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The Top 10 Tests You Should Include in Your Health Check-up

07/02/2024

Regular health check-ups are essential for maintaining optimal health and detecting potential health issues early. Including specific medical tests as part of your routine check-up can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being and help identify any underlying health concerns.  Here are the top 10 tests you should consider including in your health check-up: Blood Pressure Measurement Checking blood pressure is crucial for assessing cardiovascular health. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Monitoring blood pressure regularly helps identify hypertension early and allows for timely intervention through lifestyle changes or medication. Cholesterol Levels (Lipid Profile) A lipid profile measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. High cholesterol levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Screening for cholesterol levels helps assess cardiovascular risk and guide interventions such as dietary modifications, exercise, or medication to manage cholesterol levels. Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) Test Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential for detecting diabetes or prediabetes. High blood sugar levels indicate impaired glucose metabolism, which can lead to diabetes if left untreated. Early detection allows for lifestyle modifications and interventions to prevent or manage diabetes effectively. Complete Blood Count (CBC) A complete blood count evaluates various components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. CBC helps diagnose conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood disorders. It provides valuable insights into overall health and helps identify underlying medical conditions. Thyroid Function Tests Thyroid function tests assess the levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4) in the blood. Thyroid dysfunction can lead to various health issues, including fatigue, weight changes, and mood disturbances. Monitoring thyroid function helps diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and guides appropriate treatment. Liver Function Tests (LFTs) Liver function tests evaluate liver enzymes and proteins in the blood, providing insights into liver health. Abnormal LFT results may indicate liver damage or dysfunction, which can result from various causes such as alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease. Monitoring liver function helps diagnose liver disorders and guides management strategies. Kidney Function Tests (Renal Panel) Kidney function tests assess the levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and other markers of kidney function in the blood. Abnormal kidney function tests may indicate kidney disease or impaired kidney function. Monitoring kidney function helps detect kidney disorders early and guides interventions to prevent kidney damage. Bone Density Test (DEXA Scan) A bone density test, also known as a DEXA scan, measures bone mineral density and assesses the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. It helps diagnose osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones, and guides preventive measures such as dietary changes, exercise, and medication to maintain bone health. Colon Cancer Screening (Colonoscopy or Fecal Occult Blood Test) Colon cancer screening aims to detect colorectal cancer or precancerous polyps in the colon or rectum. Colonoscopy and fecal occult blood tests are common screening methods used to identify abnormalities in the colon. Early detection through colon cancer screening improves treatment outcomes and reduces mortality from colorectal cancer. Breast Cancer Screening (Mammography) Mammography is a screening test used to detect breast cancer in its early stages. It involves imaging the breast tissue to identify abnormal changes such as lumps or calcifications. Regular mammograms help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable, and increase the chances of successful treatment and survival. Including these essential medical tests in your health check-up provides a comprehensive assessment of your health and helps identify any potential health concerns early. Regular monitoring and early detection enable timely interventions and preventive measures, contributing to better health outcomes and overall well-being. To find out more about the health check-up services we offer, visit our check-up center. *Image by Bruno Pixabay

Overcoming the Fear of Health Check-ups: Tips for the Anxious Patient

29/12/2023

For many individuals, the thought of health check-ups can evoke anxiety and apprehension. Overcoming this fear is crucial for maintaining good health and ensuring timely medical care. Here are some effective tips for anxious patients to navigate and overcome their fear of health check-ups: Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize and accept your feelings of anxiety about health check-ups. It's normal to feel nervous, but understanding these emotions is the first step toward managing them effectively. Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Openly discuss your fears and concerns with your healthcare provider. Building a trusting relationship and understanding the procedures involved can alleviate anxiety. Ask questions and seek clarification to alleviate uncertainties. Gradual Exposure: If fear stems from specific aspects of check-ups, such as blood tests or physical exams, consider a step-by-step approach. Start with small exposures, like visiting the doctor's office without an exam, to gradually acclimate yourself to the environment. Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation before and during the check-up. These methods can help calm nerves and reduce anxiety levels. Seek Support: Bring a supportive friend or family member to accompany you during the check-up. Having someone familiar by your side can provide comfort and emotional support. Distraction Techniques: Engage in activities that distract your mind during the check-up, such as listening to music, focusing on your breathing, or bringing along a book or magazine to occupy your thoughts. Visualization: Visualize a positive outcome and focus on the benefits of the check-up. Remind yourself that it's a proactive step toward maintaining your health and well-being. Preparation and Information: Knowing what to expect during the check-up can reduce anxiety. Research the procedures or tests beforehand and understand the rationale behind them to feel more in control. Reward Yourself: Plan a small reward or treat for yourself after the check-up as a positive reinforcement for overcoming your anxiety. Seek Professional Help: If anxiety about health check-ups significantly impacts your daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. Therapists or counselors can offer strategies to manage anxiety specific to healthcare settings. Positive Reinforcement: Focus on past experiences where check-ups went smoothly or led to positive outcomes. Remind yourself of these instances to build confidence in facing future appointments. Remember, overcoming the fear of health check-ups is a gradual process. It's essential to be patient with yourself and take small steps towards managing anxiety. With time, practice, and employing these coping strategies, you can gradually reduce anxiety associated with health check-ups and prioritize your health with more ease. *Image by fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay

