Tee-Off with the Genesis Appeal – The Genesis Golf Day

After all the nail-biting excitement of golfing hero Tom Watson’s unfortunate defeat at the hands of Stewart Clink at the recent Open Championships, we have decided to get into the swing of things ourselves!

I am thrilled to announce that the Genesis Appeal will be hosting its first ever Golf Day at Davyhulme Park Golf Club, on Tuesday 8th September 2009.

The purpose of the day is to raise funds for our vital research into the prevention of breast cancer, so we really hope you are able to join us for a fantastic day of golf.

The day will begin with lunch, followed by a shotgun start and 18 holes on one of the north-west’s finest courses, rounded off with a delicious carvery dinner.

But don’t worry; there is also a chance for non-golf playing partners to join in the fun too! In the evening, we will be hosting a prize-giving and charity auction, with all proceeds coming straight to the Genesis Appeal.

Click here for more information and to register, alternatively contact the Genesis office on 0161 291 4400.

I look forward to seeing you on the course!

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Tags: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Prevention, Charity Event, Davyhulme Park Golf Club, fundraising, Genesis Golf Day, Golf, Manchester, Open Championships, Stewart Clink, Tom Watson

The Importance of Breast Screening

The issue of screening for breast cancer has yet again come to the forefront of public attention today. Conflicting reports relating its importance have appeared in a number of media outlets.

BBC Health online have led with a story from the Nordic Cochrane Centre in Denmark, suggesting that there may be a case of “over-diagnosis” of breast cancer in the UK.

The report, in the British Medical Journal states that,

“screening for cancer may lead to earlier detection of lethal cancers but also detects harmless ones that will not cause death or symptoms.

The detection of such cancers, which would not have been identified clinically in someone’s remaining lifetime, is called over-diagnosis and can only be harmful to those who experience it.”

On the same day, the Metro newspaper have published an article which tells that numbers dying from the three most common cancers in Britain (breast included) have fallen to their lowest level in 40 years.

Interestingly, they cite “new treatments and better screening” as the major contributors to increased survival rates.

Lester Barr, Chairman of the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Centre, would like to offer a simple test to women who don’t now know whether or not to come for breast screening.

It is the ’10 year test’. Women who come for screening should ask themselves the question “Is my health good enough that I hope still to be alive in 10 years time?”

If the answer is ‘yes’ then come for screening.

Although it may take 10, 15 or more years before any cancer detected would make you unwell, early diagnosis could save you much heartbreak later in life.

If because of age or other health problems the answer is ‘no’ then breast screening may not help you live longer.

The ’10 year test’ is a good practical solution to the dilemma of over-diagnosis of breast cancer through screening.

Talk it over with your doctors.

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Tags: BBC Health, Breast Cancer, breast screening, British Medical Journal, Early Diagnosis, Lester Barr, Metro Newspaper, Nordic Cochrance Centre

Dr Michelle Harvie invited to the 2009 Women of the Year lunch

Congratulations to our very own research dietitian, Dr Michelle Harvie who has been asked to attend the 2009 Women of the Year luncheon.

Founded in 1955, the event takes place annually and looks to celebrate the achievements of women and each lady is selected because of their “contribution to society or the workplace”. With her continued groundbreaking research, it is safe to say that Dr Michelle Harvie has contributed greatly to both!

Michelle qualified as a dietitian in 1991 and since 1995 she has been researching the links between diet and breast cancer.

Her current programme of work focuses upon diet and exercise strategies as a means of preventing breast cancer and its recurrence.

In 2005, she was awarded the British Dietetic Association’s Rose Simmonds Award for best published dietetic research, for her work on weight gain amongst cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.  

For more information on research undertaken by Dr Harvie and the rest of the Genesis research team, click here.

As the author of the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Diet book, Michelle practices what she preaches by cycling to work (come rain or shine) as well as regularly swimming and taking part in triathlons!

Ladies who have previously been honoured at the event include rock superstar Tina Turner, activist Sara Payne, former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher and Olympic Gold Medalist, Kelly Holmes.

The event takes place on Monday 12th October at the InterContinental Hotel, Park Lane, London.  Visit the Women of the Year website for full details.

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Tags: Breast Cancer Prevention, Diet and Breast Cancer, Dr Michell Harvie, Kelly Holmes, Margaret Thatcher, Sara Payne, Tina Turner, Women of the Year

Early Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Can Save Your Life!

