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Your Health in Your Hands: Early Screening and Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Improves People’s Lives

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7 months ago

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Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. It usually develops slowly over 5-10 years, so early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce mortality rates. National screening programs in China, Australia, and the U.S. demonstrate the positive impact of early screening. In July 2024, Australia lowered the screening age from 50 to 45, emphasizing early detection as cancer rates rise among those under 50. Advances in non-invasive tests, such as #BGI’s DNA methylation testing, offer easier and effective options. It is by taking action now and by using the latest tests to identify colorectal cancer at an early stage that can have the greatest impact on people’s lives, today.

China, 9th Aug 2024 – In July 2024 Australia lowered the entry age for its National Bowel Cancer Screening Program from 50 to 45 and became the latest country to recognize that the early detection of colorectal cancer can have a significant impact on people’s lives, especially with cancer rates rising among Australians under 50. From 1982-2014 the incidence of bowel cancer increased 9% for those under 50.
 

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, colorectal cancer usually develops slowly over a period of 5-10 years which means that early detection can make a very real difference in terms of treatment and mortality rates.

Yet, despite many countries implementing national screening programs, by 2040 the burden of colorectal cancer is projected to increase to 3.2 million new cases and 1.6 million deaths per year representing a 66% and 71% rise in new cases and deaths, respectively, relative to 2020.

More action is needed to persuade people to undergo screening and at an earlier age. However, as BGI identified in its 2024 Global State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report, there is a significant gap around the world in awareness of and accessibility to screening programs, with the main barriers to screening being cost and fear.

For many people cancer is a stigma and a highly emotional topic. Most will have known relatives or friends who died from cancer and there is a fear both around being diagnosed with the life-threatening disease and fear of the detection process itself. While colonoscopy is considered the gold standard by doctors for cancer detection, it is invasive and requires both fasting and purging that deters many people from being screened until the disease has developed beyond its early stages, significantly reducing life expectancy rates.

Another widely used test in colorectal screening is fecal immunochemical testing (FIT). This is a stool test that detects hidden blood in the stool which can be a sign of precancerous polyps or colorectal cancer. However, as a screening method FIT has limitations in terms of when the sample can be collected and has a low (11%-29%) detection rate for pre-cancer or early-stage adenomas polyps as well as a high false positive rate.

Advances in detection methods have resulted in a new test that undertakes non-invasive DNA methylation of a stool sample to detect colorectal cancer. Methylation is a biological process in which a small molecule called a methyl group is added to DNA. This can have several impacts including inhibiting the gene, leading to diseases such as a cancers. If the result is positive for biomarkers, a colonoscopy can be performed for more detailed diagnosis. This is easier for people to use and does not have the limitations of FIT testing, nor the expense of a colonoscopy unless one is really needed.  
BGI’s COLOTECT test is one of the DNA methylation tests widely available for colorectal cancer. While the screening frequency for FIT is annually, stool DNA tests only need to be performed every three years if the test result is normal. COLOTECT uses multiplex methylation-specific PCR technology to trace abnormal DNA methylation markers in colorectal cancer from stool samples. It has 88% colorectal cancer sensitivity in early detection, which is important since colorectal cancer develops slowly and may not be detected at an early stage when treatment can be more effective.

China has a high rate of bowel cancer with the incidence increasing among those under 50. In 2021-2022 Wuhan implemented a colorectal cancer screening study for people aged 45-60. 98,683 people participated in fecal DNA methylation testing with 4.5% screening positive and leading to colonoscopy diagnosis findings in 2,347 people. This indicates the effectiveness of the fecal DNA methylation test.

In Harbin, an extensive free screening project was launched in March 2024 for 800,000 eligible permanent residents aged 45-64. Powered by the newly established BGI-Heilongjiang Omics Health Axis Intelligent Laboratory (BGI-HL OHA Intelligent Laboratory), the first phase of the screening project uses BGI’s fecal DNA methylation testing to assess the risk of colorectal cancer and advanced adenomas. 

