Blog number 7
Well everyone I have my DNA results........
I do have the gene - and it has taken me a couple of days to get over the surprise I felt finding this out.....I wasn't upset as such, just surprised and disappointed have been not so cavalier since I heard the news and also blogged about my children and had the ire of my daughter's significant other via email today, but so be it.......sent him a reply he won't like lolololol but I'm sorry I meant every word, dude (maybe that was a gut reaction, who knows)!!!
It is inevitable that I will get Lung Cancer if I stay on my current smoking path.....now this is a shock!
I felt up until now unable to self destruct, but know I actually know that I can.....well this is a bit of an awakening for me and I am taking it on board and doing the best I can to come to a good decision and therefore a potential good outcome....its f...ki..g hard though....I'm 59 about to turn 60 in a few weeks and I did want to make older bones.....if I stop smoking now - well I will possibly make the older age group - if I don't maybe not such a great outcome.....and this I HAVE CONTROL OVER.....yes I actually do!!!!!!!!!!! my little grey cells have gone into hyperdrive and I'm still thinking hard on what to do....BUT - it is very simple I STOP SMOKING....but how, how, how and when and why and all the shiiiiiit that goes with this - have I got the bottle to do it? Do I have the guts to quit and stop smoking for the rest of my life ( I have used it as such a crutch and think its my only one....lol don't like booze and other substances....so its cold turkey for me ) how deluded I am....hey I'm human and have frailities and sometimes find the hard yards just that HARD......like us all. I now have the information so now I can make an informed decision, yeah rite! now I just have to DO IT....YES DO IT S T O P the smoking, just stop it!!!!!!!
Okay some ideas here peeps - what do I do instead of it, indeed do I need to do anything or do I just bite the bullet? Please some feedback required here - I am alone in this and know I have to make the decision but.....yes but, its not that easy I'm finding it hard and I'm also very sad and want to quit - maybe a path to the hypnotherapist and take the patches and do the drill....it will work, I have to be positive.
I am going to type up for you some of the items on the score sheet and then a blog about the most recent update on the research plus type a sheet I got with the results.....
RESPIRAGENE*
Thank you for your interest in the Respiragene test.
The lung cancer risk test (Respiragene), identifies smokers and ex smokers at greatest risk of getting lung cancer compared to the average smoker. This test has been developed by comparing genetic and clinical factors between people who have smoked a minimum of 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years and who have either been diagnosed with lung cancer or who have been shown to have no evidence of significant lung damage.
The Respiragene test is a test of susceptibility or risk of future lung cancer and on this basis is not a diagnostic test. This test is most appropriate for chronic smokers (current and/or ex smokers). The Respiragene test is not recommended for life long non smokers or people considering taking up smoking.
The cost of the test in New Zealand is (XXXXXXXXX) For further information we recommend you visit the website http://www.synergenz.com
If you would like to purchase this test, please provide your mailing address and a Respiragene kit will be mailed to you. You will be required to complete the enclosed Respiragene request form and return it with your swabs and payment before testing will be completed. Please discuss with your GP if this test is suitable for you.
Note: peeps - blocked out the cost for those of you who are not in New Zealand but will say here that it has been made extremely inexpensive for us locals and can be taken via New Zealand but the cost is sorted per individuals country of origin. Please remember that this test here in New Zealand is in my view much more clincially relevant and it is far more precise than those available currently overseas it is far more accurate - take note of this guys.........
My score sheet has.....(OMG)!
Lung Cancer susceptibility score: Robyn Berry-Luke
Lung cancer risk score HIGH RISK (4-5)
Your score when aged 60: VERY HIGH RISK (6 plus)
In addition to smoking, the risk of lung cancer is further increased by
genetic factors
how much you smoked
age
COPD
Respiragene Test* identifies those at greatest risk based on the above factors.
Life-long Smoker - has on average a 1 in 10 (10%) lifetime chance of getting lung cancer.
Non-smoker - has on average a 1 in 200 (0.5%) lifetime chance of getting lung cancer.
Then there is a graph in the middle within which I have a green luminescent star at high risk and a bubble in red that goes upwards in the 6 or more area - very high risk........I can't scan this to put in here but will when I finally get the equipment necessary up and running I will put it in here for you all to see......
Now for the update:
Respiragene (TM) Research Update
Prepared by Dr Robert Young
Chief Scientific Officer - Synergenz BioScience Ltd.
Associate Professor of Medicine and Molecular Medicine
School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland
Summary
A recently published study by independent researchers from the NIH (Sanderson, et al, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention)[1] has highlighted current smokers' interest in, and responsiveness to, genetic information allows them to better understand their personal risk of developing lung cancer. The study also found that such knowledge of "increased lung cancer risk my increase uptake of effective smoking cessation services". The study surveyed a relatively small group of people (N=44) and it used a single genetic marker that provides relatively weak association with disease. However, I believe it strongly supports our views that smokers are interested in [2], and benefit from, taking gene-based risk tests for lung cancer [3]. Equally, the study found that no patient harm was identified from the testing process.
