Tuesday 28 September 2010

The prostate cancer screening controversy: an evolving, risk-based perspective

The link below takes you to 'The "New" Prostate Cancer InfoLink' website and an article posted on 25th September 2010.

Yes,it's the old issue of PSA testing but with the replies makes for interesting reading so thought I'd highlight it here:

The prostate cancer screening controversy: an evolving, risk-based perspective

Saturday 25 September 2010

Mediwatch Distributors-Iran

Forgot to follow this up Mediwatch Distributors-Iran from June 2010.

Tajhiz Gostaresh Sina

Anyway,after further checks I've added Tajhiz Gostaresh Sina to the Mediwatch distributors list found in the main section of April 2009 under Distributors for Mediwatch Products

Friday 24 September 2010

Blue September

Sorry,a bit late but will add to page.











Wednesday 22 September 2010

Mediwatch Distributor Update-Vingmed

Vingmed have updated there website (Not sure when) with PSAwatch and classing it as a new offering:

PSAwatch

Mediwatch Distributor-Medical Shop (Serbia)

'Medical Shop' have now updated or it may even be a new website to include mediwatch products.

Medical Shop was formed in 1993. with the primary goal to supply University Clinics, Medical Centers, Hospitals with medical equipment and supplies.



I will add this company to the main section found within April 2009 under Distributors for Mediwatch Products

Tuesday 21 September 2010

Unite ByCycling-The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride

Sporting stars among those getting on their bikes in Stoke-on-Trent for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride

21 September 2010

Sporting legends Mark Bright and Gladstone Small, better known for football and cricket respectively, are saddling up for a challenge of a different kind, in aid of The Prostate Cancer Charity.

The footballer-turned pundit and former England and Warwickshire fast bowler are joining more than 1,500 riders heading to Stoke-on-Trent this weekend and taking to two wheels in the Charity’s Tour Ride event.

Sporting stars among those getting on their bikes in Stoke-on-Trent for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride





Celebrities and cyclists get in the saddle for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride

20 September 2010

"A host of famous faces put the final stage of The Tour of Britain to the test today, joining almost 1,000 amateur cyclists in The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride in London ahead of the professional race."

"The sportive was one of three events the Charity is staging across the UK, this September, as part of its ‘Unite ByCycling’ initiative, which aims to raise awareness of prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men in the UK, as well as to raise funds to fight the disease. In addition to the London Ride, 1,500 people saddled up for the South West Ride on Sunday 5 September and people still have the opportunity to take to two wheels in the Stoke-on-Trent ride on Sunday 26 September. To find out more visit http://www.tourride.co.uk/

Celebrities and cyclists get in the saddle for The Prostate Cancer Charity Tour Ride

Ken Hom speaks publicly of prostate cancer

Ken Hom has been treated for prostate cancer following a shock diagnosis, he has revealed.


16 September 2010

The world renowned chef, regarded as the final word in Chinese cuisine, decided to speak out about his journey with the disease in a bid to ensure other men become more vigilant and act upon any concerns.

Hom, well-known in the UK following a series of respected BBC cookery programmes and a number of best-selling cookbooks, was diagnosed in mid-March this year following a routine annual check up in Thailand, where he spends much of the year. The results of a PSA blood test, commonly used to detect a problem with the prostate, were much higher than the year before. When a further test two weeks later revealed an even higher score, Ken’s doctor ordered an immediate biopsy.



Ken’s cancer was an aggressive form of the disease, but luckily contained within the prostate gland.

He said: “My initial reaction was one of shock. No one wants to find out they have a time-bomb in their body. I swim almost daily, eat a healthy diet, drink lots of green tea and had no symptoms – cancer was the last thing on my mind.”

Ken, like all men diagnosed with prostate cancer, faced a difficult decision over which treatment option would be best for him. Ultimately, he opted to have Proton*, a course of radiotherapy treatment, in southern Japan, undergoing 37 sessions in two months - with his partner at his side all the way. His close circle of friends emailed him constantly with messages of support.

