First Published Oct 17, 2024, 4:16 PM IST | Last Updated Oct 17, 2024, 4:16 PM IST
Health Desk: October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The main purpose of celebrating this month is to spread awareness about breast cancer among people. Today, the number of women suffering from breast cancer is increasing not only in the country but also in the world. It is very important for women to know what causes breast cancer. Let’s know which lifestyle changes reduce the risk of cancer.
Maintaining Weight Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
Women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 50, and after that, weight also starts to increase. Due to high levels of estrogen, the risk of breast cancer increases. In such a situation, the risk of breast cancer can be reduced with the help of a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Exercise to Prevent Breast Cancer
Women do not find time to exercise amidst household chores. Whereas daily exercise is very important to avoid the risk of breast cancer. You can reduce your risk of breast cancer by doing 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week. Or take a 20-minute walk every day.
Say No to Alcohol
Women who drink heavily are at risk of increased estrogen levels. Along with this, DNA can also be damaged. This also increases the chances of breast cancer. You can avoid the risk of breast cancer by reducing the amount of drinking or by stopping drinking altogether.
Antioxidant Foods Will Protect Against Cancer
You should take a nutrient-based diet in your meals. Daily fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, lean protein, etc. work to strengthen the immune system. Along with this, the risk of cancer is also reduced. You must include antioxidant foods, fiber foods, and healthy fats like omega-3 in your diet.
Stay Away from Toxic Chemicals
The risk of breast cancer increases with toxic substances. You should avoid certain chemicals, cosmetics, plastic bags, or pesticides that can increase the risk of breast cancer. It is better to use natural organic products and never make the mistake of keeping hot food in plastic containers.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Poses Risk
If you are taking estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement therapy, the risk of breast cancer increases. A low dose of hormone replacement therapy should be taken and used for a short duration.
Breast cancer can be diagnosed with the help of regular screening. If cancer is diagnosed early, then treatment becomes easier. You can reduce the risk of breast cancer to a great extent by adopting a healthy lifestyle. If you ever feel a lump in your breast or have a nipple discharge, consult a doctor without delay. A little vigilance on your part can prevent the disease from becoming serious.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Excess body fat increases the risk of breast cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign observed in October to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection, and support those affected by the disease. It aims to educate people about risk factors, the importance of regular screenings like mammograms, and how lifestyle choices can influence breast cancer risk. The week encourages community participation in fundraisers, events, and educational outreach to boost research and improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients. We can use this month to understand how some lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of breast cancer.
10 Lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of breast cancer
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Excess body fat, particularly after menopause, increases the risk of breast cancer due to higher oestrogen levels. Managing weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise helps keep hormone levels stable, reducing the risk.
2. Exercise regularly
Physical activity reduces oestrogen and insulin levels, which are linked to breast cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly to help lower your risk.
3. Limit alcohol intake
Drinking alcohol raises oestrogen levels and may damage DNA, increasing the likelihood of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol to one drink per day or less can significantly lower this risk.
4. Quit smoking
Smoking is linked to a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. Quitting smoking not only reduces the risk of developing breast cancer but also improves overall lung and heart health.
5. Eat a nutrient-dense diet
Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins helps support the immune system and can lower cancer risk. Focus on foods rich in antioxidants, fibre, and healthy fats like omega-3s.
6. Breastfeed if possible
Breastfeeding for several months reduces the risk of breast cancer, particularly in women who have breastfed for a year or more. It helps regulate hormone levels and provides protective effects for both the mother and the baby.
7. Avoid hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Long-term use of combined oestrogen-progesterone hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of breast cancer. If HRT is necessary, it should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest possible duration.
8. Limit exposure to radiation
Certain medical imaging procedures, like CT scans, expose the body to radiation, which can increase breast cancer risk over time. Only undergo these procedures when medically necessary and seek alternatives if possible.
9. Be mindful of environmental toxins
Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals, like those found in some cosmetics, plastics, and pesticides, may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Choose natural, organic products and avoid using plastic containers for hot foods to minimise toxin exposure.
10. Get regular screenings
Early detection is key to treating breast cancer successfully. Regular mammograms and self-breast exams can help catch abnormalities early. Consult with your doctor about when to begin screenings, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
Add these lifestyle changes to your routine today to reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Genetic predisposition to gout, unfavorable lifestyle habits, and poor metabolic health are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, adherence to a healthy lifestyle can reduce this risk by up to 62%, even in individuals with high genetic risk.
