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There is increasing interest in the use of less-invasive approaches to investigation of at-risk populations, driven in part by the COVID19 pandemic as resources have been increasingly constrained, alongside expanding evidence of clinical effectiveness.

Fecal hemaglobin immunochemical testing(FIT) has been validated in screening and symptomatic populations, is cost-effective, and acceptable to patients.

As a quantitative assay, lower fHb concentration thresholds increase CRC sensitivity albeit with decreased specificity, however FIT has a lower sensitivity for advanced adenomas of around 40-60%2. Therefore a ‘FIT only’ strategy may theoretically result in fewer prevented CRCs, notwithstanding a limited understanding of the natural history of familial CRC. However the estimated reduction in risk by removal of precursor advanced adenomas at colonoscopy provides an opportunity for a less-invasive combined strategy using FIT.

In conclusion the authors have developed a compelling rationale for a combined FIT:colonoscopy strategy where previous data has indicated that FIT alone would not be sufficient. Although their study did not identify differences according to levels of CRC risk, further refinement of risk estimates and investigative strategies may facilitate risk-stratified mixed-modality surveillance strategies.

https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(24)05458-1/pdf

Aims to improve the use of health information in Ireland. Health information is generated every time a patient interacts with a health service. For example, when a person sees a doctor or nurse, the details that are recorded become health information. How this information is used is key to supporting integrated care. The right information needs to be available in the right place, at the right time, to ensure the best care and treatment for patients.
The Health Information Bill helps to achieve this-has a priority focus on digital health records and primary use.

Purpose of the Bill:
Provides for the following in Irish law:

• A ‘duty to share’ health information for patient care and treatment
• The establishment of Digital Health Records for all patients in Ireland
• Greater patient access to their own health information
• Greater protections around health information for primary use
• Better health information for the HSE for public-interest purposes.

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/299643/22ca227b-e926-419c-9780-fc41f8dcfddc.pdf#page=null

Since my cancer diagnosis 23 years ago, I always had someone looking out for me medically. And my oncologist was a stellar watchman throughout these years. He is brilliant in the oncology field, but he also is immensely kind. He treats his patients as family members. And he returns patients’ calls immediately. 

Now that he’s retired, I feel like an astronaut whose lifeline has been abruptly cut, and I’m floating away into dark space without oxygen. 

https://bethlgainer.substack.com/p/suffocating

What increases my risk of ovarian cancer?

Include: Family history of cancer:

If you have two or more close relatives (mother, sister or daughter) who have had ovarian cancer or breast cancer, you may be at a higher risk of the disease. Having relatives with ovarian cancer does not necessarily mean that you have a faulty inherited gene in the family. Faulty genes can lead to ovarian cancer in a very small number of women – about 5-10%. These include the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2.  BRCA1 and BRCA2 are also linked to the development of breast cancer. There is also a risk of ovarian cancer if your family have the genetic mutation known as Lynch Syndrome. 

https://www.cancer.ie/cancer-information-and-support/cancer-types/ovarian-cancer#support

Knowing the symptoms is important to help spot bowel cancer early. The earlier that it’s found, the more treatable it’s likely to be.

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/symptoms/

https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/image-library/