Thursday, September 14, 2006
Investigation finds people with the worst health get the worst healthcare
The Government is failing to ensure that quality health care is being delivered to people with the worst health. And it could face a legal challenge under new disability equality laws unless discriminatory practices, uncovered in an 18 month long investigation by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), are eliminated.
The DRC’s Formal Investigation, ‘Equal Treatment: Closing the Gap’, probed the experience of people with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities of primary care services in England and Wales (1) after international research showed that these two groups were at higher risk of serious physical health problems.
From December 2006, the NHS – including Primary Care Trusts in England and Local Health Boards in Wales - will come under the Disability Equality Duty which places them under an obligation to ensure that their policies and practices do not discriminate, and do promote equal opportunities for disabled people. But a wide range of current practices, identified by the investigation, could clearly breach this duty.
The investigation provides important new evidence that people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems are more likely to experience major illness, to develop serious health conditions at an earlier age and to die of them sooner than other people. Yet they are also less likely to receive some of the important evidence-based treatments and health checks than others with the same condition but without a mental health condition or learning disability. They also face real barriers to accessing services.
In the course of the investigation the DRC encountered complacency and a lazy fatalism that these groups ‘just do’ die younger, or ‘just won’t’ look after their health or attend appointments, often with no efforts in place to make it possible for these groups to use the services on an equal basis to everyone else.
The investigation argues for a clear shift in approach – not only to root out unequal treatment but also explicitly to target these very high risk groups for health checks and follow-up treatments. This will prevent the extra costs of serious ill health being passed on to other parts of the National Health System and enable these groups to be healthier and participate fully in society.
The investigation, which took evidence from senior health professionals, policy makers and disabled people themselves, undertook research in four areas (one local health board in Wales and 3 Primary Care Trusts in England) and analysed eight million health records, from the EMIS general practices contributing to the QRESEARCH database - the largest study ever undertaken anywhere in the world. The evidence from primary care records shows that:
• people with mental health problems (schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or depression) have higher rates of obesity, smoking, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and stroke than other people. Those with bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia also have higher rates of hypertension and breast cancer;
• people with learning disabilities have higher rates of obesity and respiratory disease, and high levels of unmet health needs;
• people with schizophrenia are almost twice as likely as other citizens to have bowel cancer - the second most common cause of cancer death in Britain. This is a completely new finding internationally;
• both people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities are likely to die younger than other people. People with mental health problems are more than twice as likely as others to get illnesses like strokes and coronary heart disease (CHD) before the age of 55.
Once they have them, they are less likely to survive for 5 years.
The investigation also identified serious weaknesses in addressing these groups’ healthcare needs. It would be expected that more attention from health services would be offered to address these very high levels of health need. In some cases it was, but some important health checks and treatments are provided less often:
• people with learning disabilities who have diabetes have fewer measurements of their body mass index than others with diabetes; those with stroke have fewer blood pressure checks than others with a stroke. They have very low cervical and breast cancer screening rates;
• for people with mental health problems, some tests and standard treatments – such as spirometry to diagnose respiratory illness, or cholesterol checks and the prescriptions of statins for people with heart disease – are given less often than to people without mental health problems.
On the positive side, there was no evidence that mental health patients with serious symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, which could signal cancer, received a worse follow up than other patients. People with learning disabilities and mental health problems also experience ‘diagnostic overshadowing’, that is, reports of physical ill health being viewed as part of the mental health problem or learning disability, and so neither fully investigated nor treated appropriately.
Despite high levels of ill health, over 50% of people with mental health problems and/or people with learning disabilities said they experienced difficulties when trying to see their GP. Key barriers include the attitudes of reception staff, inflexible appointment systems and inaccessible information, including information on the side-effects of psychiatric medication. A small number said that they were not registered or struck off a GPs’ list because they were deemed too demanding.
This lack of access could be easily remedied by GPs by offering simple services such as making appointments by email, providing treatment information in large print on tape or in Easyread.
All of these are legally termed ‘reasonable adjustments’ - to make services more user-friendly for disabled people under the Disability Discrimination Act 1999.
Bert Massie, Chairman of the DRC, said: “This investigation has revealed shocking levels of ill health among people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems, yet their needs are often unmet or they face unnecessary barriers to accessing services.
“The acid test of a national health service is not whether it works for those who are generally healthy, but whether it benefits those with the greatest risk of poor health. Tackling health inequalities is high on the Government agenda, yet there has been a deeply inadequate response from health services and Government to target these groups which, in some cases, is compounded by a dangerously complacent attitude and a lazy fatalism that they ‘just do’ die younger. This is completely unacceptable. We need to see a radical change in the commissioning, targeting and delivery of health services in order to close this gap quickly.”
While the Formal Investigation identified some impressive examples of good practice in primary care, these services are frequently working in isolation. Despite positive policy and practice developed by mental health and learning disability specialists, the lessons have neither become part of mainstream health programmes – nor part of primary care delivery on the ground.
Many of the health professionals who were interviewed wanted to redress the low levels of treatment currently being offered. However the fragmentation of the policy-making process, together with Government inertia in implementing policy drivers and incentives, have ensured that people with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities are getting unequal treatment from primary care services.
The investigation calls on the Government to make the following urgent improvements to close the gap in healthcare outcomes for disabled people:
• include positive incentives in the GP contract to offer regular health checks for people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems;
• centrally target these high risk groups in national health inequalities programmes and track progress over time, so that it is known whether poor health and preventable early death are being tackled effectively;
• expect every local health service to analyse the needs of the whole population – including these groups – and make sure that any contracts for health services meet their needs;
• ensure screening programmes are targeted correctly at people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems;
• the national bowel cancer screening programme should consider offering screening to people with schizophrenia and consider prioritising them in the future;
• ensure that all medical and nursing training explicitly tackles ‘diagnostic over-shadowing’ – ensuring they look for physical health problems, rather than assuming everything is to do with psychiatric problems or a learning disability;
• ensure all policy is subjected to Disability Equality Impact Statements and that tackling poorer health outcomes is part of primary care’s Disability Equality Schemes;
• all GP surgeries and other primary care services should invite disabled people to record their access needs on their medical record, and then meet them;
• governments in England and Wales must produce detailed actions to deliver the DRC’s recommendations, which will be checked for progress by an independent inquiry panel in a year’s time.
The DRC’s Formal Investigation, ‘Equal Treatment: Closing the Gap’, probed the experience of people with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities of primary care services in England and Wales (1) after international research showed that these two groups were at higher risk of serious physical health problems.
From December 2006, the NHS – including Primary Care Trusts in England and Local Health Boards in Wales - will come under the Disability Equality Duty which places them under an obligation to ensure that their policies and practices do not discriminate, and do promote equal opportunities for disabled people. But a wide range of current practices, identified by the investigation, could clearly breach this duty.
The investigation provides important new evidence that people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems are more likely to experience major illness, to develop serious health conditions at an earlier age and to die of them sooner than other people. Yet they are also less likely to receive some of the important evidence-based treatments and health checks than others with the same condition but without a mental health condition or learning disability. They also face real barriers to accessing services.
In the course of the investigation the DRC encountered complacency and a lazy fatalism that these groups ‘just do’ die younger, or ‘just won’t’ look after their health or attend appointments, often with no efforts in place to make it possible for these groups to use the services on an equal basis to everyone else.
The investigation argues for a clear shift in approach – not only to root out unequal treatment but also explicitly to target these very high risk groups for health checks and follow-up treatments. This will prevent the extra costs of serious ill health being passed on to other parts of the National Health System and enable these groups to be healthier and participate fully in society.
The investigation, which took evidence from senior health professionals, policy makers and disabled people themselves, undertook research in four areas (one local health board in Wales and 3 Primary Care Trusts in England) and analysed eight million health records, from the EMIS general practices contributing to the QRESEARCH database - the largest study ever undertaken anywhere in the world. The evidence from primary care records shows that:
• people with mental health problems (schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder or depression) have higher rates of obesity, smoking, heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease and stroke than other people. Those with bi-polar disorder or schizophrenia also have higher rates of hypertension and breast cancer;
• people with learning disabilities have higher rates of obesity and respiratory disease, and high levels of unmet health needs;
• people with schizophrenia are almost twice as likely as other citizens to have bowel cancer - the second most common cause of cancer death in Britain. This is a completely new finding internationally;
• both people with mental health problems and people with learning disabilities are likely to die younger than other people. People with mental health problems are more than twice as likely as others to get illnesses like strokes and coronary heart disease (CHD) before the age of 55.
Once they have them, they are less likely to survive for 5 years.
The investigation also identified serious weaknesses in addressing these groups’ healthcare needs. It would be expected that more attention from health services would be offered to address these very high levels of health need. In some cases it was, but some important health checks and treatments are provided less often:
• people with learning disabilities who have diabetes have fewer measurements of their body mass index than others with diabetes; those with stroke have fewer blood pressure checks than others with a stroke. They have very low cervical and breast cancer screening rates;
• for people with mental health problems, some tests and standard treatments – such as spirometry to diagnose respiratory illness, or cholesterol checks and the prescriptions of statins for people with heart disease – are given less often than to people without mental health problems.