Abstract: http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/1055-9965.EPI-08-0520v1
The findings of this study support those of a previously published randomised control trial using the same gene based risk test for lung cancer susceptibility (CM McBride et al, 2002), where smoking quit rates were improved by 1.5-2 fold in those getting the genetic test in addition to a counselling based programme [3].
Emerging Trend
The Sanderson study is consistent with a strengthening trend in the scientific literature in this field. A brief summary of the scientific literature to date includes the following points.
1. Between 80%-90% of smokers are interested in knowing their genetic predisposition for lung cancer (Ostroff and Sanderson have both showed this)
2. Fear of lung cancer is the most cited reason smokers quit [4].
3. Despite the well publicised link between smoking and lung cancer, over 50% of smokers do not think they are personally at risk of lung cancer.
4. Smokers taking genetic risks tests for lung cancer are not de-motivated from trying to quit (this article [1] and work we have submitted for publication confirms this). To date, dta shows that testing improves motivation to quit.
5. The significant drop in smoking prevalence in the 1960s followed widely published links between smoking and lung cancer (long before public health) measure were instituted) and the recent drop in coronary mortality has come, to a large degree, from widespread uptake of individualised coronary heart risk assessment and risk reduction with effective treatments.
These conclusions come from published research and should counter the views, primarily taken by non-smokers, that people smoking today are (a.) not interested in learning their personal risk or (b.) not able to be helped through the personalised engagement and treatment approaches prompted by Respiragene (TM) (which are comparable to those that have helped reduce heart disease mortality). Put simply, until governments ban or regulate the sales of tobacco, public health measures alone will not be sufficient to change the attitudes of smokers today - something new is needed to augment existing public health messages.
While non-smokers believe lung cancer is due to smoking, they don't know that they carry 'lung cancer' related genes that are never "expressed" or realised in the absence of smoking exposure. Smokers, on the other thand understand that genetic factors largely explain why only 10%-15% of smokers get lung cancer. This highlights the point that smokers actually understand gene-environment risks better than non-smokers (see Ostroff comments in linked article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630132003.htm)
My comment: "The view depends on which window you're looking out from".
Now I am going to stop typing here and put the rest of the update later or tomorrow I will try and scan it as its a table and its a bugger to type......but can do it.....only trouble is I read as I type and the subject matter has gotten to me big time.....hehehhee
See you all later
I know, I know - I have made my decision, but I now have to implement it.......lololol
Nite all....
...
Well everyone I have my DNA results........
I do have the gene - and it has taken me a couple of days to get over the surprise I felt finding this out.....I wasn't upset as such, just surprised and disappointed have been not so cavalier since I heard the news and also blogged about my children and had the ire of my daughter's significant other via email today, but so be it.......sent him a reply he won't like lolololol but I'm sorry I meant every word, dude (maybe that was a gut reaction, who knows)!!!
It is inevitable that I will get Lung Cancer if I stay on my current smoking path.....now this is a shock!
I felt up until now unable to self destruct, but know I actually know that I can.....well this is a bit of an awakening for me and I am taking it on board and doing the best I can to come to a good decision and therefore a potential good outcome....its f...ki..g hard though....I'm 59 about to turn 60 in a few weeks and I did want to make older bones.....if I stop smoking now - well I will possibly make the older age group - if I don't maybe not such a great outcome.....and this I HAVE CONTROL OVER.....yes I actually do!!!!!!!!!!! my little grey cells have gone into hyperdrive and I'm still thinking hard on what to do....BUT - it is very simple I STOP SMOKING....but how, how, how and when and why and all the shiiiiiit that goes with this - have I got the bottle to do it? Do I have the guts to quit and stop smoking for the rest of my life ( I have used it as such a crutch and think its my only one....lol don't like booze and other substances....so its cold turkey for me ) how deluded I am....hey I'm human and have frailities and sometimes find the hard yards just that HARD......like us all. I now have the information so now I can make an informed decision, yeah rite! now I just have to DO IT....YES DO IT S T O P the smoking, just stop it!!!!!!!
Okay some ideas here peeps - what do I do instead of it, indeed do I need to do anything or do I just bite the bullet? Please some feedback required here - I am alone in this and know I have to make the decision but.....yes but, its not that easy I'm finding it hard and I'm also very sad and want to quit - maybe a path to the hypnotherapist and take the patches and do the drill....it will work, I have to be positive.
I am going to type up for you some of the items on the score sheet and then a blog about the most recent update on the research plus type a sheet I got with the results.....
RESPIRAGENE*
Thank you for your interest in the Respiragene test.
The lung cancer risk test (Respiragene), identifies smokers and ex smokers at greatest risk of getting lung cancer compared to the average smoker. This test has been developed by comparing genetic and clinical factors between people who have smoked a minimum of 20 cigarettes per day for 20 years and who have either been diagnosed with lung cancer or who have been shown to have no evidence of significant lung damage.
