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Health news archive - 2003
Here you will find an index of health news stories published by Bupa's health information team in 2003. All the stories are clearly dated with most recent news at the top of the list.
December 2003
19 December 2003
DVT risk and air travel
A study has revealed that up to 1% of all long-distance air travellers could develop symptoms of venous thromoembolism (deep vein thrombosis [DVT] or pulmonary embolism). This hot topic has more on the findings and how to minimise your risks.
11 December 2003
Antidepressants advice for children
New guidance on the use of antidepressants (SSRIs) for childhood depression suggests that most of these drugs (except Prozac) should be avoided if possible.
4 December 2003
Long-term HRT use, osteoporosis prevention and cancer risk
The UK Committee on the Safety of Medicines (CSM) has issued new guidance on the use of HRT suggests that long-term HRT use to prevent osteoporosis should be avoided whenever possible. The implications of this guidance and advice for women on HRT are explored in this article.
November 2003
26 November 2003
Vitamin D, sunlight and cancer
A letter was published in the 22 November 2003 British Medical Journal that argues that a lack of sunlight may be responsible for increasing the risk of developing certain cancers. This hot topic explores the argument, the role the vitamin D and sunlight in causing and preventing cancers.
13 November 2003
Fujian-like strain A influenza
There is concern in the UK regarding a strain of influenza (Fujian-like strain A influenza) that has reached Britain. It is a more virulent strain of the flu virus and experts believe that it might cause a flu epidemic.
4 November 2003
Cot death warning
One of the factors known to be linked to cot death (also known as sudden infant death syndrome or SIDS) is overheating in babies. Yet a recent survey by the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) found a worrying lack of knowledge about baby heat issues among parents.
October 2003
28 October 2003
Cure for flu found?
British researchers appear to have found a potential treatment for flu that could stop people getting the most severe symptoms of the illness. The drug stops the body's immune system from overreacting to the virus, without affecting it's ability fight off the infection. The work has currently been carried out in mice, but it is hoped that human trials will start in 2004.
21 October 2003
Could coffee boost sperm?
Two studies have looked at the effects of coffee and marijuana on men's fertility by studying their sperm production and mobility. Coffee appears to have a positive effect on sperm, increasing their strength and endurance. In contrast, marijuana appears to make the sperm burn out before they reach the egg.
13 October 2003
Male pill on the way?
A male pill (hormone contraceptive) has been successfully tested in men. The contraception using a combination of combination hormones - testosterone and progestin - which are implanted into the skin and given as an injection every 3-4 months. In the future it may provide an alternative male contraception method to condoms and vasectomy.
6 October 2003
How good are sun lotions?
How good are sun lotions at protecting against UV light? Research suggests that lotions may be much less able to protect against harmful UVA rays than they are at screening out UVB rays. What's more, it's possible that people might be staying out in the sun longer because they think their skin is being protected, when actually they might be increasing their risk.
September 2003
30 September 2003
Should sunbeds be banned?
The safety of sunbeds has been a point of concern for some time, as it is thought that regular use is linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. In a bid to help protect public health, The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has called on local authority leisure centres to ban their use. But how dangerous are sunbeds and could banning them really offer protection?
22 September 2003
Infertility tests and therapies questioned
Some fertility experts believe that reproductive problems may be caused by immunological abnormalities and have created a number of screening tests and treatments for this. A report by the UK Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), however, has cast doubt on a number of the methods and suggests the way they're marketed could be exploiting vulnerable couples.
16 September 2003
Jab to stop addictions?
In the future vaccines may be used to fight addictions to drugs such as nicotine and cocaine, cancers such as prostate cancer and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. But at what stage is the research, how successful are the vaccines and how long would it take before they become available?
8 September 2003
Heart drug shows promise
Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease, and is one of the major causes of death worldwide. A huge study called the EUROPA project, involving over 12,000 patients from 24 European countries, has discovered the use of an existing drug alongside current treatments could offer significant benefits for sufferers, reducing the risk of heart attacks and death. But how important are the findings, what is the drug and how soon will it be before people can benefit?
1 September 2003
Is red wine the key to long life?
