Positive Health Online

Combined Oral Contraceptives Triple Risk Of Stroke in Young Women

New research presented today at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC) 2025 revealed that the use of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) is associated with a threefold increase in the risk of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (CIS) in young women.[1] The findings add to a growing body of evidence linking hormonal contraception to vascular risk in women of reproductive age.

Cryptogenic ischaemic stroke, which is stroke with no identifiable cause, accounts for up to 40% of all ischaemic strokes in young adults.[2] Despite its prevalence, the contribution of sex-specific risk factors, such as contraceptive use, has remained underexplored. While prior studies have associated combined OCs with stroke risk, this is among the few studies to focus specifically on cryptogenic stroke in young women.

The Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young (SECRETO) study included 268 women aged 18–49 years with CIS and 268 age-matched stroke-free controls across 14 centres in Europe. Of the participants, 66 patients and 38 controls were using combined OCs. After adjusting for age and established comorbidities such as hypertension, smoking, migraine with aura, and abdominal obesity, OC use was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.00 (95% CI: 1.61–5.57). No significant interactions were found between OC use and these risk factors, suggesting that the increased stroke risk may operate independently of other known contributors.

“Our findings confirm earlier evidence linking oral contraceptives to stroke risk,” said Dr. Mine Sezgin, Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, and lead author of the study.  “What’s particularly notable is that the association remains strong even when accounting for other known risk factors, which suggests there may be additional mechanisms involved – possibly genetic or biological.”

Most OC users in the study were taking Ethinylestradiol-based formulations, with a median dose of 20 micrograms. Other types of estrogen, such as estradiol hemihydrate and estradiol valerate, were also recorded.

“We calculated the equivalent estrogen dose for each patient to ensure consistency,” Dr Sezgin explained. “While our data provides important initial insights, larger studies are needed to determine if certain formulations carry different levels of risk. This knowledge could help guide more personalized contraceptive choices for women.”

While the researchers note that further prospective studies are needed, they advise clinicians to exercise caution when prescribing combined OCs to women with known vascular risk factors or a history of ischaemic stroke.

“Our findings should prompt more careful evaluation of stroke risk in young women, particularly those with additional risk factors,” concluded Dr. Sezgin.

Moving forward, the researchers plan to explore biological and genetic mechanisms underlying the observed association between combined OC use and increased stroke risk to better understand how hormonal contraceptives may independently elevate stroke risk.

References

1. Sezgin, M., et al. Hormonal contraception increases the risk of cryptogenic stroke in young women. Abstract O049, presented at the European Stroke Organisation Conference; 21 May 2025; Helsinki, Finland.
2. Yaghi, S., & Elkind, M. S. (2014). Cryptogenic stroke: A diagnostic challenge. Neurology. Clinical practice, 4(5), 386–393. https://doi.org/10.1212/CPJ.0000000000000086

About the Study Author: 

Dr Mine Sezgin is a neurologist and stroke researcher based at the Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine. Her work focuses on sex-specific risk factors and stroke prevention in young adults.

About the European Stroke Organisation (ESO):  

The ESO is a pan-European society of stroke researchers and physicians, national and regional stroke societies and lay organisations that was founded in December 2007.

The aim of the ESO is to reduce the burden of stroke by changing the way that stroke is viewed and treated. This can only be achieved by professional and public education, and by making institutional changes. ESO serves as the voice of stroke in Europe, harmonising stroke management across the whole of Europe and taking action to reduce the burden of stroke regionally and globally.  

Contact and Further Information

The results will be presented for the first time on Wednesday, 21 May at the 11th European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC 2025)

For more information , please contact Hannah Murray or Luke Paskins at press@eso-stroke.org.

New Treatment Combination for Rectal Cancer Patients Offers Improved Rates of Remission

A new trial of patients with advanced rectal cancer has found that the addition of immunotherapy treatment alongside extended radiotherapy led to better rates of remission.

 The findings from the UK-wide trial – released today at the ESTRO 2025 conference in Vienna – reported high rates of complete response to treatment among rectal cancer patients participating in the trial, particularly in the group where immunotherapy was combined with short course radiotherapy.

Overall, a high rate of 52% complete remission was observed in patients across the trial, exceeding pre-trial expectations of 30%.

The randomised phase II PRIME-RT trial, led by the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, tested extended pre-surgical radiotherapy regimens, both of short course and long course periods, used in addition to immunotherapy in patients with locally-advanced rectal cancer (patients with larger and more aggressive tumours), marking the first time this combination of treatments has been evaluated in the same patient population.

