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Jamie Dornan has opened up about losing his mum Lorna to pancreatic cancer. The actor was a mere 16-years-old when his mum passed away.

He got honest about the impact it had on him in an interview with Press Association.

The Fall star was only 14-years-old when his mum was diagnosed with cancer. “I look back on that time and see it in a very blurry way. I was very young. Every kid at that age is naive. I felt like I was particularly young and naive at that time.”

 

His mum’s untimely death caused Jamie to grow up very quickly.

The actor admitted that the pain of losing a parent never leaves you. “It has an ever evolving effect on me, that loss, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

The 36-year-old continued: “I feel like every single day it has an effect on me in ways which I am aware of and some ways I think I am not aware of.”

Jamie isn’t alone in his grief. He is aware of the millions of families who lose loved ones to cancer across the globe.

“Lots of people have lost people that are very dear to them at a young age. That’s the sad thing about this illness particularly, it seems to get people young, who often have very young families,” he said.

Jamie gushed about his mum and said she would have been thrilled with his success. The actor believes she would have loved the glamour of his career.

He added: “Hopefully there is some world where she has an awareness of it.”

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Life doesn't get much better than Bey blasting, a couple of cocktails and soaking up the sun. 

However, what you mightn't be aware of is: melanoma is prominent in Irish society.

In fact, the National Cancer Registry Ireland reports that diagnoses of melanoma have more than trebled in Ireland in the last twenty years. (EEK)

To raise awareness of the skin cancer, Boots is giving us a helping hand to still be sun goddess, but take care of our skin too! 

Being the absolute lifesavers they are, Boots will be offering a mole scanning service.

To encourage a life-long habit to check your moles, the system will be rolled out in ten stores nationwide.

Boots engineered the check in conjunction with ScreenCancer UK.

The Boots Mole Scanning Service allows anyone aged 18 and over to have their moles or pigmented lesions scanned using a specialist device called a SIAscope.

Your scan will then be assessed by a dermatology specialist, and each person will receive a report based on the specialist assessment.

If any suspicious lesion is detected, the individual will be referred to their doctor or specialist for follow-on treatment.

Although you won’t get a skin cancer diagnosis from the service, it will help to identify any suspicious characteristics that may need more expert attention.

Melanoma has soared in Ireland and 10,000 cases are diagnosed each year.

However, if spotted early, up to 90 percent of cases are curable.

 

 

Included in the screening, you will also be provided with guidance on assessing your own moles using the ABCDE guide, and given further advice on staying safe in the sun.

You can use the guide to check yours before a more thorough screening in-store. Be sure to look out for:

  • A – Asymmetry: Irregular shape – the two halves should be symmetrical
  • B – Borders: Unclear, irregular or ragged boundaries against normal skin
  • C – Colour: Changes in colour – especially black, blue or uneven colours
  • D – Diameter: More than 5-6mm in diameter and changes in size
  • E – Evolving: Changes in shape, size and colour, itching or bleeding of existing moles, or a new mole.

As part of the service, people will also be provided with guidance on assessing their own moles using the ABCDE guide, and given further advice on staying safe in the sun.

The Mole Scanning service has been available in Boots pharmacies internationally since 2010.

They have scored in overall satisfaction as “good or higher” with 99 percent of respondents and 95 percent saying they would recommend the service to others. 

The Mole Scanning service costs €39 for one mole scanned, and €19 for each additional mole scan, up to a maximum of four moles.

The service will be available in the following Boots stores: St Stephen’s Green, Dublin City Centre, Swords, County Dublin, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Shop Street, Galway city centre, Killarney, Co Kerry, Half Moon St, Cork, Letterkenny Retail Park, Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Portlaoise, Co. Laois and Wexford, Co. Wexford.

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A team of researchers at the Royal College of Surgeons have made major progress in the fight against breast cancer. The team has discovered a mathematical formula that will show doctors how effective chemotherapy would be for patients with an aggressive form of breast cancer.

The scientists explained that even though their research is in the early stages, this formula has the potential to spare breast cancer patients from the side-effects of chemotherapy.

Jochen Prehn, who is a professor of physiology at the Royal College of Surgeons shared, “We hope that, if successful in further testing, our research may one day allow doctors to give women more tailored and effective treatments, and spare the harsh side-effects of chemotherapy in women who are unlikely to respond well to it.”

