Saturday 3 July 2021 • Promotional Content Welcome


In this issue, HIIT and weight lifting go head to head as we investigate which is best for building muscle. We also find out about a new treatment for migraine, learn more about the world of femtech and reveal the benefits — and risks — of a treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen. And finally, with summer here, we dive into the science behind sunscreens. Happy reading!


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Inside


Stay fit, stay sharp HIIT vs weight lifting page 6


Beauty Sunscreen – the facts page 10


Female health What’s happening in the femtech industry? page 12


Innovative healthcare Treating migraines page 14


Specialist clinics Is hyperbaric oxygen therapy safe? page 24


Skincare clinics Cosmetic acupuncture page 26


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may be the need to undergo chemo- therapy afterwards.


24


Two new weapons in the fight against bowel cancer


A new diagnostic test and a new form of surgery enter clinical practice to detect and treat bowel-related symptoms


of a surprise, but it’s important to look out for more worrying signs, even at this time of year. Of course, a tempo- rary change in diet can lead to consti- pation or diarrhoea for a day or two. However, a change in bowel habit that persists for more than a few days can be a sign of something more worrying. Similarly, a dietary change can lead to more straining on the toilet and exacerbation of haemorrhoids (piles), which can mean blood in the pan or discomfort around the bottom. Blood in the toilet or on the toilet paper can be a real worry because it’s some- thing we just don’t expect, although the most common causes are benign conditions such as piles or a fissure. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is now


E


the third most common cancer world- wide and its prevalence is increasing. It’s also now being seen in younger people. Te most common signs and symptoms include a change in bowel habit, blood (bright or dark) in the stool, a drop in weight, or anaemia. Pain isn’t one of the more common symptoms but one may notice a lump in the tummy or bottom that can become tender or even painful.


xperiencing a bit of a change when it comes to one’s toilet habits is probably not too much


What should I do if I’m experiencing symptoms of CRC? Te best way to exclude CRC is by undergoing a colonoscopy test. A flex- ible fibreoptic camera is passed up the back passage and around the colon to inspect the lining of the bowel, where cancers first start. If small benign abnormalities (known as polyps) are detected, they can be removed at the time. In some cases, these polyps are the precursors to cancer and finding and removing them can help mini- mise the risk of cancer. If there are areas that look abnormal, a biopsy can be taken. Te procedure takes between 15 and 30 minutes, is rela- tively painless — especially when sedation and analgesia is offered — and is exceptionally accurate, as it gives a high-definition and magnified view of the bowel.


What if something worrying is found? If a cancer is found early, the treat- ment options are very favourable. Where the expertise exists, these tumours can be removed using mini- mally invasive techniques with the use of micro-incisions and keyhole or robotic-controlled instruments. For more advanced cancers, there


What if it’s only piles? Tese days, there are a variety of treatments that can be offered, from dietary and lifestyle changes to mini- mally invasive surgery.


A new test to diagnose or exclude CRC Tere’s now a new highly accu- rate diagnostic test that involves analysing a stool sample. Tis is the quantitative faecal immunochem- ical test or qFIT. While there have been similar tests over the years, the accuracy hasn’t always been as good as we’d have liked. But new research suggests that the updated stool sample tests have excellent results when it comes to not just suspecting a problem in the bowel but also being accurate in providing reassurance in the light of a nega- tive test result. If the test comes back positive, it’s important to have a colonoscopy urgently. Early detec- tion of bowel-related disease, and particularly cancer, can lead to much improved outcomes.


A new way of having bowel surgery Te most precise way of performing surgery on the bowel is fast becoming robotic surgery. Tis involves using advanced instruments that are controlled by the operating surgeon and can undertake surgical proce- dures through micro-incisions. Te


advantages of this are generally faster recovery, fewer complications and often better outcomes. At Te London Clinic, the team has under- taken amongst the highest number of robotic procedures for bowel-re- lated conditions in the private sector. Patients have been hugely satisfied and have benefited from shorter hospital stays and excellent results.


As we exit the restrictions of Covid- 19, it’s important not to forget about our general health and any symptoms that we’ve been worried about over recent months. Either your GP or a specialist clinic such as Te London Clinic would be delighted to help with any concerns you have.


For more information: E: info@manishchandsurgeon.co.uk manishchandsurgeon.co.uk


MEET THE EXPERT 10 6


Healthcare Innovations


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Professor Manish Chand MBBS BSc MBA FRCS FASCRS PhD Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Director of Advanced Minimally-Invasive Surgery Programme at University College London.


The London Clinic, 116 Harley Street, London W1G 7JL.


Mr Chand is a key opinion leader and recognised expert in laparoscopic/ robotic colorectal cancer surgery. Currently, Mr Chand is part of an innovative surgical technology research group at University College London.


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