Largest study for men with breast cancer launched

A new international consortium to uncover genes that lead to breast cancer in men has been launched at Queen’s University Belfast. 

The consortium, known as MERGE, will discover and characterise new genetic risk factors for male breast cancer by analysing DNA from 5,000 men. The DNA will be compared to that of 10,000 men without breast cancer, making it the largest study of its kind worldwide.    

By building a large international research resource for male breast cancer genetics, the MERGE team will develop a better understanding of the causes of breast cancer in men that may lead to new treatments for the disease. 

Lead researcher, Dr Nick Orr from the Patrick G Johnson Centre for Cancer Research, said: “We need to develop a better understanding of breast cancer in men in order to improve prevention, early detection and treatment.

“Having access to the large resource provided by the MERGE consortium will enable us to develop a deeper insight into the genetics and pathology of this rare disease.” 

Male breast cancer is a relatively rare disease that accounts for less than 1% of breast cancers diagnosed every year in the UK, equating to 400 new cases annually. 

The initiative is led by Queen’s and Sapienza University of Rome and supported by the US National Cancer Institute. 

Dr Kyle Thompson, from Queen’s who is also working on the project, added: “Over the three year project, we aim to fully analyse DNA from 5000 men with breast cancer.

“By comparing the genomes of men with breast cancer to those of healthy men, we hope to identify new genetic variants that cause the disease. This knowledge could help to identify men at risk of developing breast cancer.”  

Dr Orr added: “It is only through international collaborations such as ours that we will be better equipped to treat this rare type of cancer. We will share the data gathered with our research groups, working together to make real progress in this area.

“We also hope that this work will increase the visibility of male breast cancer and educate men about the risks, encouraging them to see their doctor if they have concerns about their health.” 

Professor Laura Ottini, from Sapienza University of Rome and co-lead researcher, said: “From our experience in male breast cancer research, we know how collaborative multidisciplinary efforts lead to increased understanding in the medical and scientific communities as well as the dissemination of information and awareness to the public.

“In this context, MERGE will provide a great opportunity for filling the knowledge gap concerning male breast cancer genetics and address unmet clinical need toward gender-specific risk prediction assessment.” 

Young disabled artist futureproofs freedom with ‘confidence boosting’ mobility scooter

As a talented artist and musician, Ailsa Hay, 29 from East Lothian, has discovered mobility scooters ‘can be cool for younger users’ with ownership of a new Zest Plus from TGA.

Ailsa graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Photography and Filmmaking and is now a freelance illustrator, graphic designer and fine artist. Alongside her passion for drawing and design, she composes music and plays instruments including the guitar and ukulele.

Despite living with arthritis since the age of three, Ailsa has not let her mobility difficulties get in the way of artistic expression, however today walking is a real challenge. Living on the scenic coast of east Scotland she was desperate to get out on her own for pleasure and inspiration.

Two manual wheelchairs had kept Ailsa mobile over the years but with arthritis now affecting Ailsa’s ability to self-propel, she really needed a powered product to keep independent. With a recent house move to an adapted bungalow, Ailsa felt it was time to start looking for a scooter however worried they would be old fashioned: “I didn’t want to be driving something that looked like I’d pinched it from an older person!” says Ailsa.

Being familiar with the TGA brand, she decided to contact them for advice – assessor Harry came to see her with the modern answer Ailsa was looking for, a Zest Plus.

As Ailsa can’t drive a car, she needed to find an alternative to get round on her own. Ailsa and her mum (and primary carer), looked at all sorts of vehicles including golf buggies, but they were too big and very expensive.

A scooter seemed the best option however she needed something that would go off-road as well as on the pavement. TGA arranged a home assessment as Ailsa explains: “Harry from TGA came out to see me. He was a lovely guy, actually one of the neighbours recognised him as they have a TGA scooter too.

“There was no selling, Harry just wanted to suggest the best fitting scooter for me. I really needed something tailored to where I wanted to go locally. I wanted to visit the coast, drive off-road by the many golf courses near me but still be comfort on pavements. We both decided the Zest Plus with its larger wheels and suspension would be perfect.”

Ailsa can now go out and return home pain free as she continues: “Previously I could only manage a hundred metres and then had to sit down, I was always shattered when I got back home.

Now I drive my Zest and it’s amazing, I get in and have no discomfort. It’s easy to drive and doesn’t put too much strain on my wrists when cornering. I can steer with one hand and swap hands if I’m having a bad day with either of my wrists. It feels awesome to be independent.

My scooter packs into the back of my mum’s car in five bits for day trips. I haven’t had it long so have only been local so far but will be going further as the days warm up and hope to take it on holiday soon.”

