Category: Cancer

  • Trucheck™: Empowering Early Cancer Detection through Advanced Blood Screening

    Trucheck™: Empowering Early Cancer Detection through Advanced Blood Screening

    Can a Blood Test Really Detect Cancer?

    At Coyne Medical, we strive to provide our patients with the latest advancements in healthcare technology. In line with our commitment to offering the best screening options, we are excited to introduce Trucheck™, a revolutionary cancer screening blood test developed by Datar Cancer Genetics. Trucheck™ aims to detect cancer at its early stages which can potentially lead to improved outcomes, streamlined treatments, and reduced morbidity. In this blog, we will explore the features, advantages, and considerations associated with Trucheck™, shedding light on why it is a powerful addition to our health screening services.

    The Urgency of Early Cancer Diagnosis:

    The statistics on cancer are startling. 1 in 2 individuals born after 1960 will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Unfortunately, the majority of cancers (48%) are currently diagnosed at later stages (3 or 4). This often leads to more aggressive treatments and poorer outcomes. Detecting cancer early, specifically at stage 1, can significantly improve survival rates and make treatments more effective. Trucheck™ aims to address this critical need for early diagnosis by leveraging cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements.

    Understanding Trucheck™: The Science Behind the Test

    Trucheck™ is a cancer-screening blood test. It utilises the concept of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating ensembles of tumour-associated cells (C-ETACs) in blood samples. Through a process known as primary negative enrichment, Trucheck™ selectively allows non-malignant cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) while enabling the survival of malignant cells. These malignant cells are then analysed using multiplexed fluorescence immunocytochemistry (ICC) to identify tissue-specific markers associated with various different cancer types.

    The presence of CTCs alone is not diagnostic of cancer. Instead, a positive Trucheck™ result indicates a high risk of cancer, providing valuable information about the likely type of cancer (e.g., adenocarcinoma) and its potential organ of origin (e.g., lung). A positive result should prompt further tests or referrals, which may involve additional costs and might not be covered by private medical insurance or provided by the NHS until a formal cancer diagnosis is established. False positives, although relatively rare (estimated at 1% to a maximum of 3% in studies), can occur.

    The Test Procedure and Pre-Test Consultation:

    Detailed information about the Trucheck™ test, including its procedure, can be found on our website making it a valuable resource for patients considering this screening option. To ensure the best possible experience and outcomes, we offer pre-test consultations. During these consultations, we review the patient’s medical history, assess suitability, identify high-risk factors, and address any concerns or questions.

    Who Can Benefit from the Trucheck™ Cancer Screening Blood Test?

    Trucheck™ is suitable for individuals aged 18 and above who are asymptomatic or have minor symptoms not requiring urgent investigation. It is particularly recommended for patients who wish to take advantage of the opportunity to identify their risk of cancer at an early stage, aiding in timely diagnosis and treatment. The test selection varies based on age and gender, with options such as Trucheck™ Intelli (for over 40 years of age, detecting over 70 tumour types), Trucheck™ Breast (females over 40 years of age), Trucheck™ Prostate (males over 45 years of age), and Trucheck™ Colon (over 40 years of age).

    Advantages of Trucheck™:

    1. Early Cancer Detection: Trucheck™ has the ability to detect cancers at an early stage, even before symptoms manifest, leading to better treatment outcomes and improved survival rates.
    2. Comprehensive Screening: Trucheck™ Intelli offers a broad spectrum of detection, encompassing more than 70 types of early-stage cancer within the asymptomatic population.
    3. Sensitivity and Specificity: Trucheck™ demonstrates high sensitivity (e.g., 88.2% for Trucheck™ Intelli) in correctly identifying cancer cases, minimising false negatives, and achieving a specificity of 99% to reduce false positives.
    4. Minimally Invasive: Unlike invasive procedures or radiation-based tests, Trucheck™ involves a simple blood draw, making it a convenient and non-intrusive screening method.
    5. Peace of Mind: Negative Trucheck™ results provide reassurance, indicating a low chance of having an active malignancy.
    6. Targeted Follow-up: Positive results from Trucheck™ allow for fast-tracked and targeted follow-up, utilising imaging, biopsy, or other confirmatory methods, minimising unnecessary medical procedures and exposure.
    7. Comparative Advantage: Trucheck™ outperforms other cancer screening tests in terms of false positive rates, surpassing tests such as PSA testing, FIT testing, and mammograms. However, all of these tests are still an important part of screening for cancer. 

    Considerations and Limitations:

    While Trucheck™ offers significant advantages, it is essential to consider certain factors:

    1. Emotional Impact: The anticipation of results, as well as false positive or indeterminate outcomes, can lead to temporary anxiety for individuals and their families.
    2. Unproven Survival Impact: Although Trucheck™ aids in early diagnosis, further research is needed to demonstrate its impact on long-term survival rates.
    3. Complementary, Not Replacing Standard Screening: Trucheck™ does not replace conventional cancer screening methods, such as mammograms, colon cancer screening, lung cancer screening CT scans, and cervical screening. It is designed to complement these existing tests.
    4. Specific Cancer Types: Trucheck™ focuses on solid organ malignancies and cannot detect blood or lymphatic system cancers.
    5. Coverage and Costs: Trucheck™ may not be currently covered by healthcare insurance, and the costs associated with the test are privately funded by individuals. Additionally, following a positive result, further diagnostic procedures may require self-payment before a formal cancer diagnosis is established.

