Month: June 2023

What is Blood Cancer?

Blood cancers affect blood cells. Cancer can affect red blood cells (RBCs) that carry oxygen throughout your body, and platelets help your blood clot. Furthermore, there are also types of cancers that affect the lymphatic system. Consequently, the lymphatic system is responsible for White Blood Cells (WBCs), which are critical in fighting disease and infection.

Therefore, when someone has any type of blood cancer, their cells grow and divide rapidly, inhibiting the blood’s necessary functions. For example, your blood might not clot if you scrape your knee, or if you get sick, your body will have a weakened immune system to fight the illness.

 

 

Types of Blood Cancer:

The disease has various forms, and each type is further categorized. Below are the most common types:

1. Leukemia – Affects the bone marrow and WBC.
2. Lymphoma – Affects the lymphatic glands.
3. Myeloma – Affects plasma cells.
4. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) – Affects the bone marrow. It is also known as Bone Marrow Failure.

Ireland Blood Cancer Statistics:

1. Doctors diagnose approximately 485 people with a form of leukemia each year.
2. Doctors diagnose approximately 1000 people with a form of lymphoma each year.
3. Doctors diagnose approximately 380 people with a form of Myeloma each year.
4. Doctors diagnose approximately 175 people with a form of MDS each year.
5. Lymphoma is the 5th most common type of cancer diagnosed in men and children.
6. Leukemia is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in children.

Signs and Symptoms:

Each form of blood cancer presents unique symptoms, but some of the most common symptoms are:

1. Coughing/chest pain
2. Frequent infections
3. Fever or chills
4. Unexplained rash/bruising/bleeding
5. Loss of appetite/nausea
6. Night sweats
7. Persistent weakness/fatigue
8. Shortness of breath
9. Swollen, painless lymph nodes

Risk Factors:

Although blood cancer’s causes are not fully understood, there are risk factors for development:

1. Family History: Some forms of cancer can be caused by inherited genetic mutations.
2. Smoking: Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in the body, including the blood.
3. Radiation/Chemical Exposure: Exposure to certain chemicals or cancer radiation can also increase risk for developing a form of the disease.
4. Viral Exposure: HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, and human T-cell lymphoma/leukemia virus can also increase the risk for developing leukemia or lymphoma.

Treatment:

Doctors will treat blood cancer based on the type, stage, genetics, blood cell counts, overall health and specific symptoms. However, there are some common forms of treatment.

1. Chemotherapy – Drugs to treat the cancer.
2. Immunotherapy – Utilize natural immune system defenses.
3. Radiation – High frequency waves to kill cancer cells.
4. Stem Cell Bone Marrow Transplantation – Full replacement of cells that can grow into healthy blood cells.

If you or anybody you know may be affected by blood cancer, please contact your physician to seek a professional opinion.

What is a Sarcoma?

A Sarcoma is a bone, cartilage, or soft tissue (nerve, fat, and muscle) cancer. These cancers are malignant, rare, and aggressive. This type of cancer can affect any part of the body, but 80% of the time, they are found in soft tissues. Therefore, Soft Tissue Sarcoma (STS) is the most common type of this cancer. Additionally, more than 60% of diagnoses are found in the leg. 

Doctors diagnose approximately 220 people a year with Sarcoma in Ireland. However, A study conducted by the National Cancer Registry Ireland concludes that STS survival is 75.6% after one year. 

 

Risk Factors of Sarcomas:

Sarcomas’ causes are relatively unknown, but there are a few risk factors:

1. Genetic mutations: disease inheritance is known to increase the risk of developing cancer.
2. Lymphedema: a consistent swelling of lymph fluid caused by a damaged or blocked lymph system can cause a special type of cancer called angiosarcoma. 
3. Exposure to chemicals: chemicals can also increase the risk of developing a tumor, especially that of the liver. 
4. Cancer radiation treatment: Radiation can treat cancer but also cause sarcomas later.
5. Viral Exposure: Exposure to human herpesvirus 8 can all increase risk for developing a Sarcoma called Kaposi’s sarcoma. 