The North West Cancer Intelligence Service has published a report highlighting how earlier diagnosis of cancer could dramatically lead to a reduction in deaths.  

 BBC News have published this article on their Website.

 The report suggests that 15,000 people aged over 75 may be dying “unnecessarily” from various forms of cancer each year.

The figures show that elderly people in particular, do not seem to be benefiting from recent advances in technology and medicine and looks for reasons why.

“… possibilities include later diagnosis and poorer treatment once that diagnosis has been reached. But there are many stages where these delays may occur – the patient, the GP or the hospital.

There are surveys which indicate a lack of awareness that the chances of developing cancer increase with age, and also the notion that a “stiff upper lip” mentality may prevent some of the older generation seeking advice.” 

The best strategy for improving survival (at any age) is prevention and early diagnosis! That is why we actively promote breast screening and early diagnosis.  

 Women over 70 should ask their GP to keep them on regular mammogram screening. If they find a lump their GP can fast-track them to a Breast Clinic within 2 weeks.

Our research indicates that, in particular, women from minority ethnic groups tend not to take advantage of these services. We are working to help improve this, and are also researching new treatments to stop breast cancer in its early stages. 

Currently 1 in 10 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime; the aim of the Genesis Appeal is to make 1 in 10, none in 10.

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Tags: BBC, Breast Cancer, Breast Clinic, Early Diagnosis, Farrah Fawcett, Mammogram, North West Cancer Intelligence Service

Fun in the Sun! The Genesis ‘Keep Fit and Pink’ 10km Walk

What a day!!!

I speak for the entire Genesis team when I say a big THANK YOU to everybody who took part in this year’s Genesis ‘Keep Fit and Pink’ 10km Walk.

A thousand people turned up to help create a future without breast cancer and we all had massive amounts of fun in the process.

Whoever would have thought they’d see Coronation Street’s Sally Webster discussing make-up and high heels with the starlets from the Birdcage?

And the sight of BBC North West Tonight stalwart Gordon Burns attempting to unclasp bras with ITV’s Dr Chris Steele and the new Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Alison Firth, is not something that you see every day!

But that was all part of the magic of the Genesis ‘Keep Fit and Pink’ 10km Walk.

Though the weather was glorious, it was not the sun that brightened up Manchester city centre; it was the sight of a thousand Genesis supporters in their pink tutus!

Click here to read the brilliant Manchester Evening News article about the Genesis Appeal turning the city of Manchester pink.

We will be putting the photographs up very soon, but if you would like to share your pictures or memories from this year’s Genesis ‘Keep Fit and Pink’ 10km Walk then email info@genesisuk.org.

Be sure to keep checking back regularly for all the gossip from the event as well as the results of the ‘Keep Fit and Think’ quiz and to find out who takes first place in our Top Team Name Chart.

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Tags: Charity, Coronation Street, Dr Chris Steele, Gordon Burns, keep fit and pink, Lord Mayor of Manchester, Manchester Evening News, Pink Tutus, sunshine, The Birdcage

Star of Channel 4’s Shameless backs the Genesis ‘Keep Fit and Pink’ 10km Walk

We are thrilled to announce that Shameless favourite; Rebecca Atkinson will be helping to kick off proceedings at this year’s Genesis ‘Keep Fit and Pink’ 10km Walk.

This is not the first time that we’ve had backing from the Shameless cast, previously Rebecca was joined by Jody Latham (who can currently be seen in ITV1′s Hell’s Kitchen) as they launched last year’s fantastic Twilight Walk, alongside boxing hero, Ricky Hatton and Commonwealth Games gold-medallist Diane Model.

Rebecca, who plays Karen Maguire in the hit Channel 4 show said that ‘”by getting involved with Genesis, I want to encourage all women to be aware of their bodies and also understand that keeping fit and healthy can help prevent the onset of breast cancer.”

As well as Rebecca, we are pleased to announce that keen patrons of the Genesis Appeal, Dr. Chris Steele from This Morning and BBC North West Tonight and ex-Krypton Factor presenter Gordon Burns will also be at the launch of the Genesis ‘Keep Fit and Pink’ 10km Walk.

You can be part of the fun too, come and see Rebecca and the other stars in the flesh on Sunday 14th June.

Registration couldn’t be simpler, just fill in our online registration form.

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Tags: Breast Cancer, Charity, Jody Latham, Manchester, Rebecca Aitkinson, Ricky Hatton, Shameless, walk, ‘Keep Fit and Pink’