    With cancer being a prevalent and life-altering disease, the importance of early detection cannot be overstated. Trucheck™ provides a groundbreaking opportunity for individuals to proactively assess their risk of cancer and enable timely interventions. While acknowledging its limitations, Trucheck™ offers unparalleled advantages, including early cancer detection, comprehensiveness, convenience, and high sensitivity. At Coyne Medical, we believe Trucheck™ is a vital addition to our health screening services, empowering our patients to take control of their well-being and potentially improve their cancer outcomes and healthspan.

    It is really important to emphasise that Trucheck™ should be utilised alongside routine healthcare and standard cancer screening tests, ensuring comprehensive and holistic health monitoring. To learn more about Trucheck™ and its suitability for you, we encourage you to reach out to our expert medical professionals at Coyne Medical.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

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    Cardiovascular Health · Cancer · Longevity and Healthspan · Child Health · Men’s Health · Women’s Health · Nutrition and Lifestyle · Lab Tests and Results

  • Unravelling the Link Between Diet and Prostate Cancer: Insights from a Recent Study

    Unravelling the Link Between Diet and Prostate Cancer: Insights from a Recent Study

    Prostate cancer is a significant global health concern. It is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide and the second most diagnosed cancer in men. While certain factors like race, age, and family history are known to influence prostate cancer risk, the role of modifiable factors such as diet has been unclear. However, a recent study aimed to shed light on this topic by investigating the association between “a posteriori” dietary patterns and Prostate cancer risk.

    “A posteriori” is a Latin term that translates to “from the effect to the cause.” In the context of this study, it refers to the approach used to identify dietary patterns based on observed data. A posteriori dietary patterns are derived from the dietary information collected from the study participants, without predefining specific food groups or nutrient components. These patterns are created using statistical methods that analyse the actual dietary habits of the population under study. By examining the observed dietary intake and identifying patterns within the data, researchers can draw associations between certain dietary patterns and health outcomes, such as the risk of prostate cancer.

    The study used data from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition Spanish cohort (EPIC-Spain), which included 15,296 men aged 29-69 years. Information on lifestyle, diet, and medical history was collected through questionnaires and standardised measurements. 181 men were excluded from the study for what was deemed “implausible” food intake!

    Three dietary patterns emerged from the analysis: Western, Prudent, and Mediterranean. The Western pattern involved a high consumption of high-fat dairy products, processed meat, refined grains, sweets, caloric drinks, convenience food, and sauces. The Prudent pattern consisted of high intakes of low-fat dairy products, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and juices. The Mediterranean pattern represented high intakes of fish, vegetables, legumes, boiled potatoes, fruits, olives, and vegetable oil, with a low intake of juices. 

    The findings of the study revealed that high adherence to the Western dietary pattern was associated with a considerable increase in the risk of aggressive prostate. On the other hand, high adherence to the Prudent and Mediterranean patterns did not show significant effects on Prostate cancer risk.

    The Western dietary pattern, characterised by its consumption of dairy products, red and processed meats, sweets, convenience food, and snacks, was found to have detrimental effects on Prostate cancer risk. These foods contain compounds that disrupt prostate hormonal regulation, increase oxidative stress, and stimulate inflammation, all of which can contribute to the development and progression of prostate cancer.

    Interestingly, the study did not find a strong protective effect of the Mediterranean or Prudent dietary pattern against aggressive prostate cancer. Differences in dietary habits between study populations and changes in dietary patterns over time may explain these discrepancies. Further research is certainly needed to validate these findings, as the number of cohort studies on this topic is still limited.

    The study’s strengths lie in its longitudinal design, large sample size, and the use of a posteriori dietary patterns. These patterns provide a comprehensive understanding of the overall diet and its impact on prostate cancer risk, accounting for the interactions between different foods and nutrients.

    However, the study does have limitations. It was unable to track changes in diet over time, and information on family history of prostate cancer or race was not available. Nonetheless, the study adds to our knowledge about the association between dietary patterns and Prostate cancer risk, emphasising the importance of reducing the consumption of high-fat dairy products, red and processed meats, refined grains, sweets, caloric drinks, convenience food, and sauces to prevent prostate cancer.

    The study suggests that adherence to a Western dietary pattern increases the risk of aggressive prostate cancer, while high adherence to the Prudent and Mediterranean patterns does not significantly impact prostate cancer risk. These findings highlight the need for individuals to make healthier dietary choices by reducing the intake of detrimental foods and focusing on a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and deepen our understanding of the complex relationship between diet and prostate cancer.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Cancer Health Guides
  • Get To Know Yours Breasts or Pecs

    Get To Know Yours Breasts or Pecs

    It’s breast cancer awareness month so here are a few tips for everyone on how to get to know your breasts/pecs

    Hopefully, these tips will help everyone get to know their normal and feel empowered to seek advice from their GP.