Ken said: “I chose Japan because my Japanese doctor was able to get me immediately into the Proton programme. I was lucky. I had treatment choices because they caught the cancer early, but another year on it may well have been too late. Every man thinks cancer can’t happen to me, but it can, and we all need to have regular health checks and realise how serious this disease can be.”

Luckily Ken emerged from the treatment, which can cause urinary and bowel problems, without side effects, although he will need to have a PSA test every three months for the next ten years to track his progress. If anything, Ken’s journey with prostate cancer has reinforced his Zen attitude and the positivity that goes with it.

The 61-year-old chef, who lives between Paris and Bangkok, is determined to speak out publicly and ensure other men become more aware of the disease. Prostate cancer is a complex disease, and similarly to Ken, many men will not display any of the symptoms, such as urinating more frequently in the night, a weak or reduced urine flow, or a feeling that the bladder has not emptied properly, which can all be indicators of the disease.

“I have chosen to speak out about my experiences of prostate cancer to try and help other men be less afraid if they are diagnosed and to seek help as soon as possible. It is terribly important to catch aggressive prostate cancer early. All men need to know that prostate cancer exists. Let’s not walk around with blindfolds on and let machoism be the death of us,” he urged.

Speaking about Ken’s diagnosis, John Neate, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, explains: “We are hugely grateful to Ken for taking the brave decision to speak out about his own diagnosis of prostate cancer and we hope that his experience will inspire many men to start thinking about the disease and whether they may be at risk too. Although prostate cancer is more common in men over 50, it is vital that all men take control of their health and find out about the facts. We encourage any man who may be concerned about any aspect of prostate cancer to visit their GP.”

*Proton is a radiotherapy treatment, not currently available in the UK. Further information is available on request.

AUA Champions New Prostate Legislation Introduced In Senate

Article Date: 21 Sep 2010 - 3:00 PDT

The American Urological Association (AUA) is pleased to announce its support for S. 3775, the Prostate Research, Outreach, Screening, Testing, Access and Treatment Effectiveness (PROSTATE) Act of 2010, introduced this week by Senators Jon Tester (D-MT) and George Voinovich (R-OH). Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY-10) is expected to introduce companion legislation in the House in the coming days. The AUA worked closely with the Senate to assist in the development of this critical legislation.

Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men, and more than 210,000 are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2010. There are significant racial disparities in regard to prostate cancer: African American men are not only more likely to develop the disease, but are also more than twice as likely to die from it.

Significant national resources are focused on prostate cancer, but the disparate research and healthcare programs across federal agencies should be coordinated to improve accountability and actively encourage the translation of research into practice and to identify and implement best practices. The PROSTATE Act would help foster an integrated and coordinated focus on effective prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Specifics of the bill include:

- The formation of an Interagency Prostate Cancer Coordination and Education Task Force composed of agencies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and led by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which will identify and catalog prostate cancer activities across these agencies; develop a strategy to improve the research portfolio; eliminate duplication between agencies; identify best practices; expand collaboration; increase patient and medical community participation; and develop a coordinated message related to screening and treatment for prostate cancer.

- Require the VA, DoD and HHS to coordinate and intensify prostate cancer research, including improvements or alternatives to the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and additional tests to distinguish indolent from aggressive disease; advance the understanding of the etiology of the disease; establish clinical registries for prostate cancer; and assess appropriate imaging modalities.

- Establish a grant program to build upon existing knowledge gained from comparative effectiveness research, and recognize and address the racial and ethnic disparities in the incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer.

-Establish four-year telehealth pilot projects in a variety of geographic areas, including rural, that contain high proportions of medically underserved populations. Such projects will promote efficient use of specialist care through better coordination of primary care and physician extender teams in underserved areas and more effectively employ tumor boards to better counsel patients.

- Require the development of a national education campaign intended to encourage men to seek prostate cancer screening when appropriate. The national campaign shall ensure materials are readily available in communities with racial disparities in the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer.

"Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men. One in six men will be diagnosed in his lifetime - and more than 210,000 men will be diagnosed this year alone," said Datta Wagle, MD, president of the AUA. "We extend our thanks to Senators Tester and Voinovich for taking a leading role in combating prostate cancer by introducing this legislation."