Symptoms of Sarcomas:

Each tumor presents with different symptoms, and some early stage STS tumors do not have any signs or symptoms at all. However, the most common symptoms, when presented, are:

1. A mass under the skin. It may or may not be painful.
2. Bone pain.
3. An unexpected broken bone caused by little to no injury.
4. Abdominal pain.
5. Weight loss.

Sarcoma Treatment:

Each tumor is all treated differently, depending on the diagnosis. However, there are three main types of treatment:

1. Surgery: This is the most common treatment for this type of cancer.
2. Radiotherapy: Especially if diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma in the legs or arms, doctors may use high-energy waves to kill the cancerous cells.
3. Chemotherapy: Using anti-cancer drugs is beneficial, especially when teamed with other forms of treatment.

If you or anybody you know may be affected by a sarcoma, please contact your physician to seek a professional opinion. 

What is personalised medicine? 

Personalised medicine is an approach to healthcare that takes into account an individuals unique genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors in order to tailor medical treatments and preventive measures to their specific needs. The goal of personalised medicine is to provide more targeted and effective treatments that can improve outcomes, reduce side effects and save costs. 

So, why are biobanks important?

Biobanks are important for the development of personalised medicine because they provide a large repository of biological samples and associated data that can be used to identify genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of diseases. This information can then be used to develop targeted, personalised treatments that are tailored to an individuals specific genetic makeup and medical history. 

Ways biobanks support personalised medicine development:

1. Large samples sizes: Biobanks typically contain large numbers of biological samples from individuals with a wide range of medical histories and genetic backgrounds. This provides researchers with a large diverse pool of data to study, which can help to identify genetic variations that contribute to disease development and progression. 

1. Longitudinal data: Biobanks often collect longitudinal data, which means that they track changes in an individual’s health over time. This type of data can be used to identify biomarkers that may be used to predict disease onset or progression, which can help to inform personalised treatment plans. 

1.  Genetic and phenotypic data: Biobanks collect both genetic and phenotypic data, which provides researchers with a comprehensive view of an individual’s health. This information can be used to identify genetic mutations that may contribute to disease, as well as environmental factors that may influence disease development. 

1. Improved treatment outcomes: By identifying genetic variations that contribute to disease, researchers can develop targeted, personalised treatments that are tailored to an individual’s specific needs. This can lead to improved treatment outcomes and better patient outcomes. 

Overall, biobanks provide a crucial resource for researchers who are working to develop personalised medicine. By studying large number of biological samples and associated data, researchers can identify genetic and environmental factors that contribute to disease and develop targeted treatments that are tailored to an individual’s specific needs. 

What is lung cancer, and what are the symptoms?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the lungs. It occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiplies uncontrollably, forming a mass or tumour in the lung tissue. Lung cancer can affect any part of the lung and spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes or other organs. 

 

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of all lung cancer cases, while SCLC accounts for about 20%.  

Lung cancer is a significant public health issue in Ireland. It is the second most common type of cancer in Ireland after skin cancer, and the country’s leading cause of cancer-related deaths. 

According to the National Cancer Registry of Ireland, doctors diagnosed 2,748 lung cancer cases in 2018, and 2,257 patients died. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with lung cancer than women in Ireland, and it is most commonly diagnosed in older individuals.

Causes and Symptoms

Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and tobacco use causes approximately 90% of lung cancers in Ireland. Other risk factors for the disease include exposure to radon gas, occupational exposure to carcinogens, and family history. 

 

Symptoms of lung cancer may include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. However, some people with lung cancer may have no symptoms at all, particularly in the early stages of the disease. 

Treatment and Prevention

Lung cancer management in Ireland involves a multidisciplinary approach, with treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has developed national guidelines for managing lung cancer, and several specialist clinics have been established throughout Ireland to provide high quality care for lung cancer patients. 

Prevention is a key focus in the fight against lung cancer in Ireland. There are numerous efforts to reduce smoking rates, increase awareness of the dangers of tobacco use, and promote early detection through screening programs.