    Everyone’s breasts/pecs are different and most changes are natural and harmless but it is always best to get checked out, please do not hesitate to seek advice from your GP, that’s what we are here for!

    The most common comment I get from patients is that they just don’t know where to start and wonder if they’re checking themselves the wrong way. There’s no wrong way to check yourself but here are some helpful tips to guide you along the way.

    This guide applies to everyone- breasts and pecs, of all ages. Everyone should become comfortable getting to know their bodies and what is normal for them.

    Early breast cancer diagnosis saves lives.

    Think of when you might want to check them, I recommend making it a monthly habit and part of your routine.

    It can be hard to remember this in our busy lives but you can set yourself a calendar reminder or even sign up to the breast cancer charity Coppafeel!’s monthly text/email or calendar reminder service. They’ve even got some great shower stickers to remind you to check yourself!

    Think of where you might feel most comfortable checking- whether it be in the shower, in front of a mirror or lying in bed or on the sofa. It is also a good idea to check yourself lying down as well as standing up.

    Onto how to get to know your breasts or pecs, I like to think of it in different steps:

    1. Look- look for any changes you can see ( this is where the mirror can come in handy) any changes in size, shape, or skin changes such as puckering or dimpling. You can do this with your arms raised and down by your sides.
    2. Feel- Feel for any changes using your hands, don’t forget to feel across and all the way up above the breast/pec up to the collarbones and into your armpits.
    3. Notice any changes to your nipples such as discharge, bleeding, rashes, crusting or position of your nipples. Notice any pain in the breasts, this can be normal around your period but if this is different, unexplained or not going away it’s worth getting it checked out by your GP.

    If you’d like some more guidance and information with videos, a checking toolkit, and lots more information please have a look at the Coppafeel! website.

    DR RORY TAYLOR
    MBBS DRCOG MRCGP

    Rory is a GP at Coyne Medical with particular interests in women’s health and preventive medicine. She is a member of the medical advisory group for breast cancer charity CoppaFeel! and has worked in the Fulham area throughout her career.

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    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Cancer Health Guides
  • The qFIT test – the new detection test tackling Bowel Cancer

    The qFIT test – the new detection test tackling Bowel Cancer

    The qFIT test checks for bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer and the 2nd most common cause of death in the UK. This makes it a strong target for new and innovative detection technologies. Early detection is vital for potential intervention and cure with any disease. However, we still see the majority of cases not being diagnosed early due to a lack of knowledge or understanding of symptoms.

    Bowel cancer is an all-inclusive term for cancer in the large bowel or colon and the back passage or the rectum. Abnormal cells start to divide and grow in an uncontrollable way which can lead to the possibility of unwanted cells spreading to other parts of the body.

    To help minimise this progression, a simple test to help diagnose possible symptoms leading to potential intervention is the most successful tool we have in reducing these statistics. Most, but by no means all bowel cancers start off as polyps. The majority of polyps remain small and harmless. Some, however, develop into malignant cancers that can invade into the wall of the colon. The progression from harmless polyp to cancer can occur over 10 or so years. So, screening can provide an excellent tool in our armoury against cancer in this 10-year window of opportunity.

    The new qFIT (Quantitative Faecal Immunochemical Test) testing package is a tool used for primary screening for patients without symptoms such as bleeding or change in bowel habit. It is also sometimes as a management guide for patients with symptoms. The simple stool sample test does not look for cancerous cells specifically. However, it detects certain antibodies and blood in the stool that could develop into cancerous symptoms. This is used as the first line of detection to allow for further testing if needed to identify the cause. The next line of testing is usually direct visualisation of the colon with a colonoscopy.

    This new test, is now offered here at Coyne Medical. We use it as part of our health screenings and opportunistically in GP appointments for patients who are suitable. FIT Testing has been shown to detect twice as many cancers and four times as many advanced polyps as the previous test, making it the most effective point of call for early detection.

    How The Test Is Carried Out

    Fit testing is carried out on a small amount of stool. We give you a special container for the sample and detailed instructions on how to do the test. You obtain the stool sample from stool passed into the disposable container we provide you with. The stool should not come into contact with the toilet water. The qFIT test requires only one stool sample and does not need any medications to be stopped. In addition, no alterations to diet are needed. When you have done the sample it can be mailed back to the laboratory. The process the results as soon as they receive the sample. It’s important to send it back to the lab as soon as possible. This is because delayed processing of the sample has been associated with lower detection of adenomas.

    Be Symptom Aware

    Whether or not you are planning to have a qFIT test done. It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer. These include:

    • Tummy pain
    • Change in bowel habit
    • Unintentional weight loss
    • Bleeding from the back passage
    • Bloating of the tummy
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Fatigue, lack of energy and shortness of breath on exertion

    For people between the ages of 40-74 years, we recommend having a screening annually. In the UK and some other countries, the testing is less frequent and one study in the Netherlands did show that screening every three years resulted in the same population positivity rate. However, if you have any relevant family history, a simple concern or would like to find out more information about symptoms or the test itself, please contact us on 020 7731 3077.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Cancer Health Guides