The trial also found that the addition of immunotherapy treatment for these patients did not appear to significantly add any negative side effects.

Rectal cancer kills around 4,100 people in the UK (around 410 in Scotland) every year.* Over the last 20 years, incidence of early-onset rectal cancer has increased by 50.5% in the UK (53.6% in Scotland) for people aged 25-49 and rates are rising faster in young women than young men, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland.**

Each year around 12,000 people are diagnosed with rectal cancer in the UK. Around 1,100 people are diagnosed each year in Scotland.*** Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in the UK.**** Rectal cancer makes up around a quarter of bowel cancer deaths.* Despite this, treatment options remain limited, particularly for patients who are diagnosed at later stages of the disease. 

The usual treatment for rectal cancer is surgery, with most patients requiring a temporary stoma or ostomy. Up to one third of patients with colorectal cancer often require a permanent colostomy.

Seeking to find better treatments and outcomes for patients the phase II PRIME-RT trial investigated the possibility of increasing the number of patients with complete remission from the disease, using a combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy, whilst also avoiding the need for surgery.

The trial involved 46 patients across multiple centres across the UK for whom their rectal cancer was locally-advanced. The trial tested two different radiotherapy strategies – short and long-course regimes – in combination with Durvalumab, a common immunotherapy treatment. For patients reaching the end of treatment, high rates of complete remission were observed in both of the two arms of the trial (67% and 48%); and at 18 months follow-up, 56% and 33% of patients respectively exhibited sustained complete responses.

Chief Investigator of the trial, Campbell Roxburgh, Professor of Colorectal Surgical Oncology at the University of Glasgow’s School of Cancer Sciences, said:

“We are extremely encouraged by the findings of our PRIME-RT trial, which provides positive evidence of a more successful treatment option for patients with advanced rectal cancer.

“Our trial specifically aimed to increase rates of complete remission in these patients, and to allow more patients to be managed without the need for life-altering surgery. The success of our findings went beyond our expectations, adding to growing evidence that immunotherapy synergises with radiotherapy regimens to enhance rates of remission in this group of patients. In particular, our findings add weight to emerging evidence that indicate a short-course radiation schedule may represent the best treatment partner for immunotherapy.

“Going forward, we are planning follow-up trials in rectal cancer, with the aim of further enhancing responses informed by these results. Although patient response rates have improved, some patients still do not respond completely to these treatments and continue to require surgery. More still needs to be done to understand the biology underpinning treatment response, to help us to deliver a more ‘precision medicine’ biology approach to rectal cancer.”

The phase II PRIME-RT trial is funded by AstraZeneca UK and was carried out in collaboration with Glasgow’s Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC). Glasgow’s ECMC is funded by a partnership between Cancer Research UK, the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office and the Little Princess Trust. The trial was led by the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde in collaboration with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, NHS Grampian, The University of Aberdeen, the University of Oxford and NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

Cancer Research UK Director of Research, Dr Catherine Elliott, welcomed the news and said:

“Harnessing our own immune system to help us tackle cancer is a growing area of cancer research and in combination with other therapies, such as radiotherapy, it can be even more effective.

“It’s encouraging news that this clinical trial combining these therapies can not only reduce the need for life-changing surgery but can help increase the number of people with rectal cancer in remission.”

Notes and Further Information

• *Based on the average annual number of deaths from rectal cancer (ICD10 C20) in the years 2017-2019;
• **Based on the percentage change in incidence rates from 3 cases per 100,000 people between 1997-1999 to 4 cases per 100,000 people between 2017-2019;
• ***Based on the average annual number of new cases of rectum cancer (ICD10 C20) diagnosed in the years 2017-2019;
• ****Based on the European age-standardised mortality rate of 26.7 bowel cancer deaths per 100,000 population in the UK in 2017-2019. The leading cause of cancer death in the UK is lung cancer, based on the European age-standardised mortality rate of 55.5 lung cancer deaths per 100,000 population in the UK in 2017-2019.

Media Contact and Further Information

Media Source: "University of Glasgow" delivery@agilitypr.delivery     

For more information contact Elizabeth McMeekin or Ali Howard in the University of Glasgow Communications and Public Affairs Office on Elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk  or ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk

Men Urged to get Prostate Checks; Survey Reveals 8 out of 10 Brits Unaware of BPH   

1 In 5 Confuse this Common Prostate Condition with Cancer  

A recent UK survey[i]has revealed significant gaps in public understanding of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH), one of the most common prostate conditions in the UK, affecting nearly 80% of men over 75[ii] including King Charles.   