Source:
American Urological Association

AUA Champions New Prostate Legislation Introduced In Senate

and the AUA link:

AUA-September 17, 2010

NEWS-Week Ending 26th September (Updated-2 posts)

Libby, Montana - Blue Faced and Big Hearted USA-23rd September

Prostate Cancer: Not Just an Old Man's Cancer USA-22nd September

Sunday 19 September 2010

East Lancashire specialists offer help-Incontinence

10:46am Friday 17th September 2010

By Neil Docking »
Reporter


INCONTINENCE specialists at East Lancashire Hospitals have reminded people not to suffer in silence.

One in five adults suffer from incontinence, and this week a Royal College of Physicians audit of services claimed millions of people in the UK with bladder and bowel problems face a ‘life sentence’ of suffering because of poor care.

However, the hospitals trust is adamant that is not the case in East Lancashire, where a dedicated team assesses bladder problems.

The team includes consultant gynaecologists and urologists, specialist physiotherapists, specialist gynaecology and urology nurses, a specialist midwife and community continence nurse advisers.



Simon Hill, consultant urogynaecologist, said their work was vital to restoring people’s self-esteem.

He said: “I am really proud of the service.

“Incontinence isn’t a sexy subject, because you can’t die from incontinence. But you can die from embarrassment.

“It can affect people’s lives in every way, from their work life, to their home life, to their sex life.”

Mary Hill is an advanced physiotherapist in women’s health and continence with 30 years’ experience.

She said a lot of women were referred to her and fellow physiotherapist Sally Broadhurst from the hospital’s perineal clinic, led by specialist midwife Annette Dugdale.

It looks after new mothers who have experienced difficulties during pregnancy, such as tears, leading to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.

Patients are taught pelvic floor muscle-strengthening exercises that can be carried out independently.

They are then reassessed as often as needed.

Mary said: “Continence problems are very distressing, but the majority of the time they can be improved and sometimes cured.

“With the right attention you can improve someone's quality of life."

Wednesday 15 September 2010

An important week for prostate cancer in Washington, DC

Taken from the "The "New" Prostate Cancer InfoLink":

Over the next few days, hundreds of prostate cancer patients, advocates, and researchers will be gathering in DC for a series of events focused on progress against prostate cancer. And there is a shared five-point plan of action to take to Congress and the White House.

Starting today the “Advance on Washington” initiative will feature a series of events coordinated by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the Prostate Health Education Network, ZERO — The Project to End Prostate Cancer, and others.

Specific events that will occur during the week include:

•The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Scientific Retreat, at the Washington Hilton (on September 14-16)

•The ZERO Prostate Cancer Summit, at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel (on September 14-16)

•The Prostate Health Education Network’s African American Prostate Cancer Disparity Summit at the Congressional Black Caucus Meeting (on September 16-17)

•The Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program’s Prostate Education Program at select barbershops throughout the Washington, DC and Baltimore metro areas (on September 18)

An additional feature is the announcement of a new five-point call to action for policy-makers in Washington issued by the Prostate Cancer Foundation and supported by most of America’s Prostate Cancer Organizations (including Prostate Cancer International).

The complete five-point plan can be seen if you click here, together with the accompanying letter to President Obama and members of Congress. However, the five key points are as follows:

1.Increase the National Cancer Institute’s $5 billion annual budget to accelerate basic and treatment sciences research for human prostate cancer from $294 million to a transparent $400 million.

2.Increase the appropriation for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program for Prostate Cancer at the Department of Defense to $120 million from $80 million.

3.Establish an Office on Men’s Health (OMH) in the Department of Health and Human Services equivalent to The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) established in 1991.

4.Create a Prostate Cancer Scientific Advisory Board for the Office of the Chief Scientist at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to accelerate real-time sharing of the latest research data and accelerate movement of new medicines to patients.

5.Create human capital by launching more careers of the best and brightest scientists in the U.S. to solve the prostate cancer problem.

Call or write to President Obama and your Congressional representatives and ask them to support this five-point plan. We are beginning to make serious progress against prostate cancer, and the next decade could be crucial to our ability to seriously impact the effect of this form of cancer on men the world over.

We had asked the President to light the White House blue and/or feature a blue ribbon in celebration of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month during this week — no sign of that yet (that we have heard about), but there are still another few days in the week!

