Category: Uncategorized

Prevalence of functional impairments in older, community-dwelling adults with and without a history of cancer: Analysis of wave 1 of the Irish longitudinal study on ageing (TILDA)

This study used information from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) to compare the everyday physical functioning of older adults who had previously been diagnosed with cancer with those who had never had cancer.

Researchers found that older cancer survivors were more likely to experience difficulties with physical function, such as problems with mobility, balance, strength, or carrying out everyday activities. However, many cancer survivors were living independently and functioning well in their communities.

The findings suggest that a history of cancer may contribute to age-related physical decline, highlighting the importance of regular assessment, exercise, rehabilitation, and supportive care to help older cancer survivors maintain their independence and quality of life.

Key message: As more people survive cancer and live into older age, healthcare services should focus not only on treating cancer but also on supporting long-term physical function and healthy ageing.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1879406826001918

Preventive hysterectomy and quality of life: new research highlights the need for tailored support

What was the study about?

The researchers wanted to understand how women with Lynch syndrome feel after having a preventive hysterectomy(surgery to remove the uterus, sometimes along with the ovaries) to lower their risk of womb cancer. They looked at quality of life, emotional wellbeing, menopause symptoms, sexual health, and whether women regretted their decision. 

What did they find?

The good news:

  • Most women were happy they had the surgery.
  • Very few said they regretted their decision.
  • Many reported much less anxiety about developing womb cancer after surgery.
  • Overall quality of life was generally good, especially when menopause symptoms were well managed. 

The biggest challenge:

  • Women who had their ovaries removed before natural menopause often experienced significant menopausal symptoms, such as:
    • hot flushes
    • night sweats
    • vaginal dryness
    • lower sex drive
    • mood changes
    • sleep problems
  • These symptoms were much less severe in women who used hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when it was appropriate for them. 

Did it affect sex life?

For most women, sexual function was not dramatically worse after surgery. Some experienced changes, particularly if they went into surgical menopause, but many remained satisfied with their sexual relationships, especially when menopause symptoms were treated. 

What does this mean for someone with Lynch syndrome?

The study suggests that:

  • Preventive hysterectomy can provide significant peace of mind by greatly reducing the risk of endometrial (womb) cancer.
  • The decision isn’t just about preventing cancer—it’s also about preparing for the effects of surgery, particularly if the ovaries are removed.
  • Good counselling before surgery and appropriate HRT afterwards (for women who can safely take it) can make a big difference to quality of life. 

The bottom line

The message is reassuring rather than alarming. Most women with Lynch syndrome who chose preventive hysterectomy felt it was the right decision, experienced less worry about cancer, and had a good quality of life afterwards. The main issue wasn’t the hysterectomy itself—it was managing the symptoms of early menopause if the ovaries were also removed, and HRT helped many women cope with those symptoms. 

https://www.lynch-syndrome-uk.org/post/preventive-hysterectomy-quality-of-life-study

Why Biomarkers?

Many clinical trials are designed around biomarkers. Biomarkers are the backbone of personalised medicine.

https://www.gicancersalliance.org/test-your-biomarker

The gut microbiome as a biomarker and modifiable risk factor in Lynch Syndrome

ABSTRACT

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10689-026-00540-9

Germline testing in urothelial cancer: A narrative review of evidence, guidelines, and testing frameworks

Highlights

•Germline P/LP variants occur in 10% to 15% of urothelial cancers, up to 20% in UTUC.

•Lynch syndrome is the leading hereditary cause; MSH2 confers the highest risk.

•MMR-deficient tumors, seen in Lynch, are highly sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibition.

•Tumor MMR screening is imperfect and limited by scarce tissue in UTUC biopsies.•Universal germline testing in UTUC and a bladder cancer framework are overdue

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1470204526002159?dgcid=coauthor

Social Media and Lynch Syndrome

https://lnkd.in/p/dR3mahDx

Lynch Syndrome

Information can be found here….

Irish Cancer Society Website:

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information/cancer-types/lynch-syndrome

HSE Website:

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/lynch-syndrome

Is this how HSE runs it’s organisation???

At the end of last year, Prof Risteárd Ó Laoide stepped down as National Director, a role he had held since 2020.

HSE response to vacancy -“…. Recruitment for senior leadership positions within the HSE follow established human resources policy and procedures. These include a transparent and competitive process, undertaken in line with public sector recruitment standards and governance requirements.”

What about forward planning and having a replacement in place shortly after if not before the handover?

Meanwhile, the Irish Cancer Society’s pre-Budget submission has urged the Government to “prioritise” a new national cancer strategy. The current strategy expires at the end of this year.

“This requires a clear role for the National Cancer Control Programme, and sustained, multi-annual investment in cancer services, infrastructure, and prevention,” according to the submission.  It also calls for measures to alleviate the financial hardship of a cancer diagnosis.

Is there anyone in charge of Planning in the HSE???

No timeframe for recruitment of new NCCP Director

Working with community pharmacies to support people to take part in BowelScreen

https://www2.healthservice.hse.ie/organisation/nss/news/working-with-community-pharmacies-bowelscreen

  • Pharmacies that opt into the BowelScreen services under the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025 will complete the BowelScreen education modules by the end of September 2026. 
  • We will continue working with the IPU to implement the Community Pharmacy Agreement 2025. We are developing a pharmacy promotional campaign. This involves the development of promotional materials on prescription bags to encourage people to talk to their community pharmacy teams about BowelScreen.
  • We will support this in-pharmacy campaign by developing an extensive public communications campaign to promote the supportive role community pharmacies can play for people who want to get support or information about BowelScreen.

Home screening test to detect signs of bowel cancer:

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/bowel-screening/home-screening