Study Links Endometriosis and Fibroids to Increased Risk of Early Death from Gynaecological Cancers

Published

3 hours ago

November 25, 2024

RTX

A large new study has found that women with a history of endometriosis or uterine fibroids may face an increased long-term risk of dying before the age of 70, particularly from gynaecological cancers. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, examined over 110,000 women aged 25 to 42 who participated in the Nurses’ Health Study II, a decades-long investigation into chronic disease risk factors among women.

Endometriosis, which affects about 10 percent of women of reproductive age, is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it. Fibroids, non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus, affect an estimated two-thirds of women during their lifetime, according to the UK National Health Service (NHS). Both conditions have been linked to various health problems, but this new study highlights their potential connection to early mortality.

The researchers found that women with endometriosis had a 31 percent higher risk of premature death compared to those without the condition. The study revealed that women with endometriosis experienced an all-cause death rate of 2 per 1,000 person-years, compared to 1.4 per 1,000 among women without the condition. This increased risk was mainly driven by deaths from gynaecological cancers.

While fibroids were not associated with an overall increase in early death, the study did find that women with fibroids had a higher risk of dying from gynaecological cancers. The authors of the study suggested that women with a history of endometriosis or fibroids might face a heightened long-term risk of early death, extending beyond their reproductive years.

The study, which spanned from 1989 to 2019, was observational in nature, meaning it identified associations but could not establish direct causality. However, the researchers pointed out that both endometriosis and fibroids have been previously linked to chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and certain cancers, though their impact on premature mortality had been unclear until now.

Gynaecologist Francisco Carmona praised the study’s methodology, calling it “robust and well-founded.” He emphasized the importance of considering gynaecological diseases in the broader context of women’s health, noting that the study reinforces the need for early and personalized management. Carmona also pointed out that further research should address the impact of evolving diagnoses and treatments, such as ovary removal surgery, on long-term health outcomes.

The study’s findings underline the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for women suffering from these conditions, with potential implications for both clinical practice and health policy.

Health

Cancer Screening in Europe Shows Wide Disparities, EU Aims for 90% Participation by 2025

Published

4 days ago

November 21, 2024

RTX

Cancer screening rates across Europe vary significantly, with no country fully meeting the European Union’s ideal standards, a new analysis has revealed. The EU has set a target for 90% of eligible individuals to be screened for breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer by 2025, but whether people get tested largely depends on their country of residence.

According to the report from the European Cancer Organisation, the EU’s “Beating Cancer Plan” aims to increase survival rates by detecting cancers earlier through screening. However, the study found that despite the EU’s comprehensive guidelines, countries show substantial differences in how they implement screening policies.

Slovenia, Portugal, and Norway were found to be the most in line with EU guidelines, while Bulgaria, Romania, and Greece were ranked at the bottom in terms of screening practices. The European Cancer Organisation’s analysis took into account several factors, including screening rates, the time intervals recommended between screenings, the availability of national or regional coverage, and the type of tests used. This data resulted in an overall score for each country’s cancer screening policies.

Despite the EU’s goal, the study highlighted significant gaps in implementation. Three countries—Bulgaria, Lithuania, and Romania—lack comprehensive breast cancer screening programs, while six countries do not have adequate colorectal cancer screening, and eight do not provide sufficient cervical cancer screening. These gaps are concerning as breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancers are among the most common cancers in Europe, with lung, colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers being the deadliest.

There are also notable disparities within countries. In Bulgaria, cancer screening access is highly unequal, with variations based on education, income, and urban-rural location. Conversely, the Czech Republic was found to have the most equitable distribution of screening services across these factors.

While screening is a key tool in early cancer detection, it is not the only method. In Denmark, which ranks highly on the EU’s screening index, just 7.5% of all cancer cases are detected through screening programs. A 2021 study published in Cancer Epidemiology found that most cancer cases in Denmark are identified through primary care, medical specialists, or during unplanned hospitalizations, emphasizing the importance of broader healthcare access.

As Europe strives to meet the 2025 target, the challenge remains to ensure that all citizens have equal access to effective cancer screening programs, regardless of where they live.

Health

European Regulators Recommend Approval for Alzheimer’s Drug Leqembi

Published

1 week ago

November 15, 2024

RTX

European regulators have reversed their earlier stance on the Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab, recommending its marketing authorisation after initially deeming its risks to outweigh its benefits. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) made the announcement after a re-evaluation of the drug’s efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition that affects an estimated 7.8 million people in the European Union.

Lecanemab, marketed under the brand name Leqembi, is administered as an intravenous drip every two weeks. It works by targeting amyloid beta, a protein that forms sticky plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, and has shown promise in slowing cognitive decline in clinical trials.

However, when the EMA first reviewed Leqembi in July, they expressed concerns about the potential for serious side effects, including brain swelling and bleeding. At the time, regulators determined that the drug’s benefits did not outweigh these risks. The drug was also restricted to patients with one or no copies of the ApoE4 gene, a known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, as individuals with two copies of the gene were considered at higher risk for adverse effects.

The revised recommendation comes with strict guidelines. Leqembi will only be available through a controlled access program to ensure it is prescribed to the appropriate patient population, and patients will be closely monitored for side effects through regular brain scans.

This decision aligns with previous approvals in other regions. In 2023, US regulators gave the green light to Leqembi, and in August, the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) also approved it. However, despite its approval, the drug is not yet available on the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) due to concerns that the benefits do not justify its high cost.

The EMA’s revised stance represents a cautious but hopeful step forward in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, which remains an incurable condition with limited treatment options. While Leqembi’s approval may provide relief for some patients, it will be subject to ongoing scrutiny as regulators balance the drug’s potential benefits with its associated risks.

Health

Infracouch Red Lights Panel

Published

1 week ago

November 15, 2024

Webdesk

Unlock the Power of Red Light Therapy with the Infracouch Red Lights Panel

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