Health Check-ups for Children: Ensuring a Healthy Start in Life

21/12/2023

Health check-ups for children are fundamental in ensuring their healthy development and well-being right from the start. These routine examinations are essential for monitoring growth, detecting potential health issues early, and providing necessary interventions to support children's optimal health. Regular health check-ups for children typically begin shortly after birth and continue through adolescence, following a recommended schedule outlined by healthcare providers. These check-ups serve as comprehensive evaluations that encompass various aspects of a child's health, including physical growth, developmental milestones, immunizations, and screenings for potential health concerns. One of the primary purposes of health check-ups for children is to track their growth and development. Healthcare professionals assess a child's height, weight, head circumference (in infants), and other developmental milestones at each check-up. These measurements help identify any deviations from the expected growth patterns, allowing for early intervention if growth issues arise. Moreover, health check-ups for children include vaccinations according to recommended schedules. Immunizations protect children from potentially severe or life-threatening diseases, contributing to their overall health and reducing the risk of outbreaks within communities. These vaccinations are administered at specific ages to ensure children are adequately protected from various infectious diseases. These routine examinations also serve as opportunities for healthcare providers to screen for and detect potential health concerns. Vision and hearing screenings, blood tests, and assessments for conditions like anemia or developmental delays are part of these check-ups. Early identification of such issues allows for timely interventions, which can significantly impact a child's long-term health outcomes. In addition to physical health, mental and behavioral health assessments are often integrated into these check-ups. Healthcare providers evaluate a child's social and emotional development, addressing any concerns or behavioral issues that may require attention. Early identification and intervention in mental health issues contribute to healthier psychosocial development in children. Furthermore, health check-ups for children involve guidance and support for parents or caregivers. Healthcare professionals offer advice on nutrition, safety measures, injury prevention, and strategies to promote a healthy lifestyle for children. These consultations empower parents with the knowledge and resources necessary to support their child's well-being beyond the doctor's office. Overall, health check-ups for children play a crucial role in laying the foundation for a healthy life. They ensure that children receive timely interventions, necessary vaccinations, and comprehensive care, promoting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By prioritizing regular health assessments for children, parents and healthcare providers collaborate to give each child the best possible start in life, setting the stage for a healthy and thriving future. To find out more about the health check-up services we offer, visit our check-up center. *Image by u_atk62mjqnp from Pixabay

