Blog

Health Information Bill 2024

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

Inaugural Cancer Genetic Counselling Conference: Connecting Research and Practice

Date and time: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:00 – 16:00 GMT
Location: Guinness Enterprise CentreTaylor’s Lane Level 4, Conference room 1-2 Dublin 8

Join us for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and the latest advancements in cancer genetic counselling.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with experts in the field and learn about cutting-edge research that can enhance your practice.

Secure your in person or online attendance now!

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/inaugural-cancer-genetic-counselling-conference-connecting-research-and-practice-tickets-959444734027?aff=oddtdtcreator

Gain a Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics

This 11-month programme contains a mixture of asynchronous and synchronous material and is delivered virtually so can be completed anywhere in the world for those who wish to advance their academic and professional knowledge and skills in the area of Cancer Genetics and Genomics.

The programme is interdisciplinary and welcomes those with a minimum requirement of a degree in a relevant healthcare or biomedical subject. A strong background in basic science is encouraged, and eligible learners should be working at a senior level in a research role or healthcare discipline involving the care of patients with cancer.

This programme will lead to Certificate in Cancer Genetics and Genomics for all other learners.

For Ireland based learners, their qualification is accredited at QQI Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualification (PG25033). 

2024 IGCS-IGCAN Gynecologic Cancer Survivor-Caregiver Summit – Dublin

Initiatives Promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Patient Outreach Projects (IGCS Grant Recipients)

  • HER REASON FOR BEING: A Multifaceted Community-Based Project to Advance Cervical Cancer Prevention and Awareness
  • Nan men gran m’et la: Pilot Palliative Care Intervention for Vulnerable Women with Advanced Cervical Cancer in Haiti
  • Acceptability of Self-Sampling for Cervical Screening in the LGBTQIA+ Population – The Alternative Cervical Screening (ACES) LGBTQIA+ 2 Study

Empowered by Experience: Insights on Cancer Survivorship

  • The Public Narrative: Using your Lived Experiences to Call for Action
  • Key Findings from the IGCAN Survivorship + Caregiver Survey
  • Voices of Resilience: Survivorship Panel Discussion

Agents of Change: Patient Advocacy Organizations in Action

  • Every Woman Study™ LMIC Edition: World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
  • Ovarian Cancer Australia

A Clinical Perspective: Genetics & Clinical Trial Updates

  • Genetics in Gynecologic Cancer: Enhancing Understanding and Treatment
  • Recent Discoveries in Gynecologic Cancer Clinical Trials

ThisisGo.ie

thisisGO.ie is an online personalised resource for you and yours who have been impacted by a gynaecological cancer.

Also contains: genetic pathway for those impacted by BRCA and Lynch Syndrome. 

Did you know that all national clinical and non clinical trials can be found on the homepage. If your trial is not up there email contact@thisisgo.ie

Attention family & friends of Prostate Cancer Patients

Know anyone who has suffered through prostate cancer? We’re looking for the stories and voices of their support-givers. Share and register now at: https://eventbrite.ie/e/prostate-cancer-support-giver-symposium-tickets-980034027157

Gastric and duodenal cancer in individuals with Lynch syndrome: a nationwide cohort study

The benefit of EGD surveillance in individuals with Lynch syndrome is still a topic of debate.

Considering the invasive nature of the procedure, the patients’ burden, and—albeit small–the risks associated with conscious sedation and the procedure itself, it is essential to provide EGD surveillance only to individuals at high risk of developing GC and DC who could benefit from this procedure. 

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(24)00073-7/fulltext#secsectitle0095

I Got You This! (What to get your friend who has cancer)

” Honestly, I now tell anyone coming to see me not to bring gifts, I just want to see you and have a laugh or two.

I discovered and concur also that the best gift someone can give is their attention and time. A casual visit or trip out for a cuppa and a chat about the ups and downs of life or gossip helps us feel like we still belong in this world.

All too often we get sidelined as if we had a contagious disease. In fact, in some ways people may see us as a walking disease rather than the person they knew before all this sickness lark happened.

https://peakd.com/health/@clodaghdowning/i-got-you-this-what-to-get-your-friend-who-has-cancer

What is DNA Methylation?

Researchers have linked abnormal DNA methylation to several adverse outcomes, including human diseases.

So far, much of this research has been focused on cancer and tumour suppressor genes, since hypermethylation often results in the silencing of tumour suppressor genes in cancerous cells.

Compared to normal cells, the genomes in cancer cells have also been shown to be hypomethylated over all, with hypermethylation only occurring in the genes involved in tumour cell invasion, cell cycle control, DNA repair and other processes where silencing would lead to the spread of cancer.

In colon cancer, it is possible to detect hypermethylation early on in the course of disease, meaning hypermethylation may serve as a biomarker for the condition.

https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-DNA-Methylation.aspx

The decision regarding the multiple approaches to rectal cancer can be very challenging:

Summary

The NCCN Rectal Cancer Panel believes that a multidisciplinary approach, including representation from gastroenterology, medical oncology, surgical oncology/colorectal surgery, radiation oncology, pathology, and radiology, is necessary for treating patients with rectal cancer.

Patients with very-early-stage tumours that are T1, N0 and who meet carefully defined criteria can be managed with ESD or transanal local excision. A transabdominal resection is appropriate for other rectal lesions. A TNT approach, traditionally consisting of chemoRT/short-course RT and chemotherapy, is preferred when RT is being given.

However, ongoing clinical trials for rectal cancer are particularly focused on treatment approaches that omit surgery or RT, with the goal of improving outcomes for eligible patients. Careful surveillance is necessary to detect and manage recurrences in a prompt and effective manner.

https://jnccn.org/view/journals/jnccn/22/6/article-p366.xml