BPH is a condition where the prostate enlarges, often pressing against the urethra and leading to urinary symptoms. Common symptoms include difficulty starting urination, a weak or inconsistent urine flow, frequent or urgent need to urinate, and occasional urinary incontinence.[iii] Although not life-threatening, BPH can have a significant impact on men’s quality of life.[iv]   

The national survey of 2,000 men and women, commissioned by Olympus (manufacturer in BPH products, including iTind), highlights widespread misconceptions, with more than 8 in 10 (84%) of respondents unaware that BPH exists and a similar number (82%) unfamiliar with its symptoms. Lack of awareness of symptoms is highest among the 65-74-year-old age group (94%), despite the fact the condition is more prevalent with age.[v]

Although BPH is not a form of prostate cancer, nearly two-thirds (64%) of people are uncertain about its connection to cancer and 1 in 5 (21%) falsely believe it is a type of prostate cancer. Additionally, many lack understanding of long-term treatment options yet the condition can be managed with various treatments, including minimally invasive procedures.  

Doctors Urge Men to Know Symptoms of BPH  

The findings emphasise the urgent need for greater education and awareness to improve public knowledge of BPH. Men are being urged by urology doctors to look out for BPH symptoms and are encouraged to monitor and pay attention to changes in their urination habits.  

Dr Wasim Mahmalji Consultant Urological Surgeon at the Wye Valley NHS Trust, England, comments:

“The survey findings reflect what I see in my practice. Many men unnecessarily fear that any prostate issue means cancer, which can prevent them from seeking a diagnosis. While symptoms can overlap, BPH is just as common as prostate cancer, and is highly treatable. I urge men to ‘know your flow’; even minor changes in urination habits should prompt a conversation with your doctor. Treatment options range from medication to minimally invasive procedures like iTind, offering effective relief and improving quality of life.”  

Paul Sayer, founder of the Prost8 UK charity, says:

“Although we are primarily working to expand the use of minimally invasive treatments for prostate cancer, many of the patient enquiries we receive confuse the symptoms of BPH with potential prostate cancer. That is why we have expended our remit to help men to understand the condition better.  We strive to direct men to the best treatment options available, such as iTind, which provides patients with a simple and highly effective way to relieve symptoms."  

The survey highlights that men are often not seeking diagnosis and treatment for prostate conditions. 18% of male survey respondents admit that they would not discuss their health symptoms with anyone, and nearly half (47%) are uncertain about treatment options for BPH. Although there is a general lack of understanding about how to treat BPH, when they do consider treatment, men’s priorities include preserving urinary continence (16%), avoiding hospital stays (11%), and maintaining sexual function (11%).  

Mr Richard Hindley, Consultant Urologist at the Hampshire Hospital and Circle The Hampshire Clinic states;

“While BPH is more common in men over 70, I regularly treat men as young as 40. Unfortunately, many delay seeking help, often out of embarrassment or misinformation. I encourage men to talk openly-whether with friends, family, and their doctor. If you've undergone treatment for BPH, please do bang the drum to help others. This condition is not only common but also highly manageable, so I urge men not to ignore the signs and speak to your GP."   

Mark Squire, 61 from Hampshire comments:

“I found that I had been needing to urinate frequently, during the day but also especially at night. This became a real problem, disturbing all aspects of my life: social activities, work, my sleep and I constantly had to think about where the closest toilet was. It was after speaking to a colleague that I decided to visit the GP and was diagnosed with BPH. I was first treated with a medication that eased the symptoms but didn’t completely take them away. I was then treated with a minimally invasive solution called iTind, which was inserted and eased the pressure within a week. I had it done in the clinic and was home in a few hours; after a few weeks my symptoms had completely eased.”  

Dr Wasim Mahmalji

Dr Wasim Mahmalji is a Consultant Urological Surgeon at the Wye Valley NHS Trust, England, UK. He completed his urological training in the South London/Thames region in 2015 and, at just 34 years old, became one of the youngest consultants in the UK.  

With a specialist interest in stone disease, core urology, endourology, and medical education, Dr Mahmalji has performed over 8,000 urological procedures, both elective and emergency. 

As the Stone and Education Lead at his hospital and West Midlands Urology Audit Lead, Dr. Mahmalji is heavily involved in audit, research, and teaching. He chairs the West Midlands Urology Audit and Research meetings and serves as the Senior Academy Tutor for International Medical Education at the John Ross Postgraduate Medical Centre, Wye Valley NHS Trust.  