METHODOLOGY:
Researchers investigated the association between genetic predisposition to gout, combined with lifestyle habits, and the risk for CVD in two diverse prospective cohorts from different ancestral backgrounds.
They analyzed the data of 224,689 participants of European descent from the UK Biobank (mean age, 57.0 years; 56.1% women) and 50,364 participants of East Asian descent from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES; mean age, 53.7 years; 66.0% women).
The genetic predisposition to gout was evaluated using a polygenic risk score (PRS) derived from a metagenome-wide association study, and the participants were categorized into low, intermediate, and high genetic risk groups based on their PRS for gout.
A favorable lifestyle was defined as having ≥ 3 healthy lifestyle factors, and 0-1 metabolic syndrome factor defined the ideal metabolic health status.
The incident CVD risk was evaluated according to genetic risk, lifestyle habits, and metabolic syndrome.
TAKEAWAY:
Individuals in the high genetic risk group had a higher risk for CVD than those in the low genetic risk group in both the UK Biobank (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.10; P < .001) and KoGES (aHR, 1.31; P = .024) cohorts.
In the UK Biobank cohort, individuals with a high genetic risk for gout and unfavorable lifestyle choices had a 1.99 times higher risk for incident CVD than those with low genetic risk (aHR, 1.99; P < .001); similar outcomes were observed in the KoGES cohort.
Similarly, individuals with a high genetic risk for gout and poor metabolic health in the UK Biobank cohort had a 2.16 times higher risk for CVD than those with low genetic risk (aHR, 2.16; P < .001 for both); outcomes were no different in the KoGES cohort.
Improving metabolic health and adhering to a healthy lifestyle reduced the risk for CVD by 62% in individuals with high genetic risk and by 46% in those with low genetic risk (P < .001 for both).
IN PRACTICE:
“PRS for gout can be used for preventing not only gout but also CVD. It is possible to identify individuals with high genetic risk for gout and strongly recommend modifying lifestyle habits. Weight reduction, smoking cessation, regular exercise, and eating healthy food are effective strategies to prevent gout and CVD,” the authors wrote.
SOURCE:
This study was led by Ki Won Moon, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, and Sang‑Hyuk Jung, PhD, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and was published online on October 8, 2024, in RMD Open.
LIMITATIONS:
The definitions of lifestyle and metabolic syndrome were different in each cohort, which may have affected the findings. Data on lifestyle behaviors and metabolic health statuses were collected at enrollment, but these variables may have changed during the follow-up period, which potentially introduced bias into the results. This study was not able to establish causality between genetic predisposition to gout and the incident risk for CVD.
DISCLOSURES:
This study was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Research Foundation of Korea. The authors declared no competing interests.
This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Blood type plays a fascinating role in the world of human biology, influencing various aspects of our well-being. This particular characteristic has piqued the curiosity of scientists and doctors for years.
A recent study has uncovered a potential link between certain blood types and an increased risk of experiencing an early stroke.
Human blood types
Before we dive into the finer details of this study, it’s important to have a basic understanding.
The yardstick that we use to distinguish human blood types, known as the ABO blood group system, recognizes A, B, AB, and O as the main blood types.
These labels arise from particular chemical components present in our red blood cells. However, beneath these general categories lie subtle variations, the result of gene mutations.
Blood type and early stroke
A detailed research venture in 2022 explored the connection between the gene responsible for the A1 subgroup and the likelihood of having an early stroke.
The researchers scrutinized data from 48 genetic studies, including 17,000 stroke patients and approximately 600,000 non-stroke individuals, all between the ages 18 and 59.
The researchers conducted a genome-wide search and found two locations that were strongly associated with an earlier risk of stroke. Interestingly, one of these locations coincided with the site where the genes for blood type reside.
Blood type A and stroke risk
When the researchers looked closer at specific blood type genes, they made an astonishing discovery.
Those people whose genome coded for a version of the A group had a 16 percent higher chance of suffering a stroke before age 60 compared to other blood types.
On the other hand, individuals with a gene for group O1 had a 12 percent lower stroke risk. These riveting findings were shared by senior author and vascular neurologist Steven Kittner from the University of Maryland.
