Tag Archives: cancer

Women reassured with safe alternative to breast implants

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Externally worn breast forms are never dangerous, says world leader in breast care

 

Women concerned about the recent health scares over the controversial PIP breast implants can rest assured that the silicone used to manufacture its externally worn prostheses will never pose any danger to health, says world-leading manufacturer of prosthetic breast forms, Amoena.

 

Amoena manufactures silicone breast forms, a globally recognised medical device worn in the cup of a bra to replace a woman’s breast once she has undergone breast cancer surgery.

 

In the UK, around 48,000 new incidences of breast cancer are diagnosed each year*, with most women undergoing breast surgery as part of their treatment.  Many use a prosthetic breast to restore their appearance and provide the balance that helps prevent postural problems, although surgical solutions, such as breast reconstruction, are on the increase.

 

However, while women may be concerned about possible risks associated with surgical procedures, there is never any danger of health scares if women use an externally worn prosthesis.

Amoena invented the externally worn silicone breast form in 1975, revolutionising the level of post-operative care that was offered to women following breast cancer surgery.

 

“Since then we have dedicated ourselves to research and development,” explains Helmut Wild, vice president of research and development at Amoena, “working closely with medical specialists and breast-operated women to ensure that we incorporate the latest technology into our designs.  The result is innovative breast forms of the highest quality.”

 

One of these innovations offers women a realistic alternative to breast reconstruction.  The Amoena Contact breast form adheres directly to a woman’s chest wall and stays securely in place all day long.  “Contact looks, feels and behaves just like a real breast,” says Wild.  “It offers women the freedom of movement and the choice in clothes and lingerie that they had before surgery.  We’ve had feedback from thousands of delighted customers, telling us that it has quite literally changed their lives.”

 

Over the decades Amoena has established manufacturing processes that produce the most durable, skin-friendly, lifelike breast forms in the industry.  “For a woman who has suffered the trauma of breast cancer, our breast forms are the closest thing to a real breast,” says Wild.  “And our state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and patented processes ensure that her safety is paramount and her peace of mind is assured.”

 

As long ago as 1992, Amoena was the first breast prosthesis manufacturer in the world to set up a certified quality management system that conformed to BS5750/2, the internationally recognised quality standard at the time.

 

“Today’s standard for medical device manufacturing is ISO13485, and our rigorous quality management process ensures that we remain fully compliant today,” continues Wild.

 

“Each Amoena breast form is certified as a medical device globally, which requires biocompatibility testing according to international standards, to ensure that materials coming into contact with the skin are completely safe, non-toxic and non-irritant.”

 

“Only the very best materials are considered after passing our intensive testing in production conditions and fulfilling all biocompatibility requirements. Amoena has the widest experience in producing silicone breast forms, the highest number of product and process patents and we have developed our own bespoke production technology that ensures rigorous end-to-end quality control.”

Wild concludes:  “I think it’s important to emphasise that no external breast form poses any health risk whatsoever to the women who wear them.  For women who have suffered the trauma of a breast cancer diagnosis, and who do not want to undergo further surgery, we are pleased to be able to provide a solution that is totally safe and of the very highest quality.  It’s a reassuring and realistic solution at what is undoubtedly a very stressful time in any woman’s life.”

 

* Based on figures for 2008, published by Cancer Research UK – www.cancerresearchuk.org

Ricky Gervais gives prostate cancer the finger

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Comedian and Hollywood star, Ricky Gervais, has put prostate cancer on top of the news agenda again by insisting his comedy partner Karl Pilkington have his bottom examined while being filmed in ‘An Idiot Abroad 2’

The comic duo entered into light hearted banter about the digital rectal examination (DRE) during the sketch which is due to be due aired tonight on Sky2 at 11pm.

The pair were joined by Dr Frank Chinegwundoh, Lead Urology Consultant and Project Lead at Newham University Hospital Trust, who explained to them about the most common cancer in men in the UK, and gave a reluctant Pilkington an internal inspection.

More than 10,000 people have viewed the comic sketch, which has since been uploaded onto You Tube.

Ricky said: “Karl is the typical ‘bloke’ who would rather take his chances with prostate cancer than have another human being put a finger where a finger shouldn’t go. I knew men everywhere would reconsider and say, ‘if Karl can do it so can I’.”