A regular speaker at leading conferences, Dr. Mahmalji has delivered multiple podium presentations at the Royal Society of Medicine (RSM), the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS), the European Association of Urology (EAU), and other international events. His contributions to urology have earned him numerous awards and nominations.  

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Mahmalji is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Endoluminal Endourology and has authored three book chapters. He has been a lead and/or co-author on over 50 publications, with more pending, and is a reviewer for several prestigious journals, including BJU International, The Journal of Clinical Urology, The Ageing Male, and the International Journal of STD & AIDS.  

Mr Richard Hindley   

Mr Richard Hindley is a highly respected Consultant Urological Surgeon and a leader in minimally invasive treatments for urological conditions. Richard’s expertise in treating BPH led to his involvement in introducing Rezum therapy to the UK in 2017, enhancing the portfolio of treatment options for this condition to provide patients with a choice and the opportunity for minimally invasive options, allowing a rapid recovery and return to normal activities.  

Richard’s time as a research fellow in Brighton triggered his interest in voiding problems, during which time he set up and recruited to a randomised trial of drugs to try and facilitate bladder emptying. Within a year of his appointment as a consultant in 2004 he had successfully introduced the Greenlight laser technology to his new day unit at Hampshire Hospitals. Over the intervening time period he has acted as an expert adviser to NICE committees assessing various BPH treatments including Greenlight laser, Aquablation and Rezum water vapour therapy. Indeed in 2017 he was the first UK surgeon to perform a Rezum procedure and has now performed over 600 procedures using this minimally invasive technology. He is now recognised as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in the field of BPH management and is regularly asked to lecture both at national and international meetings and conferences. In 2021 Richard was asked to chair the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) bladder outlet obstruction academy, subsequently publishing a guide on best practice for UK management for men with symptoms due to benign prostatic obstruction.  

With experience in all BPH minimally invasive treatment options he is well placed to advise men looking for alleviation of symptoms with a low risk of side-effects. In 2018 he was awarded a visiting professor position at the University of Winchester, where he is currently working on a project with the department of psychology exploring decision making for men facing an expanding portfolio of BPH treatment options.  

Alongside treating BPH, Richard specialises in the diagnosis of prostate cancer following a pathway combining mpMRI scan and fusion biopsies to access the most accurate method of diagnosis, thereby facilitating the patient’s decision for treatment options. Richard also offers High Intensity Focal Ultrasounds Treatment (HIFU) to those patients who are suitable for focal therapy. Using these techniques for prostate cancer diagnosis ensures we can exclude any cancer concerns before addressing benign prostate symptoms. He is also currently involved with research which explores the potential role of AI in the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway.  

BPH Awareness Survey

The BPH Awareness Survey was conducted by Censuswide and commissioned by Olympus in January 2025. A nationally representative sample of 2,000 individuals participated, including 1,040 women, 940 men, 8 non-binary individuals, 2 trans men, 4 trans women, 4 agender individuals, and 2 participants who preferred not to answer. The participants range in age from 16 to 85 years old.  

About iTind

iTind is a Temporary Implanted Nitinol Device. The minimally invasive iTind procedure delivers rapid and effective relief from BPH symptoms.  

iTind is inserted in an efficient and straightforward procedure with a short learning curve. Through gentle pressure on the tissue and localised ischemia, the iTind procedure aims to reshape the tissue of the prostatic urethra and the bladder neck.  

After 5-7 days, the iTind device is removed leaving nothing behind. The entire iTind procedure can be performed in the office environment under local anaesthesia.  

The Benefits of the iTind procedure:[vi,vii,viii,ix]  

• Rapid and effective symptom relief
• Durable results
• Rapid return to daily life
• No requirement for general anaesthesia
• Routinely catheter free procedure
• No permanent implant resulting from the procedure  
• Preserves sexual and ejaculatory function
• Preserves urinary continence

