Category: Information

During National Hereditary Cancer Awareness Week, we wanted to highlight our information about Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the risk of bowel cancer.

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/risk-factors/family-history/

Half of all cancer deaths could be avoided by behavioural change. More could be prevented if we identified those at genomic risk and implemented risk reduction strategies. Funders must fund more prevention research. It’s the low hanging fruit

Although some cancer cases are not preventable, governments can work on a population level to support an environment that minimises exposure to known cancer risk factors. Primary prevention, or the prevention of a cancer developing, is a particularly cost-effective strategy,

⁸although it must be paired with more comprehensive efforts to address cancer burden, including secondary prevention initiatives, such as screening programmes, and ensuring effective capacity to diagnose and treat those with cancer. 

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(22)01438-6/fulltext?dgcid=raven_jbs_etoc_feature_gbd22_lancet#seccestitle160

Time toxicity may be less pertinent when treatments offer a significant survival benefit or align with the patient’s goals. No choice is inherently wrong provided it is made with sufficient information.

“Left to ponder the opportunity cost for everyone involved, I imagine a day when patients will be spared the lament of time toxicity because oncologists like me will have embraced it as a plank of our counsel. It won’t be the easiest thing to talk about but by doing so, we will be serving the best interest of our patients.”