Ricky’s support of raising awareness of prostate cancer first hit the headlines in 2005 when a radio advert he scripted and recorded for The Prostate Cancer Charity was banned by the Radio Advertising Clearance Centre, although the ban was later overturned.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: “We are extremely grateful to Ricky, Stephen, Karl, and Dr Chinegwundoh for using comedy to raise awareness of prostate cancer and the diagnostic process to literally thousands of people. Through his comedy Ricky has once again broken down some of the misconceptions about the disease and helped to raise awareness of it.

“We know men can be reluctant to go and see their doctor if they have problems ‘down below’ and so to script a sketch that questions this embarrassment in a non-threatening way is just brilliant.”

Gervais later urged his 714,856 Twitter followers to support The Prostate Cancer Charity to continue it’s work by donating money to the cause.

You can view Ricky’s prostate cancer chat on ‘An Idiot Abroad’ here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypphWN1eKVU

Visionary Steve Jobs Dies At 56

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‘Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose’

Steve Jobs, 2005

The world mourned today as Steve Job lost his eight year battle with cancer. He was only 56.

Steve Jobs was called a ‘visionary, who had changed people’s lives’ by President Obama and Mark Zuckerberg praised his ‘mentor and friend’.

The internet was flooded with tributes within minutes of his death being confirmed. His family thanked ‘the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness’ and Apple’s board of directors released a statement saying; ‘We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today, ‘Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve’.

The Apple founder died yesterday, six weeks after stepping down as Apple CEO and a mere one day after the new generation iPhone was launched.

Apple’s homepage is a full-page image of Jobs with the text, ‘Steve Jobs 1955-2011.’

Jobs leaves behind a wife, a son and two daughters.

His family released a statement saying that he had ‘died peacefully today, surrounded by his family.

‘In his public life, Steve was known as a visionary; in his private life, he cherished his family. We are thankful to the many people who have shared their wishes and prayers during the last year of Steve’s illness.’

HUMMUS HUNGRY LONDONERS OFFERED FREE MEAL FOR CHARITY

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Hummus Bros is to hold Barter Day on Sunday 19 June offering free meals in exchange for donations to Cancer Research UK

Chickpea inspired eatery Hummus Bros will be giving out free meals on Sunday 19 June in return for donations of clothes, DVDs, books and homeware for Cancer Research UK shops – proving that there is such a thing as a free lunch.

Hungry Londoners can bring their unwanted items into the Wardour Street branch of Hummus Bros where they can haggle the value of their possessions with staff from the Marylebone Cancer Research UK shop. Vouchers will then be given out matching the value – two or three good quality donations should be enough for a completely free meal!

Barter Day runs from midday to 6pm on Sunday 19 June at Hummus Bros, 88 Wardour Street, Soho, W1F 0TH and all quality donations will be accepted. For directions please visit www.hbros.co.uk/soho . With Barter Day, Hummus Bros continues to offer unprecedented value while being socially and environmentally responsible – keeping your conscience and tummy happy.

Christian Mouysset, co-owner and co-founder of Hummus Bros, said: “After such a successful response to our first event we were more than happy to get involved and offer our customers a free lunch whilst donating to a good cause.”

April Sherlock, Cancer Research UK Area Manager, said: “We need good quality donations now more than ever. This is the perfect way to support the charity while also bagging yourself some free food. We are really grateful for Hummus Bros’ generous help. Cancer Research UK are entirely funded by the public and it is events like this that help us deliver our life saving research.”

KEITH LEMON UNLEASHS HIS INNER TEMPAH AND ROCKS HIS SHADES FOR TEENAGE CANCER TRUST

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Comedian Keith Lemon is asking people to make like their favourite shade-wearing celebrities and support Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual ‘Rock Your Shades’ day on Friday 6 May. Whether it’s in the style of Lady Gaga, Tinie Tempah or even Elton John, Keith wants everyone to wear their shades with attitude and donate to the cause.

Whether you’re at work, school, indoors or out, the charity is asking people to act like Jay-Z and Beyonce, by strutting your stuff and wearing your sunnies. In return, the charity is asking people to donate £1 to Teenage Cancer Trust and help young people across the UK fight cancer.

