Latest news with #cancerscreening
The Independent
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Independent
Sir Chris Hoy says public support has ‘lifted him' amid terminal cancer diagnosis
Sir Chris Hoy, 49, revealed he was diagnosed with terminal stage four prostate cancer in 2023 at age 47, which has since spread to his bones. His diagnosis at a younger age than the typical NHS high-risk group (over 50) highlights his urgent call for earlier prostate cancer screening. Sir Chris advocates for systemic changes to testing protocols, including proactive PSA blood tests for high-risk men like those with a family history or Black men. Prostate Cancer UK supports his plea, urging the UK Government to overhaul NHS guidelines to encourage GPs to discuss testing with high-risk men from age 45. He has launched the Tour de 4 charity cycling challenge to raise awareness and inspire action, with his advocacy already prompting many to use online risk checkers.
CBS News
2 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
San Francisco mayor announces pilot program for firefighters to get cancer screening tests
San Francisco's firefighters could get cancer screening tests through a proposed city initiative, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced Tuesday. The initiative would give active-duty firefighters over the age of 40 with at least five years of service access to image scans and screenings, the city said. "You are the protectors of our city, and now, we're here to protect you," Lurie said. "I'm proud to announce this investment for cancer screenings for firefighters across San Francisco. We know screenings save lives—when we catch cancer early, it drastically increases the survival rate of our firefighters. This investment is about honoring the people who dedicate their lives to protecting ours." Lurie said his proposed budget includes a $500,000 investment for the program, and that it would be led by the city's fire department. The initiative is modeled after the San Francisco Firefighter Cancer Prevention Foundation's program. "The SFFCPF program this pilot program will be modeled after demonstrated high participation and effective early detection, identifying cancers that might have otherwise gone undiagnosed until more advanced stages," the city said. According to the city's press release, Lurie would use private contributions to fully fund the program and ensure it continues to operate. The mayor's office said Lurie is currently working with the Board of Supervisors on legislation to allow him to raise that money. The mayor's office said the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 798, the SFCPF, and the Fire Department will be helping design the pilot before its launch.
The National
6 days ago
- Health
- The National
Breast cancer support group marks 20 years as services more in demand than ever
From zero awareness to a full package of world-class care and patient support, breast cancer treatment has come a long way in the UAE. It is 20 years since the founding of Brest Friends, a patient support group which has helped thousands of women deal with the uncertainty and fear surrounding the life threatening condition. Although survival rates are on the increase, so are cancer rates in general – with the founders of Brest Friends warning complacency is the biggest barrier in the way of further progress. The latest National Cancer Registry showed breast cancer remained the most common form of the disease, but just 25 per cent of at-risk women were being screened. One of the UAE's first female consultant breast surgeons, Dr Houriya Kazim, is medical director of the Well Woman Clinic and founding president of Brest Friends. While great strides have been made in attitudes towards breast cancer, she said there is still work to do. 'In 1998 when I first arrived here, there was absolutely no awareness of breast cancer, I mean zero,' she told The National. 'I was seeing advanced breast cancer cases, and it was very difficult to develop advice and awareness within the cultural boundaries of the time.' 'I put together videos in five different regional languages, basically showing women how to examine their breast without actually showing a breast. Then some women started asking for a support group, as they liked to talk. 'I had people actually call patients up, ask them what they thought and the majority wanted something like that, so it began from there.' Soaring cancer cases Cancer is the fifth leading cause of death in the UAE, and responsible for about eight per cent of all deaths. Since 2019, there has been a 60 per cent increase in cancer cases, largely due to better diagnostic screening and a growing population, but also more lifestyle related risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Since the launch of Brest Friends in 2005, scores of women and their families have benefited from support and guidance from health professionals, and others who have experienced cancer. The group meets monthly in hotels in Dubai, bringing the cancer community together to discuss a shared view and pass on advice. A WhatsApp group also exists to offer quick tips and answer questions. Dr Kazam now believes more is needed to be done for other forms of cancer. 'Our therapy has always been talking to friends and other women, that's just been our way of dealing with life in general,' she said. 