On the positive side, there was no evidence that mental health patients with serious symptoms such as abnormal bleeding, which could signal cancer, received a worse follow up than other patients. People with learning disabilities and mental health problems also experience ‘diagnostic overshadowing’, that is, reports of physical ill health being viewed as part of the mental health problem or learning disability, and so neither fully investigated nor treated appropriately.
Despite high levels of ill health, over 50% of people with mental health problems and/or people with learning disabilities said they experienced difficulties when trying to see their GP. Key barriers include the attitudes of reception staff, inflexible appointment systems and inaccessible information, including information on the side-effects of psychiatric medication. A small number said that they were not registered or struck off a GPs’ list because they were deemed too demanding.
This lack of access could be easily remedied by GPs by offering simple services such as making appointments by email, providing treatment information in large print on tape or in Easyread.
All of these are legally termed ‘reasonable adjustments’ - to make services more user-friendly for disabled people under the Disability Discrimination Act 1999.
Bert Massie, Chairman of the DRC, said: “This investigation has revealed shocking levels of ill health among people with learning disabilities and people with mental health problems, yet their needs are often unmet or they face unnecessary barriers to accessing services.
“The acid test of a national health service is not whether it works for those who are generally healthy, but whether it benefits those with the greatest risk of poor health. Tackling health inequalities is high on the Government agenda, yet there has been a deeply inadequate response from health services and Government to target these groups which, in some cases, is compounded by a dangerously complacent attitude and a lazy fatalism that they ‘just do’ die younger. This is completely unacceptable. We need to see a radical change in the commissioning, targeting and delivery of health services in order to close this gap quickly.”
While the Formal Investigation identified some impressive examples of good practice in primary care, these services are frequently working in isolation. Despite positive policy and practice developed by mental health and learning disability specialists, the lessons have neither become part of mainstream health programmes – nor part of primary care delivery on the ground.
Many of the health professionals who were interviewed wanted to redress the low levels of treatment currently being offered. However the fragmentation of the policy-making process, together with Government inertia in implementing policy drivers and incentives, have ensured that people with mental health problems and/or learning disabilities are getting unequal treatment from primary care services.
The investigation calls on the Government to make the following urgent improvements to close the gap in healthcare outcomes for disabled people:
• include positive incentives in the GP contract to offer regular health checks for people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems;
• centrally target these high risk groups in national health inequalities programmes and track progress over time, so that it is known whether poor health and preventable early death are being tackled effectively;
• expect every local health service to analyse the needs of the whole population – including these groups – and make sure that any contracts for health services meet their needs;
• ensure screening programmes are targeted correctly at people with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems;
• the national bowel cancer screening programme should consider offering screening to people with schizophrenia and consider prioritising them in the future;
• ensure that all medical and nursing training explicitly tackles ‘diagnostic over-shadowing’ – ensuring they look for physical health problems, rather than assuming everything is to do with psychiatric problems or a learning disability;
• ensure all policy is subjected to Disability Equality Impact Statements and that tackling poorer health outcomes is part of primary care’s Disability Equality Schemes;
• all GP surgeries and other primary care services should invite disabled people to record their access needs on their medical record, and then meet them;
• governments in England and Wales must produce detailed actions to deliver the DRC’s recommendations, which will be checked for progress by an independent inquiry panel in a year’s time.
Scottish bars healthier since the smoking ban
An overwhelming 92 per cent of Scottish bar staff say their workplaces are healthier since the introduction of the smoking ban six months ago – according to an opinion poll commissioned by Cancer Research UK published this week.
And more than three quarters (78 per cent) of those surveyed believe that the legislation will benefit their health in the long term.
To celebrate the success of the ban, Cancer Research UK is re-launching the iconic poster campaign that welcomed the introduction of the historic law in March. The revamped posters show the stubbed out cigarette crushed into the shape of Scotland but bear the new message ‘Smoke-free and saving lives’ underneath. The image will appear on poster sites, in press and on buses.
Professor Gerard Hastings, Director of Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Tobacco Control Research at Stirling University, said: “This is great news. The survey results show that, in just six months, the people of Scotland are already reaping the health benefits of the going smoke-free.”
Even bar workers who smoke are overwhelmingly positive about the health effects of the new law with 89 per cent reporting that their work environment is now healthier because of it, and 69 per cent believing that it will benefit their health in the long term.
Professor Hastings added: “By protecting people from secondhand smoke and helping smokers to quit, Scotland’s smoking ban will save many thousands of lives in the next decade."
The survey also shows that more young people than older people think the ban is benefiting their health. Eighty-two per cent of 18-29 year olds compared to 67 per cent of those over 50 years believe their workplace is now much healthier. This echoes previous research that found that young people are most proud of Scotland leading the way on smoke-free legislation.
More than 500 bar workers from across Scotland took part in the opinion poll. There were no significant regional differences in terms of whether bar workers felt healthier since the ban.
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Professor Alex Markham, said: “Scotland should be proud of having moved so fast to embrace smoke-free legislation. While the rest of the UK plays catch up, Scotland has led the way in showing how to ensure a smoke-free future.
“Most smokers want to quit. And the ban gives them a golden opportunity to stop smoking for good.”
And more than three quarters (78 per cent) of those surveyed believe that the legislation will benefit their health in the long term.
To celebrate the success of the ban, Cancer Research UK is re-launching the iconic poster campaign that welcomed the introduction of the historic law in March. The revamped posters show the stubbed out cigarette crushed into the shape of Scotland but bear the new message ‘Smoke-free and saving lives’ underneath. The image will appear on poster sites, in press and on buses.
Professor Gerard Hastings, Director of Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Tobacco Control Research at Stirling University, said: “This is great news. The survey results show that, in just six months, the people of Scotland are already reaping the health benefits of the going smoke-free.”
Even bar workers who smoke are overwhelmingly positive about the health effects of the new law with 89 per cent reporting that their work environment is now healthier because of it, and 69 per cent believing that it will benefit their health in the long term.
Professor Hastings added: “By protecting people from secondhand smoke and helping smokers to quit, Scotland’s smoking ban will save many thousands of lives in the next decade."
The survey also shows that more young people than older people think the ban is benefiting their health. Eighty-two per cent of 18-29 year olds compared to 67 per cent of those over 50 years believe their workplace is now much healthier. This echoes previous research that found that young people are most proud of Scotland leading the way on smoke-free legislation.
More than 500 bar workers from across Scotland took part in the opinion poll. There were no significant regional differences in terms of whether bar workers felt healthier since the ban.
Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, Professor Alex Markham, said: “Scotland should be proud of having moved so fast to embrace smoke-free legislation. While the rest of the UK plays catch up, Scotland has led the way in showing how to ensure a smoke-free future.
“Most smokers want to quit. And the ban gives them a golden opportunity to stop smoking for good.”
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
HPA develops single test for H5 avian and seasonal flu
Delegates on the second day of the Health Protection Agency's annual conference will learn about updated diagnostic tests developed to simultaneously detect the avian influenza H5 or seasonal human flu virus.
As awareness regarding avian flu increases in the UK and flu season starts, increasing numbers of ‘possible' human cases, may be reported to the Agency from GPs, A&E and other healthcare settings and it is essential to quickly rule out H5.
The updated tests based on detection of viral genetic material, called a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay ensures results can be given to patients quickly and any necessary treatment or public health actions can be taken. The test is available to all Agency laboratories and will be used for flu surveillance this coming winter.
Dr Martin Curran, who developed the test for the Agency said, “Although the risk of someone returning to the UK with H5 is quite small, it is crucial that we have tests available in case we do see a suspect case. The added bonus is that this test can also provide laboratories with information on seasonal flu strains, which is essential to our knowledge of how flu is circulating in the community.”
“The test was used in the recent outbreak of avian flu in Norfolk where we identified a poultry worker suffering from conjunctivitis caused by an avian virus.”
Professor Pat Troop , Chief Executive of the Agency said "We do not expect to see many suspect cases of avian flu this winter; however this ability to test more efficiently for both infections is reassuring. Most people tested for flu like symptoms; will be suffering from regular seasonal flu. However, if the pandemic alert levels were to change or we had an outbreak of avian flu in the UK , it's vital that we have the capacity to respond as effectively as possible. “
As awareness regarding avian flu increases in the UK and flu season starts, increasing numbers of ‘possible' human cases, may be reported to the Agency from GPs, A&E and other healthcare settings and it is essential to quickly rule out H5.
The updated tests based on detection of viral genetic material, called a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay ensures results can be given to patients quickly and any necessary treatment or public health actions can be taken. The test is available to all Agency laboratories and will be used for flu surveillance this coming winter.
Dr Martin Curran, who developed the test for the Agency said, “Although the risk of someone returning to the UK with H5 is quite small, it is crucial that we have tests available in case we do see a suspect case. The added bonus is that this test can also provide laboratories with information on seasonal flu strains, which is essential to our knowledge of how flu is circulating in the community.”
“The test was used in the recent outbreak of avian flu in Norfolk where we identified a poultry worker suffering from conjunctivitis caused by an avian virus.”
Professor Pat Troop , Chief Executive of the Agency said "We do not expect to see many suspect cases of avian flu this winter; however this ability to test more efficiently for both infections is reassuring. Most people tested for flu like symptoms; will be suffering from regular seasonal flu. However, if the pandemic alert levels were to change or we had an outbreak of avian flu in the UK , it's vital that we have the capacity to respond as effectively as possible. “
Exercisers may have better breast cancer survival
Women who reported the highest levels of physical activity in the year before they were diagnosed with breast cancer may have higher survival, according to a new study.