However, the experts emphasized that the extra stroke risk for people with type A blood is relatively slight. As such, these individuals do not need to worry about more surveillance or check-ups.
Though it’s still a bit of a mystery, the increased risk may be tied to components involved in blood clot formation, including platelets, cells lining blood vessels, and various circulating proteins.
Early and late stroke
An intriguing part of the study cropped up when comparing those who had a stroke before 60 to those who had one after this age.
The increased stroke risk accompanying type A blood dwindled quite significantly in the late-onset stroke group. It implies the triggers for early-life strokes may differ from those later in life.
It is worth noting that strokes in younger people are seldom caused by atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fatty patches in arteries. They are more often provoked by factors connected to clot formation.
Additionally, the study identified that people with type B blood had roughly an 11 percent increased likelihood of having a stroke, irrespective of their age.
Blood type and cardiovascular health
Earlier research has shown that the part of the genome associated with blood type, known as the “ABO locus,” is tied with coronary artery calcification, which can limit blood flow and up the risk of a heart attack.
Similarly, the A and B blood type genetic sequences have been linked to a slightly elevated risk of venous thrombosis, or blood clots in veins.
Despite needing more studies to shed light on these discoveries, it appears our blood type could harbor more health secrets than we previously suspected, particularly regarding our stroke risk.
Genetics and stroke risk
While blood type offers an interesting peek into stroke risk, it’s merely a part of the larger picture. Genetics wield a hefty influence on our susceptibility to various heart-related conditions, including stroke.
In the same study, it was noted that other genetic markers, apart from the ABO blood group, were associated with early onset stroke.
These markers affect elements like blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and inflammatory responses, all of which can alter stroke risk.
A deeper understanding of this broad genetic landscape aids scientists in identifying those who may be at higher risk.
The progress in genetic testing could potentially lead to more personalized health approaches, allowing individuals to lower their risks based on their unique genetic makeup.
While blood type provides valuable insights, it remains a part of a more intricate interplay between genetics and lifestyle choices that determine stroke risk.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the first full-immersion wellness resort in Qatar and the largest in the Middle East, is sharing insights on the significant role lifestyle and environmental factors can play in breast cancer risks and sharing practical changes women can make in their daily lives to help reduce them.
As part of its commitment to fostering holistic health, the resort’s specialists will offer complimentary talks during October, highlighting breast cancer risk factors and the essential lifestyle changes to help mitigate them. These talks will also feature inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors who will discuss their personal journeys. Additionally, 10 percent of proceeds from coffee sales at the resort’s Casuarina Café will be donated to the Qatar Cancer Society.
These awareness insights aim to encourage women to adopt healthier lifestyles as a proactive and effective way to reduce their breast cancer risk. Everyday choices – from the food we consume to the products we use – can significantly impact our overall health. On 9th October, from 14:00–14:30, Zulal Wellness Resort’s Holistic Dietitian and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Advisor, Nour Hasni, will offer a complimentary talk for public (Complimentary Talk), discussing how environmental factors and lifestyle choices (epigenetics) play a crucial role in breast cancer risk, alongside inherited genetics (genomics).
Epigenetics, where external influences can activate or suppress certain genes, play a vital role in each individual’s health. Helping them to understand this further, Zulal Wellness Resort is sharing some of the key everyday lifestyle and environmental hormonal-disruptors that are linked to breast cancer and the mindful adjustments that can be adopted to effectively lower the risk of developing breast cancer, including:
Chemical exposure in beauty and hygiene products. Common makeup and personal care products often contain harmful chemicals like parabens, synthetic oestrogens, and endocrine disruptors. Hasni recommends choosing only natural products with simple, minimal ingredient lists and exploring natural alternatives like essential oils where possible.
Plastics and household toxins. Chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, often found in plastic water bottles and household items, can be absorbed by the body and are difficult to eliminate. They not only elevate the risk of breast cancer but also contribute to cardiovascular issues. Switching to alternatives like glass or stainless steel helps to minimise exposure.
Cookware: Many modern cooking tools, such as aluminium, Teflon, and non-stick cookware, can release toxic heavy metals that the body struggles to process and eventually expel. To mitigate the risks, Hasni advises using stainless steel, glass or clay cookware, the latter of which can also enhance the nutrient profile of food and support overall well-being.