An important week for prostate cancer in Washington, DC

NEWS-Week Ending 19th September (Updated 2 Posts)

Prostate Cancer Awareness Week begins Monday" Canada-19th September

Single prostate cancer test could save tens of thousands of lives UK-15th September

Friday 10 September 2010

This Fall 2010 issue of QUEST

'QUEST' is a publication by Dr. Catalona and the Urological Research Foundation.

'Please note that all QUEST material is under copyright and cannot be duplicated for any reason other than personal use.'

I'll remove this post if classed as being 'duplicated'




And a link to 'Dr. Catalona and the Urological Research Foundation' main website which i think can be found under the month of April 2009

The Prostate Cancer Charity comments .........

10 September 2010

The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on new research which suggests that men at a higher genetic risk of prostate cancer could benefit from screening for the disease

The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on new preliminary research published today (10 September 2010) in the British Journal of Urology International which suggest that men at a higher genetic risk of developing prostate cancer could benefit from regular screening for the disease using the PSA blood test.

John Neate, Chief Executive of The Prostate Cancer Charity, explains: “These preliminary findings show that it may be beneficial to use the PSA blood test to regularly screen men at higher risk of prostate cancer because of known faults in a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

“The PSA test, which is the first step along the journey to prostate cancer diagnosis, is far from perfect and can lead to over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment in some men with a slow-growing form of the disease. However, this study suggests that a targeted approach to specifically screening men thought to be at a higher genetic risk of developing the disease may, overall, do more good than harm.

“These results are early, initial results from a study which will take many years to complete. We await with interest the full results of this study and we urge the UK National Screening Committee, the body responsible for assessing the validity of the PSA blood test as a screening tool, to consider the research findings once the study is complete. In the meantime, it is imperative that we move quickly to a position of ‘universal informed choice’ where all men - particularly those over 50 or at increased risk of the disease - have the opportunity to make an informed decision about whether to have the PSA test.

"We encourage any men who may be concerned about any aspect of prostate cancer to visit their GP,” he added.

ENDS

NEWS-Week Ending 12th September (Updated-3 Posts)

Junk food binging ups cancer risk India-12th September

Prostate cancer screening backed for 'at risk' men UK-10th September

Women at forefront of prostate-cancer fight Jamaica-10th September

Wednesday 8 September 2010

Saturday 4 September 2010

Alere (Inverness Medical Innovations)

This is probably a few months old by now and relates to the UK.

The other links at BOP take you to earlier posts relating to the global name change.



Alere Magazine

Welcome to this first issue of the Alere magazine which introduces our new name and highlights how the appropriate use of diagnostics can deliver improved health outcomes, better patient experiences and more cost effective care pathways.





Inverness Medical Innovations Changes Name to Alere July 2010

Alere Oncology New Product Offerings - COMING SOON July 2010

Friday 3 September 2010

Options for Erectile Dysfunction

This is from an article published in ModernMedicine and posted here to highlight the numbers involved as well as being informative:

Publish date: Sep 3, 2010

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that between 15 and 30 million men in the United States are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED). Regardless of the root cause, your patients will be reassured to know that want to know that ED can be treated. ModernMedicine has the resources you need to inform them of the options.

ModernMedicine Erectile Dysfunction Center
Visit this ModernMedicine page to access articles, tools, blogs, and CME on erectile dysfunction.


ACP guideline: Oral therapy improves erectile function in men with ED
The American College of Physicians (ACP) has issued a new guideline that strongly recommends that physicians initiate therapy with an oral phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor in men who seek treatment for erectile dysfunction unless they have a contraindication to PDE-5 inhibitors, such as nitrate therapy.


Study: Cure rate of 80% seen with male sling
Device also shown to improve erectile and sexual dysfunction in some patients

Penile implant infection control strategies vary widely
There is a great deal of variation in infection control strategies among surgeons who implant penile prostheses, prompting the need for detailed guidelines that may be difficult to formulate, two groups reported at the Sexual Medicine Society of North America 2009 annual meeting.