Published in the October 15, 2006 issue of CANCER (http://www.interscience.wiley.com/cancer-newsroom), a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study found that obese and overweight women who had higher levels of moderate or vigorous recreational physical activity within one year before diagnosis tended to have better five-year survival patterns compared to other groups.
Women of ideal body weight did not experience survival benefits from exercise; more remote histories of physical activity also had no impact on survival.
Identifying factors in cancer patients that predict outcome (i.e., prognosis) is important for physicians planning patient management and patients understanding their disease. In breast cancer, clinical indicators, such as tumor size, regional lymph node involvement, and estrogen-receptor status, have been shown to influence outcome. Other lifestyle factors, such as weight, may also predict disease course. While these factors are statistically associated with outcome to some degree, they may not explain all the variation which has lead researchers to search for additional prognostic factors, such as physical activity.
While exercise has been shown to be a significant factor in preventing breast cancer, its role in prognosis after diagnosis remains unclear but has also been infrequently studied. Page E. Abrahamson, Ph.D. now at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, led researchers while at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to investigate the relationship between pre-diagnosis physical activity and survival in 1264 women with breast cancer.
The authors report that pre-diagnosis exercise did improve disease outcome. Survival modestly increased among women with body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 who reported highest levels of physical activity within one year of diagnosis. There was no benefit for women with BMI less than 25. Also, physical activity in adolescence or early adulthood had no impact on survival.
"Given that obesity is relatively well established as a poor prognostic factor in breast cancer," conclude the authors, "it is hopeful that activity may provide an opportunity to improve survival in this sub-population."
Published in the October 15, 2006 issue of CANCER (http://www.interscience.wiley.com/cancer-newsroom), a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study found that obese and overweight women who had higher levels of moderate or vigorous recreational physical activity within one year before diagnosis tended to have better five-year survival patterns compared to other groups.
Women of ideal body weight did not experience survival benefits from exercise; more remote histories of physical activity also had no impact on survival.
Identifying factors in cancer patients that predict outcome (i.e., prognosis) is important for physicians planning patient management and patients understanding their disease. In breast cancer, clinical indicators, such as tumor size, regional lymph node involvement, and estrogen-receptor status, have been shown to influence outcome. Other lifestyle factors, such as weight, may also predict disease course. While these factors are statistically associated with outcome to some degree, they may not explain all the variation which has lead researchers to search for additional prognostic factors, such as physical activity.
While exercise has been shown to be a significant factor in preventing breast cancer, its role in prognosis after diagnosis remains unclear but has also been infrequently studied. Page E. Abrahamson, Ph.D. now at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, led researchers while at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill to investigate the relationship between pre-diagnosis physical activity and survival in 1264 women with breast cancer.
The authors report that pre-diagnosis exercise did improve disease outcome. Survival modestly increased among women with body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 who reported highest levels of physical activity within one year of diagnosis. There was no benefit for women with BMI less than 25. Also, physical activity in adolescence or early adulthood had no impact on survival.
"Given that obesity is relatively well established as a poor prognostic factor in breast cancer," conclude the authors, "it is hopeful that activity may provide an opportunity to improve survival in this sub-population."
Ageism endemic in NHS
Ageism is endemic in health services, argues a senior doctor in this week's BMJ.
His warning follows a study published online last month, and appearing in this week's print journal, that found substantial undertreatment of stroke and mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack) in patients over the age of 80, despite good evidence that older patients benefit from treatment. The authors concluded that the older patients were discriminated against.
In England, decades of health service underfunding have provided an environment in which ageism has flourished, writes Professor John Young in an editorial.
Whenever a clinical stone is turned over, ageism is revealed, he says. For example, in cancer services, coronary care units, prevention of vascular disease, and in mental health services. To this list, we must now add the management of transient ischaemic attacks and minor strokes.
He believes that education is key and suggests redesigning stroke services and integrating specialist and primary care responses to the management of transient ischaemic attacks in a similar way to the approaches developed for coronary heart disease, which have led to a welcome reduction in the degree of related ageism.
Ageism will always prosper when resources are inadequate for the target population, and governments have a responsibility here, he adds. Tackling institutionalised age discrimination more broadly in health services will require national leadership, with governments and health services openly acknowledging the presence of ageism.
In England some early progress has been made through the National Service Framework for Older People since 2001. Deaths from coronary heart disease and cancer declined between 1993 and 2003, and access to elective surgery increased between 2000 and 2003.
Some will argue, however, that ageism is so deeply embedded in our health service that policy initiatives will never represent more than a tinkering round the edges, says the author.
Don't be surprised if older people lose trust in their health service and lobby for protection through anti-discrimination legislation. The result would indeed be a patient led health service, he concludes
His warning follows a study published online last month, and appearing in this week's print journal, that found substantial undertreatment of stroke and mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack) in patients over the age of 80, despite good evidence that older patients benefit from treatment. The authors concluded that the older patients were discriminated against.
In England, decades of health service underfunding have provided an environment in which ageism has flourished, writes Professor John Young in an editorial.
Whenever a clinical stone is turned over, ageism is revealed, he says. For example, in cancer services, coronary care units, prevention of vascular disease, and in mental health services. To this list, we must now add the management of transient ischaemic attacks and minor strokes.
He believes that education is key and suggests redesigning stroke services and integrating specialist and primary care responses to the management of transient ischaemic attacks in a similar way to the approaches developed for coronary heart disease, which have led to a welcome reduction in the degree of related ageism.
Ageism will always prosper when resources are inadequate for the target population, and governments have a responsibility here, he adds. Tackling institutionalised age discrimination more broadly in health services will require national leadership, with governments and health services openly acknowledging the presence of ageism.
In England some early progress has been made through the National Service Framework for Older People since 2001. Deaths from coronary heart disease and cancer declined between 1993 and 2003, and access to elective surgery increased between 2000 and 2003.
Some will argue, however, that ageism is so deeply embedded in our health service that policy initiatives will never represent more than a tinkering round the edges, says the author.
Don't be surprised if older people lose trust in their health service and lobby for protection through anti-discrimination legislation. The result would indeed be a patient led health service, he concludes
Government moves to curb number of ineffective treatments in the NHS
Health Minister Andy Burnham today announced that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will begin a significant new programme of work to help the NHS identify and stop ineffective interventions and make health services more equitable across the country.
Reducing ineffective practice will potentially allow the NHS to reinvest millions of pounds on drugs and approaches that do improve patient care.
Andy Burnham said "This is not about cutting services that benefit patients. New drugs and treatments are continually emerging and trusts have to make difficult decisions about how to invest funding. I believe this important new work will show how the NHS can free up millions of pounds from obsolete or ineffective treatments."
"NICE has an excellent track record in identifying and recommending the most effective new treatments for widespread use in the NHS. But we need to ensure that we balance this with better advice on unnecessary and ineffective interventions that can be stopped."
In his annual report earlier this year, Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson highlighted unnecessary tonsillectomies and hysterectomies as procedures being regularly performed at an annual cost of £21million to the NHS, despite other treatment options being available. He called for disinvestment from established interventions that are of no proven value.
Commenting on today's announcement Liam Donaldson said "As technology advances to expand the range of possible health interventions, it is important that effective therapies to address significant health problems are adopted and that ineffective treatments are abandoned.
"NICE's new work programme will support this vital process by providing an objective assessment of the evidence."
As well as developing a new stream of guidance on treatments, which may be inappropriate or unnecessary for patients, NICE's programme of work will include:
- actively promoting existing NICE recommendations, on topics such as home haemodialysis.
- specific advice for NHS commissioners Identifying and highlighting recommendations within existing guidance that reduce ineffective practice
Further information on this work, including details of the first topics that the programme will look at, are being published today by NICE.
Reducing ineffective practice will potentially allow the NHS to reinvest millions of pounds on drugs and approaches that do improve patient care.
Andy Burnham said "This is not about cutting services that benefit patients. New drugs and treatments are continually emerging and trusts have to make difficult decisions about how to invest funding. I believe this important new work will show how the NHS can free up millions of pounds from obsolete or ineffective treatments."
"NICE has an excellent track record in identifying and recommending the most effective new treatments for widespread use in the NHS. But we need to ensure that we balance this with better advice on unnecessary and ineffective interventions that can be stopped."
In his annual report earlier this year, Chief Medical Officer Liam Donaldson highlighted unnecessary tonsillectomies and hysterectomies as procedures being regularly performed at an annual cost of £21million to the NHS, despite other treatment options being available. He called for disinvestment from established interventions that are of no proven value.
Commenting on today's announcement Liam Donaldson said "As technology advances to expand the range of possible health interventions, it is important that effective therapies to address significant health problems are adopted and that ineffective treatments are abandoned.
"NICE's new work programme will support this vital process by providing an objective assessment of the evidence."
As well as developing a new stream of guidance on treatments, which may be inappropriate or unnecessary for patients, NICE's programme of work will include:
- actively promoting existing NICE recommendations, on topics such as home haemodialysis.