For more information visit: www.itind.com  

References

i  BPH Awareness Survey (January 2025)

ii  NHS England: News: Kings Prostate Diagnosis. Available at: NHS England » King’s prostate diagnosis sees 1000% jump in visits to NHS advice (Last accessed February 2025)

iii. NHS England: Benign prostate enlargement. Available at: Benign prostate enlargement - NHS  (Last accessed February 2025)

iv  Devlin, C. M., Simms, M. S., & Maitland, N. J. (2021). Benign prostatic hyperplasia – what do we know? BJU International, 127: 389–399

v  Devlin, C. M., Simms, M. S., & Maitland, N. J. (2021). Benign prostatic hyperplasia – what do we know? BJU International, 127: 389–399

vi  Porpiglia F, Fiori C, Bertolo R, et al. 3-Year follow-up of temporary implantable nitinol device implantation for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction. BJU Int. 2018;122(1):106-112. doi:10.1111/bju.14141.

vii. Amparore D, Fiori C, Valerio M, et al. 3-Year results following treatment with the second generation of the temporary implantable nitinol device in men with LUTS secondary to benign prostatic obstruction. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2021;24(2):349-357. doi:10.1038/s41391-020-00281-5.

viii. Chughtai B, Elterman D, Shore N, et al. The iTind Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial [published online ahead of print, 2020 Dec 26]. Urology. 2020;S0090-4295(20)31520-X. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2020.12.022.

ix  De Nunzio C, Cantiello F, Fiori C, et al. Urinary and sexual function after treatment with temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind) in men with LUTS: 6-month interim results of the MT-06-study. World J Urol. 2021;39(6):2037-2042. doi:10.1007/s00345-020-03418-2

Media Contact and Further Information

The BPH ‘Know your flow’ infographic is available to download here. Olympus has an ongoing commercial relationship with Dr. Wasim Mahmalji and Mr. Richard Hindley. Views are their own and not endorsed by Olympus.   

For more information, please contact: catherine.major@beyondpr.com or mim.bashir@beyondpr.com

Doctor Diagnosed with Leukaemia While on Shift

In May 2024, Alice Bolton, 28, was living in Melbourne, Australia and working as an emergency care doctor alongside her husband, Hayden. Originally from Surrey, Alice was enjoying her working year abroad before returning to the UK for GP training.

Alice was also training for the Great Ocean Half Marathon when she noticed her energy levels dropping.

“All was going well. Then one week I was able to run 20km but the next I was struggling to run 5km,” said Alice.

“I also noticed swollen lymph nodes in my neck and bruising on my legs so thought I should get a blood test as I suspected I had a viral illness like glandular fever”. 

Alice had the blood test at the hospital where she worked.

“Within hours of my test, the doctor called me and said I needed to go to A&E immediately. I said ‘Actually I’m already there,’ as ironically, that’s where I was working my shift!” Alice recalled.

Alice met with a registrar who told her they suspected she had leukaemia. Within the space of an hour, Alice went from being in the doctors’ area to being a patient in a bed.

On 16th May 2024 Alice was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a fast growing, aggressive blood cancer which needs urgent treatment.

Every year almost 3,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with AML, and 80% of those diagnosed will not survive beyond five years.

“When I received the news, I was in complete shock,” said Alice. “I’d never had a patient present with it, but I knew the prognosis wasn’t good. Thankfully, Hayden was there with me, so I wasn’t alone.”

Alice then had to tell her family back in the UK what had happened. Her sister Kate, recalling the moment she learned of Alice’s diagnosis, said,

“I felt like the earth had shattered. Knowing she was halfway across the world, I felt completely helpless.”

Her parents, Penny and Charles, rushed to Australia, followed shortly by her sisters, Kate and Emma. With Alice too unwell to fly home, her family stayed with her during intensive chemotherapy.

“My sisters and I distracted ourselves with arts and crafts and set daily walking goals around the ward,” said Alice. “Their support kept me going through the toughest moments.”

Following her first round of chemotherapy, Alice was finally strong enough to return to the UK. She continued chemotherapy in London and by October 2024, she was in full remission.

Throughout her recovery, Alice rebuilt her strength through running. Inspired by their journey, Kate and Emma signed up to run the London Marathon for Leukaemia UK. As Alice’s health improved, she decided to join them.

However, as the sisters training increased, a routine bone marrow biopsy in March 2025 revealed that Alice had relapsed.

“I was on my honeymoon in Colombia when I got the call that Alice had relapsed,” said Kate. “It was shocking as she had been so healthy and well. I immediately got on a flight home to be with her. It brought back all the fear and emotions from the previous year. Emma and I just knew we had to be strong for Alice and keep her spirits up.”

Alice was told she would now need a stem cell transplant as part of her treatment. Miraculously, both Kate and Emma were full matches – an exceptionally rare occurrence with only a 6% likelihood.