Processed foods and additives. Synthetic food additives, colourings, and seed oils are linked to a range of health concerns. Zulal Wellness Resort advocates for a diet that eliminates processed food, reduces red meat consumption, and focuses on organic, plant-based choices and the use of natural, extra-virgin oils like olive, avocado, or coconut. Increasing the intake of oestrogen-rich foods like grains, nuts, and seeds (for example, flaxseeds, anise, sesame, coriander seeds, etc.) can support natural regulation of hormone levels.
Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as omega-3s, can significantly help reduce inflammation. Diets focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods can support the reduction of inflammation, may lower the risk of breast cancer, and support overall well-being.
Personal hygiene and clothing. Clothing and undergarments can influence overall health. Hasni suggests opting for breathable fabrics like organic cotton, linen, or wool to reduce the absorption of harmful substances through the skin and avoiding synthetic fabrics, which often contain chemicals. Similarly, switching to chemical-free household cleaners and hygiene products will reduce the body’s toxic load.
Stress management and detox. Stress is a significant contributor to poor health, including increased breast cancer risk. Zulal Wellness Resort provides insights on regular stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and grounding exercises. Hasni recommends grounding techniques – spending 10–15 minutes a day connecting the physical body with the earth – as a simple yet effective way to restore balance in body and mind.
Exercise and movement. Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing a wide range of illnesses. Zulal Wellness Resort advises incorporating regular exercise, of every intensity level, whether that is strength training or aerobics, as part of a holistic approach to health. Exercise not only boosts immunity but also helps regulate hormones, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce inflammation.
EMF awareness. In today’s technology-driven world, electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure is unavoidable. To mitigate its effects, Hasni suggests placing plants known for absorbing EMF radiation, like cacti and spider plants, near electronic devices, work laptops/desktops and practicing regular “digital detoxes”.
These topics will also be addressed during the Breast Cancer Awareness Talk at Zulal Wellness Resort’s extensive library and relaxation space, House of Wisdom. On 16 October, from 10:30 to 12:00, two breast cancer survivors and members of the Qatar Cancer Society will share their personal stories, discussing their fight against cancer and their journeys to recovery. Additionally, the resort’s Health & Wellness advisors will cover genomics, how Zulal Wellness Resort supports both pre- and post-cancer care, essential lifestyle changes, and tips for maintaining a healthy life. Following the talk, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary lunch at Aizoon, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. The Qatar Cancer Society has also prepared an informative guide on self-examination, which will be available at House of Wisdom until the end of October.
Zulal Wellness Resort believes that prevention is the best medicine. Through regular self-examination and informed lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to harmful environmental factors, people can take proactive steps to protect their health and lower the risk of diseases such as breast cancer.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, the first full-immersion wellness resort in Qatar and the largest in the Middle East, is sharing insights on the significant role lifestyle and environmental factors can play in breast cancer risks and sharing practical changes women can make in their daily lives to help reduce them.
As part of its commitment to fostering holistic health, the resort’s specialists will offer complimentary talks during October, highlighting breast cancer risk factors and the essential lifestyle changes to help mitigate them. These talks will also feature inspiring stories from breast cancer survivors who will discuss their personal journeys. Additionally, 10 percent of proceeds from coffee sales at the resort’s Casuarina Café will be donated to the Qatar Cancer Society.
These awareness insights aim to encourage women to adopt healthier lifestyles as a proactive and effective way to reduce their breast cancer risk. Everyday choices – from the food we consume to the products we use – can significantly impact our overall health. On 9th October, from 14:00–14:30, Zulal Wellness Resort’s Holistic Dietitian and Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Advisor, Nour Hasni, will offer a complimentary talk for public (Complimentary Talk), discussing how environmental factors and lifestyle choices (epigenetics) play a crucial role in breast cancer risk, alongside inherited genetics (genomics).
Epigenetics, where external influences can activate or suppress certain genes, play a vital role in each individual’s health. Helping them to understand this further, Zulal Wellness Resort is sharing some of the key everyday lifestyle and environmental hormonal-disruptors that are linked to breast cancer and the mindful adjustments that can be adopted to effectively lower the risk of developing breast cancer, including:
Chemical exposure in beauty and hygiene products. Common makeup and personal care products often contain harmful chemicals like parabens, synthetic oestrogens, and endocrine disruptors. Hasni recommends choosing only natural products with simple, minimal ingredient lists and exploring natural alternatives like essential oils where possible.
