A study has estimated that one in every 127 people globally, or 6.18 crore individuals, had autism in 2021, with the neurodevelopmental condition featuring among the top 10 causes of non-fatal health burden in youth aged under 20 years. The disorder is associated with repetitive behaviour and affected social skills. Signs, which can begin to show as early as 12 months of age, include poor non-verbal communication, such as avoiding eye contact and not responding to their name. Published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal, the results showed that globally, autism cases among men were over twice of those in women -- 1,065 cases for every one lakh men and 508 for every one lakh women. The estimates come from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Study, the largest and most comprehensive ones to assess health loss around the world over time, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, US, which coordinates it. "An estimated 61.8 million individuals (one in every 127 people) were on the autism spectrum globally in 2021," the authors wrote. Regions such as high-income Asia Pacific, including Japan, revealed the highest prevalence (1,560 per one lakh population), while Tropical Latin America and Bangladesh reported the lowest, researchers said. The findings underscored the importance of early detection and support to autistic young people and their caregivers globally, the authors said. They also called for efforts to improve accuracy of the study's findings, including a better understanding of how autism prevalence differs with geography. "The work presented here can guide future research efforts, and importantly, decisions concerning allocation of health services that better address the needs of all autistic individuals," the authors wrote. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
20 December,2024 01:38 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIIn a successful medical procedure, a 45-year-old Navi Mumbai man who had been experiencing avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head for the past year, underwent a total hip replacement surgery in Navi Mumbai. The patient, Mahesh Dhawalkar’s condition was a result of unmonitored steroid usage for managing Covid-19 infection. He had been suffering from walking pain for more than a year. Despite seeking help from multiple doctors and trying various medications including painkillers, he found no relief. A team led by Dr Deepak Gautam, Director of Orthopedic Medicine, Medicover Hospital, Navi Mumbai, conducted the surgery. The patient was seen walking pain-free in the post-operative room just hours after the surgery and was discharged within 24 hours. Talking about the condition, Dr Gautam said, “Avascular necrosis (AVN) or osteonecrosis means the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. It causes tiny breaks in the bone and causes the bone to collapse. AVN can occur due to long-term use of steroids, excessive alcohol, hip injury and other medical conditions. In his condition, the cause was due to steroid use after getting infected with Covid-19.” “The surgery involved removing the damaged bone and hip cartilage and replacing it with prosthetic components,” he added. During conventional hip replacement surgery through a posterior approach, the joint is approached from the back of the hip and requires a longer healing and recovery period. “We have been performing THR by this relatively newer technique in India - Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) where patients have to stay in the hospital for a minimum period. In this approach, no muscle is disturbed, hence pain is less and the patient starts moving soon after the effect of anaesthesia is over. Other benefits include less blood loss, and reduced chances of hip dislocation; the joint structure is not affected as well,” informed Dr Gautam. Expressing gratitude, the patient stated, "My life was completely disrupted due to excruciating pain while walking. It made even the simplest daily tasks feel daunting. Fortunately, I was able to receive prompt treatment here. Dr Deepak Gautam and his team employed an innovative method to address my AVN, which has transformed my life. I can now move freely and engage in activities that once seemed impossible.” Also Read: Mumbai: How a groundbreaking surgery gave a woman with Parkinson’s new hope after 9 years Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
20 December,2024 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDiarrhea and related infections continue to be a leading cause of death among children under five years and the elderly, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, even though deaths from these conditions have dropped globally by 60 per cent between 1990 to 2021, a study says.Published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases journal, the study found that in 2021, diarrheal diseases -- infections that cause diarrhea -- were responsible for 12 lakh deaths worldwide, a significant decrease from 29 lakh deaths in 1990.These estimates are the latest and most comprehensive from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD), coordinated by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, US.The findings suggest that health interventions, including