'We have several patients with other types of cancer because there aren't any support groups for them. Cancer affects everyone, it doesn't know who's rich, or who's poor.' While arduous radiation treatments and chemotherapies can be physically demanding, the psychological toll on patients is an often underreported aspect of recovery. Since 2015, the Al Jalila Foundation has been working with Brest Friends to operate a drop-in centre to support women trying to navigate the path to recovery. Charity partnership The Majlis Al Amal cancer drop-in centre in Dubai Healthcare City offers a safe space for patients and their families to relax and receive both support and expert advice. All services are offered free of charge, with volunteers often having experienced cancer themselves. British primary schoolteacher Charlotte Rule was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2022 when she was seven months pregnant with twin boys. Doctors decided to deliver the babies early through emergency Caesarean section due to an unrelated medical condition, pre-eclampsia. Three years on and the boys Reuben and Ezra are healthy, while Ms Rule has almost fully recovered. 'The hardest bit was the fact that I actually found a lump in February and it took until July to get diagnosed,' she said. 'Originally my condition was misdiagnosed as fibroids, and I was told not to worry about it. 'As it was getting bigger, I moved hospitals to see a breast specialist, but had to wait for my insurance to come through before I was able to get an appointment, which delayed my treatment." In response to the most recent national cancer figures that showed more than half of cancer (56 per cent) is found in women, doctors said there was an urgent need for a national insurance code for cancer management to improve access to care. Because of the variation in policies and approvals, early detection can be delayed due to administrative delays, doctors said. The Al Jalila Foundation said it had seen a huge increase in applications for financial support from cancer patients, largely as a result of increasing cases, insufficient insurance coverage and high treatment costs. Psychological impact in recovery Dealing with the long term psychological impact of breast cancer can also be a challenge, and is where support groups come into their own. Dr Melanie Schlatter, a health psychologist at American Hospital Dubai, said Brest Friends offers support that otherwise may be out of reach. 'Post-diagnosis, women often face emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression, body image struggles and social isolation,' she said. 'Longer term, there is psychological impact, trauma, lingering anxiety and identity challenges that can persist for years, even after remission.' Through Brest Friends, women can access peer connections, survivorship activities and general psychological safety through shared experiences and community building. Dr Schlatter, from New Zealand, said the model could be replicated to offer similar support for other cancers. 'Financially, it's typically high treatment costs and lack of insurance coverage for mental health care which create barriers to accessing psychological support,' she said. 'The success of Brest Friends really shows the value of culturally sensitive, long-term community spaces that normalise emotional struggles and basically foster belonging. 'The model could be adapted or other cancers. There are women who joined many years ago who are still participating now and helping new women. Longer term survivors have a lot to teach the newly diagnosed, it's a really lovely model.'
Associated Press
13-06-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Houston Men's Health Clinic Updates Comprehensive Testosterone Screening Program
Benech Family Clinic - 281-502-4602 - has announced appointment slots for testosterone levels or screening for worrying signs of cancer. HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, June 12, 2025 / / -- Benech Family Clinic (281-502-4602) has expanded its men's health services throughout Houston, introducing specialized testosterone evaluation and cancer screening appointments designed to address critical health concerns affecting men across the metropolitan area - The enhanced program, led by Yamil Benech Jimenez, FNP-BC, targets the growing need for proactive men's healthcare in Houston communities. The clinic's comprehensive approach focuses on detecting early signs of conditions that disproportionately impact male patients, including cardiovascular disease, prostate complications, and hormonal imbalances. Addressing Houston's Men's Health Crisis Houston men face unique health challenges that often go undiagnosed until symptoms become severe. Benech Family Clinic's expanded services directly address this gap by offering thorough evaluations that catch potential issues before they escalate into serious medical conditions. The clinic's testosterone screening program specifically targets men experiencing unexplained fatigue, mood changes, decreased muscle mass, or reduced energy levels. These symptoms, frequently dismissed as normal aging, may indicate treatable hormonal imbalances that significantly impact quality of life. 'Men often postpone healthcare until problems become unavoidable,' notes a clinic spokesperson. 