Research commissioned by Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life suggests that fashion trends and concerns about our appearance could be having a detrimental effect on the long term health and fitness of our nation’s women.

70% of research respondents admitted they don’t do the ‘minimum’ daily recommended amount of exercise every week which is essential for maintaining long-term good health. One third of the respondents stated the reason for not always doing the recommended exercise were related to vanity and fashion, this includes not wanting to ruin their hair or make up!

The findings are a concern for Cancer charities as there is a link between cancer and being inactive. We want you to stay healthy so here are a few tips on how keep fit and look good:

- With its transition of gym to street wear, exercise clothing has never looked so good! There is something flattering for all ages and sizes

- Exercise releases endorphins; these help to naturally make you feel good and increase your self-confidence

- Exercise has benefits for both the inside and outside of the body, make sure you do the minimum suggested amount which is 30 minutes a day 5 days a week

- Remember to enjoy a healthy and balanced diet

With summer fast approaching, we are all starting to weigh up the risk of skin cancer against the tropical image of  reclining on a sun lounger by the pool.

However, more and more Britons have been found to have worryingly low levels of Vitamin D, ‘the sunshine vitamin’, in their systems. Increasingly indoor lifestyles are reducing our sun exposure to the point where supplements are required by many.

This deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of breast and bowel cancer – it is clear that sunshine is crucial for your health, but when do the rays become damaging?

April marks Bowel Cancer Awareness Month; the month aims to increase knowledge surrounding the cancer to help save lives from the disease. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer but it shouldn’t be! It is in fact easily treatable, particularly when diagnosed early.

The symptoms of bowel cancer can include:   

- Bleeding from your bottom and/or blood in your poo
- A change in bowel habit lasting for 3 weeks or more especially to looser or runny poo
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme tiredness for no obvious reason
- A pain or lump in your tummy

If you are worried about any symptoms or even just want a chat please contact your GP or email Bowel Cancer UK support@bowelcanceruk.org.uk.

Remember! Stay aware of any changes in your body and do not hesitate to talk to someone about your concerns.

March 20^th marked the beginning of spring – longer days, warmer temperatures and colourful landscapes, what better time to embark on some healthy exercise outside?

The value of exercise lies in its benefit to your mental health and sense of well being, as well as muscle strengthening. It is an essential ingredient for a healthy lifestyle, so don’t approach the recommended 30 minutes, 5 times a week with a negative attitude!

Many people forget that ‘lifestyle activities’ are perfectly legitimate forms of exercise. Treadmills and weights might not be up your street, but this is no excuse to write off exercise altogether. Walk the dog instead or get green and whip the garden back into shape. The fresh air will relax you, clearing your thoughts and increasing productivity and efficiency, whilst improving your physical health too.

So seize the opportunities of spring, and get active!

A pill which doubles the length of time that patients with advanced skin cancer can survive went on sale in Britain for the first time yesterday. Every year more than 11,000 people are diagnosed with Malignant Melanoma in Britain; this is due to increased visits to foreign countries.

The new drug, Vemurafenib, marketed by drugs firm Roche as Zelboraf, aims to transform the way advanced Malignant Melanoma is treated. One trial showed the twice-daily pill can increase survival amongst those whose skin cancer had spread to other organs by as much as 8 to 10 months. Doctors also said that side effects include reduced pain and increased energy.

Vemurafenib was approved for sale across Europe as of yesterday by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Last December it recommended the drug for use, saying there was a “high unmet need” for treatments for people with advanced skin cancer.

In England vemurafenib will have to be assessed by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NIce) before it becomes widely available for NHS prescription. However, it is likely regional Cancer Drugs Fund boards will allow it before then.

After completing chemotherapy treatment, you can expect newly grown hair to have slight fuzz when it starts to grow back 2 to 3 weeks after.

Aftercare at home is extremely important for the growth of your new hair and there are certain products which you can buy on the market to help speed up the growth. Look out for ‘Fast Shampoos’ and other products that contain accelerator ingredients but make sure they are gentle enough to used beforehand.