oral rehydration therapy, improved sanitation, and global immunisation efforts against rotavirus (which causes diarrheal infections), are proving effective, researchers said.They also found that the largest decline in deaths occurred among children under five, although mortality rates remain highest in this age group.Individuals aged 70 years or older were the second most affected age group in terms of death rates, making diarrhea and related infections a leading cause of death across all age groups, the researchers noted.Regionally, children under five in sub-Saharan Africa had the highest mortality rates, with over 150 deaths per 100,000 population, compared to other global regions. In South Asia, the highest mortality rates were found among those aged 70 and older, with 476 deaths per 100,000 population.The authors stated that preventive measures targeting key risk factors and infection-causing microbes could further reduce the global burden of diarrheal diseases."The new granular-level analysis in our study can help decision-makers better target and prioritise evidence-based strategies to fight diarrheal diseases," said Dr. Hmwe Hmwe Kyu, a study author and associate professor at IHME."Despite the encouraging progress made in combating diarrheal mortality, a multipronged approach is needed to simultaneously implement life-saving solutions while also prioritising preventive interventions to alleviate the burden on health systems," Dr. Kyu added.The authors also suggested that as more vaccines are added to the World Health Organisation's Expanded Programme on Immunisation, combining them could reduce manufacturing costs and make scheduling easier. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
20 December,2024 01:21 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIWalking speed can be a quick, equipment-free tool for identifying metabolic health risks among people with obesity, according to a study. The study, published in the Scientific Reports journal, suggests that a faster walking pace can prevent metabolic diseases in obese people. More than helping in increasing mobility, it can also signal poor health. Past studies have suggested that a slow walking speed is correlated with the development of cardiovascular diseases and an increased risk of mortality in the elderly. The study by researchers from Doshisha University in Japan explored the connection between subjective walking speed and metabolic disease risk, particularly in individuals with obesity. The findings suggest that assessing how a person perceives their walking pace relative to peers could become a vital tool for public health. “This study clarified that even individuals with obesity, who are at higher risk for metabolic diseases, have lower odds of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia if they report a fast subjective walking speed,” said Prof. Kojiro Ishii from the varsity. The researchers said that subjective walking speed is self-reported and readily incorporated into standard examinations, unlike objective walking speed, which needs resources, time, and space to assess. According to the study, individuals who walk quickly may be more fit and have a lower risk of metabolic diseases. The team explained that walking fast can lead to better cardiorespiratory fitness, associated with lower levels of inflammation and oxidative stress -- two key drivers of metabolic diseases. The study assessed the walking speed of 8,578 individuals with obesity, 9,626 individuals with high waist circumference, and 6,742 meeting both criteria. The results showed people who walked faster had significantly lower risks of diabetes (30 per cent lower) and smaller but notable reductions in the risks of hypertension and dyslipidemia. “Promoting a faster walking pace may be a helpful individual behaviour to help prevent metabolic diseases, particularly in individuals with obesity,” Dr. Ishii said. Also Read: What does it take to get the blood pressure reading right? This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 December,2024 10:13 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSMariam Abdalla Mohamed Ali, a 17-year-old teenager from Kenya, has successfully regained her mobility and independence after undergoing a challenging hip replacement surgery at a Mumbai hospital. The procedure, performed by Dr. Safiuddin Nadwi, a renowned joint replacement surgeon, has given Mariam a new lease on life, enabling her to walk pain-free after four years of suffering due to a failed surgery in Kenya. Mariam’s troubles began after a road traffic accident four years ago, which led to bilateral femur screw fixation. Unfortunately, the surgery resulted in complications, including leg length discrepancy (LLD) and persistent limping. Her leg shortening caused uneven pressure on her hip joint, which worsened over time. Adding to her challenges, Mariam gained significant weight, putting additional stress on her hip. Daily activities became a struggle, and the constant pain severely affected her quality of life. With limited options in Kenya, Mariam and her family sought advanced treatment in India at Apollo Spectra Hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, Mariam was evaluated thoroughly. Dr. Nadwi said, “When Mariam came to us, she was in immense pain and struggled with mobility. The combination of post-surgical complications and her weight gain had accelerated the deterioration of her hip joint. After detailed evaluations, it was clear that hip replacement surgery was the best solution to restore her ability to walk and live pain-free.” Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged portions of the hip joint with an artificial implant designed to mimic the natural joint movement. The procedure not only alleviates pain but also restores normal mobility, allowing patients to regain independence in their daily activities. Given Mariam’s condition, the surgery was critical to eliminate her pain and correct the leg length discrepancy caused by the earlier procedure. Dr. Nadwi elaborating about the surgery’s success, said, “During the procedure, we carefully replaced the damaged joint with an advanced implant that ensures stability, durability, and a natural range of motion. Mariam responded exceptionally well, and within days, she was able to walk without limping. Hip replacement is a proven, safe, and effective solution with quick recovery times and minimal risks when performed with precision.” The surgery marked a turning point in Mariam’s life. For years, her parents had witnessed her struggles with daily activities, a heartbreaking experience for any family. Mariam’s father expressed his gratitude for the life-changing outcome, saying, “Seeing my daughter limp every day and struggle in pain was devastating. She often felt anxious and stressed, knowing she was dependent on us for even basic tasks. Today, we are deeply grateful to Dr. Safiuddin Nadwi and his team for their expertise and compassion. This surgery has given Mariam her life back, and we are optimistic about her future.” Following the surgery, Mariam has regained her confidence and is now looking forward to resuming her education and pursuing her dreams. The ability to walk without pain has not only improved her physical health but has also had a positive impact on her mental and emotional well-being. India has become a preferred destination for international patients seeking advanced orthopedic care. The country performs around 2,00,000 joint replacement surgeries annually, offering world-class medical expertise and cutting-edge technology at affordable costs. Mariam’s story is a testament to the power of timely medical intervention and expert care. Her journey, from struggling with pain and immobility to walking tall and embracing a brighter future, serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges. With her new lease on life, Mariam is determined to make the most of her recovery and move forward with optimism.
19 December,2024 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMore often than not, patients and even nurses and doctors are skipping steps that help paint an accurate portrait of someone's blood pressure -- how someone sits and positions their arm, whether they just had a cup of joe or chitchat with their practitioner during the measurement, and other factors can produce readings that are higher or lower than normal blood pressure. "To really make a dent at improving people's cardiovascular health, we need to screen and treat people for hypertension, but we need to do it correctly," Tammy Brady, a pediatric nephrologist at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore who studies blood-pressure measurement and cardiovascular health in children and adults, told The Wall Street Journal. "Getting the right reading is important for preventing heart attacks, strokes and other potentially fatal conditions," noted the newspaper, Xinhua news agency reported. What does it take to get the reading right? The patient should sit with both feet on the ground, legs uncrossed, back straight and your arm supported on a table or other surface, according to guidelines from the American Heart Association and other organisations. "A cuff should be positioned over your bare arm at the level of your heart. You shouldn't talk or scroll on your phone while it is being measured, and your bladder should be empty. And you should take your blood pressure at least a couple of times in a sitting," added the report. Meanwhile, last month, a research published by experts from an international academic collaboration led by the University of Sydney and University College London, had suggested that doing five minutes of physical activity, such as walking uphill or stair climbing every day may help to lower blood pressure. According to the study by the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) Consortium, replacing sedentary behavior with 20-27 minutes of exercise per day can result in a clinically meaningful reduction in blood pressure. "High blood pressure is one of the biggest health issues globally, but unlike some major causes of cardiovascular mortality there may be relatively accessible ways to tackle the problem in addition to medication," Emmanuel Stamatakis, joint senior author and Director of the ProPASS Consortium from the University of Sydney, said. "The finding that doing as little as five extra minutes of exercise per day could be associated with measurably lower blood pressure readings emphasises how powerful short bouts of higher intensity movement could be for blood