Author Archives: wendy
Carers who help cancer sufferers are missing out on getting help
Millions of cancer carers missing out on benefits
More than a million cancer carers could be missing out on benefits and support because they are failing to ask their local councils for help to which they are entitled, a charity claims.
y Nick Collins, Science Correspondent
7:30AM GMT 27 Jan 2012
46 per cent of carers, who help cancer sufferers, suffer from mental health problems including stress, anxiety and depression
Just five per cent of the 1.1 million people in Britain who care for cancer sufferers have applied for an assessment from their council which would entitle them to claim financial and practical help, a poll shows.
Spotting autism earlier can help with treatment
Autism: Brainwaves ‘show risk from age of six months’
By James Gallagher Health and science reporter, BBC News
It may be possible to detect autism at a much earlier age than previously thought, according to an international team of researchers.
A study published in Current Biology identified differences in infants’ brainwaves from as early as six months.
Behavioural symptoms of autism typically develop between a child’s first and second birthdays.
Autism charities said identifying the disorder at an earlier stage could help with treatment.
It is thought that one in every 100 children has an autism spectrum disorder in the UK. It affects more boys than girls. While there is no “cure”, education and behavioural programmes can help.
Minister denies cancer test pressure
Care services minister Paul Burstow has denied suggestions from a DH adviser that GPs are being pressured to reduce use of a cancer test.
Yorkshire GP Dr Nick Summerton, a DH cancer adviser, had said that a letter sent to practices in the north of England implied GPs had over-used an ovarian cancer test and should audit appropriate use.
But Mr Burstow refuted the suggestion. ‘Doctors are not being pressured to reduce their use of this ovarian cancer test, and all patients who need to have access to this test should receive it,’ he said.