Implant protocol helps reduce penile shortening
Pre-procedure use of vacuum device can restore penis to original length, data show

Thursday 2 September 2010

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

September appears to be the month for Prostate Cancer Awareness with Australia,New Zealand and now the USA,as in earlier post.

NEWS-Week Ending 5th September (Updated-3rd September)

The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on research into the positive effects of a tomato rich diet on prostate cancer in mice UK/US-2nd September

Arnold Palmer-Prostate Cancer Education USA-1st September

Prostate Cancer-Alert on Packaging for Baby Food US/World?-1st September

The Prostate Cancer Charity joins forces with King's College London to provide ‘pioneering support services’ for men with prostate cancer UK-31st August

The Prostate Cancer Charity comments on prostate cancer incidence rates in Wales UK-26th August

Presidential Proclamation--National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

A PROCLAMATION

Although its mortality rate has steadily fallen in the last decade, prostate cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the United States. This year alone, nearly 218,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 32,000 men will die from this disease. National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to fight this disease by finding better ways to prevent, detect, and treat it.

The exact causes of prostate cancer are not known, but awareness can help men make more informed choices about their health. Researchers have identified several factors that may increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer, including age, race, and family history. According to the National Cancer Institute, avoiding smoking, losing weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising may all help prevent certain cancers. We must ensure that more men are informed about all aspects of this disease, including early detection and possible treatment. I encourage men to talk with their doctors about risk factors, prevention, and preventative screenings. And I invite all Americans to visit Cancer.gov for more information and resources about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate and other cancers.

Until we find a cure for this disease, my Administration will continue promoting awareness of this illness and supporting prostate cancer research and treatment, including research to help determine why prostate cancer affects some racial and ethnic groups more than others. The National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Defense all play vital roles in reducing the burden of prostate cancer through critical investments in research. The health care reforms included in the landmark Affordable Care Act also address specific needs of individuals fighting cancer, including removing annual and lifetime caps on insurance coverage, prohibiting insurance companies from dropping coverage after an individual gets sick, and guaranteeing insurance coverage for individuals participating in clinical trials, the cornerstone of cancer research.

As we observe National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, we stand by the fathers, brothers, husbands, and sons battling prostate cancer, as well as their families and the health care providers, researchers, and advocates who are working to combat this disease and save lives. By joining together to raise awareness of prostate cancer and supporting research, we can continue to make progress against this devastating disease.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2010 as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I encourage all citizens, Government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other groups to join in activities that will increase awareness and prevention of prostate cancer.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

Presidential Proclamation--National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

Wednesday 1 September 2010

FUTURE EVENTS AND LATEST NEWS (Updated 6th September)

Latest News/Website Updates

Growing Companies Investor Days 2010 UK-Birmingham, 14 October 2010






Mediwatch Positions/Jobs






Mediwatch Training Courses

Mediwatch USA- Basic Urodynamics Clinicians’ Workshop 11th-12th September 2010


Future Events

Events where Mediwatch are attending/exhibiting will be marked as so or updated,hopefully before the event is finished.More Events to add later

AUA-North Central Section 84th Annual Meeting (Chicago 29th September-2nd October) Mediwatch are Exhibiting

2010 FUS Annual Meeting (Florida 2nd-5th September)


WHO Center for Urologic Tumors Conference 2010 (Sweden 8th-10th September)


Georgia Urological Association Annual Meeting (9th-12th September)


Illinois Urological Society-2010 Annual Meeting (10th-11th September)


AUGS 31st Annual Scientific Meeting (California 29th September-2nd October)





STUFF THAT MAYBE DID BUT NOW
DOESN'T FIT IN WITH THE TITLE...


Website Update (Aug)-Mobile Watch

Interim Results

Mediwatch Newsletter-July 2010 Edition

OEM Partnership with Thought Technology Ltd Mediwatch-14th June

Distribution Agreement with GE Healthcare Mediwatch-8th June

Director Shareholding 4th May

Director Shareholding 14th April


Mediwatch Annual Report 2009


December/January Mediwatch Newsletter

Mediwatch Interim Results for the six month ended 30 April 2009

Five year global distribution agreement secured with Inverness Medical Innovations-16 March 2009

Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 October 2008-Issued 26 January 2009