Apart from colorectal cancer, this project also screening for hypoglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Large scale public health projects such as these in Harbin and Wuhan are good test cases for the rest of the world on what mass testing can achieve.

National screening programs are certainly helping to improve the detection of colorectal cancer. The U.S. began to promote non-invasive cancer screening much earlier than other countries, and with the introduction of new screening technologies and the continuous improvement of screening coverage, the incidence and mortality rate of colorectal cancer in the U.S. has steadily declined.

Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program was implemented in 2006, based initially on FIT testing and this has led to the screening age range expanding over time to 50-70 years old and now to 45-74 years old. This has resulted in a drop in mortality from bowel cancer from 44.1/100,000 people in 2006 to 29.8/100,000 people in 2018, and a further decline to 23/100,000 people is expected in 2024.

The expansion of the screening age to 45 years by many countries will undoubtedly bring widespread positive health benefits and help improve overall cancer management and preventative strategies. At the same time, the advances in detection testing also make it more readily acceptable for people to be willing to be tested and earlier detection leads to earlier treatment and a greater likelihood of effective treatments. Together, these advances promise to make colorectal cancer a more manageable condition and much less life-threatening.

The burden on families and societies of cancer can be enormous. Finding a cure is in many ways the holy grail of scientific research. Cancer evolution and development is extensively studied by scientists globally using the latest high-throughput genome sequencing to undertake detailed analysis of DNA coding region mutations leading to colorectal cancer.   

In one of the latest studies published recently by Nature, BGI, Uppsala University and other collaborators, undertook the largest integrated genome and transcriptome analysis of colorectal cancer to date, providing ground-breaking insights that could lead to more personalized and effective treatments for colorectal cancer. 

While every scientific study leads to an advance in knowledge, it is by taking action now and by using the latest tests to identify colorectal cancer at an early stage that can have the greatest impact on people’s lives, today.

 

Source:

Lowered eligible age for bowel screening. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-bowel-cancer-screening-program/about-the-national-bowel-cancer-screening-program/lowered-eligible-age 

Trends in Colon and Rectal Cancer Incidence in Australia from 1982 to 2014: Analysis of Data on Over 375,000 Cases. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. https://aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/28/1/83/71847/Trends-in-Colon-and-Rectal-Cancer-Incidence-in 

Colorectal cancer. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/colorectal-cancer 

BGI Genomics 2024 Global State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report. BGI Genomics. https://www.bgi.com/global/news/bgi-genomics-2024-global-state-of-colorectal-cancer-awareness-report 

BGI-HL OHA Laboratory Opens in Harbin, Providing Colorectal Cancer Risk Evaluation for 800,000. BGI Genomics. https://www.bgi.com/global/news/bgi-laboratory-opens-in-harbin-providing-colorectal-cancer-risk-evaluation 

Sweden’s Uppsala University and BGI Group Jointly Publish the World’s Largest Multi-Omics Study on Colorectal Cancer. BGI Group. https://en.genomics.cn/en-news-275-6977.html 

 

Media Contact

Organization: BGI Group

Contact Person: Richard Li

Website: https://en.genomics.cn/

Email: Send Email

Country: China

Release Id: 09082415468

The post Your Health in Your Hands: Early Screening and Intervention for Colorectal Cancer Improves People’s Lives appeared on King Newswire. It is provided by a third-party content provider. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it.

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Towerstone Accountants Launches Inheritance Tax Advisory Service Amid Upcoming Pension Tax Changes

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9 minutes ago

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February 24, 2025

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Bedford, United Kingdom – Towerstone Accountants has announced the launch of a specialized Inheritance Tax Advisory Service to help individuals navigate the significant upcoming changes to pension taxation. With new rules set to take effect in 2027, unspent pension funds will become subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) at 40%, potentially impacting thousands of families.

