Strong evidence of ‘threshold effect’ for NHS 18-week waiting list target

Activity focused on meeting minimum requirement, after which it tails off There’s strong evidence of a ‘threshold effect’ in English hospitals’ efforts to comply with the 18-week referral to treatment standard, concludes a long term data analysis of performance against the target, published online in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety. ...

2024-07-26T15:20:36+00:007 September 2023|BMJ Quality & Safety, Press release|

Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk factor for serious mental health issues

Linked to major depression, post-traumatic stress, anorexia nervosa, suicide attempts Vigilance required for those affected to ward off psychiatric problems, say researchers The hyperactivity disorder, usually referred to as ADHD, is an independent risk factor for several common and serious mental health issues, finds research published in the open access ...

2024-06-04T10:24:20+00:007 September 2023|BMJ Mental Health, Press release|

Global surge in cancers among the under 50s over past three decades

New cases have risen 79%, overall, with fastest rise in windpipe and prostate cancers Heaviest death toll for cancers of breast, windpipe, lung, bowel, and stomach There’s been a striking 79% increase in new cases of cancer among the under 50s around the world over the past three decades (1990-2019), ...

2024-06-04T10:23:29+00:007 September 2023|BMJ Oncology, Press release|

US quietly shuts down controversial wildlife virus hunting program amid safety fears

Move follows concerns that the $125 million dollar project could inadvertently ignite a pandemic For more than a decade, the US government has been funding international programs engaged in identifying exotic wildlife viruses that might someday infect humans. But today, The BMJ can reveal that a flagship project for hunting viruses ...

2024-06-04T10:25:04+00:007 September 2023|Press release, The BMJ|

High intake of several emulsifier E numbers linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk

Findings have important public health implications, given their ubiquitous use in ultra-processed foods High intake of several emulsifiers (part of the ‘E numbers’ group of food additives), widely used in industrially processed foods to improve texture and extend shelf-life, is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), suggests a ...

2024-06-04T10:24:04+00:007 September 2023|Press release, The BMJ|

Use of common painkillers alongside hormonal contraception linked to heightened risk of blood clots

Absolute risk remains low but women should be advised accordingly, say researchers Women who use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers alongside hormonal contraception appear to be at a small increased risk of blood clots known as venous thromboembolism (VTE), finds a large Danish study published by The BMJ today. The risk was greater in ...

2024-06-04T10:24:30+00:007 September 2023|Press release, The BMJ|

Unreliable private online hormone tests sold for many months despite accuracy concerns

This press release was updated on 31 August 2023 to reflect further information provided by Eurofins County Pathology and to include a statement from the company Potentially unreliable online tests for oestrogen were sold for many months despite questions raised over their accuracy Misleading results could impact decisions around drugs ...

2024-06-04T10:24:31+00:006 September 2023|Press release, The BMJ|

Avoid cannabis during adolescence, pregnancy and while driving, say experts

Links to poor mental health, car crashes, and harm to unborn children, but cannabis compounds can help with epilepsy and chronic pain Experts recommend avoiding cannabis during adolescence and early adulthood, in people prone to or with mental health disorders, in pregnancy, and before and while driving, based on an ...

2024-06-04T10:25:31+00:006 September 2023|Press release, The BMJ|

Certain gut conditions may be early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease

Constipation, difficulty swallowing, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among them Certain gut problems, such as constipation, difficulty swallowing, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may be early warning signs of the neurological condition Parkinson’s disease, suggests research published online in the journal Gut. Gastrointestinal symptoms are thought to precede the development of cerebrovascular ...

2024-06-04T10:23:29+00:0025 August 2023|Gut, Press release|

Poor lifestyle of over 60s linked to heightened risk of nursing home care

Unhealthy lifestyle particularly between ages of 60 and 64 associated with doubling in risk Over 60s with the unhealthiest lifestyles are significantly more likely to require admission to a nursing home than their peers with the healthiest lifestyles, suggest the findings of a large population study published online in the Journal ...

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