The treatment will help women with triple-negative breast cancer, which affects over 250 people in Ireland, especially younger women.

The team hope that their findings will lead to better treatments for women with triple-negative breast cancer, that will give patients a stronger outcome.

It will take many more years to develop this treatment but this is a great breakthrough. Robert O’Connor of the Irish Cancer Society told Newstalk, “This paper highlights vital work being undertaken to identify new ways to improve the treatment of cancer.”

He explained that the research shows the “building blocks required to lay the foundations for life-saving cancer research.”

"The more we understand this disease, the better chance we have of stopping it in its tracks,” he added.

The Irish Cancer Society help fund vital studies like this one through the public’s donations. They have urged the public to donate on Daffodil Day, which takes place on March 23.

This study was published in the journal Cell Death and Disease.

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Today, Sunday March 4, marks the first ever International HPV awareness day.

HPV is a family of very common and highly contagious viruses which is transmitted through any kind of sexual contact and is responsible for a number of cancers in both men and women.

Up to 130 men and women die from cancers caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) every year in Ireland, however, there is still a significant lack of knowledge and understanding among adults. 

Worrying new research, supported by the Irish Cancer Society and Marie Keating Foundation, shows that almost two-thirds (65 per cent) of Irish adult don't know that HPV can cause cancer. 

It also found that more than half (59 per cent) are unaware that there are vaccines available that prevent HPV infections that can cause cancer, while 87 per cent believe it's unlikely that they have or have ever contracted the virus. 

HPV is extremely common, so much so that almost all adult wil get it at some point in their lives. Most infections don't come with clinical symptoms, meaning that those who have it can unknowingly transmit the virus to others.

There are more than 100 different types of HPV, and while the majority of infections are harmless, the treat of cancer remains a major concern. 

Donal Buggy, Head of Services and Advocacy, Irish Cancer Society, said, “While it’s hugely encouraging to see more young girls receive a cancer-preventing HPV vaccine under the national immunisation programme, this research clearly shows we have much more work to do to ensure everyone has access to correct information about HPV vaccination.

“Awareness of vaccines to prevent cancers in men is particularly low. While 335 women are diagnosed with cancers caused by HPV each year, it is also important to note that 85 men in Ireland annually develop a cancer which could potentially be prevented by a simple vaccination. Irish Cancer Society believes it is time for Ireland to offer equal protection against HPV-caused cancers for boys and girls.”

According to the research, 38 per cent of Irish adults falsely believe that HPV cannot be passed on from one person to another. HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact however it is possible to prevent infection from certain types of HPV that cause cancer if you have been vaccinated against HPV before becoming sexually active.

Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation said, “The lack of awareness of HPV and its link to cancer among Irish adults is concerning, however this research provides us with a good opportunity to educate parents and remind the Irish population at large on the public health benefits of protection against cancers caused by HPV.

“Parents in particular need to be reminded of the importance of ensuring that their daughters receive the HPV vaccination under the current National HPV Immunisation Programme. It is very concerning that uptake levels have dropped so considerably and are currently only at 62%. On International HPV Awareness Day it is really important that we all redouble our efforts until we see the levels back up to 87% and higher.

“Globally, 17 countries, including Canada, Australia, Switzerland, United States, Austria and Italy, immunise both boys and girls against HPV. In Ireland, it’s incredibly important for parents to realise that immunisation can help to protect their children from types of HPV that can cause cancers like cervical cancer and anal cancer.”

 The research was commissioned by MSD Ireland and carried out by Behaviour and Attitudes on a sample population of 1,000 adults in Ireland.

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The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is currently considering making the HPV vaccine available to boys.

HPV (human papilloma virus) causes cervical cancer in women. Other cancers associated with the virus affect both men and women, including anal, genital and throat cancers. The virus can also cause genital warts in both woman and men.

Over 200,000 girls have been vaccinated since it was introduced. The vaccine has been available to girls since 2010 and prevents them from developing cervical cancer later in life. It is free and readily available from the HSE for all girls in the first year of secondary school. 

HIQA’s Director of Health Technology Assessment and Deputy Chief Executive, Dr Máirín Ryan, said on the HIQA website: “HPV infection is the most commonly acquired sexually transmitted viral infection. In most cases, it causes no symptoms and is cleared by the body’s immune system. However, persistent infection can lead to the development of cancer."

