Cancer Keys
Myeloma and C.R.A.B
30th September 2021 C.R.A.B is the acronym designed to simplify the most typical clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma. Clinicians should consider the following indicators in a potential myelomadiagnosis: C: Calcium – hypercalcaemia Symptoms include: excessive...
How can the EDS help you identify patients at high risk of oesophageal cancer?
1st September 2021 The Edinburgh Dysphagia Score (EDS) can support the assessment of patients with dysphagia by identifying patients at lowest risk of a malignant diagnosis, thereby allowing resources to be concentrated on those at highest risk. In the original study,...
25% of lung cancers report as a false negative chest X-ray
12th August 2021 Approximately 25% of lung cancer cases can be missed due to false-negative chest X-ray results. This often leads to a delay in diagnosis and can result in a worse prognosis for the patient. If there are still suspicions of lung cancer following a...
How reliable is the CA125?
23rd July 2021 While the CA125 blood test is useful for diagnosing and monitoring people with ovarian cancer, 25% of patients with ovarian cancers will have a normal CA125 level. Therefore, the CA125 test alone is not an accurate diagnostic tool and primary care...
Are bone metastases visible on an X-ray?
14th July 2021 The most common site of secondary breast cancer is the bone. While breast cancer can metastasise to any bone, the most commonly affected areas are the: spine ribs skull pelvis upper bones of the arms and legs. Bone metastases may be picked up on a plain...
5 tips to treat infection and lymphoedema
9th July 2021 Lymphoedema may affect one or more limbs and corresponding quadrants of the trunk, face, breast and genitals. GatewayC’s 'Managing Physical Effects' course provides guidance on how to treat infection and lymphoedema. This includes guidance on: Dosage of...
Persistent bone pain and myeloma
25th June 2021 Patients often visit healthcare professionals several times prior to the diagnosis of myeloma. This is mainly due to presenting symptoms being vague or overlapping with other conditions. Patients with myeloma can experience persistent bone pain –...
PSA request from a patient – What should you consider?
18th June 2021 The PSA test is not specific to prostate cancer and can be affected by many factors. Many patients request a test, but it is important that they are aware of the pros and cons of the test. It may be useful to consider the following when discussing a PSA...
Can you identify patient-related cardiotoxicity risk factors?
3rd June 2021 Individuals who have had cancer and cancer treatments have an increased risk of experiencing cardiac problems. They therefore need careful monitoring by their primary care team so that complications can be picked up and investigated quickly. Four key...