HEALTH NOTES: Women unhappy with the size and shape of their bust could delay breast cancer diagnosis since they’re less likely to carry out checks
Body hang-ups could delay breast cancer diagnosis, according to a major survey.
Women dissatisfied with the size and shape of their bust are less likely to self-examine, a vital step for early detection of the disease.
Researchers from Cambridge-based Anglia Ruskin University found that three-quarters of women were unhappy with the size and shape of their breasts, making them far less likely to carry out the crucial checks.
Body hang-ups could delay breast cancer diagnosis, according to a major survey. (File photo)
Almost half of the 18,000 women quizzed said they’d be happier with a larger bust while a third wanted to go down a size.
Lead researcher Professor Viren Swami said: ‘Breast size dissatisfaction may reduce breast awareness, particularly if a woman’s breasts trigger feelings of anxiety, shame or embarrassment.’
The slimy way to beat stress
Playing with slime may be the key to beating stress in children, say scientists.
Holding the squelchy substance – made from PVA glue, corn starch and food colouring – reduced the stress levels of primary school children by up to 39 per cent.
A group first completed tasks, such as mental arithmetic, while playing with slime, and then the same tasks without it.
Playing with slime may be the key to beating stress in children, say scientists. (File photo)
Middlesex University and Engineering UK teams used sensors to test sweat level fluctuations – a commonly used measure of anxiety.
The experiment showed that stress levels fell dramatically when the children played with slime.
Study author Professor Brendan Walker said: ‘It can release endorphins and improve concentration.’
Allergies to an extract taken from bees – a product found in a wide number of cosmetics – may have doubled over the past decade.
The number of people developing a skin reaction to propolis has risen from just over two per cent in 2007 to almost four per cent today.
Propolis comprises materials from plants mixed with an enzyme present in bees’ saliva.
The insects use it to ‘glue’ together their hives, but propolis is also prized as a natural antibacterial and can be found in shampoos, conditioners, lipsticks and toothpastes.
Experts now want wider testing for the allergy.
Allergies to an extract taken from bees – a product found in a wide number of cosmetics – may have doubled over the past decade
DNA test for anorexia
British researchers have launched the largest ever study into the genes that cause eating disorders.
Scientists from King’s College London will aim to pinpoint the exact slice of inherited DNA that can increase the risk of the most deadly of all mental illnesses.
Previous studies have shown that anorexics are more likely to have specific genes involved in the regulation of metabolism.
Now a new study will ask 10,000 people who’ve experienced eating disorders to send off a saliva swab and complete a questionnaire. To participate, visit edgiuk.org.