Laboratory & screening tests you can expect during a physical exam

09/12/2022

Following on from our post last week on what to expect during a physical examination, today’s blog will explain some of the laboratory and screening tests you may also undergo. Now it’s important to note that there are no standard laboratory or screening tests during a physical exam, so what you are advised to have will depend on your physician and health history. Laboratory tests during a physical exam The main laboratory tests you are likely to undergo during a physical exam are: – Complete blood count (CBC) – A CBC is a blood test that helps evaluate your overall health and detect a wide range of conditions, including anemia, infection and leukemia. – Chemistry panel – A comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) will include an electrolyte panel (which measures levels of sodium, chloride, potassium and bicarbonate), kidney function tests, liver function tests and also measures glucose and calcium. – Blood glucose – To look for signs of diabetes or pre-diabetes. – Urinalysis – Using a sample of your urine, this test can detect a range of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney disease and diabetes. – Fecalysis – A stool sample test (fecalysis) can detect certain conditions affecting your digestive tract, including parasites, viruses, bacteria, poor nutrient absorption and even cancer. Screening tests during a physical exam In addition to the laboratory tests outlined above, you may also undergo the following screening tests: For women: – Mammogram – A screening test for breast cancer, usually recommended for women 40 and over – Pap smear – A screening test for cervical cancer, usually recommended for women 21 and older For men: – Prostate exam – A digital rectal exam is the most common method used for physically checking your prostate, while a PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood – both of which can flag early signs of prostate cancer. – Testicular exam – A physical exam that checks both testicles for signs of abnormality, including lumps, changes in size, and tenderness. – Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening – This simple ultrasound looks for a bulge or swelling in the aorta, and is usually recommended for men 65 and over, as they are most at risk. Both men and women: – Cholesterol test – Also called a ‘lipid panel’, this checks your cholesterol levels to see if you are at risk of heart attack or stroke. – Osteoporosis - A bone density scan can help reveal potential issues relating to weak bones. – Hepatitis – Everyone should be tested for hepatitis C at least once to find out if they have ever been infected with the virus. – Colorectal – A colonoscopy is usually used to check for colorectal cancer and other abnormalities in your colon. If you are a smoker, or have a family history of certain conditions, your physician may also recommend further tests in addition to those above. * Image by Ernesto Eslava from Pixabay 

Highly accurate new blood test can detect early-stage lung cancer

10/02/2022

The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, the greater a patient's chances of survival. Now, a new test has could help with the detection of lung cancer in is early stages. Developed by researchers at Peking University People’s Hospital in China, the novel non-invasive blood test assess levels of lipid biomarkers in patients' plasma samples. While lung cancer screening techniques already exist, they often produce low accuracy results. And considering better treatment options and survival rates are associated with earlier detection, accuracy is key. In contrast, the new test, named Lung Cancer Artificial Intelligence Detector (LCAID), has high accuracy. The study’s lead author, Jun Wang, chief of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Peking University Peoples Hospital, explained: “The accuracy and high specificity of LCAID might help improve the detection and screening of lung cancer and consequently reduce unnecessary exposure to radiation and invasive diagnostic procedures. Notably, most patients with lung cancer included in this study were at Stage I, and over 90% of them were correctly classified by LCAID.” More information about the LCAID research can be found in Science Translational Medicine. *Image courtesy of Belova59 from Pixabay 

COVID-19 immunity could be lost in months, UK study suggests

14/07/2020

People who have recovered from COVID-19 and gained immunity to the disease could lose it again within months, a new study from the UK suggests. According to the research by a team from King’s College London, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) could reinfect people year after year, much like common colds. Having studied the immune responses of more than 90 patients and healthcare workers at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS foundation trust, the researchers found that COVID-19 antibody levels peaked about three weeks after the onset of symptoms.  [Related reading: Coronavirus: Immunity levels likely to be higher than antibody tests suggest] Blood tests revealed that while 60% of COVID-19 patients displayed a “potent” antibody response at the height of their battle with the disease, this figure fell to just 17% three months later. In some cases, antibody levels became undetectable. The findings of the study have implications when it comes to developing a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as achieving greater herd immunity. The bottom line is that if antibody levels drop over time and people are able to be reinfected seasonally, a vaccine would not actually provide any long-term benefits. Speaking about the findings of the study, Dr Katie Doores, lead author from King’s College London, said: “People are producing a reasonable antibody response to the virus, but it’s waning over a short period of time and depending on how high your peak is, that determines how long the antibodies are staying around.”

Innovative breast cancer blood test could aid early detection

07/11/2019

An innovative new blood test can detect breast cancer up to 5 years before symptoms appear, researchers say. Developed by a team at the University of Nottingham, England, the new blood test identifies specific immune system ‘autoantibodies’, which are produced when tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are present – like those produced by breast cancer cells. While the test is still only partially effective, it could eventually provide the best chance of detecting breast cancer early, enabling faster treatment and a greater chance of success. In the pilot study, the researchers took blood samples from 90 breast cancer patients when they were diagnosed with breast cancer. They then matched these samples with ones from 90 patients without breast cancer. Then, they used a technology called protein microarray to test the blood samples for the presence of autoantibodies and 40 TAAs associated with breast cancer, plus another 27 TAAs that were not known to be linked with the disease). The researchers used a technology called protein microarray to rapidly test the blood samples for autoantibodies against 40 TAAs associated with breast cancer, plus another 27 TAAs that were not known to be linked with the disease. Speaking last Sunday at the U.K. National Cancer Research Institute conference in Glasgow, Scotland, researcher Daniyah Alfattani, a Ph.D. student at the University of Nottingham's Centre of Excellence for Autoimmunity in Cancer (CEAC), said: “The results of our study showed that breast cancer does induce autoantibodies against panels of specific tumor-associated antigens. We were able to detect cancer with reasonable accuracy by identifying these autoantibodies in the blood.” At present, annual mammograms are the best way for doctors to detect the presence of breast cancer while in its early stages.

