Category: Information

Genetic Cancer Support in Ireland: Advancements and Services

In an Ideal World we would have….

  • A central point to support people who are affected by Lynch Syndrome or other Genetic Cancer defects.
  • An integrated Cancer Genetics service.
  • An increased Genetics workforce.
  • A Genetics Testing center in Ireland.
  • A comprehensive IT system to Manage/Track and generally improve the collection/storage of relevant information.
  • Improved awareness by Public and Medics of Genetics.
  • A dedicated Pathway for people with a genetic cancer issue.
  • Improved support available to help in relaying a diagnosis to the wider family.
  • A national BioBank to improve/help research in this area.

Metachronous Colorectal Cancers Risk in Early Onset Patients

This study showed that risk of metachronous(second new cancer that develops at least six months from the first cancer) colorectal cancers in patients with early onset colorectal cancer is comparable to those with advanced age and increases in patients with Lynch syndrome and family history.

More studies on this topic are needed to guide to the best management in these patients.

What is CTDNA?

Short, information webinar addressing how the latest technology is empowering patients and clinicians to make more informed shared decisions along the continuum of colon cancer care. 

  • What is circulating tumor DNA and how is it used to detect molecular residual disease (MRD) in CRC?
  • All ctDNA tests are not the same – understand the differences.
  • Learn how these assays are used to detect early relapse and why serial testing is so important?

https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/oCQ2AVGS

Using Immunotherapies to Treat Gyn Cancers

http://gyncsm.blogspot.com/2024/03/march-13-2024-using-immunotherapies-to.html

Cancer risk and survival in path_MMR carriers by gene and gender up to 75 years of age: a report from the Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database

MMR: Cells that have mutations (changes) in certain genes that are involved in correcting mistakes made when DNA is copied in a cell. Mismatch repair (MMR) deficient cells usually have many DNA mutations, which may lead to cancer.

This paper from the @PLSDatabase describes the cumulative lifetime incidences compared to estimated general population incidences

Conclusion: Carriers of different path_MMR variants exhibit distinct patterns of cancer risk and survival as they age. Risk estimates for counselling and planning of surveillance and treatment should be tailored to each patient’s age, gender and path_MMR variant.

https://gut.bmj.com/content/67/7/1306.long

Does Lynch syndrome itself have any symptoms? 

https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/qa-understanding-and-managing-lynch-syndrome.h00-158589789.html

15 Common Types of Fear People With Chronic Illness Experience (and How to Cope)

https://themighty.com/topic/chronic-illness/fears-chronic-illness-coping/?utm_source=engagement_bar&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=story_page.engagement_bar

Bowels Basics & Breakthroughs

Scan QR code to download your copy of the new excellent patient guide to #BowelCancer in Ireland. Useful to all as contains important information on symptoms & screening – something everyone needs to be aware of! #BowelCancerAwarenessMonth

Time for a balanced conversation about menopause

Check out The Lancet Series…..

Menopause is an inevitable life stage for half the world’s population, but experiences vary hugely. Some women have few or no symptoms over the menopause transition while others have severe symptoms that impair their quality of life and may be persistent.

Many women feel unsupported as they transition menopause. To better prepare and support women, the Lancet Series on menopause argues for an approach that goes beyond specific treatments to empower women with high-quality information, tools to support decision making, empathic clinical care, and workplace adjustments as needed.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)00462-8/fulltext