Prepping for a Colonoscopy: Tips from The Colonoscopy Queen

“I have had more colonoscopies at Mayo Clinic than I can count — they are not a big deal. One of the most significant issues I hear people complain about is the liquid prep, which cleans out your colon.”

I’ve had many colonoscopies over the last two decades, so here are my tips for preparing for and going through the procedure.

https://www.curetoday.com/view/prepping-for-a-colonoscopy-tips-from-the-colonoscopy-queen

HSE an organisation that requires serious change?

Interview with new CEO of the HSE

Requires a hands on approach….

Process by which decisions are made…

People closer to the point of decision making…

Accountability for decision makers…

A service we all have confidence in….

Personal ownership…

IT system improvements in the shorter term….

https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22222323/

 Lynch Syndrome 

A Guide for Patients and Their Families 

 Lynch Syndrome is associated with a higher-than-normal chance of developing certain types of cancer before the age of 50.

What does it mean to live with Lynch Syndrome? 

The NICHE-2 Study Discussion with Dr. Myriam Chalabi

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2211437

Conclusions: Among patients with resectable stage III or IV melanoma, event-free survival was significantly longer among those who received pembrolizumab both before and after surgery than among those who received adjuvant pembrolizumab alone. No new toxic effects were identified. 

Delphi Initiative for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer (DIRECt) International Management Guidelines

Conclusions

The DIRECt group produced the first consensus recommendations on eoCRC. All statements should be considered together with the accompanying comments and literature reviews. We highlighted areas where research should be prioritized. These guidelines represent a useful tool for clinicians caring for patients with eoCRC.

Results

The DIRECt consensus produced 31 recommendations for patients diagnosed with eoCRC ≥18 years old based on 145 articles (summarized in Supplementary Appendices 2–7). When appropriate, issues related to colon or rectal cancers specifically are highlighted; in cases where statements applied to both colon and rectal cancer, the term colorectal cancer (CRC) was used.

All statements are summarized in Table 2Table 3Table 4(Table 2: diagnosis, risk factors, and genetics; Table 3: pathology, oncology; Table 4: endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, therapy, and supportive care). Areas of controversy are described throughout the main text and summarized in Table 5.

http://ow.ly/ugCX50N1g1L

Womb Cancer Genomics – Research and Patient Benefit

Peaches Womb Cancer Trust is proud to present part one of their womb cancer genomics webinar. Originally aired in November 2022.

With Dr Neil Ryan, who shares his wealth of expertise in Lynch Syndrome.

Note: Can be viewed on You Tube

For more information on the topics discussed, please visit:

https://peachestrust.org/

https://peachestrust.org/peaches-pati…

https://www.lynch-syndrome-uk.org/

https://www.genomicsengland.co.uk/

Does Genetic Testing Affect The Cost of Life Insurance in Ireland?

Well, fortunately for you, if you have undergone genetic testing, they don’t, and they can’t add a loading to your policy.

Why can’t insurers use genetic test results?

We all have the Disability Act 2005 to thank.

This pretty sound piece of legislation prohibits the insurance companies from asking about genetic tests.

When you apply for life insurance, you must disclose a certain amount of personal information, such as:

  • Family medical history
  • Personal medical history – Your insurer may ask for access to your medical records, but you have to provide your permission for this.
  • Your age
  • Height & weight
  • Whether you are a smoker or a drinker
  • Any prescription drugs you take
  • Your occupation – high-risk occupations can increase your premiums)
  • Any hazardous hobbies you take part in
  • Star sign
  • Pet’s name
  • Mother maiden name
  • How many photos contain traffic lights

Can You Get Life Insurance After Cancer?

Yes, it is possible to get life insurance after a cancer diagnosis. However, the availability and terms of coverage will depend on the specific details of your diagnosis, treatment, current health status and family history.

There’s no getting around the fact that life insurance after cancer is more expensive. If you can get cover, the insurer will increase your premium significantly compared to someone with no history of health issues.

Normally this increase will be temporary for a period of between one to ten years.