'Our comprehensive screening identifies issues during their most treatable stages, when intervention can prevent serious complications and restore optimal health.' Beyond testosterone evaluation, the clinic's men's health program includes cardiovascular risk assessment, prostate cancer screening, diabetes testing, and blood pressure monitoring. This holistic approach ensures Houston men receive complete health evaluations addressing their most pressing medical concerns. Convenient Access Across Houston Benech Family Clinic serves Houston's diverse communities with bilingual services in English and Spanish, removing language barriers that often prevent men from seeking healthcare. The clinic's location at 8622 S Braeswood Blvd provides accessible care for residents throughout Houston, Sharpstown, Stafford, and surrounding areas. Patients consistently praise the clinic's professional approach and scheduling flexibility. One recent patient commented: 'Outstanding staff. Everyone is polite and very helpful. Great availability when it comes to scheduling. The doctor is understanding; clearly well-educated and trained.' The clinic accepts both online appointment scheduling and phone consultations, making it easier for busy Houston men to prioritize their health without disrupting work schedules. About Benech Family Clinic Benech Family Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services to Houston's multilingual communities, specializing in family medicine, women's health, emergency care, and minor surgical procedures. The clinic serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. For more information about men's health services or to schedule an appointment: Contact Information: Benech Family Clinic 8622 S Braeswood Blvd Houston, TX 77031 Phone: 281-502-4602 Website: Shane Media LocalBusinessMedia +64 27 572 4700 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The Undertones star Feargal Sharkey reveals shock prostate cancer diagnosis after GP visit for a sore throat
FEARGAL Sharkey has revealed he was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a casual visit to his local GP for a sore throat. The water campaigner, 66, has spoken out about his 2023 ordeal to raise awareness and urge men to undergo cancer screenings. 2 After his testicular cancer scare, the Undertones singer is now doing 'very well' and pledged to 'carry on this fight' for clean waterways after his health issue was cleared up a year ago. A keen angler, Feargal told the Express: 'About a year and a half ago, I randomly went to see my GP with a sore throat. "Now I've known him long enough but he goes, 'No no, you're that bloke that used to sing. 'So if you're telling me you've got a sore throat, something is going on'. 'So my doctor, being the beautiful, wonderful, awkward, cantankerous old man that is gone, 'Oh Feargal, by the way, you're 65 now, I'm going to run the full battery of tests'.' That wondrously awkward old physician's insistence on checking out the singer resulted in him being diagnosed with prostate cancer. But 'without that random visit' to his local GP, Feargal would have never known that he had cancer, and warned 'it could have been a very different ending and a very different outcome to my life.' He urged all men over 45 to go and get checked out for prostate cancer saying 'If you're lucky', you'll walk away.' The campaigner has slammed water companies, blaming their 'greed, profiteering, financial engineering and regulatory incompetence.' He has denounced companies such as United Utilities, which deals with wastewater across the Northwest of England. How to check your prostate cancer risk Storm overflows at two water treatment plants dumped raw untreated sewage at Cunsey Beck and Haskshead Pumpking Station, both flowing into England's largest Lake Windemere. The company claimed the spill was due to record rainfall last August but mourning evidence indicates spills are happening regularly. Campaigners claim the spills are due to a lack of infrastructure investment. Feargal said: 'Sewage dumping has nothing whatsoever to do with heavy rain. In an interview on BBC Radio 4 Today was asked if banning bonuses for water bosses and criminal liability for spills would go far enough in the new water bill. In response, he said: 'Whitehall has no monopoly in any of this by any means. Welsh Water, for example, is actually the largest sewage dumper in the United Kingdom. Scotland has any number of rivers in bad ecological condition. 'Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland has been poisoned to the extent that it too now turns green, like Windermere.' What causes prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is very common but its causes remain a mystery. As with most cancers, the older you get, the more you are at risk, and its most common in men in their older 70s. Ethnicity plays a role and it is more common in Black men than white men, and least common in Asian men. There is a genetic element, and your odds are worse if you have a male relative whose had the disease. Being overweight increases your risk of getting the disease, and excersize lowers it. A very high calcium diet rich in dairy is thought to increase the chances of getting sick so you might have to lay off the cheese. One in eight men will get prostate cancer THE risk of developing prostate cancer depends on many factors. Here are some of the facts about the disease and how many men it affects... One in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime It is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, and the second most common in men There are 55,000 new cases every year in the UK, and 1.4million globally Around 12,000 people lose their lives to prostate cancer annually in the UK and almost 400,000 around the world Prostate cancer accounts for 28 per cent of all new cancer cases in men in the UK, and 14 per cent of all new cancer cases in men and women combined Prostate cancer survival has tripled in the last 50 years in the UK More than three-quarters (78 per cent) of patients survive for 10 or more years About 490,000 men are living with and after prostate cancer in the UK It is most common in men aged 75 to 79 Since the early 1990s, cases have increased by 53 per cent in the UK Mortality rates are up 16 per cent since the early 1970s in the UK Incidence rates are projected to rise by 15 per cent in the UK between 2023 to 2025 and 2038 to 2040 Mortality rates are expected to fall five per cent in the UK over the same years