Plastics and household toxins. Chemicals such as BPA and phthalates, often found in plastic water bottles and household items, can be absorbed by the body and are difficult to eliminate. They not only elevate the risk of breast cancer but also contribute to cardiovascular issues. Switching to alternatives like glass or stainless steel helps to minimise exposure.
Cookware: Many modern cooking tools, such as aluminium, Teflon, and non-stick cookware, can release toxic heavy metals that the body struggles to process and eventually expel. To mitigate the risks, Hasni advises using stainless steel, glass or clay cookware, the latter of which can also enhance the nutrient profile of food and support overall well-being.
Processed foods and additives. Synthetic food additives, colourings, and seed oils are linked to a range of health concerns. Zulal Wellness Resort advocates for a diet that eliminates processed food, reduces red meat consumption, and focuses on organic, plant-based choices and the use of natural, extra-virgin oils like olive, avocado, or coconut. Increasing the intake of oestrogen-rich foods like grains, nuts, and seeds (for example, flaxseeds, anise, sesame, coriander seeds, etc.) can support natural regulation of hormone levels.
Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, such as omega-3s, can significantly help reduce inflammation. Diets focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods can support the reduction of inflammation, may lower the risk of breast cancer, and support overall well-being.
Personal hygiene and clothing. Clothing and undergarments can influence overall health. Hasni suggests opting for breathable fabrics like organic cotton, linen, or wool to reduce the absorption of harmful substances through the skin and avoiding synthetic fabrics, which often contain chemicals. Similarly, switching to chemical-free household cleaners and hygiene products will reduce the body’s toxic load.
Stress management and detox. Stress is a significant contributor to poor health, including increased breast cancer risk. Zulal Wellness Resort provides insights on regular stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, and grounding exercises. Hasni recommends grounding techniques – spending 10–15 minutes a day connecting the physical body with the earth – as a simple yet effective way to restore balance in body and mind.
Exercise and movement. Physical activity plays a crucial role in preventing a wide range of illnesses. Zulal Wellness Resort advises incorporating regular exercise, of every intensity level, whether that is strength training or aerobics, as part of a holistic approach to health. Exercise not only boosts immunity but also helps regulate hormones, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce inflammation.
EMF awareness. In today’s technology-driven world, electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure is unavoidable. To mitigate its effects, Hasni suggests placing plants known for absorbing EMF radiation, like cacti and spider plants, near electronic devices, work laptops/desktops and practicing regular “digital detoxes”.
These topics will also be addressed during the Breast Cancer Awareness Talk at Zulal Wellness Resort’s extensive library and relaxation space, House of Wisdom. On 16 October, from 10:30 to 12:00, two breast cancer survivors and members of the Qatar Cancer Society will share their personal stories, discussing their fight against cancer and their journeys to recovery. Additionally, the resort’s Health & Wellness advisors will cover genomics, how Zulal Wellness Resort supports both pre- and post-cancer care, essential lifestyle changes, and tips for maintaining a healthy life. Following the talk, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary lunch at Aizoon, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. The Qatar Cancer Society has also prepared an informative guide on self-examination, which will be available at House of Wisdom until the end of October.
Zulal Wellness Resort believes that prevention is the best medicine. Through regular self-examination and informed lifestyle changes to reduce exposure to harmful environmental factors, people can take proactive steps to protect their health and lower the risk of diseases such as breast cancer.
Consumption of ultra-processed and fried foods can lead to chronic inflammation in the body, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in overweight/obese Asian-Indian adults, according to the latest study by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, an ICMR Centre for Advanced Research in Diabetes. The first-of-its-kind study in India has shed light on the consumption of fried and ultra-processed foods that are rich in Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). AGEs are a group of compounds that accumulate in the body over time and are associated with chronic diseases. Dr V Mohan, chairman of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation, and Dr Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre explained that the AGEs are formed in the blood. “But now we know that diet can also play a role in this. So there are diets which have high AGEs and diets which have low AGEs,” Dr Mohan said, reported PTI. Diets with high AGEs include red meat, french fries and other fried foods, bakery products, paratha, samosa and sugary foods among others. Also Read:Refined Oil Vs Cold Pressed Oil: Which Is Healthier For Cooking? Expert Weighs In The government-funded study has shown that low-AGE diets could be a potential strategy to reduce diabetes risk. Low-AGE food includes green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, boiled items and brown rice, Dr V Mohan said. The study also noted that cooking methods like frying, roasting and grilling elevate AGE levels while boiling keeps them in check.