What is IVF?

29/10/2019

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of several techniques that can be used to help people with fertility problems have a baby. With IVF, an egg is removed from the woman’s body and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The fertilized egg – known as an embryo – is then placed inside the woman’s womb where it will hopefully implant in the lining of her uterus and grow and develop. IVF can be carried out using a woman’s eggs and her partner’s sperm, or eggs and sperm from donors. There are seven main stages associated with IVF treatment: Ovary stimulation – Medication is used to encourage the woman’s ovaries to produce more eggs than usual. Progress monitoring and maturing of eggs – Ultrasounds and blood tests are used to monitor the eggs, while medication is administered to help them develop. Egg retrieval – A needle is used to collect eggs from each ovary. This step takes around 30 minutes and the woman can usually go home afterwards. Egg fertilization – The retrieved eggs are mixed with sperm. They have the chance to find each other and fertilize the same as they would inside the body. Embryo development – If the sperm fertilizes the egg, it becomes an embryo. The embryo is then placed inside a special incubator where conditions are perfect to encourage growth and development. Embryo transplant – Once the IVF specialists are satisfied that the embryo is developing correctly, it is then transplanted into the woman’s uterus. Final blood test – Approximately two weeks after the embryo has been transplanted, a final blood test is performed to check the woman’s hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) levels, which are used to determine if she is pregnant or not. It is important to note that not all eggs, unfortunately, will fertilize and reach the embryo stage. This can occur as a result of immature eggs and/or weak sperm. If you and your partner have been struggling to conceive naturally, IVF could help you get pregnant. Find out more about how we can facilitate IVF treatment for French-speaking patients in Spain by contacting us today.

Mobile app significantly speeds up detection of potentially fatal kidney condition

06/08/2019

A new mobile phone app that helps speed up the detection of a potentially fatal kidney condition has been described as a “potential lifesaver” by hospital staff. The app, known as Streams, is able to detect acute kidney injury in 14 minutes (on average). Until now, this process would have taken at least several hours. This is highly significant as acute kidney injury can begin to affect other organs if it is not treated quickly. One in five people who are admitted to hospital develop acute kidney injury and it leads to around 100,000 deaths in the UK each year. The app works by looking for a waste product called creatinine, something that is normally filtered out by a person’s kidneys. It then sends warning signals to front-line clinicians’ phones if a patient’s blood tests indicate they have acute kidney failure. Streams was developed by the Royal Free Hospital in London and technology firm DeepMind, which is owned by Alphabet. Speaking to the BBC, Mary Emerson, lead nurse specialist at the Royal Free Hospital, said: “It's a huge change to be able to receive alerts about patients anywhere in the hospital. Healthcare is mobile and real time, and this is the first device that has enabled me to see results in a mobile real-time way.” The findings of the app trial are published in the journal Nature Digital Medicine.

New MRI scan being trialled for prostate cancer screening

13/06/2019

Hundreds of men in the UK are trialling a new prostate cancer screening scan to see if it could eventually be offered on the NHS. Right now, there is no routine prostate cancer screening performed in the UK. Blood tests and biopsies are the most reliable ways to determine if a man has prostate cancer. The new test involves a non-invasive MRI scan that checks the inside of the body for any abnormal growths. It will be a few years yet before we know if the new scan is better than the current blood tests, scientists say, but NHS England is, nevertheless, hailing the breakthrough as a “potentially exciting development”. In the UK alone, prostate cancer claims the lives of around 11,800 men every year. It usually develops slowly, so there are often no associated signs or symptoms for many years. Prostate cancer treatment depends on its development. Doctors may suggest to monitor the situation first, while surgery and radiotherapy will be advised for others. Speaking about the new test, Karen Stalbow, from Prostate Cancer UK, said: “This trial could provide an exciting step towards our ambition for a national screening programme that enables men to get the early prostate cancer diagnosis that can save more lives.”

