Blog

Four vaccine schemes could prevent 1,400 deaths – report

https://www.rte.ie/news/2024/0703/1457891-adult-vaccination-programmes/

A shingles vaccine is available on the market, but it is not given routinely in Ireland. 

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/shingles/

Universal Germline Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes in Patients With Solid Tumour Cancer(2022)

Historically, professional society guidelines have recommended limited genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndromes (HCS) to patients with cancer thought to be at highest risk for carrying pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in a few selected genes.

Reasons for this approach were largely based on the high costs of testing, perceptions that HCS were rare in the general population, and a paucity of clinical utility.

Discussion of the current evidence that challenges these assumptions and supports the implementation of universal HCS testing among patients with solid tumours.

https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/PO.21.00516

Lynch Syndrome Conference 2024

Check out the presentations on YouTube.

Up to date information on Lynch Syndrome

AI Allies: How Artificial Intelligence Can Support Patients To Cope with Cancer

A cancer diagnosis can be both physically and emotionally challenging.

As cancer patients learn how to cope with the disease and manage side effects, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT are emerging as valuable allies. This article explores ten ways ChatGPT can help you manage your cancer journey more effectively.

Directory of Community Cancer Support Centres & Services, Ireland

A cancer support centre provides emotional and practical support for people dealing with cancer. This includes those who have had a cancer diagnosis and their family and loved ones. Cancer support centres in Ireland are registered with the Charities Regulator. They are self-governed and self-funded.

Understanding the treatment experiences of adults diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer: A qualitative study

Results

Results identified four key themes:

(1) early-onset CRC treatment results in sudden physical, psychological and social impacts in all aspects of life;

(2) early-onset CRC patients have unique supportive care needs which are not recognised in current practice;

(3) there is a need for tailored information;

(4) a lack of support was identified in the areas of mental health, sexual health and fertility.

Conclusions

Study highlights numerous unique issues experienced by the early-onset CRC patient group during treatment. There is a need for change in clinical practice, along with the development of international guidelines and tailored resources for both patients and healthcare professionals, in order to improve care.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pon.6367

New national electronic patient health record system proposed

About time….loooong overdue.

Ireland has a Digital Health Strategy, but currently no centralised electronic health record system is in place.

The system allows 24-hour access by doctors and patients to their health information using a secure, free, open-source non-commercial platform.

It has been piloted by the HSE and is currently operational for around 15,000 patients, including Ukrainian refugees, International Protection Applicants, the homeless, the Roman Community and others.

It envisages that doctors will be able to access them in real time, from any location, reducing duplication of tests and making the system more efficient and safer.

https://www.rte.ie/news/health/2024/0626/1456756-digital-health/

The Beginning

Why am I back? Well, I got cancer. 

If you are like me or close to someone like me, I wish to lighten your load with this blog and maybe give you a laugh every now and then.

https://peakd.com/hive-187189/@clodaghdowning/the-new-me

Lynch Syndrome

  • Lynch Syndrome involves several inherited genes which normally protect the body from cancer, but mutations in any of these genes may inhibit this function.
  • If someone has a Lynch Syndrome mutation it does NOT mean they will definitely get cancer, there are other factors involved.
  • If you have one of the Lynch Syndrome mutations, this has implications for your family. Your elders, siblings and offspring. If they too have the same mutations, they will be more susceptible to bowel and other cancers.
  • You should contact members of your family and advise them to get tested.
  • Anyone with Lynch Syndrome can reduce their cancer risk.
  • People with Lynch Syndrome are entitled to advanced cancer screening, to catch cancer early and cure it.
  • There is evidence that some people with Lynch Syndrome diagnosed with a bowel cancer are more likely to develop secondary cancers.