A key difference between Ailsa’s Zest Plus and her previous mobility products is that it is ‘futureproofed’. This means it will suit her needs in the future even if they change. As the tiller and seat can be adjusted Ailsa will stay comfortable and supported, something that is now not possible in her wheelchairs.

Harry stressed the importance of this when they met: “If only the wheelchair salespeople had done the same,” comments Ailsa.

Right from the start Ailsa was very impressed with the testimonials she read from young people with TGA scooters. The thought of driving an old-fashioned scooter had put her off for some time but seeing the experiences of other people in their twenties changed her mind.

“I can see any stigmatisation has gone. Scooters are suitable for people of all ages; this gives me confidence and makes me feel good when I’m out”, Ailsa said: “My Zest is attractive and shows off my personality.”

Ailsa displays her artwork at: https://www.artbyailsa.com/

PM Johnson barred from Russia

UNLUCKY FOR SOME: First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also one of thirteen ‘not getting in’

The Prime Minister spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy yesterday afternoon. He paid tribute to the bravery of Ukrainian forces who continue to valiantly defend their country’s freedom.

President Zelenskyy updated the Prime Minister on the situation in Mariupol, and the Prime Minister said he saluted Ukrainian resistance in the city.

The pair discussed the need for a long-term security solution for Ukraine, and the Prime Minister said he would continue to work closely with allies and partners to ensure Ukraine could defend its sovereignty in the weeks and months to come.

The Prime Minister also updated President Zelenskyy on new sanctions from the UK that came into force last week, and said the UK would continue to provide the means for Ukraine to defend itself, including armoured vehicles in the coming days.

The Prime Minister said international support for Ukraine only grew stronger and that he remained convinced Ukraine would succeed and Putin would fail.

Russia has banned Prime Minister Boris Johnson and some other senior cabinet ministers from entering Russia, citing the UK’s ‘hostile’ stance on the war in Ukraine.

Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and former Prime Minister Theresa May have also been barred.

The statement, issued by the Russian Foreign Ministry yesterday, reads:

‘In connection with the unprecedented hostile actions of the British government, expressed, in particular, in the imposition of sanctions against top officials of the Russian Federation, a decision was made to include key members of the British government and a number of political figures in the Russian “stop list”.

‘This step was taken as a response to London’s unbridled information and political campaign aimed at isolating Russia internationally, creating conditions for containing our country and strangling the domestic economy.

‘In essence, the British leadership is deliberately aggravating the situation around Ukraine, pumping the Kyiv regime with lethal weapons and coordinating similar efforts on the part of NATO. 

‘The instigation of London is also unacceptable, which is strongly pushing not only its Western allies, but also other countries to introduce large-scale anti-Russian sanctions, which, however, are senseless and counterproductive.

‘The Russophobic course of the British authorities, whose main task is to incite a negative attitude towards our country, curtail bilateral ties in almost all areas, is detrimental to the well-being and interests of the inhabitants of Britain itself. Any sanctions attacks will inevitably hit their initiators and receive a decisive rebuff.

‘The following is a list of British subjects who are no longer allowed to enter the Russian Federation:

  1. Boris JOHNSON (Alexander Boris de Pfeffel JOHNSON) – Prime Minister;
  2. Dominic Rennie RAAB – Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice;
  3. Elizabeth TRASS (Elizabeth Mary TRUSS) – Minister of Foreign Affairs;
  4. Ben WALLACE – Secretary of Defense;
  5. Grant SHAPPS – Minister of Transport;
  6. Priti PATEL – Minister of the Interior;
  7. Rishi SUNAK – Minister of Finance;
  8. Kwasi KWARTENG – Minister of Entrepreneurship, Energy and Industrial Strategy;
  9. Nadine Vanessa DORRIES – Minister of Digitalization, Culture, Media and Sports;
  10. James HEAPPEY – Deputy Secretary of Defense;
  11. Nicola Ferguson STURGEON – First Minister of Scotland;
  12. Suella BRAVERMAN – Attorney General for England and Wales;
  13. Theresa MAY is a Conservative MP and former British Prime Minister.

‘In the near future, this list will be expanded to include British politicians and parliamentarians who contribute to whipping up anti-Russian hysteria, pushing the “collective West” to use the language of threats in dialogue with Moscow, and shamelessly inciting the Kiev neo-Nazi regime.’

Reacting to the ban, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described President Putin as ‘a war criminal’ and said she would not ‘shy away from condemning him and his regime’.

Police appeal after boy is sexually assaulted in toilet at The Meadows

Police are appealing for the help of the public after a teenage boy was sexually assaulted in The Meadows.

The incident happened around 4.30pm on Friday (15 April) in the public toilets at the east side of The Meadows near Hope Park Terrace.

A 14-year-old boy was approached by a man and sexually assaulted. A member of the public entered the toilets and the man left and walked off towards the crossroads at Hope Park Terrace.