New ovarian cancer test is a ‘potential game-changer’

27/11/2018

Ovarian cancer treatment is much more effective if it’s administered during the early stages of the disease. In fact, when ovarian cancer is diagnosed early, approximately 94% of patients have a good prognosis post-treatment. However, the reality is that relatively few cases (about 20%) of ovarian cancer are diagnosed early, which makes treatment less effective. But a newly developed blood test could change this. Beyong a full pelvic exam, medical professionals, at present, have two options when it comes to testing for ovarian cancer: a transvaginal ultrasound and a cancer antigen 125 (CA 125) blood test. Unfortunately, both have significant limitations. For example, while the ultrasound can detect growths, it cannot determine whether they are cancerous. The CA 125 test looks for a specific ovarian cancer marker, but people with unrelated conditions also have high levels of this particular antigen. These limitations of the existing tests are one of the driving forces behind the development of the new blood test. The new test, developed by a team from Griffith University and the University of Adelaide (both in Australia), looks for telltale sugars associated with ovarian cancer cells. According to the findings of the team’s study, the new blood test detected large levels of the sugars in 90% of people with stage 1 ovarian cancer and 100% of people with later stage ovarian cancer. Moreover, the test detected none of the telltale sugars in healthy participants. Prof. James Paton, one of the study authors, said the test is a huge step toward diagnosing ovarian cancer in its early stages. “Ovarian cancer is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages, when there are more options for treatment and survival rates are better. Our new test is therefore a potential game-changer,” he said.

New prostate cancer test hailed as a breakthrough

24/04/2018

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK, with more than 47,000 new cases diagnosed every year. And up until now, the most widely used tests for the disease had included the PSA blood test, a digital rectal examination (DRE), MRI scans and a biopsy. However, each of these wasn’t without its problems. But now a new ultrasound process, which offers more successful diagnosis and management of prostate cancer, has been identified by researchers at Dundee University. The technique, known as non-invasive shear wave elastography (SWE), offers "much greater accuracy and reliability" than current methods and is less expensive, according to the researchers. It targets the prostate with ultrasound and was evaluated using a study at Dundee University involving around 200 patients. Because cancerous tissue is denser than normal tissue, the shear waves are slowed as they pass through it. During the study, the technique was able to successfully identify 89% of prostate cancers, as well as other more aggressive cancers, including those spreading outside of the prostate. Ghulam Nabi, professor of surgical uro-oncology at Dundee University, said, "Prostate cancer is one of the most difficult to pinpoint. "We are still in a position where our diagnosis of prostate cancer is extremely inefficient, leading to unnecessary treatments for many patients." Speaking about the new test, Prof Nabi said it was “like someone has turned the lights on in a darkened room."

Scientists move one step closer to developing universal cancer test

25/01/2018

Developing a universal blood test for cancer has been one of the biggest goals in medicine ever and now scientists at John Hopkins University have taken a huge step towards achieving it. The team have trialled a test that can detect eight common forms of cancer, with the ultimate goal being to develop an annual test that can catch cancers early and save lives. While more work is needed, experts in the UK have described the breakthrough as “enormously exciting”. The test works by picking up on tiny traces of mutated DNA and proteins released into a person’s bloodstream by tumours. The CancerSEEK test, as it is known, looks for mutations in 16 genes and eight different proteins released by tumours. In a trial involving 1,005 patients with cancers in the stomach, liver, ovary, pancreas, colon, oesophagus, lung or breast, which had not yet spread to other tissues, the test was able to successfully detect 70% of the cancers. The test is particularly exciting as it was able to detect some cancers that currently have no early detection screening programmes. Pancreatic cancer is one area where the test could really make a big difference. At present, four in five pancreatic cancer patients die within the year they are diagnosed. That’s because the disease emits so few symptoms and sufferers are often diagnosed too late. The CancerSEEK test will now be trialled on individuals who have not been diagnosed with cancer. This will be the real measure of its effectiveness and usefulness.  