The Respiragene test is a test of susceptibility or risk of future lung cancer and on this basis is not a diagnostic test. This test is most appropriate for chronic smokers (current and/or ex smokers). The Respiragene test is not recommended for life long non smokers or people considering taking up smoking.
The cost of the test in New Zealand is (XXXXXXXXX) For further information we recommend you visit the website http://www.synergenz.com
If you would like to purchase this test, please provide your mailing address and a Respiragene kit will be mailed to you. You will be required to complete the enclosed Respiragene request form and return it with your swabs and payment before testing will be completed. Please discuss with your GP if this test is suitable for you.
Note: peeps - blocked out the cost for those of you who are not in New Zealand but will say here that it has been made extremely inexpensive for us locals and can be taken via New Zealand but the cost is sorted per individuals country of origin. Please remember that this test here in New Zealand is in my view much more clincially relevant and it is far more precise than those available currently overseas it is far more accurate - take note of this guys.........
My score sheet has.....(OMG)!
Lung Cancer susceptibility score: Robyn Berry-Luke
Lung cancer risk score HIGH RISK (4-5)
Your score when aged 60: VERY HIGH RISK (6 plus)
In addition to smoking, the risk of lung cancer is further increased by
genetic factors
how much you smoked
age
COPD
Respiragene Test* identifies those at greatest risk based on the above factors.
Life-long Smoker - has on average a 1 in 10 (10%) lifetime chance of getting lung cancer.
Non-smoker - has on average a 1 in 200 (0.5%) lifetime chance of getting lung cancer.
Then there is a graph in the middle within which I have a green luminescent star at high risk and a bubble in red that goes upwards in the 6 or more area - very high risk........I can't scan this to put in here but will when I finally get the equipment necessary up and running I will put it in here for you all to see......
Now for the update:
Respiragene (TM) Research Update
Prepared by Dr Robert Young
Chief Scientific Officer - Synergenz BioScience Ltd.
Associate Professor of Medicine and Molecular Medicine
School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland
Summary
A recently published study by independent researchers from the NIH (Sanderson, et al, Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention)[1] has highlighted current smokers' interest in, and responsiveness to, genetic information allows them to better understand their personal risk of developing lung cancer. The study also found that such knowledge of "increased lung cancer risk my increase uptake of effective smoking cessation services". The study surveyed a relatively small group of people (N=44) and it used a single genetic marker that provides relatively weak association with disease. However, I believe it strongly supports our views that smokers are interested in [2], and benefit from, taking gene-based risk tests for lung cancer [3]. Equally, the study found that no patient harm was identified from the testing process.
Abstract: http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/1055-9965.EPI-08-0520v1
The findings of this study support those of a previously published randomised control trial using the same gene based risk test for lung cancer susceptibility (CM McBride et al, 2002), where smoking quit rates were improved by 1.5-2 fold in those getting the genetic test in addition to a counselling based programme [3].
Emerging Trend
The Sanderson study is consistent with a strengthening trend in the scientific literature in this field. A brief summary of the scientific literature to date includes the following points.
1. Between 80%-90% of smokers are interested in knowing their genetic predisposition for lung cancer (Ostroff and Sanderson have both showed this)
2. Fear of lung cancer is the most cited reason smokers quit [4].
3. Despite the well publicised link between smoking and lung cancer, over 50% of smokers do not think they are personally at risk of lung cancer.
4. Smokers taking genetic risks tests for lung cancer are not de-motivated from trying to quit (this article [1] and work we have submitted for publication confirms this). To date, dta shows that testing improves motivation to quit.
5. The significant drop in smoking prevalence in the 1960s followed widely published links between smoking and lung cancer (long before public health) measure were instituted) and the recent drop in coronary mortality has come, to a large degree, from widespread uptake of individualised coronary heart risk assessment and risk reduction with effective treatments.
These conclusions come from published research and should counter the views, primarily taken by non-smokers, that people smoking today are (a.) not interested in learning their personal risk or (b.) not able to be helped through the personalised engagement and treatment approaches prompted by Respiragene (TM) (which are comparable to those that have helped reduce heart disease mortality). Put simply, until governments ban or regulate the sales of tobacco, public health measures alone will not be sufficient to change the attitudes of smokers today - something new is needed to augment existing public health messages.
While non-smokers believe lung cancer is due to smoking, they don't know that they carry 'lung cancer' related genes that are never "expressed" or realised in the absence of smoking exposure. Smokers, on the other thand understand that genetic factors largely explain why only 10%-15% of smokers get lung cancer. This highlights the point that smokers actually understand gene-environment risks better than non-smokers (see Ostroff comments in linked article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630132003.htm)
My comment: "The view depends on which window you're looking out from".
Now I am going to stop typing here and put the rest of the update later or tomorrow I will try and scan it as its a table and its a bugger to type......but can do it.....only trouble is I read as I type and the subject matter has gotten to me big time.....hehehhee
See you all later
I know, I know - I have made my decision, but I now have to implement it.......lololol
Nite all....
...
