New research has debunked the idea that there is an “obesity paradox”, whereby patients with heart failure who are overweight or obese are thought to be less likely to end up in hospital or die than people of normal weight. The study, which is published in the European Heart Journal [1], shows that if doctors […]
Death rates from lung cancer will fall overall in the EU and UK in 2023, but rise among women in France, Italy and Spain
A total of 1,261,990 people will die from cancer in 2023 in the EU (EU-27). A further 172,314 people will die from the disease in the UK, according to new research published in the leading cancer journal Annals of Oncology [1]. Researchers led by Carlo La Vecchia (MD), a professor at the University of Milan […]
Mothers’ alcohol consumption before and during pregnancy is linked to changes in children’s face shapes
Researchers have used artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning technology to find a link between alterations in the shape of children’s faces and the amount of alcohol their mothers drank, both before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy. The study, which is published in Human Reproduction [1], one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals, is […]
Cochrane review of COVID-19 vaccines shows they are effective
A comprehensive review of all the evidence available from randomised controlled trials of COVID 19 vaccines up to November 2021 has concluded that most protect against infection and severe or critical illness caused by the virus. The review, a collaboration of independent, international experts [1], also found there was little or no difference between the […]
Researchers identify how certain immune cells contribute to worse survival in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer
Barcelona, Spain: Patients with a type of breast cancer called HER2-positive are less likely to survive if their initial treatment fails to eradicate the tumour completely and they have high levels of immune cells called tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in the residual disease. Dr Federica Miglietta told the 13th European Breast Cancer Conference that normally tumour […]
Longest follow-up of patients with early breast cancer shows radiotherapy does not improve overall survival after 30 years
Barcelona, Spain: Radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery in conjunction with chemotherapy or tamoxifen to treat early breast cancer reduces the risk of the disease returning in the same breast in the next ten years but makes little difference to that risk thereafter. Nor does it improve overall survival after 30 years. Ian Kunkler, Honorary Professor […]
Ultrasound-guided surgery is quicker, less painful and more effective for treating early form of breast cancer
Barcelona, Spain: Using ultrasound to guide surgery for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) gives better results than the standard technique of using a wire inserted into the breast, according to research presented at the 13th European Breast Cancer Conference. The technique, known as intraoperative ultrasound, or IOUS, enables surgeons to remove a smaller […]
Women with benign breast disease face higher risk of breast cancer in the long term
Barcelona, Spain: The risk of breast cancer is almost doubled in women diagnosed with benign breast disease through screening, according to research presented at the 13th European Breast Cancer Conference. The study of more than 700,000 Spanish women taking part in breast screening compared women who were diagnosed with any benign breast disease, including fibroadenomas […]
Researchers find changes in blood proteins up to two years before breast cancer diagnosis
Barcelona, Spain: Researchers have found changes in the levels of particular proteins in people’s blood up to two years before they were diagnosed with breast cancer. The study, presented at the 13th European Breast Cancer Conference, could form the basis of blood testing for people with a genetic predisposition or a family history of breast […]
Gradual increase in daily activity with psychological therapies can improve mental health for cancer patients and survivors
Barcelona, Spain: Cancer patients and survivors have better mental and physical health and quality of life if they take part in a physical activity programme called ‘behavioural graded activity’ in combination with psychological therapies, according to new research presented at the 13th European Breast Cancer Conference in Barcelona, Spain. Behavioural graded activity involves physiotherapists helping […]