New test can instantly detect heart attacks

28/09/2017

A sudden chest pain often leads to people fearing the worst, which is why many, quite rightly, seek medical help right away. But two-thirds of the time, patients with chest pains will not actually have experienced a heart attack. Nevertheless, these patients still need to be assessed and given the all-clear before being sent home. Then there are the patients who have actually had a heart attack. While a heart trace, called an ECG, can quickly identify major heart attacks, it is not that good at highlighting smaller ones, which can also be life-threatening. At present, patients with a clear ECG and chest pain are then given a heart-attack blood test, called troponin. However, this needs to be repeated three hours later to check for signs of heart muscle damage. Now, a new instant blood test could change the way suspected heart attack patients are treated. The cMyC test can rule out or confirm a heart attack in less than 20 minutes, meaning well patients can be sent home quicker, while heart attack victims can get the treatment they need faster. Troponin and cMyC blood tests were carried out on nearly 2,000 people admitted to hospitals in Switzerland, Italy and Spain with acute chest pain. The cMyC test was found to be better at giving patients the all-clear within the first three hours of presenting with chest pain. According a team from King's College London, the cMyC test could be rolled out on the NHS within five years. Dr Tom Kaier, one of the lead researchers at St Thomas' Hospital, London, said: "Our research shows that the new test has the potential to reassure many thousands more patients with a single test, improving their experience and freeing up valuable hospital beds in A&E departments and wards across the country." [Related reading: What is Coronary Angioplasty?]

Simple blood test can detect cancer years before symptoms appear

08/06/2017

A simple blood test that accurately detects several different types of cancer years before symptoms even appear could revolutionise how the disease is treated, scientists have said. Researchers hope the non-invasive test will pave the way for a future where the straightforward procedure could form part of routine health check-ups. It’s thought that thousands of deaths each year could be prevented with the tests as they can detect tumours at an early stage, when treatment is most effective. At present, the best method for detecting cancer is a biopsy, which involves cutting out a small piece of tumour tissue for lab analysis. However, biopsies are invasive and often painful, and a person already needs to have a tumour or at least a suspected tumour to have something cut out of it. That’s why scientists have been working to develop blood tests that can do the same, without the need for surgery. Speaking about the breakthrough, Dr Bert Vogelstein, a professor of oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, told The Guardian: “It’s fair to say that if you could detect all cancers while they are still localized, you could diminish cancer deaths by 90 per cent.”

French researchers develop 'world first' lung cancer blood test

14/06/2016

France is world-renowned for its excellent healthcare facilities, and that's why so many people each year take the decision to come here and undergo a medical procedure with our help. But did you know that a team of French cancer researchers was one of the first in the world to develop a blood test that can detect lung cancer? Lead by Prof. Paul Hofman from Nice University Hospital and the Inserm research centre at Nice Sophia-Antipolis university, the simple test developed by the team can highlight circulating tumour cells years before any signs of a tumour appear. The team of French researchers conducted tests on a total of 245 cancer-free patients. Of these patients, 168 were heavy smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - a risk factor for lung cancer - and 77 without COPD (42 smokers and 35 non-smokers). Circulating tumour cells were discovered in five of the 168 patients with COPD, all of who subsequently developed cancer. Fortunately, swift surgery to remove the cancer was successful and follow-up CT-scans a year later showed them to be in remission. Prof. Hofman said that the blood test allowed them to gain about four years on the cancer, which significantly increased the patients' chances of a positive outcome. The results of the "world first" tests were first published in late 2014 in the US open access peer-reviewed scientific journal Plos One.

New Blood Test Can Reveal Every Virus You’ve Ever Had

09/06/2015

With just a single drop of your blood, VirScan can identify every virus you’ve ever had in your life and it can do so for around just $25. The research, which was recently published in the journal Science, could be vital for the diagnosis and treatment of viruses going forward. Contagious viruses with few obvious symptoms, like Hepatitis C, could become a thing of the past. Stephen Elledge, the lead author of the study, said: “There are people walking around with chronic Hepatitis C infections that have no idea they have them. Now imagine if this was a routine test that was done every time you went to the doctor. With things like Hep C, the earlier you treat them, the better." Imagine being able to walk into your doctor’s surgery and have a quick test to discover what previous viruses you’ve had, instead of filling out one of those tedious and often long-winded forms. Plus, the test may even pick up some viruses that you didn’t know you’d had! Once your body has defeated a virus, some of the special white blood cells that were released by your immune system at the time are then kept for reference purposes. Your body uses them as a reminder and to keep you protected from that same virus in the future. The study itself involved 569 people from the United States, Thailand, Peru and South Africa. It found that on average the participants tested positive for 10 species of virus. The most common being the flu, the common cold and gastrointestinal viruses.   Photo credit: L'Express