“When we found out, it felt like magic,” said Kate. “It reaffirmed the deep bond we’ve always had.”

Further tests were done to find out who would be the best donor, taking into account CMV status and blood group and the sisters did a cake reveal and found out that Kate will be donating her stem cells to Alice.

As Alice prepares for her transplant, Kate and Emma remain determined to complete the London Marathon.

“Running became a source of strength for us all,” said Emma. “We’ll be running for Alice and everyone affected by leukaemia.”

Alice and Hayden were also able to seize a moment of joy, their planned June wedding had to be cancelled, but they arranged a heartfelt ceremony in March at Old Marylebone Town Hall. Over 70 loved ones, including Alice’s doctors, celebrated with them.

“My hospital room is now decorated with wedding photos and cards,” said Alice. “It was the perfect reminder of the incredible support I have. It was a shock finding out that I had relapsed so soon. But I am feeling optimistic that the stem cell transplant will be the end of my journey with leukaemia, and I count myself incredibly lucky to have two sibling matches.”

Alice is hoping to be well enough to cheer her sisters on during the marathon, and plans to hold a sign saying, ‘run my stem cells, run!’

“I will be forever grateful for the continuing research into AML and will raise awareness both for this disease and stem cell transplants,” said Alice. “New treatments for leukaemia are being discovered all the time. We are in a golden age of cancer treatment and research, and I want to do all I can to help others benefit from it.”

Fiona Hazell, CEO, Leukaemia UK, said: “At Leukaemia UK we are committed to pushing toward a future where leukaemia stops devastating lives. Alice’s story is one of immense resilience and strength, and the bond she and her sisters share is deeply moving. AML is one of the most aggressive forms of blood cancer, and survival rates have remained far too low for far too long.

Breakthroughs happen all the time and continued investment in research is vital to developing better, more effective, treatments for AML. Alice, Kate, and Emma, your dedication to each other, to raising awareness and to the marathon is truly inspiring, and we are cheering you on every step of the way.”

On AML, GP and Author Dr Anisha Patel said:

“AML is an aggressive blood cancer that develops quickly, making early diagnosis and treatment essential. I encourage anyone who is experiencing symptoms to see their GP so we can do the necessary tests. I also support the work Leukaemia UK is doing to fund research into kinder, better treatments, to improve survival rates and quality of life for AML patients.”

About Leukaemia UK

We are Leukaemia UK. We believe research has the power to stop leukaemia devastating lives. Despite decades of incredible progress, only half of leukaemia patients live longer than five years after their diagnosis[1]. We won’t stop until we change this. Bringing together the leukaemia community, we will accelerate progress through life-changing research, awareness and advocacy, doing everything we can to make sure that the next person with leukaemia has the best possible experience of diagnosis, treatment and care. To find out more, including how you could help support the life-changing research that Leukaemia UK funds, and the charity’s advocacy work, visit leukaemiauk.org.uk.[1] 53.5% - 5 year survival rate across all leukaemia types and age groups, Office for National Statistics, Cancer survival by stage at diagnosis for England, 2019.

Leukaemia – The Challenge

Leukaemia is a type of blood cancer. Blood cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer and the third biggest cancer killer in the UK. Every day 27 people, of all ages across the UK, hear the news that they have leukaemia.

Leukaemia occurs when the development of white blood cells in the bone marrow gets out of control and the white blood cells no longer play their important role in fighting off infection.

 The symptoms of leukaemia can include fatigue, fever, unusual bruising or bleeding, and repeated infections. Leukaemia is often discovered too late, with 37% of cases being diagnosed in an emergency setting. Sadly, leukaemia has one of the lowest survival rates of blood cancers, with only half (53.5%) of all leukaemia patients living longer than five years after their diagnosis. Nearly 5,000 lives are lost to leukaemia each year in the UK.

Acute myeloid leukaemia(AML) is a type of leukaemia and over 3,000 people are diagnosed with AML each year in the UK, including 100 children. The 5-year survival for AML across all age-groups stands at just 15.3%. Leukaemia is also the most common type of childhood cancer, accounting for around a third of all cancers in under 15s.

For those who receive a leukaemia diagnosis, it has a devastating impact on their lives, and those around them. At Leukaemia UK we believe that with research, we can change this. Through accelerating progress in diagnosis, treatment and care we can help to bring about positive change, both for those living with leukaemia today and for those diagnosed tomorrow.

Further Information

For more information please contact cara@leukaemiauk.org.uk    leukaemiauk.org.uk