- specific advice for NHS commissioners Identifying and highlighting recommendations within existing guidance that reduce ineffective practice
Further information on this work, including details of the first topics that the programme will look at, are being published today by NICE.
BHF comments on Government's announcements on school food teaching
The BHF has welcomed news that pupils in England are being presented with healthier choices on the school dinner menu and in vending machines.
The Department for Education guidelines mean meals must include at least two portions of fruit and vegetables and deep-fried foods are restricted.
The government has earmarked an extra £240m to subsidise healthy ingredients until 2011 and school cooks will receive extra training.
From 2008, secondary school pupils will also be offered cookery lessons.
Ruairi O’Connor, Public Affairs Manager at the British Heart Foundation, said: "While today's proposals look fine in principle, ministers must make sure that children across the country, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, benefit equally.
"We’re passionate that all schools can offer cooking lessons, not just those with the best facilities.
"The BHF will also play its part through the second phase of its Food4Thought campaign, which launches on 22 September.
"The initiative challenges children to think about what is in their food, educating and empowering them to make heart healthier choices."
The Department for Education guidelines mean meals must include at least two portions of fruit and vegetables and deep-fried foods are restricted.
The government has earmarked an extra £240m to subsidise healthy ingredients until 2011 and school cooks will receive extra training.
From 2008, secondary school pupils will also be offered cookery lessons.
Ruairi O’Connor, Public Affairs Manager at the British Heart Foundation, said: "While today's proposals look fine in principle, ministers must make sure that children across the country, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, benefit equally.
"We’re passionate that all schools can offer cooking lessons, not just those with the best facilities.
"The BHF will also play its part through the second phase of its Food4Thought campaign, which launches on 22 September.
"The initiative challenges children to think about what is in their food, educating and empowering them to make heart healthier choices."
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Migraine Awareness Week 2006
Migraine is a hidden condition; sufferers do not have a “badge” to make others aware of their condition such as a row of stitches or a plaster cast; they do not attract attention with dramatic or life threatening symptoms and tend to withdraw from society during an attack.
Although there are no obvious external signs of illness, a migraine attack can be extremely painful and debilitating. A broken bone can attract a good deal of sympathy but may not be painful as a single migraine attack.
Ann Turner, Director of the Migraine Action Association, MAA, comments: “Because of the nature of the symptoms it is very common for migraine sufferers to shut themselves away in a quiet, darkened room during an attack, so others seldom see how ill they are. Also, as sufferers are perfectly well between attacks it can be difficult for non-sufferers to understand or appreciate the impact the condition can have on quality of life."
Ann continues: “During Migraine Awareness Week, MAA aims to help more people to better understand the hidden suffering of migraine and its implications.”
Migraine affects more than six million people in the UK and is more prevalent than diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined. However, it remains misunderstood and widely regarded as “just a headache”.
Although there is no cure for migraine, it can be effectively managed. This campaign also aims to help sufferers to understand the triggers, symptoms and treatment options.
Migraine can consist of five phases: the prodome (warning phase), aura (neurological disturbances), headache, the postdrome and recovery, which together can last for 4-72 hours and may leave some sufferers feeling “washed out” for a couple of days after that.
Other Awareness Raising activities include:
Although there are no obvious external signs of illness, a migraine attack can be extremely painful and debilitating. A broken bone can attract a good deal of sympathy but may not be painful as a single migraine attack.
Ann Turner, Director of the Migraine Action Association, MAA, comments: “Because of the nature of the symptoms it is very common for migraine sufferers to shut themselves away in a quiet, darkened room during an attack, so others seldom see how ill they are. Also, as sufferers are perfectly well between attacks it can be difficult for non-sufferers to understand or appreciate the impact the condition can have on quality of life."
Ann continues: “During Migraine Awareness Week, MAA aims to help more people to better understand the hidden suffering of migraine and its implications.”
Migraine affects more than six million people in the UK and is more prevalent than diabetes, asthma and epilepsy combined. However, it remains misunderstood and widely regarded as “just a headache”.
Although there is no cure for migraine, it can be effectively managed. This campaign also aims to help sufferers to understand the triggers, symptoms and treatment options.
Migraine can consist of five phases: the prodome (warning phase), aura (neurological disturbances), headache, the postdrome and recovery, which together can last for 4-72 hours and may leave some sufferers feeling “washed out” for a couple of days after that.
Other Awareness Raising activities include:
- National Conference for anyone with an interest in migraine at the CBI
Conference Centre, New Oxford Street, London on Saturday 2nd September 2006.
- To launch this year’s Migraine Awareness Week, 1,000 balloons will be
released from Asda in Corby, Northants (close to the MAA office) on Sunday 3rd
September. Tickets are available for £1 each from the office or from our shop on
the website. The balloon travelling the furthest by 30th September will win a
£50 prize.
- Posters promoting the An Invisible Illness campaign will be on
display throughout the UK together with leaflets which provide more information
on understanding and managing migraine. Posters and leaflets are available from
MAA.
- To support the European “Migraine Day of Action” on 12th September
MAA will be hosting ten weblogs on their website. These blogs will report on the
progress of migraine sufferers who have decided to take “action” to improve
their migraine management, for example by taking a different medication, trying
a preventative therapy or a making a lifestyle change.
Saturday, September 02, 2006
UCLA/LSU study details nutritional value of salad
Go ahead and indulge at the salad bar. "Rabbit food" is nutritious for people, too.
A new UCLA/Louisiana State University study of dietary data on more than 17,500 men and women finds consumption of salad and raw vegetables correlates with higher concentrations of folic acid, vitamins C and E, lycopene and alpha and beta carotene in the bloodstream.
Published in the September edition of the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the study also suggests that each serving of salad consumed correlates with a 165 percent higher likelihood of meeting recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for vitamin C in women and 119 percent greater likelihood in men.
The study is the first to examine the relationship between normal salad consumption and nutrient levels in the bloodstream, and also the first to examine the dietary adequacy of salad consumption using the latest nutritional guidelines of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences.
The findings blunt concerns about the human body's ability to absorb nutrients from raw vegetables, as well as concern that the structure and characteristics of some plants undercut nutritional value.
"The consistently higher levels of certain nutrients in the bloodstream of salad-eaters suggest these important components of a healthy diet are being well-absorbed from salad," said Lenore Arab, visiting professor of epidemiology at the UCLA School of Public Health and co-author of the study with L. Joseph Su, assistant professor at the LSU School of Public Health.
"The findings endorse consumption of salad and raw vegetables as an effective strategy for increasing intake of important nutrients. Unfortunately, we also found daily salad consumption is not the norm in any group, and is even less prevalent among African Americans," Arab said.
"We have so many food choices in this county. Increasing vegetable consumption is a wise strategy for composing a nutrient rich diet," she added.
"In fact, our findings suggest that eating just one serving of salad or raw vegetables per day significantly boosts the likelihood of meeting the recommended daily intake of certain nutrients."
The study examined the relationship between reported salad consumption and blood serum nutrient levels, as well as dietary adequacy in pre- and post-menopausal women and men of comparable ages. The research team analyzed dietary data from 9,406 women and 8,282 men ages 18 to 45 and 55-plus contained in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III conducted in 1988-94.
Salad consumption was based on reported intake of salad, raw vegetables and salad dressing. Laboratory measurements determined levels of nutrients in blood serum. Associations between salad consumption and serum nutrient levels were determined using statistical regression models. Measurements were adjusted to account for age, exercise, anti-cholesterol medication, smoking and other variables.
A new UCLA/Louisiana State University study of dietary data on more than 17,500 men and women finds consumption of salad and raw vegetables correlates with higher concentrations of folic acid, vitamins C and E, lycopene and alpha and beta carotene in the bloodstream.
Published in the September edition of the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Dietetic Association, the study also suggests that each serving of salad consumed correlates with a 165 percent higher likelihood of meeting recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for vitamin C in women and 119 percent greater likelihood in men.
The study is the first to examine the relationship between normal salad consumption and nutrient levels in the bloodstream, and also the first to examine the dietary adequacy of salad consumption using the latest nutritional guidelines of the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences.
The findings blunt concerns about the human body's ability to absorb nutrients from raw vegetables, as well as concern that the structure and characteristics of some plants undercut nutritional value.
"The consistently higher levels of certain nutrients in the bloodstream of salad-eaters suggest these important components of a healthy diet are being well-absorbed from salad," said Lenore Arab, visiting professor of epidemiology at the UCLA School of Public Health and co-author of the study with L. Joseph Su, assistant professor at the LSU School of Public Health.
"The findings endorse consumption of salad and raw vegetables as an effective strategy for increasing intake of important nutrients. Unfortunately, we also found daily salad consumption is not the norm in any group, and is even less prevalent among African Americans," Arab said.
"We have so many food choices in this county. Increasing vegetable consumption is a wise strategy for composing a nutrient rich diet," she added.
"In fact, our findings suggest that eating just one serving of salad or raw vegetables per day significantly boosts the likelihood of meeting the recommended daily intake of certain nutrients."
The study examined the relationship between reported salad consumption and blood serum nutrient levels, as well as dietary adequacy in pre- and post-menopausal women and men of comparable ages. The research team analyzed dietary data from 9,406 women and 8,282 men ages 18 to 45 and 55-plus contained in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III conducted in 1988-94.