Coping with impending old age is a natural part of the progression of life, but scientists in America hope that they could increase longevity and limit the effect of age-related illnesses through a simple pill that contains molecules found in red wine. But what has been discovered so far and how far away is any potential pill?
August 2003
26 August 2003
Could there be a breast cancer virus?
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer to affect women, with one in four of all cancers occurring in the breast and more than 40,000 women diagnosed each year in the UK. The causes of breast cancer are being researched and, according to a theory from scientists in Australia, one possible cause could be a virus. The Australian researchers say that the virus is similar to one that has been found to cause breast cancer in mice.
19 August 2003
HRT increases breast cancer risk
It was known that HRT increased the risk of breast cancer, but the Million women study has quantified the risk for oestrogen-only HRT and has shown that use of combined HRT is associated with a higher-than-expected increase in risk. So what does this mean to the thousands of women who take HRT?
8 August 2003
Could vitamins reduce the risk of cancer?
A poor diet and nutrient intake are already known to have links with illness and disease, but according to a new French study, taking a vitamin and mineral supplement could help reduce the risk of cancer. But what did the study actually involve? And is it really possible that a daily pill could provide all the health protection we need?
6 August 2003
Freebase nicotine increases addiction
Smoking is one of the leading causes of death in the UK and is known to be an addictive habit. According to new research from America, some cigarettes may be more addictive than others because they release more of a particularly potent form of nicotine, called freebase nicotine. So how does freebase nicotine work, and are some cigarettes more difficult to give up than others?
July 2003
28 July 2003
MMR/autism link is unlikely
New research suggests the rise in cases of autism since 1979 may not have been "real", but rather the result of better awareness, diagnosis and record keeping. It also suggests that some parental claims of a link between MMR and autism may have increased after the immunisation debate arose in 1997. But what do these findings really mean?
19 July 2003
Is junk food addictive?
Eating is a natural part of life, but according to researchers, some types of food eaten - namely sugary and fatty foods - may act like a drug and may be addictive. With obesity rising and junk food ever present, is it really possible that some people may be addicted to foods.
11 July 2003
DVT plane risk may be lower than thought
In recent years, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been dubbed "economy class syndrome", after being linked with cases in aeroplane passengers. But, new research suggests the risk might not be as bad as previously thought and that business class flyers are at the same risk as economy passengers.
7 July 2003
IVF and ICSI fears allayed by major study
There were few differences between babies conceived through the fertility methods IVF, ICSI and those conceived through natural methods. At the age of five, all the children were at the same stage in terms of IQ, physical growth, and emotional development. There was only a slight increase in risk of medical problems at birth in ICSI children compared to naturally conceived children.
June 2003
30 June 2003
How to reduce dementia risk
New research suggests that intellectual stimulation may reduce the risk of dementia. So, how was this conclusion reached and how does it relate to existing knowledge?
20 June 2003
Workplace stress scheme launched
Up to 13.4 million days a year are lost purely due to stress at work, causing ill health to scores of people and disruption to businesses. In a bid to help manage the problem and provide useful tools for bosses and workers, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched the pilot phase of an innovative project. But what will the scheme actually do, how can we reduce work stress, and are there other ways of relieving stress?
16 June 2003
Can cooking oil cause weight loss?
Excess weight and high cholesterol are key concerns, especially with their links to serious diseases such as heart disease. According to the latest research, blended functional oil could help reduce cholesterol, increase metabolism and aid weight loss in men. So, is there any truth in the research? Could oil really have fat-busting abilities and what's the best way to lower cholesterol?
5 June 2003
Chemotherapy combination proves effective
Each year 40,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in the UK. Many people receive chemotherapy treatment as a result, but according to researchers, hundreds more lives could be saved following the discovery of a powerful cocktail of drugs.
May 2003
30 May 2003
Is the Atkins diet safe?
The Atkins diet, which is based on consuming high levels of protein and low levels of carbohydrate, has become a popular weight loss approach among celebrities and the public. Two studies have been publicised as supporting the diet and confirming the weight loss ability. But is this really the case? Are there still safety issues and is the diet a suitable approach for long-term weight loss?