Low-AGE foods may prevent diabetes risk. Photo:iStock
The study included 38 overweight and obese Asian-Indian adults, aged 25 to 45 years, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23 and above. The study observed the participants for 12 weeks and found that for those who followed a low-AGE diet, their glucose levels and inflammatory markers were lower, Dr Mookambika Ramya Bai, a research scientist at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and first author of the study, said. In contrast, those who ate high-AGEs foods had higher glucose levels, greater insulin resistance and more inflammatory markers in their blood.
The rapid nutrition transition in developing countries like India has led to higher intakes of refined carbohydrates, fats and animal products. This, along with a sedentary lifestyle, increases the prevalence of obesity, diabetes and associated disorders, the study said, reported PTI. “The rise in the diabetes epidemic in India is primarily driven by obesity, physical inactivity and eating of unhealthy diets which are rich in AGEs,” Dr Mohan said. Also Read:The Truth About Cheat Days: Are They Really Good For You? Expert Reveals Prevalence of diabetes, pre-diabetes and obesity is on the rise globally and in India, there are currently 101 million individuals with diabetes, according to the study. Obesity is linked to insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation, and thus, promotes the development of diseases like type 2 diabetes. The prevalence of obesity in India is 40 per cent and overweight or obesity has been linked with higher mortality, the study said. The study findings were published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.
Stay informed with Hindustan Times’ live updates! Track the latest lifestyle news including fashion trends, style guide & Tips, India & World Events. Don’t miss today’s key news for October 2, 2024.
Latest news on October 2, 2024: Sleep disturbances in children at the age of 10 can trigger 2.7 times higher risk for suicidal ideation and suicide attempts after two years.
Get the latest news updates and breaking news stories from the world of lifestyle. Track all the latest fashion trends, delicious recipes, travel tips and more. Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Hindustan Times staff.…Read More
Follow all the updates here:
Oct 2, 2024 4:32 PM IST
Health News LIVE: Sleep disturbances in children can trigger suicide risk: Study explains
Daily nightmares were associated with higher risk of suicidal tendencies in children at the age of 10.
Health News LIVE: Is meditation as pain-reliever a bogus concept? New study quashes long-held belief
Mindfulness meditation and placebo effect demonstrated two different brain mechanisms, further proving that meditation has a real effect on pain relief.
Health News LIVE: Doctors warn breast cancer is rising among younger women despite medical advancements, more awareness
Despite earlier detection and advancements in treatment, breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women overall, as per a US study.
Health News LIVE: Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2024: Workout with comfort with sports bras, track pants and more at 80% off
Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale 2024: Check out this list of the best fitness wear like sports bras, running shorts, track pants and more at 80% off.
Fashion News LIVE: Kylie Jenner looks like a goth princess in black gown at her Paris Fashion Week runway debut: Pics and videos
Kylie Jenner just made her Paris Fashion Week runway debut. And she looked like the perfect goth princess. Check out photos and videos of her stunning look.
Fashion News LIVE: Sonam Kapoor glitters in ‘insane’ golden skirt suit that accentuates her body elegantly
Sonam Kapoor says yes to a skirt suit. The actor wowed in a golden Tamara Ralph look at a recent event. Check out all the photos of her glamorous outfit.
Festivals News LIVE: Navratri 2024: Full list of 9 colours of Navratri and their significance
Navratri, honouring Goddess Durga, starts on October 3 and ends with Dussehra on October 12. Each day features a specific colour symbolising various virtues.
Health News LIVE: Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale: Shop gym equipment like treadmills, air bikes and more at up to 80% off
The Amazon Sale is offering unbeatable deals on gym equipment like dumbbells, treadmills, and air bikes. Start your home workout routine with these offers!
The game of football is certainly not for the fainthearted particularly when it comes to playing at high altitudes.
One sports stadium that sparks the fear in any seasoned professional player is Peru’s Daniel Alcides Carrion Stadium.
