A good week for Cancer Research

[Cleoriff]

This week we have seen some excellent news about cancer research in the UK

Six days ago the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer research (ICR) announced exciting developments. Nine out of ten men with advanced prostate cancer – an incurable and fatal disease – could soon be treated with new or existing drugs following a pioneering study that scientists have called the “Rosetta Stone” of prostate research. It has been classed as a game changer as the treatment could potentially be used on other cancers.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nine-out-of-ten-male-prostat...

As if that wasn't enough, yesterday, the same institute announced a world first in the treatment of melanoma (skin cancer) This has been achieved by using a genetically modified cold sore virus which attacks cancer cells.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/world-first-as-scientists-pr...

As someone who has lost friends and family to prostate and skin cancer, this news is absolutely mind blowing.

[MI5]

Heard that news this morning about the cold sore virus - fascinating stuff.

[perksie]

Great work being done now, well done to all involved.

[durhamdad]

I fine now thanks for asking mate I been free of throat cancer for 20 yrs now and just got all clear on my face skin cancer I told my wife I can't die yet I owe too much money lol

[Cleoriff]

Brilliant news @durhamdad. Long may you reign....Forget the debts...

[ComaChameleon]

Today one year ago my dad died, he had cancer too.

I hope one day that f**king disease will be destroyed.

[Cleoriff]

So sorry for your loss @ComaChameleon Hopefully we are on the right track. These are  such promising research results.....

[ComaChameleon]

Thanks Cleoriff

I guess the biggest problem isn't the therapy itself. The problem is to sensitize people to get checks, even it's not a nice procedure & they feel well. The earlier it gets detected, the higher the chances to get cured. 😞

Do you get free checks in UK?

Here it is, that you get free checks for cancer of the colon and women over 50 years get free breast-scans. Because of that my mom, and my best friends mom (and 2-3 other people I know) got diagnosed in a very early stage. And maybe saved.

There are big campaigns for it too...

[Cleoriff]

All our cancer checks are free in the UK. If your GP feels you need them you will be referred for the tests and then on to a Specialist. Our NHS has an initiative to get cancer patients seen within a given time.

As you say though....recovery is usually dependent on early detection. However the prostate cancer research I linked to in my first post is now showing that a high percentage of males with this cancer in its advanced stages, can now be treated successfully. A game changer indeed.

[ComaChameleon]

What's GP?

ah, yes... The checks are free too... But mostly on spec.

For the breast/colon screening people get written at "hey, you're female, 50+ years, how about a breast screening" - just like that - only in a better form

Maybe that research results can be transformed to other cancers too. That would be great.

[Cleoriff]

Sorry @ComaChameleon  GP is a General Practitioner (or your family doctor)

And yes...according to both research programmes there appears every chance the treatments can be used to fight other cancers