27 May 2003
How dangerous is passive smoking?
A new debate regarding the dangers of passive smoking has erupted following the publication of a study claiming it might not be as harmful as believed. But after all the documentation already available detailing the dangers, should the evidence be taken seriously?
20 May 2003
Are vitamin and mineral supplements safe?
Vitamin and mineral supplements are widely used to boost nutrient intake, particularly during illness or pregnancy. However the safety of some substances has come under fire, following the publication of an expert group report on dosage levels. But which supplements are affected and what does this mean for consumers?
12 May 2003
Fibre lowers bowel cancer risk
Cancer of the bowel is the second highest cause of cancer death in the UK, responsible for 16,170 deaths each year. Lifestyle and dietary habits are known to play a part and new research has added weight to the theory that a high-fibre diet can reduce one's risk of developing bowel cancer. So, what were the study findings, how much fibre is needed to produce the most benefit and what else can we do to reduce the risks of this disease?
2 May 2003
Breast screening proves its worth
Every year thousands of women are routinely screened for breast cancer. Early detection saves lives, yet the value of mammography has been debated. Important new research from Sweden has confirmed its benefits, showing a significant reduction in deaths after the introduction of screening. It's also raised the controversial issue of whether women should be screened from the age of 40.
April 2003
29 April 2003
Does TV watching harm health?
The incidence of obesity is rising in the UK, causing concern among experts and increasing the risk of serious disease for individuals. Relaxing in front of the television is a favourite pastime for many but, according to researchers it is not helpful to health. A study showed that regularly watching two hours of TV a day increased the risk of becoming obese by 23 per cent and the risk of developing diabetes by 14 per cent. So, should we switch off the TV completely or are there other ways of reducing the risks?
16 April 2003
Could painkillers offer breast cancer protection?
Aspirin and ibuprofen are best known for their painkilling abilities, but according to American researchers, they may also offer breast cancer protection for post-menopausal women. But do they really offer additional benefits? Is it safe to take the drugs regularly, and what do the experts make of this idea?
11 April 2003
Mixing foods may protect against cancer
Recently research on human cancer genes has found that foods that contain the mineral selenium and plant-based chemical sulforaphane in combination may have a 13 times greater ability to protect against cancer than when the food compounds are used separately. And, a different study has thrown light on the best form in which to buy such vegetables. Austrian research has suggested that frozen vegetables may sometimes contain more nutrients than fresh ones.
8 April 2003
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) - the continuing disease outbreak
Cases of the virulent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, better known as SARS, are continuing to occur worldwide, particularly in South East Asia, where it first originated. But as the days pass and the cases mount up, how much more is known about it? What is the latest travel advice and how much of a threat is this unknown disease?
March 2003
27 March 2003
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) - the latest progress on mystery pneumonia bug
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the atypical pneumonia virus dubbed the "killer bug", is continuing to be investigated by scientists worldwide and affect individuals in the Far East. Although the UK has remained relatively SARS-free, other countries haven't been so lucky. So, what's the latest situation? Is anything more known about it and has the travel advice changed?
20 March 2003
Mystery pneumonia - the facts about the "killer bug"
A pneumonia-like illness called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) has recently affected a number of people worldwide. It has been spread, in part, by international air travel. The illness, which can be fatal, had initially baffled medical experts and triggered a global health warning from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This prompted a barrage of news reports. But what is the real picture? Is the disease as infectious as had first been feared? What are the symptoms? Should international travel be avoided?
17 March 2003
Could aspirin reduce cancer risks?
Three recent studies appear to indicate that the painkilling drug aspirin could help in the battle against various forms of cancer, namely throat, mouth, oesophagus and colon. But is it a good idea to take aspirin as a preventive measure or should we wait for further investigations to be completed?
7 March 2003
How to combat obesity
Over a billion people worldwide are now overweight and 300 million are clinically obese. As weight soars, so too does the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke, yet simple diet and exercise adjustments could save lives. In a bid to combat the growing obesity epidemic, a new report has produced comprehensive guidelines for living. But what are the recommendations, how easy is it to put them into practice and are obesity and chronic disease really such threats?
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