To make the event even more exciting, Teenage Cancer Trust has teamed up with TOPMAN and a group of young cancer patients who were treated on a Teenage Cancer Trust unit, to design four pairs of unique ‘Rock Your Shades’ sunglasses. These cool shades can be purchased from all TOPMAN stores from 16 April and will cost £15 each, with £5 of every pair sold donated to the charity.

For those wanting to get more involved, there’s a range of suggestions on the charity’s website, such as holding fancy dress sunglass wearing themed celebrity parties where you can imitate stars like Kanye West, Bono or even Dame Edna Everage! Or you can even run a ‘bling your shades’ competition at work or a sunglasses-themed bake sale.

Keith is currently hosting ITV1’s new primetime entertainment show, Sing if You Can, alongside Queen of the Jungle Stacey Solomon. Every episode will see two celebrity teams trying to deliver the best performances of hits and classics whilst taking on extraordinary challenges designed to distract them. The hosts will unleash an abundance of thrilling and comical challenges that will test the stars as never before. Each week the winning team will go through to the end game ‘The Money Spinner’, to be in with a chance of winning up to £20,000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.

‘Rock Your Shades’ is derived from Teenage Cancer Trust’s strong rock heritage. With help from the charity’s long-standing patron, The Who’s Roger Daltrey CBE, Teenage Cancer Trust has been staging sell-out annual gigs at the Royal Albert Hall for the past eleven years. The concerts have become a staple of the music calendar and this year saw acts such as Squeeze, Beady Eye, Biffy Clyro and Tinie Tempah taking to the stage. The proceeds of the shows and Rock Your Shades helps give teenagers the fight and attitude they need to beat cancer.

Every day six young people in the UK are told they have cancer. Usually placed on a children’s ward or with elderly patients, young people often feel extremely isolated when facing a cancer diagnosis, never meeting another young person going through the same thing. Teenage Cancer Trust believes teenagers shouldn’t stop being teenagers because they have cancer and so fund and build specialist units in NHS hospitals that allow young people to be treated together with others their own age, in an environment suited to their needs.

Teenage Cancer Trust units aren’t like ordinary cancer wards. Their home-from-home atmosphere helps create a sense of normality. The state-of-the-art units are bright and vibrant and will often include things like pool tables, jukeboxes, games consoles, computers and webcams, ensuring they can keep in touch with family friends outside hospital. Alongside all of this is a medical team of teenage cancer specialists whose knowledge creates a body of expertise that’s second to none.

To make your £1 donation and for more ‘Rock Your Shades’ fundraising ideas please visit www.teenagecancertrust.org/rockyourshades or call 020 7612 0370. To purchase the Teenage Cancer Trust Rock Your Shades sunglasses please visit one of its 165 stores or online at www.topman.com

ENJOY THE SUN SAFELY THIS WEEKEND ADVISES CANCER RESEARCH UK

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AS Britain looks forward to the first ‘BBQ weekend’ of the year, Cancer Research UK is advising people, particularly those with fair skin, to enjoy the sun safely, be SunSmart and take steps to avoid getting sunburn.

Temperature predictions for the weekend are expected to remain unseasonably warm for April, with parts of Britain hotter than the Mediterranean.

Caroline Cerny, SunSmart campaign manager at Cancer Research UK, said: “A sunny weekend is the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the weather, particularly as some sun is good for us. However, before heading out to relax in the garden, taking a trip to the beach, or even just walking about town, think about your skin and the steps you can take to cut your chances of getting sunburn.

“Enjoy the sun safely – relax in the shade, cover up with hats and loose clothing, and use at least factor 15 sunscreen with a four or five star rating to protect your skin from sunburn. As well as being painful and unattractive, sunburn is a sign of skin damage that can increase your risk of skin cancer.”

Now in its ninth year, Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart campaign is encouraging people to enjoy the sun safely and avoid sunburn by offering advice on how best to protect against too much ultraviolet radiation (UV) which as well as being the major cause of skin cancer, also leads to premature ageing of the skin. Sunburn is a sign the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged and even though the redness will fade, the damage could remain and lead to serious problems in later life, including the most dangerous form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma.

To find out more on how to enjoy the sun safely, skin cancer and what to look out for, visit Cancer Research UK’s SunSmart website at www.sunsmart.org.uk.