Welcome, Gentle Reader, to the relaunch of our beloved newsletter Health Outcomes Communicator, or HOC as its familiars call it. We have little in common with Bridgerton's Lady Whistledown, other than the first book in Julia Quinn’s series was published in the same year as our company was formed (2000);  however, we do hope to emulate her sharp wit if not the scurrilous gossip. And sometimes it's nice to be addressed by such delicate terms, isn’t it? 

HOC has had many iterations over the years, from its early days as a print-focused publication led by the experienced medical writer and editor Mary Gabb to a more journalistic style under David Woods. Other short-term editors were Pin Lu, and Cay Scot. Still, though our format has evolved, our mission has remained the same: to improve the communication of health outcomes through thought-provoking insights, expert analysis, and the latest advancements in medicine.

Now, we welcome Beth Howe as the editor of this latest version of HOC, knowing she will uphold its values and mission while bringing it firmly into the modern era. Beth’s career has been deeply rooted in medical science, with extensive experience in evaluating and translating complex research into meaningful insights. Her passion for improving health literacy and patient outcomes makes her a natural fit for HOC, and we look forward to seeing how she challenges and elevates discussions around health outcomes.

Yours truly, 

Ruth 

Daffodil Day: A Global Symbol of Hope

Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is diagnosed with cancer. That’s the time it takes to make a cup of tea, send a quick text, or take a few deep breaths. Every 90 seconds, a life changes.^1,2 

March 22^nd marks Daffodil Day in the UK, a time to rally together in the fight against cancer, raise awareness, and support those affected. As the first daffodils push through the thawing earth, heralding the arrival of spring, we are reminded that renewal is at the heart of life—and of the fight against cancer. Daffodil Day is a time to reflect on progress, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of better outcomes for patients and families battling cancer.

But beyond symbolism, research plays a crucial role in transforming the statistics we see today. In 2021, there were 395,181 people diagnosed with cancer in the UK – that’s more than one person every 90 seconds.^1,2 Each year, cancer claims 167,000 lives in the UK, an average of 460 people every day.² 

The History and Significance of Daffodil Day

Daffodil Day began in Canada in 1957 when volunteers handed out fresh daffodils during coffee mornings to raise money for cancer research. Since then, the movement has grown into an international campaign, with countries worldwide holding their own versions of the event each spring. In the UK, the Marie Curie charity has been leading the Great Daffodil Appeal since 1986, using the daffodil as a symbol of hope and resilience for those affected by cancer and other terminal illnesses.

How Oncology Research is Changing Lives

Cancer research has led to remarkable breakthroughs, from targeted therapies and immunotherapy to advances in early detection and precision medicine. These innovations have improved survival rates and quality of life for countless patients. Investing in oncology research is one of the most powerful ways to make a lasting impact in the fight against cancer, helping to develop new treatments and improve patient care.

A Testament to Progress

Thanks to ongoing advancements, cancer survival rates are improving. Survival rates of all cancers combined have doubled—from 24% to 50%—over the last 50 years, offering hope to countless patients and families.³ In England and Wales, half of those diagnosed with cancer now survive for ten years or more.³  This progress is made possible by the dedication of researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals working toward better treatments and outcomes for patients worldwide.

How You Can Make a Difference

Supporting cancer research is one of the most effective ways to improve patient outcomes and advance new treatments. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Donate to cancer research organisations to fund groundbreaking studies that lead to better treatments and earlier detection methods.
• Support the Great Daffodil Appeal to help fund Marie Curie’s vital care services for terminally ill patients.
• Raise awareness by sharing information on social media and within your professional networks to highlight the importance of ongoing research.
• Keep doing what you do best. If you’re a researcher, clinician, or medical writer, your work is already making a difference. Your dedication to rigorous science, clear communication, and patient-centred care is helping to shape the future of oncology

Stay Informed: Navigating Oncology Research

For those working in medical research or interested in learning more about oncology advancements, our latest article, The Top 10 Oncology Journals, offers insights into the leading publications in the field. Whether you're looking to publish your own research or stay updated on the latest breakthroughs, these journals provide a valuable resource for keeping up with cutting-edge developments in cancer care.

So, as the first flowers of spring begin to bloom, let’s take a moment to remember what they stand for. Hope, renewal, and the promise of a future where cancer is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis.

"Is anything more exhilarating than taking a gamble? For it is often the highest risk that carries the greatest reward."  Lady Whistledown

Notable news

• The pharmaceutical industry is urging US and EU officials to exempt medicines from escalating tariff disputes, warning that price hikes on key drugs could restrict patient access. With supply chains deeply intertwined, industry leaders argue that trade barriers would disrupt healthcare priorities and contradict efforts to control drug costs. Historically, lifesaving medicines have been spared from trade wars, but growing tariff tensions are raising concerns that this precedent may soon change. Link
• The FDA has approved neffy^® 1 mg, the first needle-free epinephrine nasal spray for children aged 4 and older with severe allergic reactions, marking a major advancement in anaphylaxis treatment. Designed to address fears of traditional auto-injectors, neffy delivers epinephrine via a simple nasal spray, potentially improving treatment response times. Link.
• The FDA has expanded the approval of Soliris (eculizumab) to include paediatric patients aged six and older with generalised myasthenia gravis (gMG), making it the first treatment available for children with this rare neuromuscular disease. The decision marks a significant advancement in paediatric neurology, offering new hope for families managing gMG. Link.
• A study in Japan has found that erectile dysfunction (ED) was a common issue for people hospitalised with COVID-19, affecting almost one in five (19%) men after infection. Of those affected, around half had not seen an improvement after two years and had impaired quality of life scores. Link.
• Measles outbreaks in the US are causing increasing concern due to the highly infectious and potentially lethal nature of the disease (more so than COVID-19 or Ebola). Considered eliminated 20 years ago as a result of highly effective vaccination programs, the reemergence is thought to be due to reduced childhood vaccination rates in recent years. Link.
• The arrival of China’s DeepSeek generative AI last month shocked the AI establishment by the short duration and low cost of its development. What may be of greater importance for healthcare, however, is the open-source nature of DeepSeek which allows much cheaper development of specialised AI tools in medicine which until now required the building of bespoke models from the ground up. Link.

References

1. World Cancer Research Fund. UK Cancer Statistics. Available at: https://www.wcrf.org/preventing-cancer/cancer-statistics/uk-cancer-statistics/#cancer-incidence-in-the-uk Accessed 03 March 2025. 
2. Macmillan Cancer Support. Cancer Statistics in the UK. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/research/cancer-statistics-fact-sheet Accessed 03 March 2025. 
3. Cancer Research UK. Cancer survival statistics. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/survival Accessed 13 March 2025. 

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