Salad consumption was based on reported intake of salad, raw vegetables and salad dressing. Laboratory measurements determined levels of nutrients in blood serum. Associations between salad consumption and serum nutrient levels were determined using statistical regression models. Measurements were adjusted to account for age, exercise, anti-cholesterol medication, smoking and other variables.
Drug Use, Smoking, Drinking among Young People, England 2005
Key facts
The 2005 survey showed that 22 per cent of 11-15 year-olds had drunk alcohol in the last week, 11 per cent had taken drugs in the last month and 9 per cent were regular smokers (smoke at least one cigarette a week). The 2005 results were broadly similar to those in recent years.
Ninety per cent of 15-year-olds have tried smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs and 55 per cent of 15-year-olds reported doing one of them recently (smoked or drunk alcohol in the last week or taken drugs in the last month).
Drug use
In 2005, 11 per cent of pupils aged 11 to 15 had taken drugs in the last month, a similar proportion to 2004 (10 per cent) and 2003 (12 per cent).
Nineteen per cent of pupils had taken drugs in the last year, a slight increase from 2004 (18 per cent) and similar to 2003 (21 per cent).
As in previous years of the survey, pupils were more likely to take cannabis than any other drug. Twelve per cent of pupils aged 11-15 had taken cannabis in the last year, similar to 11 per cent in 2004 and a decrease from 13 per cent in 2003.
Seven per cent of pupils reported taking volatile substances in the last year, an increase from 6 per cent in 2004 but less than in 2003 (8 per cent).
Four per cent of pupils had taken Class A drugs in the last year. This figure has not changed since 2001.
Thirty-nine per cent of pupils had ever been offered drugs, an increase from 36 per cent in 2004.
Pupils were more likely to report a good experience than a bad experience the first time they took drugs (46 per cent and 14 per cent respectively).
Smoking
The prevalence of regular smoking (at least one cigarette a week) in 2005 was 9 per cent, this has remained stable, at between 9 per cent and 10 per cent, since 1999.
Girls were more likely to be regular smokers than boys (10 per cent of girls, compared to 7 per cent of boys).
Drinking
The proportion of pupils who drank alcohol in the last week was 22 per cent in 2005, a similar proportion to 2004. This proportion has varied between 20 per cent and 27 per cent since 1988.
The proportion of pupils who had never had a drink was the highest ever measured by this survey at 42 per cent.
The average consumption among pupils aged 11 to 15 who drank alcohol in the last 7 days increased from 5.3 units in 1990 to 10.4 units in 2000, and has fluctuated around this level since then. In 2005, the average weekly consumption was 10.5 units.
The 2005 survey showed that 22 per cent of 11-15 year-olds had drunk alcohol in the last week, 11 per cent had taken drugs in the last month and 9 per cent were regular smokers (smoke at least one cigarette a week). The 2005 results were broadly similar to those in recent years.
Ninety per cent of 15-year-olds have tried smoking, drinking alcohol or taking drugs and 55 per cent of 15-year-olds reported doing one of them recently (smoked or drunk alcohol in the last week or taken drugs in the last month).
Drug use
In 2005, 11 per cent of pupils aged 11 to 15 had taken drugs in the last month, a similar proportion to 2004 (10 per cent) and 2003 (12 per cent).
Nineteen per cent of pupils had taken drugs in the last year, a slight increase from 2004 (18 per cent) and similar to 2003 (21 per cent).
As in previous years of the survey, pupils were more likely to take cannabis than any other drug. Twelve per cent of pupils aged 11-15 had taken cannabis in the last year, similar to 11 per cent in 2004 and a decrease from 13 per cent in 2003.
Seven per cent of pupils reported taking volatile substances in the last year, an increase from 6 per cent in 2004 but less than in 2003 (8 per cent).
Four per cent of pupils had taken Class A drugs in the last year. This figure has not changed since 2001.
Thirty-nine per cent of pupils had ever been offered drugs, an increase from 36 per cent in 2004.
Pupils were more likely to report a good experience than a bad experience the first time they took drugs (46 per cent and 14 per cent respectively).
Smoking
The prevalence of regular smoking (at least one cigarette a week) in 2005 was 9 per cent, this has remained stable, at between 9 per cent and 10 per cent, since 1999.
Girls were more likely to be regular smokers than boys (10 per cent of girls, compared to 7 per cent of boys).
Drinking
The proportion of pupils who drank alcohol in the last week was 22 per cent in 2005, a similar proportion to 2004. This proportion has varied between 20 per cent and 27 per cent since 1988.
The proportion of pupils who had never had a drink was the highest ever measured by this survey at 42 per cent.
The average consumption among pupils aged 11 to 15 who drank alcohol in the last 7 days increased from 5.3 units in 1990 to 10.4 units in 2000, and has fluctuated around this level since then. In 2005, the average weekly consumption was 10.5 units.
This annual publication presents figures from a survey of over 9,000
secondary school children aged 11-15 in England in the autumn term of 2005. The
survey monitors prevalence of drug use, smoking and drinking and also
investigates factors related to these behaviours. The National Centre for Social
Research (NatCen) and the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)
carried out the survey on behalf of The Information Centre for health and social
care and the Home Office.
This is the most recent survey in a series that began in 1982.
Each survey since 1998 has included a core section of questions on
smoking, drinking and drug use and, since 2000, the remainder of the
questionnaire has focused in alternate years on smoking and drinking or on drug
use. The emphasis of the 2005 survey is on drug taking.
Diabetes drugs to treat angina
New research reveals diabetes drugs could be used to treat many more sufferers of angina.
New research led by Glasgow University Professor, Naveed Sattar, shows that drugs normally used to treat patients with diabetes could help those suffering from angina.
Angina is commonly caused by narrowing of the blood vessels, however, there are sufferers of angina whose blood vessels ‘appear' healthy. These patients are known as having ‘syndrome X' and it is thought that their angina may be caused by the same condition that causes diabetes - ‘insulin resistance'. Since diabetes drugs, such as metfomin target the ‘insulin resistance' the British Heart Foundation (BHF) funded research shows that they could also treat the angina of ‘syndrome X' sufferers.
Professor Sattar said: “… While more tests are required before the therapy is offered more widely, initial tests show that we appear to have identified a new way to treat angina in many individuals.
“Other evidence also suggests that treating ‘insulin resistance' can reduce the future risk of heart attack so there could be dual benefits of using diabetes drugs in treating angina. This dual benefit would be a significant advantage over other current treatments and, as a result, warrants further larger trials.”
Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director of the BHF said: "We have no good explanation for why patients with Syndrome X get angina, but it is relatively common and extremely difficult to treat.
"This encouraging study offers some promise that such patients may benefit from metformin, which is a well established and cheap treatment for diabetes. The BHF will continue to fund work in this area to help crack a problem that has caused much frustration to cardiologists and distress to their patients."
New research led by Glasgow University Professor, Naveed Sattar, shows that drugs normally used to treat patients with diabetes could help those suffering from angina.
Angina is commonly caused by narrowing of the blood vessels, however, there are sufferers of angina whose blood vessels ‘appear' healthy. These patients are known as having ‘syndrome X' and it is thought that their angina may be caused by the same condition that causes diabetes - ‘insulin resistance'. Since diabetes drugs, such as metfomin target the ‘insulin resistance' the British Heart Foundation (BHF) funded research shows that they could also treat the angina of ‘syndrome X' sufferers.
Professor Sattar said: “… While more tests are required before the therapy is offered more widely, initial tests show that we appear to have identified a new way to treat angina in many individuals.
“Other evidence also suggests that treating ‘insulin resistance' can reduce the future risk of heart attack so there could be dual benefits of using diabetes drugs in treating angina. This dual benefit would be a significant advantage over other current treatments and, as a result, warrants further larger trials.”
Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director of the BHF said: "We have no good explanation for why patients with Syndrome X get angina, but it is relatively common and extremely difficult to treat.
"This encouraging study offers some promise that such patients may benefit from metformin, which is a well established and cheap treatment for diabetes. The BHF will continue to fund work in this area to help crack a problem that has caused much frustration to cardiologists and distress to their patients."
Heart disease adds up to 40 years to your artery age
People suffering from the advanced stages of heart disease have arteries that are biologically up to 40 years older than their real age, research funded by the British Heart Foundation has found.
The more advanced the disease, the older the artery cells are.
“In early stages of heart disease, the arteries are between 5-15 years older than the person's real age,” says Professor Martin Bennett, BHF Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences, whose research group at the University of Cambridge led the research.
He added,“If you have mild heart disease and can limit your risk factors by stopping smoking, controlling hypertension and diabetes, and taking statins to lower cholesterol, you will slow this ageing process.
"If you do nothing, the cells can reach extreme old age very prematurely – and once it does that, the process cannot be reversed.”
The study, published in the journal Circulation Research, was a result of collaboration between Professor Bennett's team and surgeons and pathologists from Papworth Hospital. It is the first in-depth study to use human tissue from heart bypass and transplant patients to map artery cell ageing.
The researchers studied the smooth muscle cells of diseased blood vessels, and identified accelerated telomere damage, which is a biological marker of ageing in the DNA of the cells.
Cells in the body can only divide a limited number of times. In patients with heart disease, their artery cells divide 7-13 times more often than normal and the cells run out of divisions, resulting in premature ageing of the arteries.