The grounds are the highest altitude football stadium in the world.
It sits at an almight 4,378m above sea level which significantly increases the risk of a number of serious health conditions for anyone playing sports there.
Playing any kind of sports at such a high altitude puts players at risk of an increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and hypoxia, among many others.
Daniel Alcides Carrion Stadium can be found in the Peruvian city of Cerro del Pasco and is officially the highest altitude stadium on Earth.
It holds around 8,000 people and has caused much controversy in the past for players who aren’t used to playing at such high heights.
Issues with oxygen are commonplace which begins to drop, sitting lower than many football players would’ve ever faced before.
This jaw-dropping height means fatigue sets in much quicker as players struggle to breath.
As such, the stadium only hosts Peru Cup matches on an international level only a few times a year but does belong to a team of the Peruvian league known as Union Minas.
Union Minas are in the third division of the league and known for having one of the world’s toughest away days.
At 4,378m above sea level it’s so high that it would take over 14 Shard’s stacked on top of each other to make it the same height.
The highest altitude above sea level is Mount Everest at 8,848m which is only twice as much as Daniel Alcides Carrion Stadium further highlighting how dangerous it can be for players.
As such, FIFA banned games at stadiums which sat anywhere higher than 2,500m above sea level back in 2007 which sparked major controversy.
FIFA explained the cause for the ban was due to home teams having an ‘unfair advantage’ and for issues regarding players safety.
Countries including Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia were up in arms about this decision as it meant they were unable to host World Cup qualifiers in their own capital cities.
Football icon, Diego Maradona felt so strongly about this ban that he chose to play a match at the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz.
He wanted to prove that if a 47-year-old was able to play for over an hour at such high altitudes then it was certainly feasible for younger professionals to do so too.
The ban on high altitudes was then revoked in 2008 with FIFA allowing teams to play at their preferred grounds.
The ban on high altitude grounds was later revoked in May 2008, and FIFA has since allowed teams to return to their preferred playing ground.
Interestingly, a study published in the National Library of Medicine, found that teams that were both training and playing at high altitude had a 28 per cent decreased concussion rate.
It concluded that playing at higher altitudes may have a protective effect on concussion rates.
Despite the decreased concussion rates at higher altitudes a lack of oxygen was certainly evident when Argentina’s World Cup team were seen using oxygen tubes during the match against Bolivia.
Alongside Argentina, Brazilian footballers were also seen using huge tanks of oxygen while battling through their international matches in South America.
Also on the rise in those aged 40 to 60 are melanomas, lung cancer and prostate cancer, as well as typically rarer cancers such as gallbladder cancer, endometrial (womb) cancer, ovarian cancer and stomach cancer.
Despite all this, “cancer remains primarily a disease of ageing”, says Prof Richard Simcock, the chief medical officer for Macmillan Cancer Support.
“There is still a relatively small proportion of younger people developing cancer,” he explains, but “that rise is still of great concern to us”.
“There isn’t some blockbuster theory as to why this is happening, but we do know broadly how people might hope to lower their risk from cancer if they belong to this age group.”
Here is what you can do to protect yourself from the cancers occurring most commonly in this age group.
Even small weight loss in postmenopausal women can significantly reduce their cancer risk. Photo / 123rf
Avoid weight gain
It’s no secret that your weight is a big risk factor when it comes to whether you might develop cancer, even if you’re not yet 60.
But what exactly links weight and cancer incidence is not yet clear, Simcock says.
“We don’t know if that heightened risk is because of the weight you’re carrying itself, a lack of exercise, the things you’re eating – there has been much discussion about processed and ultra-processed food – or the other reasons you might be obese, like insulin resistance,” he explains.
With the latter case, “it may be the reason for your obesity, rather than your obesity itself, that is the risk factor in your cancer development,” he adds.
Still, the advice is that those aged between 40 and 60 try to keep their weight within a healthy range to lower the chance that they will develop the disease.
Some research suggested this is particularly important for women who have already gone through menopause.
One study of more than 100,000 women found that even those who lost a small amount of weight – between 2-4.5kg – significantly reduced their breast cancer risk.
Another found that overweight postmenopausal women who lost at least 5% of their overall weight reduced their risk of all weight-related cancers, and especially endometrial cancer, which is on the rise in those under 60 despite a previous decline in older age groups.