Dr Ryan continued: “The HPV vaccine has been proven to be safe. Additionally, it is highly effective at preventing infection with the HPV types most commonly linked with cancer and genital warts in both men and women.

"This HTA will investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of expanding the HPV vaccination programme to include boys, thereby extending them the opportunity to benefit from the vaccine and increasing HPV immunity in the wider population.

”HIQA’s assessment will also consider the wider implications of any proposed change to the vaccination programme, such as the budget impact, use of resources, and the ethical and societal implications.”

The vaccine has been available to both sexes in Australia since 2006, and has been linked with a 90 percent reduction in cases of genital warts in both sexes.

Last year, the vaccine was made available to gay men in Ireland.

The results of the health technology assessment are expected next year.

In May, the Irish Cancer Society wrote about the huge benefits of the vaccine. Dr Robert O'Connor, Head of Research at the Irish Cancer Society, said: “Young women and girls who have received the HPV vaccination are fully protected against the strains of HPV that cause seven in ten of all cervical cancers.   

“It is important to note that, while significantly less likely to develop cervical cancer, availing of cervical screening – whether that is through the HPV test or the current liquid-based cytology process – is still recommended for these women so that any signs of the cancer can be spotted early and treated before they become a threat to their lives." 

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Harry Styles' stepfather Robin Twist has died after losing his battle with cancer, his representative confirmed on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Harry told The Sun: "Harry's stepfather, Robin Twist, sadly passed away this week after a long battle with cancer. The family asks for privacy at this time."

 

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The popstar served as Best Man when Robin, and his mum, Anne, married in 2013.

Speaking about the day, Harry said that his Best Man speech was the "most nerve-wracking thing."

 

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He said: "I practised on my own for days beforehand, on the sofa reciting it to myself. I tried to make it have a bit of everything."

It has been well chronicled that Harry had a close relationship with his stepdad, and our thoughts are with the family at this time.

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Christy Dignam has revealed that his cancer has unfortunately returned.

The Aslan star said that he was in hospital for a routine blood test when he received the news.

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Christy spoke to The Irish Sun on Sunday this morning and said that it was awful news to receive.

“I got a terrible shock. I got the result from my monthly blood test that I’m most afraid of.

Image result for christy dignam

“It was the worst news I could get, that this negative protein is growing inside my body.

He added: “All I can do now is more chemo but I’m not confident. Your blood develops an immunity to treatment so there’s no guarantee it’s going to work.”

We wish Christy the best.

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Olivia Newton-John has revealed to her fans that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 68-year-old recently had to cancel her Canadian tour due to back pain, but in a statement released last night, her manager said that "turned out to be breast cancer that has metastasized to the sacrum."

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The statement read: "Olivia Newton-John is reluctantly postponing her June U.S. and Canadian concert tour dates.

"The back pain that initially caused her to postpone the first half of her concert tour, has turned out to be breast cancer that has metastasized to the sacrum.

"In addition to natural wellness therapies, Olivia will complete a short course of photon radiation therapy and is confident she will be back later in the year, better than ever, to celebrate her shows.

Olivia added: "I decided on my direction of therapies after consultation with my doctors and natural therapists and the medical team at my Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia."

The Grease superstar was previously diagnosed with the disease in 1992. 

We wish her a speedy recovery.

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You'd be forgiven for thinking it was a satirical depiction of the media's obsession with weight loss.

You'd like to assume it was an exaggerated version of the importance society places on the scales.

And you'd hope that Cosmopolitan's astonishing decision to frame a story about cancer with a clickbait headline about weight loss was an ill-advised, but genuine attempt to highlight society's misplaced priorities, but it wasn't.  

How This Woman Lost 44 Pounds without *ANY* Exercise was a genuine article written by Elizabeth Narins about a woman who survived cancer.

As a magazine typically aimed at women, the headline suggests that Cosmopolitan believes the attention of their target demographic will only be piqued if the content effects our aesthetic.

In just 42 characters, Cosmo revealed what they really believe of their readers. In their eyes, we are – beneath it all –  people who rate weight, size and body measurements above health, vitality and quality of life.

