News digest – soaring skin cancer rates, breast milk, 5G and does eating insects really protect against cancer?

Melanoma in younger people on the rise

Our new stats show that the number of 25-49-year olds who have been diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer has soared since 2004, with plenty of media outlets picking up the trend. It’s thought the rise could be down to a number of things such as a growing number of people holidaying in countries where the sun can be stronger and an increased awareness of the disease. Over exposure to harmful UV rays can cause skin cancer which is why we want more people to own their natural skin tone.

Experts debate whether obesity should be recognised as a disease

The Independent has reported on an expert debate in the British Medical Journal about whether obesity should be recognised as a disease. Both sides agree there are complex factors that can lead to obesity and that weight stigma exists in our society.But whether obesity will be recognised as a disease is yet to be decided.

WHO calls for ban on sugary baby food

The World Health Organisation is calling for a ban on baby foods loaded with sugar. It says that even the more savoury flavours are too sugary and are helping babies develop a sweet tooth. Read the Guardian for more.

Cancer treatment using breast milk chemical is being tested in trials

An experimental cancer treatment containing a molecule found in breast milk has been tested in an early-stage clinical trial. The trial involved 40 people with bladder cancer and was looking at the safety of the potential treatment. It now needs to be tested in a larger group of people to see how effective it might be against cancer. The Telegraph covered this.

Mobile data networks and cancer risk

The BBC looks at whether 5G, the latest mobile network being rolled out by phone providers, poses any health risks. In short, there is no good evidence of a link between mobile phone use and cancer.

No deal Brexit will impact scientific research, says Royal Society President

The Independent reports the Royal Society’s warning for the two Conservative leadership candidates about the future of scientific research in the UK. Professor Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, president of the Royal Society, wrote that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit will severely impact science and innovation.

Promise and price of cell therapies

The New Yorker delves into the history of cell-based cancer treatments, exploring how they’ve evolved over time. Made from human immune cells, these treatments are now used for a variety of diseases, such as the personalised treatment called CAR T cell therapy that’s available for some NHS blood cancer patients.

Second breast cancer treatment combo added to England’s Cancer Drugs Fund

We reported the latest breast cancer treatments made available to patients on the NHS in England. Price negations with the manufacturers of a targeted drug now mean some people with advanced breast cancer will have access to a combination treatment that can slow disease progression.

And finally

The Telegraph claims that eating insects could help protect against cancer, after scientists said that ants contain lots of antioxidants, which are found in so-called ‘superfoods’. But is ant eating really a way of preventing cancer? Not based on this research. The scientists didn’t actually test whether eating ants could prevent cancer in people. And evidence shows it’s unlikely that one specific type of food, on its own, could have a big impact on cancer risk. Your overall diet is more important for reducing cancer risk than eating particular individual foods.

Gabi