Older artery cells cannot repair properly, so do not function as well as younger ones. This makes them less capable of preventing fatty deposits called atherosclerotic plaques from forming, which can narrow the arteries and cause heart attacks.
“This is the first study that has mapped the extent of ageing in the artery. It's like an archaeological dig. If you take a cross section of the artery, the further you dig down the more aged the cells are,” says Professor Bennett.
Researchers believe that the major risk factors that cause heart disease – high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise and poor diet – are responsible for the chemical damage that causes the premature ageing. “All these factors work through a final common pathway to prematurely age cells in the vessel wall,” says Professor Bennett.
Similar cell ageing may take place in the bloodstream. If so, it may be possible in future to use this to identify patients at high risk of heart disease.
Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director of the BHF says: “ One of the defining features of ageing tissues is an inability to repair themselves efficiently: the older the tissue, the less able it is to deal with physical or biochemical injury.
“This research suggests that if blood vessel cells could be prevented from ageing so quickly, then potentially heart attacks could be prevented. This opens up a new avenue of research aimed at preventing heart attacks.”
The more advanced the disease, the older the artery cells are.
“In early stages of heart disease, the arteries are between 5-15 years older than the person's real age,” says Professor Martin Bennett, BHF Professor of Cardiovascular Sciences, whose research group at the University of Cambridge led the research.
He added,“If you have mild heart disease and can limit your risk factors by stopping smoking, controlling hypertension and diabetes, and taking statins to lower cholesterol, you will slow this ageing process.
"If you do nothing, the cells can reach extreme old age very prematurely – and once it does that, the process cannot be reversed.”
The study, published in the journal Circulation Research, was a result of collaboration between Professor Bennett's team and surgeons and pathologists from Papworth Hospital. It is the first in-depth study to use human tissue from heart bypass and transplant patients to map artery cell ageing.
The researchers studied the smooth muscle cells of diseased blood vessels, and identified accelerated telomere damage, which is a biological marker of ageing in the DNA of the cells.
Cells in the body can only divide a limited number of times. In patients with heart disease, their artery cells divide 7-13 times more often than normal and the cells run out of divisions, resulting in premature ageing of the arteries.
Older artery cells cannot repair properly, so do not function as well as younger ones. This makes them less capable of preventing fatty deposits called atherosclerotic plaques from forming, which can narrow the arteries and cause heart attacks.
“This is the first study that has mapped the extent of ageing in the artery. It's like an archaeological dig. If you take a cross section of the artery, the further you dig down the more aged the cells are,” says Professor Bennett.
Researchers believe that the major risk factors that cause heart disease – high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, lack of exercise and poor diet – are responsible for the chemical damage that causes the premature ageing. “All these factors work through a final common pathway to prematurely age cells in the vessel wall,” says Professor Bennett.
Similar cell ageing may take place in the bloodstream. If so, it may be possible in future to use this to identify patients at high risk of heart disease.
Professor Peter Weissberg, medical director of the BHF says: “ One of the defining features of ageing tissues is an inability to repair themselves efficiently: the older the tissue, the less able it is to deal with physical or biochemical injury.
“This research suggests that if blood vessel cells could be prevented from ageing so quickly, then potentially heart attacks could be prevented. This opens up a new avenue of research aimed at preventing heart attacks.”
Men to top the Obesity stakes by 2010
Nearly a third of men will be obese by 2010, along with more than 12 million adults overall and one million children, if we don't start to make changes as a nation to our lifestyles - figures published by the Department of Health showed today.
The grim picture was reached following a report commissioned to predict the levels of obesity in England should current trends continue and no interventions take place.
Other findings showed that:
- Girls will overtake boys in the obesity stakes, with nearly 1 in 5 girls aged 2-10 expected to be obese in 2010;
- Statistics for 2003 showed that more boys in middle-class (non-manual) households were more obese compared to manual;
- Nearly a third of men will be obese by 2010, with figures increasing from 4.3m in 2003 to 6.7m in 2010;
- In households with two obese parents, 1 child in 4 is obese, compared to 1 child in 8 in households where one parents is obese and 1 in 20 where no parents are obese.
This is the most accurate estimate so far, of what we could all be facing in this country unless people take more responsibility for their own health and more importantly, their children's.
Commenting on the 'Forecasting Obesity to 2010' report, Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt said:
"In the old days, the big health challenges were infectious diseases like Typhoid and TB, but these days, our health depends much more on what we do for ourselves than on what the NHS does for us. That's why each of us needs to think about how we can lead healthier lives. It might be as simple as cutting down on the number of take-aways we eat, saying no to that extra pint of beer, getting off the bus one stop earlier or walking our children to school - all small changes that can make big differences. And that's why we need to take action now. We've already stepped in to try and slow this worrying trend, but there's only so much the Government can do. People need to want to change their lifestyles and take responsibility for their health - before they face problems in later life such as coronary heart disease, type two diabetes or cancer.
"Government and the NHS will support people in leading healthier lives but ultimately, it is each individual's choice that counts. Obesity, in particular amongst children, has become an increasingly worrying problem across the developing world - a fact reflected in the recent World Health Organisation report that showed, for the first time ever, there are now more obese than malnourished people. The Choosing Health White Paper was a major step forward in helping to improve people's health after consultations told us that people wanted support to change their lifestyles. And 'Small Change Big Difference' launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year offered practical solutions to help people make changes to their lifestyles in the hope of healthier futures.
The Secretary of State for Health added:
"With children heading back to school in September - these statistics should give parents food for thought on how to make their kids' lifestyles healthier. It's about thinking of what's in their packed lunches, educating them to choose the healthy option on their school dinner menu and encouraging them to play outside instead of on their computers.
"We are intervening and helping to make a difference, but we want today's figures to act as a stark reminder of the problem we and our children will face if we don't act now and start making healthier lifestyle choices. "
The grim picture was reached following a report commissioned to predict the levels of obesity in England should current trends continue and no interventions take place.
Other findings showed that:
- Girls will overtake boys in the obesity stakes, with nearly 1 in 5 girls aged 2-10 expected to be obese in 2010;
- Statistics for 2003 showed that more boys in middle-class (non-manual) households were more obese compared to manual;
- Nearly a third of men will be obese by 2010, with figures increasing from 4.3m in 2003 to 6.7m in 2010;
- In households with two obese parents, 1 child in 4 is obese, compared to 1 child in 8 in households where one parents is obese and 1 in 20 where no parents are obese.
This is the most accurate estimate so far, of what we could all be facing in this country unless people take more responsibility for their own health and more importantly, their children's.
Commenting on the 'Forecasting Obesity to 2010' report, Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt said:
"In the old days, the big health challenges were infectious diseases like Typhoid and TB, but these days, our health depends much more on what we do for ourselves than on what the NHS does for us. That's why each of us needs to think about how we can lead healthier lives. It might be as simple as cutting down on the number of take-aways we eat, saying no to that extra pint of beer, getting off the bus one stop earlier or walking our children to school - all small changes that can make big differences. And that's why we need to take action now. We've already stepped in to try and slow this worrying trend, but there's only so much the Government can do. People need to want to change their lifestyles and take responsibility for their health - before they face problems in later life such as coronary heart disease, type two diabetes or cancer.
"Government and the NHS will support people in leading healthier lives but ultimately, it is each individual's choice that counts. Obesity, in particular amongst children, has become an increasingly worrying problem across the developing world - a fact reflected in the recent World Health Organisation report that showed, for the first time ever, there are now more obese than malnourished people. The Choosing Health White Paper was a major step forward in helping to improve people's health after consultations told us that people wanted support to change their lifestyles. And 'Small Change Big Difference' launched by the Prime Minister earlier this year offered practical solutions to help people make changes to their lifestyles in the hope of healthier futures.
The Secretary of State for Health added:
"With children heading back to school in September - these statistics should give parents food for thought on how to make their kids' lifestyles healthier. It's about thinking of what's in their packed lunches, educating them to choose the healthy option on their school dinner menu and encouraging them to play outside instead of on their computers.
"We are intervening and helping to make a difference, but we want today's figures to act as a stark reminder of the problem we and our children will face if we don't act now and start making healthier lifestyle choices. "
BHF comments on new DOH obesity figures
According to a new report by the Department of Health (DOH), we could see more than 12 million adults and one million children obese by 2010 if no action is taken.Maura Gillespie, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the British Heart Foundation, said,
“These figures are of no surprise to us – we are rapidly becoming a nation bursting at the seams.
"We are all going to have to work together to curb these figures and the risk to our nation's health.
"The Government is rightly touting the Small Change Big Difference agenda as part of the solution - inspiring people to make individual changes which together could make a big difference to the obesity crisis.
“But the Government must deliver the big changes that we need for real difference to be achieved.
"We are demanding the Government place restrictions on advertising junk food to children before the 9pm watershed - a policy that can only have a positive impact on young people's attitudes to foods high in fat, sugar and salt”.
“These figures are of no surprise to us – we are rapidly becoming a nation bursting at the seams.
"We are all going to have to work together to curb these figures and the risk to our nation's health.
"The Government is rightly touting the Small Change Big Difference agenda as part of the solution - inspiring people to make individual changes which together could make a big difference to the obesity crisis.
