Single-Shot Radiotherapy For Breast Cancer

Almost 26,000 people each year could benefit from the treatment

A new type of radiotherapy which could be delivered in a single dose during surgery is offering new hope for tens of thousands of women with #breastcancer.

Intrabeam #radiotherapy has been given a provisional go-ahead for NHS use by the health finance watchdog.

In new draft guidance, the National Institute for Health and Care excellence (Nice) said that the treatment option should be considered for people with early stage breast cancer.

Professor Carole Longson, director of health technology evaluation at Nice, said: "Unlike regular radiotherapy, with the Intrabeam Radiotherapy System only one dose is required.

"This single dose is given at the same time as surgery, eliminating the need for numerous hospital visits.

"Regular radiotherapy typically requires numerous doses over a three week period - although some people may receive it for longer - and is performed weeks or months after surgery or chemotherapy.

"Whilst current evidence was not extensive, this type of radiotherapy was more convenient for patients and can improve a person's quality of life.

"It's still a new treatment - so far only six centres in the UK have used the Intrabeam Radiotherapy System to treat early breast cancer.

"Because it is still relatively new it is only right to recommend its use in a carefully controlled way.

Breakthrough Breast Cancer said the "revolutionary" treatment would not only cause less hassle for patients but it would also save the NHS time and money.

"This is great news for early breast cancer patients due for breast conserving operations," Sally Greenbrook, senior policy officer at Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said.

"Intrabeam is unique in that it is given during surgery, avoiding the need for weeks of follow up appointments and for many women, this is all the treatment they need.

"As this is a new technology, patients will need to be made aware of the pros and cons before going ahead.

"However, this technique can greatly reduce the disruption, stress and inconvenience of what for some people can be over 15 additional trips to and from hospital as well as saving the NHS money and time.

"Whilst this is just an initial decision from Nice we look forward to their final decision which we very much hope will remain positive."

Every year, around 41,500 women and 300 men in England are diagnosed with breast cancer.

Nice said that around 86% of these patients, or 35,970 people each year, could potentially benefit from the treatment. SKy News

Use of soft drinks at Iftar injurious to kidneys

ISLAMABAD - Soft drinks either diet or regular are injurious to health especially at Iftar because after sixteen hours fasting, the use of soft drinks started declining the function of kidneys.
Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) Civil Hospital, Head Dr Adeeb Rizvi suggested that instead of soft drinks, it is better to use fresh juices because fizzy drinks can be a cause of some health hazards including, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, dehydration, renal problems and even cancer.

File Photo

Dr Shahid of Shifa International Hospitals Limited said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him used to break his fast by eating dates at Ifar and this is scientifically proven to be the best solution to break ones fast as dates are rich in carbohydrates, fibers, sugar, magnesium, and potassium.

Being rich in sugar, the dates raise blood sugar levels almost immediately and therefore adjusting the balance.

Its high carbohydrate content makes it harder for your body to digest it and slows down the digestion process therefore leaving you fuller for longer, he added.
He advised to have soup or salad right after the dates to give your body some room to get started and to wait for twenty minutes before having your meal.
Laughter best medicine for ulcers

For patients with venous leg ulcers, the best prescription is good quality nursing care - and the occasional belly laugh!

According to a five-year study, led from the University of Leeds, ultrasound therapy does nothing to speed up the healing process of leg ulceration - contrary to what had been expected.
Traditional methods of nursing care, which are cheaper and easier to deliver, work just as well, the authors conclude.

"The ''healing energy'' of low-dose ultrasound can make a difference to some medical conditions but with venous leg ulcers, this is simply not the case," said Professor Andrea Nelson from the University of Leeds'' School of Healthcare, who led the study. "The key to care with this group of patients is to stimulate blood flow back up the legs to the heart. The best way to do that is with compression bandages and support stockings - not ''magic wands'' - coupled with advice on diet and exercise. Believe it or not, having a really hearty chuckle can help too. This is because laughing gets the diaphragm moving and this plays a vital part in moving blood around the body."

Venous leg ulcers are common in people with varicose veins or mobility problems whose ''muscle pumps'' in the feet and calves struggle to drive blood up to the heart. These ulcers can be painful and unsightly, having a significant negative impact on health and quality of life.