Health News - Page 15

World Cancer Day: Irony of fentanyl sparking a US-China tariff war

On a day dedicated to fighting cancer, the fentanyl crisis turned medicine into a battleground, igniting a US-China tariff war

World Cancer Day 2025: How lung cancer is no longer just a smoker’s disease

A recent study has revealed an increase in lung cancer cases among people who have never smoked. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) warned that lung cancer in non-smokers is now the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. What factors are causing this surge in cases among those who stay away from the stick?

World Cancer Day: How 'Devashis' became 'Deepshika' for many losing hope and direction

Devashis Sharma is not just another bureaucrat buried in files and confined to his official duties. He has redefined his role, blending his profession with compassion by actively helping people in their most desperate times, particularly those battling cancer

Humans of Bombay CEO Karishma Mehta freezes her eggs: Why is it becoming popular among young women?

Humans of Bombay founder and CEO Karishma Mehta, 32, recently revealed about getting her eggs frozen. Egg freezing, or oocyte cryopreservation, is increasingly gaining popularity among young women in urban India. But what is this procedure and is it safe?

Healthcare experts hail Budget 2025’s push for daycare cancer centers, drug cost relief

Healthcare experts lauded the announcement by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to setting up daycare cancer centres, terming the step a paradigm shift in cancer treatment for rural patients.

Scientists develop a patch to repair hearts: Why this is groundbreaking

Researchers writing in the journal 'Nature' say they have developed a ‘patch’ that can repair failing hearts. Results of the clinical trial, which took place in 2021, were published on Wednesday. A 46-year-old woman who had a heart attack in 2016 and later suffered heart failure was the subject. After 10 patches of 400 million cells were implanted on the surface of her heart, her condition stabilised – allowing her to get a heart transplant

Uganda confirms Ebola outbreak after patient dies in capital city

The patient, a male nurse at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, had initially sought treatment at various facilities, including Mulago, as well as with a traditional healer, after developing fever-like symptoms

Guillain-Barre syndrome claims 3 lives in Kolkata, over 120 cases in Maharashtra: How does this disease spread?

Cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) are on the rise, triggering concern among health officials. As of January 29, a total of three GBS-suspected deaths have been reported in West Bengal, with over 120 cases of the rare autoimmune disease detected in Maharashtra. In Pune, authorities suspect contaminated water sources as the cause of the disease

Meet the world’s longest-living recipient of pig organ transplant

US-based woman, Towana Looney, passed a major milestone on Saturday by becoming the longest-living recipient of a pig organ transplant. She is healthy and full of energy with her new kidney for 61 days and counting. The 53-year-old had donated a kidney to her mother and later developed complications due to pregnancy

What is achalasia, rare swallowing disorder, due to which UK woman can eat only while standing up?

Elise Baynard, a 25-year-old woman is diagnosed with a rare oesophagus disorder known as achalasia that makes it 'nearly impossible' for her to consume food and liquids normally, resulting in her being sick up to 60 times a day. She has to stand everytime she eats or drinks, as sitting would risk her choking her to death. What is her condition all about?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome outbreak in Pune: Why is this rare nerve disorder on the rise?

Pune in Maharashtra is witnessing a surge in Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) cases. In a week, the total number of the immunological nerve disorder has risen to 67. Health authorities suspect ‘Campylobacter jejuni,’ a bacteria which is often associated with poultry and transmitted through contaminated food or water, is to blame for the sudden rise

Broken hearts: Are children of divorced parents at higher risk of a stroke?

A recent research published PLOS One journal has uncovered a troubling connection between parental divorce and an increased risk of a heart stroke in their children later in life. The study reveals that children who experience parental separation have 60 per cent higher odds of suffering a stroke compared to those who grew up in intact families. What is the connection?

Is gomutra good for health? IIT Madras director's remark sparks big debate

V Kamakoti, the director of IIT Madras stirred a row with his remarks last week that cow urine has ‘anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties’, along with digestive benefits. His comments sparked a political row. But is drinking gaumutra good for your health?

US withdraws from WHO: What kind of impact may we be looking at?

As the WHO’s largest donor, the US departure raises critical concerns about funding, global health initiatives, and pandemic preparedness. Experts warn that this move could weaken international health collaboration, while others see it as a push for much-needed reforms

Explained: Why bowel cancer cases are on the rise in people under 50 years

Nearly two million people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year, making it the third most common cancer globally. A study has found that the disease is becoming more prevalent in those under 50 years of age across all countries analysed. What is causing this increase in cases among younger people?

