doctor, and he said we have a possibility of breaking our legs or having shin splints, we have a possibility of a hairline fracture, that sort of stuff on our on our legs. We have a possibility of ending up with sort of gangrene." However, the two are determined to complete the trek. Reuben added to MailOnline: "It's about smiling through the pain and about having a good time. "Even though it might suck I'm still doing it with my best friend. I'm doing it for something bigger than just myself only." In Reuben's audition in 2017, he revealed to the cameras his father couldn't be there to support him as he was in the army and overseas. "If I do well, I'll just give him a call," Reuben said. However, Reuben was completely unaware his dad was actually sitting in the audience waiting to surprise him. When Simon Cowell asked him who was his biggest supporter, Reuben said: "My dad." Simon asked: "What, more than your mum?" and Reuben's dad quickly got up to proudly yell out: "Yes I am!" The star was in shock as he looked to where the voice was coming from. "I didn't think he was here! I thought he was working!" Reuben excitedly admitted before he started crying. "He works away from home a lot. Whenever I play anywhere, he'll always come." The audition clip went viral and gained over 24 million views on BGT's official YouTube channel.