Most shampoos can be used on a regular basis without any issues, however if you start to notice that your scalp becomes irritated or the condition of your hair changes seek advice from a medical specialist. It is also advised to hold off perming or dying your hair before speaking to a professional in order to avoid any damage to newly grown hair.

Not only do pets provide us with unconditional love but they may also help to heal us.

A study has found that time spent with dogs decreased levels of anxiety and despair in cancer patients.

The Beverly Hills Cancer Centre is now using ‘Chiclet’, a miniature Doberman pinscher that weighs a mere nine pounds and is six inches tall, as one of their newest cancer-fighting weapons.

‘Chiclet’ joined the medical team after one of the cancer experts on staff Dr. Ari Gabayan, adopted the rescued pet from the humane society after she was abandoned at six weeks old.

Dr. Gabayan said that he recognised Chiclet as a special dog as she was so calm and good natured. Small dogs such as Chiclet are easy for patients at the centre to interact with due to her small weight and size.

Dr. Gabayan had Chiclet trained as a therapy dog. She now knows to stay quiet and that she is not allowed to walk around Beverly Hills Cancer Centre without a patient or a doctor.

The technique of puppy therapy has been successful at the centre which is known for its alternative treatment options. Patients often request that Chiclet is present in the centre on their treatment days. Dr. Gabayan also noted that the moment patients pick Chiclet up and stroke her there is an immediate boost in their mood and less anxiety.

Talk about puppy love!

The Pennsylvania Hospital in Centre City, Philadelphia has begun offering writing tips to its patients.

Research has shown that a daily habit of writing can improve a cancer patients well being. But it’s not for everyone.

A study published in 2007 in the medical journal The Oncologist found that cancer patients who write 20 minutes a day felt quantitatively better.

David Tabatsky the writer and editor said: “Even physically they felt better, they were sleeping better at night, they ate better, they communicated better with their doctors, and the writing facilitated that.”

Genentech, a pharmaceutical company, hired Tabatsky to lead writing workshops in cancer treatment hospitals.

Many participants in these classes have little or no formal writing experience. Some were hesitant to dwell on negative feelings associated with cancer such as existential confusion, all-consuming fear, and anger.

Adrianne Ellis, 77 and a member of Tabatsky’s writing class said: ‘I’ve had two different cancers, and I just dealt with them, I’ve had a mastectomy, I’ve had a lobe removed from my lung, and that was that. I haven’t pursued anything with cancer. I don’t think I’m in denial, but I just go on with my life. I came mainly because I was so glad he wanted to do this.”

Many of the participants said the writing helps them understand their own reaction to their illness, and to communicate better with family, friends, and doctors.

The Salmanyah Hospital, located in Bahrain, recently took delivery of a Paxman Scalp Cooling Machine. The revolutionary Paxman hair loss prevention system is responsible for helping thousands of people worldwide keep their hair and their dignity.

One of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy treatment is hair loss. Scalp cooling can reduce or prevent hair loss by lowering the temperature of the head and scalp immediately before, during and after chemotherapy, minimising the damaged caused to the hair follicles.

Richard Paxman, Operations Director at Paxman said: “It is great to see our scalp cooling machines making a significant difference in medical centres across the world. I am delighted at the new partnership with the Salmanyah Hospital and we are looking forward to continuing to develop our relationships in the Middle East through our distributor Gateway Scientific.”

For many, January is often seen as a month to ease back into work and plan for the year ahead, for Paxman this is certainly not the case.

Sales and Training Manager, Claire Paxman has been distributing scalp coolers and delivering training to nurses at a number of hospitals throughout the UK. 

Delivery Schedule:

Claire Paxman commented: “At Paxman, our mission is to increase awareness of scalp cooling worldwide and establish it as a common treatment practice for all patients undergoing chemotherapy. One of the most distressing side effects of chemotherapy treatment is hair loss and it is important that patients are provided with the right information on the various options that are available to them whilst undergoing chemotherapy.

“I’m delighted that we have had so many deliveries in January, it has been a great start to the year, and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop new relationships with hospitals throughout the country.”