Proactive Planning for Changing Tax Rules

For years, pensions have served as a tax-efficient way to pass down wealth. However, under the revised regulations, any remaining pension funds at the time of death will be included in the deceased’s estate, making them subject to IHT.

“Many individuals have structured their financial plans around the assumption that pensions are outside the IHT net,” said Christina Odgers, Managing Director at Towerstone Accountants. “This change requires a proactive approach, and our new Inheritance Tax Advisory Service is designed to help clients safeguard their wealth.”

Tailored Strategies for Tax Efficiency

Towerstone Accountants’ Inheritance Tax Advisory Service will provide personalized strategies, including:

  • Optimized Pension Withdrawals – Advising clients on the most tax-efficient ways to draw down their pension while reducing their estate’s taxable value.
  • Early Gifting Plans – Helping clients leverage HMRC’s tax-free gifting rules, ensuring funds reach their loved ones instead of being lost to tax.
  • Alternative Investment Planning – Exploring tax-efficient investment options, such as Business Relief-qualifying assets, to protect wealth from IHT.
  • Estate Structuring & Trusts – Assisting clients in setting up trusts and maximizing available allowances for spouses, civil partners, and charities.

Helping Clients Stay Ahead of HMRC

With the 2027 deadline fast approaching, Towerstone Accountants urges individuals to review their estate plans now.

“Waiting until the last minute could mean losing a significant portion of your inheritance to tax,” said Laura Stevenson, Estate Planning Expert. “Our team is ready to help clients develop robust tax strategies tailored to their needs.”

Book a Consultation Today

Towerstone Accountants is now offering free initial consultations for individuals concerned about the upcoming IHT changes. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit https://www.towerstone.co.uk/ or contact the estate planning team directly.

About Towerstone Accountants

Towerstone Accountants is a leading advisory firm specializing in tax planning, wealth management, and estate strategies. With a team of experts dedicated to minimizing tax liabilities and preserving family wealth, Towerstone provides tailored financial solutions for individuals and businesses alike.

Media Contact:
Name: Christina Odgers
Organization: Towerstone Accountants Ltd
Phone: +44 
Email: Christina@towerstone.co.uk
Website: https://www.towerstone.co.uk/
City: Bedford
Country: United Kingdom

Media Contact

Organization: Towerstone Accountants Ltd

Contact Person: Christina Odgers

Website: https://www.towerstone.co.uk/

Email: Christina@towerstone.co.uk

Contact Number: +441234889034

Country: United Kingdom

Release Id: 24022524177

The post Towerstone Accountants Launches Inheritance Tax Advisory Service Amid Upcoming Pension Tax Changes appeared on King Newswire. It is provided by a third-party content provider. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it.

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Wojciech Podobas Exits Kaonavi Stake Through Podobas Global Investments Following $335M Tender Offer

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9 minutes ago

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February 24, 2025

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Voytek Podobas, founder of Podobas Global Investments, has exited his 6% stake in Kaonavi, Inc. (4435.T), a Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed SaaS company, after Carlyle Group’s Keystone Investment Holdings L.P.’s tender offer valued at over JPY 50 billion (approximately USD 335 million).

TOKYO, JAPAN, 24th Feb 2025 — Kaonavi, Inc. (TSE: 4435), a leading SaaS provider specializing in talent management systems, announced a tender offer by Keystone Investment Holdings L.P., an affiliate of The Carlyle Group. The transaction, valued at approximately JPY 52.28 billion (USD 335 million), marks a strategic move to privatize the company, enabling long-term growth and innovation.

 

Kaonavi, founded in 2008, provides a cloud-based platform designed to centralize and optimize corporate personnel information, supporting businesses in enhancing employee engagement and productivity. The company went public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers Market in March 2019 before transitioning to the Growth Market in 2022.