“But the Government must deliver the big changes that we need for real difference to be achieved.
"We are demanding the Government place restrictions on advertising junk food to children before the 9pm watershed - a policy that can only have a positive impact on young people's attitudes to foods high in fat, sugar and salt”.
More than half of breast cancer patients may skip medication
More than fifty per cent of women taking medication for breast cancer have either forgotten to take their drugs or have chosen not to do so at some point during their treatment, new research suggests.
The study – published in next month’s European Journal of Cancer* - found that while most women who skipped their medication forgot to take it, around one in six of the women made a deliberate decision not to take their treatment. Reasons for not taking medication include finding tablets hard to swallow, difficulty in coping with side-effects such as hot flushes or finding medication a constant reminder of their illness.
The Cancer Research UK team concluded that clear communication about the advantages and disadvantages of treatments may help patients overcome these obstacles. The researchers are uncertain how serious not taking a full course of medication could be in terms of the cancer returning.
Treatment for breast cancer usually involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, often followed by a daily hormone tablet or monthly injection for up to five years. Researchers wanted to know how well women adhered to their follow up treatment.
One to one interviews were held with 131 women who were at least two years past their initial breast cancer diagnosis and currently receiving medication. Researchers asked each woman “how often do you forget to take your tablets?” and then “how often do you choose not to take your medication?” For both questions the women were given the same responses to choose from - never, occasionally, sometimes, quite often or very often.
Seventy-two women said there were times when they didn’t take their medication. Of these women, 12 said there were times when they intentionally did not take the tablet. The majority of all the women not taking their medication - 60 or around 83 per cent - said it was because they forgot.
Lead author Louise Atkins, based at Cancer Research UK’s Psychosocial Oncology Group at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School University of Sussex, said: “These results confirm that some women choose not to take their breast cancer medication. The findings are concerning because not taking a full course of medication could impact on how effective a treatment will be. Reasons for not taking medication include difficulty swallowing tablets and the side effects of medication. If we can understand more about the reasons why some women don’t take their medication then we’ll be in a better position to help women overcome these difficulties.”
Professor John Toy, medical director at Cancer Research UK, said: “It is vital that women with breast cancer do not deny themselves the chance of the maximum possible benefit from their medication. It is important that women are as well informed as possible about both the benefits and side effects of their medication and so know what to expect. Clear communication can help to ensure that doctors are better informed about how women are dealing with their treatment so as to help reduce any negative impact that treatments might have.”
The study – published in next month’s European Journal of Cancer* - found that while most women who skipped their medication forgot to take it, around one in six of the women made a deliberate decision not to take their treatment. Reasons for not taking medication include finding tablets hard to swallow, difficulty in coping with side-effects such as hot flushes or finding medication a constant reminder of their illness.
The Cancer Research UK team concluded that clear communication about the advantages and disadvantages of treatments may help patients overcome these obstacles. The researchers are uncertain how serious not taking a full course of medication could be in terms of the cancer returning.
Treatment for breast cancer usually involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, often followed by a daily hormone tablet or monthly injection for up to five years. Researchers wanted to know how well women adhered to their follow up treatment.
One to one interviews were held with 131 women who were at least two years past their initial breast cancer diagnosis and currently receiving medication. Researchers asked each woman “how often do you forget to take your tablets?” and then “how often do you choose not to take your medication?” For both questions the women were given the same responses to choose from - never, occasionally, sometimes, quite often or very often.
Seventy-two women said there were times when they didn’t take their medication. Of these women, 12 said there were times when they intentionally did not take the tablet. The majority of all the women not taking their medication - 60 or around 83 per cent - said it was because they forgot.
Lead author Louise Atkins, based at Cancer Research UK’s Psychosocial Oncology Group at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School University of Sussex, said: “These results confirm that some women choose not to take their breast cancer medication. The findings are concerning because not taking a full course of medication could impact on how effective a treatment will be. Reasons for not taking medication include difficulty swallowing tablets and the side effects of medication. If we can understand more about the reasons why some women don’t take their medication then we’ll be in a better position to help women overcome these difficulties.”
Professor John Toy, medical director at Cancer Research UK, said: “It is vital that women with breast cancer do not deny themselves the chance of the maximum possible benefit from their medication. It is important that women are as well informed as possible about both the benefits and side effects of their medication and so know what to expect. Clear communication can help to ensure that doctors are better informed about how women are dealing with their treatment so as to help reduce any negative impact that treatments might have.”
Go-ahead for billion pound-plus wave of new NHS Hospitals
- Hundreds of single rooms set to replace Victorian wards -
- Biggest hospital building programme in the NHS' history will pass the £10 billion mark -
Health Minister Andy Burnham today gave the go-ahead for six new NHS hospital private finance initiative (PFI) developments worth close to £1.5 billion. The new facilities, which include hundreds of single rooms, will offer more private and personal care to patients living in areas up and down the country, from Salford to South Devon.
Up to half of the beds at the new hospitals will be in single rooms, in a shift away from large, public wards to more private and personal accommodation.
Leicester's scheme will involve an investment of £711 million in a mixture of new and refurbished buildings across the three hospital sites. A brand new women's hospital will be built at Glenfield and a stand alone children's hospital will be created at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. The General will become a dedicated planned care and rehabilitation hospital to support the other two emergency sites. Additionally the scheme will include a Multi Professional Education (MPET) and Training Centre and a Clinical Research Centre.
South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust will provide separate nursing bays for men and women in a £163 million redevelopment of Torbay Hospital. Tameside and Glossop Acute Hospitals NHS Trust will also replace two Nightingale surgical wards under a £68 million scheme.
The first new hospital buildings are expected to open from 2010.
Andy Burnham said:
"We are delighted to be able to give the go-ahead for these new hospitals. This is great news for the hundreds of thousands of patients who will benefit from the modern, bright new buildings. The new facilities will not only be the best in terms of design and quality, but they will be affordable well into the future.
"Each scheme has been rigorously checked to make sure that it offers value for money and delivers services that are needed by local patients. The agreed re-developments will deliver those services local patients need for £400 million less than the trusts' original proposals.
"These developments are just part of our commitment to the biggest hospital building programme in the history of the NHS. New facilities like these are replacing inadequate and outdated hospitals across the country."
The new hospital buildings receiving the go-ahead are:
- University Hospital North Staffordshire NHS Trust - £272 million scheme to build a new community hospital and cancer centre
- Tameside and Glossop Acute Services NHS Trust - £68 million investment in three day-case operating theatres, new surgical wards and a 30 place day hospital for elderly mental health patients
- Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust - £112 million new hospital with more single rooms, an enhanced A&E and three new operating theatres
- Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust - £140 million for the complete re-development of the Manor Hospital site
- South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust - £163 million re-development of Torbay Hospital with diagnostic centre offering MRI scans, more single rooms and day-case operating theatres
- University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust - £711 million for new and refurbished buildings including a brand new women's hospital and a stand alone children's hospital to be created at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The go-ahead for the six new hospitals follows a Department of Health review to check that all the schemes were locally affordable.
The multi-million pound developments will bring the combined investment in new hospitals to more than £10 billion since 1997 once the six schemes reach financial close. A total of 76 schemes (58 PFI and 18 public capital) are already built and open, with another 30 under construction.
The six new hospital schemes are just the latest in a wave of new NHS facilities to take key steps towards opening. The £1 billion Barts and the Royal London private finance initiative (PFI) scheme - the biggest ever - was approved in March, and in June the department gave approval for University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation NHS Trust and St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust to proceed with their PFI schemes.
In July, the department announced a £750 million investment in a new generation of community hospitals offering patients more blood tests, x-rays and minor operations outside of large hospitals.
- Biggest hospital building programme in the NHS' history will pass the £10 billion mark -
Health Minister Andy Burnham today gave the go-ahead for six new NHS hospital private finance initiative (PFI) developments worth close to £1.5 billion. The new facilities, which include hundreds of single rooms, will offer more private and personal care to patients living in areas up and down the country, from Salford to South Devon.
Up to half of the beds at the new hospitals will be in single rooms, in a shift away from large, public wards to more private and personal accommodation.
Leicester's scheme will involve an investment of £711 million in a mixture of new and refurbished buildings across the three hospital sites. A brand new women's hospital will be built at Glenfield and a stand alone children's hospital will be created at the Leicester Royal Infirmary. The General will become a dedicated planned care and rehabilitation hospital to support the other two emergency sites. Additionally the scheme will include a Multi Professional Education (MPET) and Training Centre and a Clinical Research Centre.
South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust will provide separate nursing bays for men and women in a £163 million redevelopment of Torbay Hospital. Tameside and Glossop Acute Hospitals NHS Trust will also replace two Nightingale surgical wards under a £68 million scheme.
The first new hospital buildings are expected to open from 2010.
Andy Burnham said:
"We are delighted to be able to give the go-ahead for these new hospitals. This is great news for the hundreds of thousands of patients who will benefit from the modern, bright new buildings. The new facilities will not only be the best in terms of design and quality, but they will be affordable well into the future.
"Each scheme has been rigorously checked to make sure that it offers value for money and delivers services that are needed by local patients. The agreed re-developments will deliver those services local patients need for £400 million less than the trusts' original proposals.