ABOUT US

27/05/2015

ABOUT US France SURGERY is a private French company located in Toulouse (south west France) and has over 20 years of experience in the French medical sector. Our team is comprised of several French doctors, specialists and healthcare professionals. We will put you in touch with Internationally renowned hospitals & specialists in France, ensuring that your medical treatment or operation is undertaken in the most professional way, thus providing reassurance and peace of mind for you and your family. OUR ADVANTAGES We offer the largest online Platform for medical travel in France, with approximately 120 hospitals and more than 1500 highly experienced specialists all across the country… Direct access to elite French physicians: pre travel e-consultation for each patient. Secure Platform for exchange of medical data: Your secure area is completely confidential, and will allow: The surgeon or doctor to easily access your medical file: past and current medical history, current medication, digital X-ray, blood grouping & full blood tests, specialist examination report relating to the disorder. The surgeon or doctor to discuss their medical opinion directly with you or your GP and the organisation of your prospective treatment. Us to contact you directly (by telephone, e-mail or video-conferencing) to help you make the best decision. Selection of highly experienced medical teams and not just hospitals, according to a very strict ethical code of practice. Realistic pre-travel medical evaluation through specific questionnaires. Post-op e-follow up. Automatic sending of medical enquiries & scorings, planned operative e controls. You stay in direct contact with your physician even after you’re back home. You’ll never feel alone! What our patients think about us: click here

New Blood Test Could End Our Unsustainable Antibiotic Culture

24/03/2015

When it comes to deciphering which bug is responsible for an infection, doctors have historically faced many challenges. While routine tests are available, they can sometimes take days to definitively identify the exact bug and usually involve growing cultures in a laboratory. But now, a new blood test has been developed that can determine whether an infection is being caused by bacteria or a virus and the results are available within two hours. Despite still being at a laboratory stage, the potential of the new test has got independent experts excited and if it comes to fruition, it could help tackle a very serious problem: the over-reliance on antibiotics. MeMed worked in collaboration with several teams of scientists from Israel to develop the test and it proved successful - i.e. it correctly identified the cause of an infection – in the majority of some 300 tests cases. The new test works by recognising the protein patterns triggered by viruses and bacteria, but isn’t being seen as a replacement for the traditional role of a physician and their judgement. Virus expert Professor Jonathan Ball from Nottingham University said: "The work addresses a really serious problem. Being able to identify a possible infection early on and then to be able to differentiate between a possible viral or bacterial cause, is important.”

Important Medical Tests for People Over 40

22/08/2014

As we get older, our bodies need a bit more TLC to ensure we’re fighting fit for the challenges that life throws at us. Therefore, when we reach the age of 40, there are certain medical tests which are recommended and specifically designed to check your vital systems. Also, these tests will inevitably be accompanied by a series of questions, so that a full picture of your health can be produced. Depending on the results, you may be given personalised advice by your medical professional and instructed to make lifestyle changes going forward. In some circumstances, you’ll be offered medical treatment to help maintain or improve your health. There are three simple tests that will help your medical professional determine your ‘heart age’. These are as follows: Cholesterol test We all need a certain amount of cholesterol for our bodies to function but there is strong evidence to suggest that too much cholesterol – particularly bad cholesterol – increases the risk of vascular diseases. A simple blood test is used to measure your cholesterol and you’ll know the result right away. Blood pressure test The higher your blood pressure the harder your heart has to work to pump blood around your body. This can not only weaken you heart but also increase your chances of developing a blocked artery. Your blood pressure is measured using a cuff that fits around your upper arm and is inflated. BMI test Your BMI or body mass index determines whether you are a healthy weight for your height. People with higher BMIs have a higher chance of developing certain conditions such as heart disease, certain cancers and stroke. Diabetes assessment In addition to the three tests above, a diabetes risk assessment is also recommended for people over 40. Diabetes occurs when your body does not produce enough insulin or when the insulin it does produce is not as effective as it should be. Your medical professional will ascertain through questions and the results of your blood pressure and BMI tests whether you are at risk of type 2 diabetes. A simple blood test will then confirm if your blood sugar is too high.

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