Exercise is crucial
Similarly, inactivity could be a major driver in cancer incidence, particularly in rarer cancers where a rise in diagnosis is unexplained, Simcock says.
“Endometrial cancer is more common in women who are overweight or obese,” he says, which again may be a result of lifestyle factors rather than the weight carried itself.
Another major study published this year found that three times as many cancers can be linked to physical inactivity than previously thought; nearly 5% of all diagnoses in Australia – where the research was carried out – were attributable to a lack of exercise.
Of these, nearly 2% could have been prevented if those diagnosed had increased their physical activity by just 40 minutes a week a decade earlier.
Again, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why this might be, Simcock notes.
“But whilst this is being investigated and more complex theories are being developed, in the meantime the advice is to be aware of how your lifestyle can increase your risk and take steps to be more active.”
Just 40 minutes of extra exercise per week can cut cancer risks. Photo / 123rf
Improve your gut health
“In recent years we’ve really come to understand more about how our microbiome – the bacteria that live in and on us – affect our risk of developing cancer and then how we respond to treatment,” Simcock says.
“We have some really interesting data now to show your microbiome can influence how someone responds to cancer treatment, especially immunotherapy for lung cancer and melanoma,” he explains.
“This treatment seems to work incredibly well for some people but not others, and we now believe that this could be linked to the bacterial contents of your gut.”
Though research is ongoing, this does suggest that keeping a healthy gut could be an important factor in your resilience to cancer.
On the other hand, a separate study published in May this year found that regularly consuming ultra-processed food is linked to higher mortality rates in those with colorectal cancer.
To eat for your gut, try to avoid ultra-processed foods – which contain chemicals that have names you probably won’t recognise – and eat more pre and probiotic foods, such as yoghurt, bananas, oats and beans.
Probiotic foods like yogurt and oats can improve gut health and may reduce cancer risks. Photo / 123rf
Use sunscreen and stay in the shade
Skin cancers are on the rise in those aged 40 to 60, often because of sun exposure that people in this age group had years or even decades ago.
Non-melanoma skin cancers are common and typically can be treated with relative ease, but melanomas are far more deadly and are on the rise in this age bracket too.
“It’s not uncommon that a sunburn you get now might increase your risk of skin cancer 10 or 15 years later,” Simcock says.
“This rise in cancer might be because of the ease of travel abroad these days, and easier overseas travel, which wasn’t so available to older generations when they were children.”
It is still well worth protecting the DNA in your skin from any further damage, to reduce your melanoma risk. Here the conventional advice stands: use a good SPF to avoid tanning and burning, and stay in the shade when there might be a risk of sunburn.
Sunburns from years ago can increase your risk of developing melanoma later in life. Photo / 123rf
Cut down on your drinking
High alcohol consumption is a major risk factor associated with oral and stomach cancers, which are on the rise in those aged under 60, as well as with breast cancer in women, Simcock says.
“Every extra unit of alcohol that a woman regularly drinks per week will increase her risk of breast cancer,” he explains. Meanwhile, “alcohol does seem to be linked to the number of cancers we’re seeing in the oesophagus, mouth and stomach”.
This is a particular concern for men, who drink significantly more on average than women.
One 2022 study found that men who drink at least five times a week have at least a 46% higher risk of stomach cancer, even when drinking fewer than five units (around two pints of beer or two glasses of wine) per day.
Men who drink were almost a third more likely to develop stomach cancer than non-drinkers, while no such association was found in women.
Cutting down to one or no drinks on most days could reduce your chances of developing liver cancer by 21% if you currently have four or more drinks per day.
Drinking less alcohol can lower liver cancer risk by up to 21%. Photo / 123rf
Avoid second-hand smoke
We are all used to hearing that smoking is the single biggest thing we can do to increase our chances of developing cancer. Yet lung cancer is on the rise in people aged 40 to 60, even among those who have never smoked.
One factor may be air pollution, which has become increasingly heavy in recent years, “but there is little that many people living in cities can do about this”, Simcock says.
Data concerning air pollution still remains “controversial”, he says. However, instances of lung cancer as well as breast cancer have been tied to secondhand smoke inhalation. “It’s wise to avoid secondhand smoke as this may help to lower your risk of lung cancer”.