What is a breast self-exam?

A breast self-exam is an important way for women to monitor their breast health and detect any changes that may be a sign of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer in Ireland Statistics

• According to the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.
• Doctors diagnose approximately 3,700 women with breast cancer each year.
• Doctors diagnose approximately 30 men with breast cancer in Ireland each year.
• Breast Cancer accounts for 29% of all cancers diagnosed in women.
• The incidence rate of breast cancer in Ireland is 185 per 100,000 women.
• Breast cancer is diagnosed on average at 62 years old.
• The five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Ireland is approximately 85%.

It is important to regularly perform breast self-exams.

 

Breast self-exam steps:

1. Begin by standing in front of a mirror with your arms at your sides. Look for any changes in the size, shape or contour of your breasts, as well as any changes in the skin texture or colour, such as dimpling , puckering or redness.
2. Next, raise your arms overhead and look for the same changes as above.
3. With one arm raised, use the opposite hand to examine the breast and armpit area. Use the tips of your fingers to feel for any lumps or thickening in the breast tissue, starting at the outer edge and working inwards in circular motions.
4. Repeat step 3 with the other breast and armpit.
5. Finally, lie down and repeat the exam with one arm raised, using the opposite hand to examine the breast and armpit area. Repeat with the other breast.

 

However, it is also important to remember that breast self-exams are not substitute for regular mammograms and clinical breast exams. It is important to note that women should contact their healthcare provider if they notice any changes or abnormalities in their breasts.

What are the most common types of Breast Cancer?

There are various typesof breast cancer. Each type is unique, and treatment options vary. Be sure to consult with your physician regarding diagnosis and treatment.

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

DCIS is non-invasive that starts in the milk ducts of the breast, it is regarded as the initial stage of breast cancer, since it hasn’t extended beyond the milk ducts. It has a low risk of becoming invasive. 

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)  

IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. IDC starts in the milk ducts and invades and grows in the surrounding breast tissue. IDC can form a lump or thickened area in the breast. As the cancer grows, it may cause changes in the shape or size of the breast. IDC may also spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body through the blood stream or lymphatic system. Treatment for IDC usually involves surgery to remove the tumour, followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer.  

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

ILC originates in the lobules, the glandular tissue that produces milk, and then spreads to the surrounding breast tissues. ILC is less common than invasive ductal carcinoma, accounting for about 10-15% of all invasive breast cancer cases. ILC often does not form a distinct lump, and can be difficult to detect by mammography or physical examination. Instead, it may appear as subtle thickening or fullness in the breast, or as changes in breast texture. ILC is also more likely to be multifocal, meaning it may occur in multiple locations within the same breast or in both breasts. Like other types of invasive breast cancer, ILC can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream, a process called metastasis. Treatment for ILC usually involves surgery to remove the tumour, followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, depending on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. 

Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)

IBC is rare and aggressive form, accounting for about 1% to 5% of all cases. It occurs when cancer cells block the lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing the breast to become red, swollen and warm. 

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

TNBC does not contain oestrogen receptors (OR), progesterone receptors (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).  These receptors are proteins that are present on the surface of breast cancer cells and can help fuel the growth and spread of the cancer. TNBC accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of all breast cancer cases and is more common in younger women and those with BRCA1 mutation. TNBC is often more aggressive and has a higher risk of recurrence than other types of breast cancer. Because TNBC lacks these three receptors, it does not respond to hormonal therapies or drugs that target HER2 receptors. Instead, treatment for TNBC usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 

HER2 Positive Breast Cancer

HER2 Positive Breast Cancer is contains HER2 receptors. This means that the cancer cells have an excess of HER2 protein, which can promote the growth of cancer cells. HER2 positive breast cancer accounts for approximately 15-20% of all breast cancer cases. It is more common in younger women and tends to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. HER2 positive breast cancer can also be associated with a higher risk of recurrence. Treatment for HER2 positive breast cancer often involves targeted therapy with drugs that specifically block the HER2 protein.