The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 6ins, of slim build, with white stubble and aged around 70-years-old. He was wearing a dark jacket and trousers and a flat cap. He also used a walking stick.

Detective Inspector Grant Paterson said: “This attack has left the teenage boy exceptionally upset. We have officers on patrol in the area and if anyone has any concerns please speak to them or call us.

“This part of The Meadows would have been busy and I am asking anyone who saw this man or who may know who he is to get in touch.

“In particular, I am asking the member of the public who walked into the toilets as this was happening to get in touch. You may have information that is vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 2466 of Friday, 15 April. Or make a call anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Easter Reflections

Reflection from Lord Wallace, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and Very Rev Dr Susan Brown, convener of the Faith Impact Forum

hand-holding-candle

On this holy weekend and festival for many Christians around the world we remember the barbarous treatment exacted by the occupying forces of the Roman Empire in Israel some 2,000 years ago against the local populace.

As we retell the story of Jesus Christ, we remember those today who flee war, occupation and tyranny from their own situations.

Some end up as asylum seekers in the UK who have crossed land and sea at great risk to their lives to reach our Isles.

Some sadly drown or are viciously exploited en route by wicked traffickers.

The Church cries out for peace and justice on behalf of those fleeing such situations as refugees, to offer aid to human need and to call for reconciliation and human rights to halt this crisis of forced displacement.

The Church of Scotland views the recent announcements regarding proposals to transport people seeking asylum and sanctuary to Rwanda with grave concern for upholding human rights and respect for human dignity.

Our faith teaches us that giving as well as receiving hospitality is a gift that enriches us all. Jesus said “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.”

We are continuing to make strong representations to MPs and Peers about the Nationality and Borders Bill, and will seek to engage meaningfully with the UK Government about this transportation to Rwanda proposal with our ecumenical partners in early course.

At this holy time, we proclaim the values of the Kingdom of God and the importance and integrity of all God’s people across our beautiful planet and not least those who are vulnerable or oppressed.

After all, as an infant, Jesus, with Mary and Joseph experienced the plight of the refugee fleeing from violence and persecution.

A Celtic Rune of Hospitality

We saw a stranger yesterday
We put food in the eating place,
Drink in the drinking place,
Music in the listening place.

And with the sacred name of the triune God
He blessed us and our house,
Our cattle and our dear ones.
As the lark says in her song:
Often, often, often, goes the Christ
In the stranger’s guise.

Buried in a peat bog … a truly groundbreaking Ardbeg

Earthy, experimental whisky released on BlockBar is Islay malt’s first NFT (non-fungible token) edition

Ardbeg has revealed a truly groundbreaking limited edition, buried in a peat bog for more than two years.

The Islay single malt’s first subterranean spirit, Ardbeg Fon Fhòid (Scots Gaelic for ‘under the turf’), is being launched as its inaugural NFT (non-fungible token) edition – (Eh? – Ed). Tasting more earthy, mossy and herbal than Ardbeg has ever been, this extreme experiment will be available exclusively at BlockBar.com.

Established in 1815, Ardbeg has long been revered around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. And the idea of taking its smoky, balanced spirit all the way back to its peaty roots, had for years been submerged in the mind of Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden.

In 2014, that idea resurfaced. And Ardbeg’s team, led by then Distillery Manager Mickey Heads, took two casks of whisky aged in second-fill bourbon casks and buried them in a secret, peaty location near the Distillery. Two years and 10 months later, they unearthed Ardbeg Fon Fhòid. 

Ardbeg Fon Fhòid’s limited release of 456 bottles is available to purchase exclusively on BlockBar.com on 19th April 2022. BlockBar offers NFTs – digital assets – directly from luxury wine and spirits brands and carefully stores the real thing. 

Those lucky enough to lay their hands on the whisky will receive a digital certificate that verifies their ownership and the authenticity of the bottle, which will be stored at BlockBar’s facility in Singapore until redeemed.

The buyer may also choose to safely trade their NFT within the BlockBar.com marketplace, keep it in their virtual bar or gift the NFT through BlockBar’s new gifting platform.

Dr Lumsden said: “I think it’s safe to say we’ve unearthed a truly special Ardbeg here. Ardbeg Fon Fhòid is earthy and mossy with one hell of a herbal nose!

“Good luck to all those hoping to secure some of Ardbeg’s own buried treasure – I hope you land a bottle!”

Thomas Moradpour, President & CEO of The Glenmorangie Company which owns Ardbeg Distillery, said: “We’re so excited to be launching this exclusive and first NFT release from Ardbeg  ̶  one of the world’s most collectable whiskies.

“Our whisky makers are always pushing the boundaries of experimentation; this is a chance to own one of their most intriguing creations to date, a true piece of Ardbeg history.”