The tender offer, launched on February 14, 2025, and was priced at JPY 4,380 per share, representing a premium of 120.65% over the closing price on February 13, 2025 . The offer also included stock acquisition rights, aligning with the goal of making Kaonavi a wholly owned subsidiary of Keystone Investment Holdings L.P..

Within the transaction, Voytek Podobas (Wojciech Jakub Podobas), founder of Podobas Global Investments, exited his 6% ownership stake, valued at over JPY 3 billion (USD 20 million). His investment exemplified strategic backing of Kaonavi’s growth trajectory and reflects a successful exit from a startup-stage investment as the company embarks on its next phase under private ownership.

With the support of The Carlyle Group’s global resources and expertise, Kaonavi aims to accelerate product development, expand its multi-product offerings, and strengthen its market presence in Japan and beyond. The transaction marks a significant success for the entire Kaonavi team, highlighting their achievements and growth in the HR technology sector.

Media Contact

Organization: Podobas Global Investments

Contact Person: Maya Synowiec

Website: https://www.podobas.global/

Email: office@podobas.global

City: Dubai

Country: United Arab Emirates

Release Id: 24022524266

The post Wojciech Podobas Exits Kaonavi Stake Through Podobas Global Investments Following $335M Tender Offer appeared on King Newswire. It is provided by a third-party content provider. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it.

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World Mobile Recognized as ITB Innovator 2025 for Transforming Global Travel Connectivity

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February 24, 2025

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Berlin, Germany, 24th Feb 2025 – World Mobile has been named an ITB Innovator 2025 by ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show, in recognition of its groundbreaking advancements in travel technology. This prestigious honor highlights World Mobile’s role in redefining global travel connectivity through its unlimited travel eSIM, which offers seamless, high-speed internet access across more than 120 countries.

With international travel on the rise, the demand for reliable, cost-effective connectivity has never been greater. Traditional roaming fees, SIM card swaps, and unreliable public Wi-Fi have long been pain points for travelers. World Mobile has addressed these challenges by establishing partnerships with over 250 mobile networks worldwide, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted internet experience for users.

Haim Boukai, Senior VP of Business Development at World Mobile, described the recognition as a validation of the company’s commitment to revolutionizing travel connectivity. He emphasized that in an increasingly digital world, staying connected should be effortless, affordable, and worry-free.

Unlike traditional SIM cards and many existing eSIM solutions, World Mobile’s technology enables travelers to stay online without concern about data limits, hidden fees, or unreliable connections. By automatically connecting to the strongest available local network, it provides uninterrupted global access, setting a new standard for travel connectivity.

The ITB Innovator 2025 award not only underscores World Mobile’s leadership in travel technology but also presents a valuable opportunity for airlines, travel agencies, and hospitality providers to integrate seamless eSIM solutions into their services. As the demand for digital solutions grows, travel businesses can enhance customer experience and offer a more connected journey.

Looking ahead, World Mobile is actively investing in next-generation connectivity solutions, including AI-driven network optimization, enhanced 5G integration, and strategic partnerships with major travel platforms. With a commitment to continuous innovation, the company remains at the forefront of digital transformation in the travel industry.

About World Mobile

Founded in 2019, World Mobile is a leading provider of global travel connectivity solutions. By leveraging cutting-edge eSIM technology and strategic partnerships with over 250 mobile networks, the company ensures seamless, high-speed internet access across more than 120 countries. Its unlimited travel eSIM is designed to eliminate the complexities of traditional roaming, offering travelers an affordable and hassle-free way to stay connected.

For more detail Visit https://www.worldmobile.com/

 

Media Contact

Organization: World Mobile

Contact Person: Haim Boukai

Website: https://www.worldmobile.com/

Email: affiliate@worldmobile.com

Country: Germany

Release Id: 24022524310

The post World Mobile Recognized as ITB Innovator 2025 for Transforming Global Travel Connectivity appeared on King Newswire. It is provided by a third-party content provider. King Newswire makes no warranties or representations in connection with it.

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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.

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