"These developments are just part of our commitment to the biggest hospital building programme in the history of the NHS. New facilities like these are replacing inadequate and outdated hospitals across the country."
The new hospital buildings receiving the go-ahead are:
- University Hospital North Staffordshire NHS Trust - £272 million scheme to build a new community hospital and cancer centre
- Tameside and Glossop Acute Services NHS Trust - £68 million investment in three day-case operating theatres, new surgical wards and a 30 place day hospital for elderly mental health patients
- Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust - £112 million new hospital with more single rooms, an enhanced A&E and three new operating theatres
- Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust - £140 million for the complete re-development of the Manor Hospital site
- South Devon Healthcare NHS Trust - £163 million re-development of Torbay Hospital with diagnostic centre offering MRI scans, more single rooms and day-case operating theatres
- University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust - £711 million for new and refurbished buildings including a brand new women's hospital and a stand alone children's hospital to be created at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
The go-ahead for the six new hospitals follows a Department of Health review to check that all the schemes were locally affordable.
The multi-million pound developments will bring the combined investment in new hospitals to more than £10 billion since 1997 once the six schemes reach financial close. A total of 76 schemes (58 PFI and 18 public capital) are already built and open, with another 30 under construction.
The six new hospital schemes are just the latest in a wave of new NHS facilities to take key steps towards opening. The £1 billion Barts and the Royal London private finance initiative (PFI) scheme - the biggest ever - was approved in March, and in June the department gave approval for University Hospitals Birmingham Foundation NHS Trust and St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust to proceed with their PFI schemes.
In July, the department announced a £750 million investment in a new generation of community hospitals offering patients more blood tests, x-rays and minor operations outside of large hospitals.
Healthy body, healthier mind
New guidance to improve physical health of mental health patients
A new government drive was launched today to improve the physical fitness of people with mental illness.
At the moment, people with severe mental illness have much worse levels of physical health and are more likely to develop diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Guidance has been published today to help local commissioners design services that improve the physical wellbeing of mental health patients. £7 million has also been made available for the 88 spearhead PCTs to employ 'well-being nurses'. These nurses will work in partnership with GPs, health trainers and mental health staff to deliver health checks and blood tests, provide advice on diet and exercise, as well as on-going support and help to access services.
This funding builds on work that has been piloted in eight PCTs since 2004 (funded by Lilly) to deliver new models of healthcare for people with mental health problems. The pilot projects have shown that by providing appropriate support it is possible to help people with mental health problems to live healthier lives and spot the early signs of diseases such as diabetes.
Publishing the guidance, Health Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"Your mental and physical health are both equally important; the state of one affects the other. We know that that people with severe mental health problems are more likely to die prematurely because of poor physical health, and we also know that physical activity and a balanced diet can help to maintain and protect people's mental well-being.
"This means making patients more aware of the healthy choices they can make and providing them with the support they need to improve their health.
"The guidance we are publishing today will help more areas design services that improve the physical wellbeing of mental health patients."
A new government drive was launched today to improve the physical fitness of people with mental illness.
At the moment, people with severe mental illness have much worse levels of physical health and are more likely to develop diseases such as coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Guidance has been published today to help local commissioners design services that improve the physical wellbeing of mental health patients. £7 million has also been made available for the 88 spearhead PCTs to employ 'well-being nurses'. These nurses will work in partnership with GPs, health trainers and mental health staff to deliver health checks and blood tests, provide advice on diet and exercise, as well as on-going support and help to access services.
This funding builds on work that has been piloted in eight PCTs since 2004 (funded by Lilly) to deliver new models of healthcare for people with mental health problems. The pilot projects have shown that by providing appropriate support it is possible to help people with mental health problems to live healthier lives and spot the early signs of diseases such as diabetes.
Publishing the guidance, Health Minister Rosie Winterton said:
"Your mental and physical health are both equally important; the state of one affects the other. We know that that people with severe mental health problems are more likely to die prematurely because of poor physical health, and we also know that physical activity and a balanced diet can help to maintain and protect people's mental well-being.
"This means making patients more aware of the healthy choices they can make and providing them with the support they need to improve their health.
"The guidance we are publishing today will help more areas design services that improve the physical wellbeing of mental health patients."
Vanity beats cancer as motivation for weight loss
People rate looking good over reducing the risk of cancer as a reason to maintain a healthy body weight - according to a new survey by Cancer Research UK.
The findings show widespread lack of knowledge about the link between obesity and cancer risk. Forty per cent of people think looking good is an advantage of maintaining a healthy body weight, compared with 32 per cent for lowering the risk of cancer. Twice as many people - 67 per cent - picked reducing the risk of heart disease.
Being obese or overweight is one of the most significant preventable causes of cancer in non-smokers. Obesity increases the risk of bowel, stomach, oesophageal and kidney cancers, as well as cancer of the womb and breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Yet rates of obesity are increasing throughout the UK.
Cancer Research UK and Weight Concern have joined forces to develop a weight management programme called Ten Top Tips. These tips have been designed to fit into daily life and are based on the best scientific evidence. The programme involves adopting ten simple steps and using a weekly checklist over eight weeks to monitor progress and reinforce the new habits into a lifetime of healthy behaviour.
Cancer Research UK interviewed over 4000 people from around the UK to identify the factors that motivate people to maintain a healthy body weight.
The respondents were offered a range of reasons to choose from, including ‘to make me feel healthier’, ‘to lower my risk of heart disease’, ‘to lower my risk of cancer’, ‘to feel better about myself’, ‘to be more active’, and ‘to reduce my risk of diabetes’, as well as ‘to look good’.
Reducing the risk of cancer was selected less frequently than many of the other responses as a benefit of maintaining a healthy body weight, although it did score slightly higher than ‘to fit into nicer clothes’.
Those aged between 25 and 34 proved the most image-conscious with nearly half - 48 per cent - saying that looking good was a reason for a healthy weight and only 34 per cent picking cancer risk as a motivating factor. Looking good and cancer risk were equal reasons for those over 65 with 25 per cent listing both.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “This research provides a real insight into the priorities many of us have when it comes to looking after our bodies and the low awareness of the link between obesity and cancer. We know for those who don’t smoke, maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important things we can do to reduce our risk of cancer.
“The Ten Top Tips offer clear information and practical advice, helping people form lifelong habits to maintain a healthy body weight.”
Professor Jane Wardle, director of Cancer Research UK’s health behaviour unit, said: “At the height of summer many of us are worried about looking good and it is not surprising these results show that so many of us are motivated by our body image when it comes to our weight. What is alarming is that so many people are unaware that reducing cancer risk is a benefit of maintaining a healthy body weight.
“We need to continue raising awareness of the dangers of obesity, and offer information to help people lose those extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Visiting Reduce the Risk. and following the Ten Top Tips is the first step towards a healthier body. ”
The findings show widespread lack of knowledge about the link between obesity and cancer risk. Forty per cent of people think looking good is an advantage of maintaining a healthy body weight, compared with 32 per cent for lowering the risk of cancer. Twice as many people - 67 per cent - picked reducing the risk of heart disease.
Being obese or overweight is one of the most significant preventable causes of cancer in non-smokers. Obesity increases the risk of bowel, stomach, oesophageal and kidney cancers, as well as cancer of the womb and breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Yet rates of obesity are increasing throughout the UK.
Cancer Research UK and Weight Concern have joined forces to develop a weight management programme called Ten Top Tips. These tips have been designed to fit into daily life and are based on the best scientific evidence. The programme involves adopting ten simple steps and using a weekly checklist over eight weeks to monitor progress and reinforce the new habits into a lifetime of healthy behaviour.
Cancer Research UK interviewed over 4000 people from around the UK to identify the factors that motivate people to maintain a healthy body weight.
The respondents were offered a range of reasons to choose from, including ‘to make me feel healthier’, ‘to lower my risk of heart disease’, ‘to lower my risk of cancer’, ‘to feel better about myself’, ‘to be more active’, and ‘to reduce my risk of diabetes’, as well as ‘to look good’.
Reducing the risk of cancer was selected less frequently than many of the other responses as a benefit of maintaining a healthy body weight, although it did score slightly higher than ‘to fit into nicer clothes’.
Those aged between 25 and 34 proved the most image-conscious with nearly half - 48 per cent - saying that looking good was a reason for a healthy weight and only 34 per cent picking cancer risk as a motivating factor. Looking good and cancer risk were equal reasons for those over 65 with 25 per cent listing both.
Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at Cancer Research UK, said: “This research provides a real insight into the priorities many of us have when it comes to looking after our bodies and the low awareness of the link between obesity and cancer. We know for those who don’t smoke, maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important things we can do to reduce our risk of cancer.
“The Ten Top Tips offer clear information and practical advice, helping people form lifelong habits to maintain a healthy body weight.”
Professor Jane Wardle, director of Cancer Research UK’s health behaviour unit, said: “At the height of summer many of us are worried about looking good and it is not surprising these results show that so many of us are motivated by our body image when it comes to our weight. What is alarming is that so many people are unaware that reducing cancer risk is a benefit of maintaining a healthy body weight.
“We need to continue raising awareness of the dangers of obesity, and offer information to help people lose those extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight. Visiting Reduce the Risk. and following the Ten Top Tips is the first step towards a healthier body. ”