We'll only read about Simone Harbinson's battle with cancer if it's prefaced with a few 'before and after' weight loss snaps, and we'll endure the grim reality of a life-threatening illness if we ultimately learn that Simone is now rocking a pair of size 8 jeans.

While the article itself does indeed focus on Simone's prognosis, diagnosis and unbalanced relationship with food as a result of her illness, the idea that Cosmopolitan felt it must frame a story about cancer with what appears to be a weight loss incentive is indicative of their perception of the female demographic.

And as Cosmo clearly didn't get the memo that women don't, in fact, consider weight loss the be-all and end-all, Twitter wasted no time informing them.
 

 

 

 

 

The publication has since changed its headline to A Serious Health Scare Helped Me Love My Body More Than Ever, but the damage is already done.

Note to Cosmopolitan and Elizabeth Narins: a story about a woman's battle with cancer is entitled to be just that.

Don't insult us – and more importantly, her – by assuming we need a cryptic message about a three-stone weight loss to care.

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Nobody likes talking or even thinking about cancer, especially when you feel fit and healthy.

But cervical cancer doesn't have any symptoms – and the only way to detect it is through regular smear tests.

Thankfully, however, it IS treatable – and with early detection it is curable.

Early detection being the key words.

And this is why it is SO important you attend all scheduled smear tests.

Through screening, doctors can pick up abnormalities at the pre-cancer stage, when it is easily treatable, and having your smear test is a quick, free and painless.

This week is European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (22nd-28th January), and to coincide with it the Irish Family Planning Association (IFPA) and CervicalCheck have launched the Pearl of Wisdom campaign to highlight the vital importance of free regular cervical screening.

They are urging women aged 25-60 to check when their next smear is due, or to book their first test with a doctor or nurse registered with CervicalCheck.

And how can you do that? 

Simply click on CervicalCheck.ie and you'll be able to check when you're next appointment is due or make sure you're registered for your first one. 

“Each year in Ireland, around 300 women are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer and over 90 women die from the disease," Dr. Gráinne Flannelly said when speaking at the Pearl of Wisdom campaign launch.

"The cervical screening provided by CervicalCheck, combined with the HPV vaccination programme, provides the opportunity to significantly reduce these rates.

"So this week, we are calling on all women aged 25 to 60 to check when their next smear test is due, or arrange their first test with a doctor or nurse registered with CervicalCheck if they have never done so."

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As part of their Go for Gold campaign, the Food Agency in the UK have issued a warning to the public over the dangers associated with overcooking starchy food like bread and potatoes.

The FSA warn that cooking these particular foods for long periods at high temperatures can lead to an increased risk of cancer.

The campaign seeks to educate the public on the development of a potential carcinogenic known as acrylamide – a chemical which is created when the aforementioned foods are cooked at unnecessarily high temperatures.
 

Elaborating on the campaign, Steve Wearne, Director of Policy at the Food Standards Agency said: "Our research indicates that the majority of people are not aware that acrylamide exists, or that they might be able to reduce their personal intake."

"We want our 'Go for Gold' campaign to highlight the issue so that consumers know how to make the small changes that may reduce their acrylamide consumption whilst still eating plenty of starchy carbohydrates and vegetables as recommended in government healthy eating advice."

"The FSA is continuing to work closely with the food industry to reduce acrylamide in the food you buy, including the development of practical tools like an industry toolkit and codes of practice which will be embedded throughout the food chain," he added.

Four specific guidelines have been issued to the public which the FSA believe will assist the public in reducing exposure to acrylamide.

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Renowned TV actor Miguel Ferrer has died at the age of 61.

Miguel passed away yesterday, January 19, after a long battle with throat cancer.

George Clooney released a statement to People about his friend's death.

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"Today history will mark giant changes in our world, and lost to most will be that on the same day Miguel Ferrer lost his battle to throat cancer. But not lost to his family.

"Miguel made the world brighter and funnier and his passing is felt so deeply in our family that events of the day (monumental events), pale in comparison. We love you Miguel. We always will."

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Miguel has starred in many great TV shows and movies including NCIS: Los Angeles, Desperate Housewives, Crossing Jordan, Iron Man, Superman and Will & Grace.

At the time of his death, he was surrounded by his wife Lori, sons Lukas and Rafi, and his brother and sisters.

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