Want to measure body fat? This 2,000-year-old trick is better than BMI

Amid renewed criticism of the body mass index (BMI) as a diagnostic criterion for obesity, a 2,000-year-old technique used by mathematician Archimedes around 250 BC could help give a better idea of body fat

Saif Ali Khan had a spinal fluid leak after knife attack: Is it dangerous?

Doctors at Lilavati Hospital said that Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times and that he was leaking spinal fluid. He has since undergone surgery to remove the knife and repair the leak. But what is Cerebrospinal fluid? Why is it important?

Will non-addictive and easy-to-quit cigarettes be a reality?

In the final days of President Joe Biden’s term, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has placed a proposal that could make cigarettes less addictive and simpler to quit. The agency says it will drastically reduce the amount of nicotine levels in cigarettes, most cigars and other combustible tobacco products sold nationwide. If enacted, the US would be the first country in the world to take such a bold step against tobacco consumption

What is the cancer-linked red dye found in candy, drinks banned by US FDA?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned a bright red dye that has been linked to cancer in animals. Found in candy, snacks, cakes and snacks, artificial food colouring Red No 3 or erythrosine can no longer be used in food or ingested drugs

How eliminating needle phobia can transform health outcomes and patient care

Needle-free injections directly target vaccine hesitancy by removing one of its primary psychological barriers—needle-induced fear

How do you measure obesity? Not by BMI alone

Relying solely on BMI to diagnose obesity may be outdated, say global experts. A new report calls for a more comprehensive approach, introducing 'clinical' and 'pre-clinical' obesity categories based on fat distribution and health impacts. This framework aims to improve diagnosis, reduce stigma, and personalise care for the over one billion people living with obesity worldwide

Are your teeth misaligned? Ultra-processed foods are to blame

A study has found that consuming ultra-processed foods could lead to children developing smaller jawbones. Scientists warn that the jaws of the younger generations have shrunk due to the modern diet, leading to dental issues

Has Kate Middleton defeated cancer? Here's what 'remission' means

Princess of Wales Kate Middleton announced that her cancer is now in 'remission' following a year of health challenges for the royal family. While this indicates a decrease or a disappearance of cancer signs and symptoms, it does not necessarily equate to a cure

Insta-harm: Your reel addiction could lead to high blood pressure. Here’s how

A recent study has cautioned about a troubling link between excessive consumption of reels on social media and your health. The study, published in BMC Journal, said that watching addictive short videos, especially late at night, can increase the risk of high blood pressure and hypertension

Doctor explains: How HMPV compares to COVID-19, flu and RSV in symptoms and spread

The lack of clarity and widespread unfamiliarity about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) among the public and health experts has sparked anxiety in India. Firstpost brings expert insights on addressing concerns around it.

Matters of the Heart: How many hours of exercise do you need?

If you’re someone who’s completely sedentary, then only a small amount of exercise is needed to see a reduction in cardiac risk. But as you get fitter and increase the amount you exercise, four hours a week is the sweet spot that gives the greatest reduction in cardiovascular risk

Glaucoma Awareness Month: How early detection can prevent permanent blindness

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve at the back of the eye. The symptoms of glaucoma can develop gradually, often going unnoticed until significant damage has taken place.

How ‘toxic’ semen could kill female mosquitoes and help curb spread of disease

Scientists from Australia have developed a groundbreaking technique involving genetically engineered mosquitoes with 'toxic' semen. This method could be a new weapon to combat deadly mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and Zika that claim countless lives every year. What is the technique all about?

AI better than doctors in detecting breast and ovarian cancers, find studies

Artificial intelligence has proven to be helpful in identifying more cases of breast and ovarian cancer. Studies conducted in Germany and Sweden have shown that AI models can outperform doctors and medical experts in detecting these cancers.

Four viruses, one winter: What is the 'Quad-demic' that the US and UK are grappling with?

The US and UK are battling a 'quad-demic' as COVID-19, flu, RSV, and norovirus converge, overwhelming healthcare systems. Hospitals face record admissions, with paediatric wards and emergency rooms stretched thin. Experts urge vaccinations, hygiene measures, and vigilance to curb the viral surge