Dov Falic, CEO and Co-founder of BlockBar, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with the iconic Ardbeg Distillery to launch its first ever NFT.

“We hope whisky fans new and old will take the opportunity to join our community and discover this peaty experiment, which BlockBar will keep in perfect condition until the owners are ready to enjoy it.”

40,000 patients in Scotland to benefit a year from new audit

The Royal Osteoporosis Society calls for improved fracture prevention services in Scotland after report shows the shocking scale of under-diagnosis and under-treatment

This month, the Scottish Government National Audit Programme Board has agreed to introduce a national audit for Fracture Liaison Services (FLS), following an inquiry which showed the increasing scale of under-diagnosis and under-treatment in the NHS.

Half of women over 50 and one fifth of men will break a bone due to osteoporosis, a condition where bones lose strength and break more easily. The condition affects around 300,000 people in Scotland and it’s estimated that 44,000 ‘fragility’ fractures occur here every year.3

Pioneered in Scotland and copied across the world, FLS are the tried and tested model for systematically identifying people aged 50 and older who have had a fracture (broken bone) and moving them onto a treatment plan.

People who have already fractured a bone are at a heightened risk of further fractures unless they’re identified and have access to appropriate medication to strengthen their bones. In women aged 50 and over, 23% of second fractures happen within a year of the first fracture but osteoporosis drug treatments reduce the risk of further fractures. 

Last year an inquiry led by the Royal Osteoporosis Society (ROS), highlighted inequalities in access to FLS. Scotland currently has a notional figure of 100% population coverage of FLS, whereas in England and Wales the proportion drops to 51%.  

Yet, unlike the rest of the UK, the lack of a central Scottish database means there is no measure of how those services are performing, creating stubborn health inequalities across different areas.

Clinicians in England, Wales and Northern Ireland already share data through a central Fracture Liaison Service Database, which makes public important data about the quality of services, and helps drive learning and improvement for people living with osteoporosis. A new Scottish Audit of Fracture Liaison Services will reach an estimated 40,000 patients per year.

Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP, Convener of the Arthritis and MSK Conditions CPG, said: “We know there’s work to do to make sure everyone has the best chance of living in good health, with a good quality of life, for as long as possible. This includes ensuring the best possible care, delivered when we need it, as effectively and efficiently as possible.

“We know that when it comes to fracture care, there is still work to be done. This audit will help identify what needs to be done, when and where, so that we can all work together to improve the quality of life of everyone in Scotland.”

The ROS is the UK’s only national charity dedicated to bone health and osteoporosis.

Craig Jones, CEO of the Royal Osteoporosis Society said: “We know that people who have suffered their first fracture are at a high risk of further fractures, which is why early diagnosis and access to the right treatment options are so crucial.

“We’re pleased the Scottish Government has made the first step towards setting up a national audit and we welcome their decision to share data with the rest of the UK.”

Although the decision to set up a new national audit has been approved by the Scottish Government National Audit Programme Board, funding will still need to be found to set up the audit.

Craig Jones continues: “The new national audit will provide a benchmark for the standard of Fracture Liaison Services, helping healthcare teams learn from their own performance and the work of other teams across Scotland.

“Now we have agreement that an audit is needed, we must work together to secure funding so we can make it happen.

“If we create this audit, we can raise the standard of osteoporosis services across Scotland and end the postcode lottery that is putting thousands of people at risk of preventable broken bones.”

You can find out more information about Fracture Liaison Services at: https://theros.org.uk/blog/what-is-a-fracture-liaison-service/

Healthy Heart Tip: Alternatives to chocolate for a healthier Easter

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Easter weekend marks the end of Lent and this is a time when chocolate eggs are traditionally exchanged with family and friends.

Chocolate is high in fat, saturated fat and sugar and consuming too much can increase your risk of weight-gain and heart disease. In this healthy tip, we provide ideas for cutting back on chocolate this Easter.

Avoid temptation when shopping for groceries


Long rows of chocolate eggs appear in supermarkets several weeks before Easter and it can be difficult to avoid temptation. Easter-themed treats are often heavily discounted in the weeks following Easter, which adds to the temptation. Avoid visiting the Easter-themed aisles in supermarkets and try to stay focused on your grocery shopping and finding healthier snacks.

Buy non-edible Easter gifts

A large Easter egg can contain your entire daily energy requirement. Replacing Easter eggs with non-edible gifts, such as toys, games, books, egg cups or flowers, can be a way to help your loved ones avoid over-indulging this Easter.

Get outdoors and step away from the chocolate

Make the most of the Spring weather and get outdoors. Remember to leave the chocolate and other high-calorie Easter treats at home.

Going for a walk, run or bike ride can be a good way to shift your focus away from food and stay healthy.  

We hope you have a happy and healthy Easter holiday!

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips.

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.