Media Monitoring: 13 – 19 June

Call to change ‘outdated’ prostate cancer guidance 

1. Prostate Cancer UK urges an update to outdated guidance that limits proactive testing for high-risk men.
2. Current guidelines require men to request tests, which many don’t know to do, increasing health risks and inequalities.
3. Revised guidelines could reduce deaths and NHS costs by enabling early detection and treatment​.

Integrated care systems tackling health inequalities – The King’s Fund

1. This King’s Fund report looks at Integrated Care Systems’ (ICS) aim to address health inequalities by coordinating care across sectors.
2. They focus on social determinants of health, such as housing and employment, to improve overall well-being.
3. Collaborative approaches and community involvement are key strategies in reducing disparities in healthcare access and outcomes​.

New at-home test kit to tackle heart disease

1. A diagnostics company has announced it has developed an at-home heart test that can provide the NHS with results within minutes.
2. The test provides patients with a cholesterol reading, a body mass index score and heart data, which includes the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
3. The NHS said each digital health check could save 20 minutes of doctors’ time.

Expanding antibiotic, vaccine, and diagnostics development and access – The Lancet

1. This Lancet article addresses the global rise in antibiotic-resistant infections and the need for new antibiotics, vaccines, and diagnostics.
2. Highlights the economic challenges in traditional drug development, suggesting public-private partnerships as a solution.
3. Emphasises the importance of affordable access, especially in low-income countries, and the role of public funding in reducing costs.

Blood test may prevent sudden child deaths from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. A new blood test can detect hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in children.
2. The test identifies genetic markers associated with the condition, enabling early diagnosis and intervention.
3. It could significantly reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac deaths by allowing for timely treatment and monitoring​.

Landmark NHS app integration a ‘win-win’

1. A new diagnostic service for cardiovascular health has been integrated into the NHS app, allowing at-home testing.
2. The service provides immediate results, including cholesterol levels, heart age, and risk of heart attack or stroke.
3. This integration aims to improve early detection and management of cardiovascular disease, reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes​.

WHO joins partners at ASEAN regional meeting to boost access to quality diagnostic testing

1. WHO participated in the ASEAN regional meeting to enhance the accessibility and quality of diagnostic testing.
2. The initiative focuses on strengthening health systems and improving diagnostic services in Southeast Asia.
3. Collaborative efforts aim to address gaps in diagnostic testing, ensuring timely and accurate disease detection and management.