Cancer Items

The most common causes of aging

The cosmetics industry is making millions out of our desire to look younger. But before you shell out a fortune on creams and treatments to maintain your youthful looks, take a look at the three most common signs of aging and see if there’s something you can change about your lifestyle first.

Lack of exercise 'as deadly as smoking'

Lack of exercise can be as deadly as smoking – and something as simple as upping your exercise can help lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. More than 5.3 million of the 57 million deaths worldwide in 2008 could be linked to inactivity.

New breast cancer treatment in France

A new treatment for breast cancer has launched in France - and doctors say they have seen good results in advanced patients, particulary in women who have had a lot of prior treatment already, such as chemotherapy, an anthracycline and a taxane.

How to check your breasts

It’s a devastating fact but one in eight women will get breast cancer at some point in their lives. Worryingly though research has revealed that around a third of women do not check their breasts for lumps or abnormalities.

Christine Bleakley reveals cancer scare

TV host Christine Bleakley has revealed a tense health scare in which doctors ordered her to have three moles cut from her leg, lower back and neck. The Dancing On Ice presenter is preparing to run 5k for Cancer Research UK's Race For Life.

Why wide waists are ruining our health

We all want our skinny jeans to skim easily over our hips, but it seems there is more to worry about than simply admitting to yourself that you need a bigger dress size. Research by Nuffield Health found 57% have a waist larger than the healthy size.

Cervical cancer testing at a 10-year low

Testing for cervical cancer among women in England has fallen to a 10-year low, a cancer charity has warned. While the "Jade Goody effect" saw more than 400,000 women in England tested for cervical cancer 2008-2009, figures have now dropped again.

Staying safe in the sun

As wonderful as sunny days are they can also be dangerous. If you’re not looking after yourself properly you could end up feeling pretty rotten at the very least and very unwell at the most. Here are our top tips for staying safe in the sun this summer.

Cancer symptoms all women should watch out for

Sadly thousands of women are diagnosed with cancer every year. But if it is caught early there is more chance of it being treated successfully. The following cancers are particularly common amongst women. As such, all men should be on the look out for these signs and symptoms.

New classification for breast cancer

Breast cancer has been reclassified. Charities hope that plans to diagnose breast cancer into 10 completely new categories based on the genetic fingerprint of the tumour will help hospitals provide more personalised treatments.

Ovarian cancer risk 'increases with height'

Tall women are at greater risk of ovarian cancer, according to new research, and being heavier also ups the chances of developing the disease in many women - but surprisingly weight appeared to have no impact on women undergoing hormone replacement.

Breast cancer drug eribulin turned down by NICE

Yet another drug has been turned down by NICE for breast cancer patients. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence decided not to recommend eribulin for NHS treatment of people with secondary breast cancer who have had chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer payouts for misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis and delays in treatment for ovarian cancer are leading to big compensation payouts. In 84% of 2010/2011 cases analysed by The Medical Defence Union (MDU), patients were mistakenly thought to have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Be aware of cervical cancer screening

Three years on since the death of Big Brother star Jade Goody, there is still not enough awareness of cervical cancer. Campaigners warn that the "Jade Goody effect", which created a surge in numbers, appears to have been short-lived.

What are the symptoms of ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer affects over 7000 women in the UK but it is not as well publicised as other forms of cancer which affect women. As such, many women are unaware of the signs of ovarian cancer. This can lead to drastic consequences.

Another drop in breast cancer deaths

Are we winning the breast cancer battle? The Office of National Statistics is reporting a drop in breast cancer deaths as part of its latest report, and experts say technological advances should help mortality rates to continue to drop.

Regular smear tests 'ups chance of cure to 92%'

Don't ignore those smear test reminders. The latest research into cervical cancer has found that women who attend regular smear test appointments have up to a 92% of being cured, based on women with an abnormal smear result before cancer diagnosis.

Government urged to raise awareness of ovarian cancer

A leading cancer charity has called on the government to raise public awareness of the symptoms of ovarian cancer.

A third of women 'still not getting regular smear tests'

Despite high-profile cases and celebrity deaths, not enough women are taking steps to protect their health by undergoing regular cervical screenings. A poll by Bupa found that almost a third (29%) said that they have never had any screening.

Friendship matters beyond Facebook

Do young women know the difference between real friends and Facebook friends? The average young person has 237 Facebook friends - but two thirds of people polled by Macmillan Cancer Support only had two friends they felt that they could turn to.

Breast cancer vaccine ‘successful in trials’

Trials to develop a breast cancer vaccine have taken another leap forward, with results showing a vaccine dramatically reduces tumours in a mouse model that mimics 90% of human breast and pancreatic cancer cases.

Over-diagnosis and false positives: breast cancer screening

There is no doubt that regular breast screening can save lives. But the risk of false positive results, and unnecessary cancer treatment, not to mention stress and worry, means it may do more harm than good, researchers believe.

Brits a third more likely to drink to excess

Are you worried about your alcohol consumption? It might be worth taking a fresh look at your drinking habits, as new research from Bupa found that Brits are over a third (41%) more likely to drink alcohol than the international average.

Vitamin intake 'reduces breast cancer risk'

A healthy diet reduces the risk of cancer, and supplements can fill the gap if there are foods you dislike. A new large population-based study, reported in BMC Cancer, has illustrated a clear association between 10 vitamins and breast cancer.

Cervical cancer cases rise 40% in young women

Despite improved awareness and the development of a vaccine, incidence of cervical cancer for women in their 20s rose 40% between 1992 and 2006. A report funded by Cancer Research UK found women aged 20 to 29 was the only age group to report a rise.