pressure management." The research team analysed data from 14,761 volunteers to see how replacing one type of movement with another is associated with blood pressure. The team estimated that replacing sedentary behavior with at least 20 minutes of exercise daily could reduce cardiovascular disease incidence by 28 per cent. The World Health Organisation estimated that 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years worldwide have hypertension, consistent elevated blood pressure, and that 46 per cent of adults with hypertension are unaware they have the condition. Also Read: Standing at work can actually be detrimental to blood pressure: Study This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 December,2024 03:51 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSPunjabi singer-actor Singga recently opened up about a deeply personal battle – a struggle with severe depression. The mental health challenges led him down a difficult path, causing him to gain significant weight, and lose touch with his physical and emotional well-being. While navigating these emotional struggles, Singga realised the need to reclaim his life. "I wasn’t myself. I didn’t feel like doing anything. I was ignoring my health and work, and every day felt like a struggle,” he expresses. “But then, one fine day, something changed. Something hit me, and I realised I needed to give myself a second life. I had to rebuild myself—not just for me but for my family, who must have been worried seeing me in that state,” he added. Sharing how physical fitness and diet played an important role in his journey of transformation, Singga says, "I began my mornings early, with rigorous gym sessions that helped me channel my energy positively. I pushed my limits by running under the blazing sun in June and July, often between 1–2 PM. Sweating was my therapy." Determined to build abs and tone his body, the singer also focused on a healthy diet. "I controlled my sugar and salt intake and adopted a diet rich in green vegetables and fruits. Drinking warm water and maintaining hydration were key elements of my regime. I started learning about exercises and techniques on YouTube. It’s amazing how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it,” he comments. For him, the gym became more than his physical space -- it was his sanctuary. "Every drop of sweat felt like I was leaving my pain behind. I stopped worrying about what people thought and kept my focus on my goals, as I feel, you unlock a new level of freedom,” he concludes. Also Read: Mental health a major concern among the youth; experts explain why
17 December,2024 03:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRenowned musician Zakir Hussain, who weaved magic on tabla, passed away on Monday morning, after being admitted in a San Francisco hospital due to deteriorating health condition. As per the family statement, ‘idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis’ is stated as the cause of death. Pulmonary fibrosis, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is a chronic, progressive lung disease that can severely affect the respiratory functions of the body. Mid-day.com speaks to Dr Kamlesh Pandey, Consultant Chest Physician, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road and Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, Consultant – Pulmonary Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Whitefield, who explain the symptoms and causes of the disease, also stressing on why early diagnosis is essential to slow down its progression. What is pulmonary fibrosis? Pandey: Pulmonary fibrosis is a term used when there is a progression of fibrosis in the lungs. It is a diffuse lung disease. Lung is an elastic organ. During pulmonary fibrosis, the lung function declines over a period of time i.e., elasticity of the lungs goes down. Over time, the oxygen levels also go down, causing difficulty in breathing. Chaurasia: Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of the lungs due to some injury. It is an umbrella term that covers multiple diseases that by different mechanisms cause lung injury and initiate a cellular and inflammatory reaction – the end result of which is permanent scarring of the lung known as fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis causes stiffening of the lungs by replacing normal airway cells with scar tissues. This hampers the gas exchange as well as decreases the compliance of the lungs. In simple terms, the lungs become thick, stiff and shrunken, and patients will have to put in more effort to breathe normally. What are the causes of this respiratory condition? Are there any risk factors? Pandey: There could be multiple causes, falling into categories like autoimmune connective tissue diseases, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, certain infections like COVID-19, etc. Smoking is a major risk factor. Chaurasia: There are over 200 causes of pulmonary fibrosis, with the most common ones being environmental, drug-induced, toxin-related, autoimmune diseases, occupational and idiopathic. Irrespective of the cause of pulmonary fibrosis, the majority of these conditions are progressive in nature and the speed of progression is variable and unpredictable. What is idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis? Pandey: A lot of times, no particular cause is found for the disease. This is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and is more prevalent from what I have observed in my practice. Chaurasia: In a great number of cases, the cause of pulmonary fibrosis couldn’t be ascertained and these are called idiopathic. What are some symptoms one should look out for in order to ensure early diagnosis? Pandey: Some common symptoms include persistent cough, breathlessness that is progressive over a period of time, frequent infections during seasonal changes that exacerbate the condition, etc. Chaurasia: Clinical features are non-specific with the majority of patients presenting with chronic dry cough in the early stage and slowly progressive breathlessness at a more advanced stage. The diagnosis may be difficult at the early stage because symptoms are often non-specific and chest x-ray may not identify the disease at the early stage. Thus, in the early stage, it is often misdiagnosed as allergic bronchitis or asthma. Is there a treatment for the condition? Pandey: Pulmonary fibrosis is irreversible. There’s no cure. The treatment offered is only to delay the progression of the disease. Chaurasia: The main goal of the treatment is preventing or slowing the progression of the disease. Pulmonary fibrosis is an end outcome of a variety of insults to the lung and is irreversible, hence early diagnosis is paramount. Once the disease is significantly progressed, it can cause respiratory failure and subsequently right heart failure. The only treatment available at this stage is a lung transplant or heart-lung transplant depending on the severity. However, if diagnosed earlier, the progression of the disease could be slowed down or checked by certain anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic medications. So, a chronic cough and breathlessness not responding to regular treatment should be evaluated at an early stage by a pulmonologist. Can pulmonary fibrosis be prevented? Pandey: There is no particular way to prevent it. But if the cause is identified, the exposure to those elements can be avoided. Smoking should be avoided. If someone in the family has suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, people should be more careful and go for active screenings. What are some things that pulmonary fibrosis patients should keep in mind? Pandey: Patients should be vaccinated against common infections like flu and pneumonia. Certain exercises and rehabilitation practices, as advised by doctors, can aid in preserving lung function and improving quality of life. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: Lung cancer rising among non-smokers in India; doctors raise concern
17 December,2024 02:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainIn a medical achievement, a 64-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson's disease received relief from the condition after nine years through Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Surgery in Mumbai. This procedure, performed at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, marks a novel approach for treatment of this progressive disease. Patient Sangeeta Bharwada (name changed), a resident of Bhayander was living with Parkinson’s for a long time, which posed several challenges. She experienced tremors, slowness in activities and stiffness. Gradually, she developed an imbalance and freezing gait while walking. Over time, the symptoms became difficult to manage with medication alone. Dr. Mansi Shah, Consultant Neurologist and Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, said, “Parkinson's is a progressive disease and the main symptoms of this patient were slowness in all the activities, rigidity and gait difficulties. Initially, she was well-controlled with medication. However, as the disease progressed, her symptoms worsened. Despite being on medication, she had disabling off-states, which means the state in which Parkinsonian symptoms reappeared. During on-states, the medication shows effect. So, more than 70 per cent of the time, she spent off-state, and on-state with Dyskinesis (excessive movements) and other motor fluctuations.” “Also, she could not tolerate higher dosages of medication. She underwent pre-surgical evaluation for Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery, which is an advanced therapeutic option for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders and was found to be a suitable candidate for DBS,” she further informed. DBS is a surgical procedure that uses electrical stimulation to treat movement disorders and other neurological conditions like Parkinson’s, by implanting electrodes in specific brain areas. The patient underwent the surgery on October 28. After five days in recovery, she was discharged from the hospital. The family members of the patient expressed their gratitude to the doctors. “After enduring a challenging journey for more than nine years, we are relieved that the skilled team, headed by Dr. Mansi Shah, has been able to help my wife. She can now gradually regain the ability to manage her daily activities independently,” concluded Ajay, the patient’s husband. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance. Also Read: Mumbai doctors give Jalgaon woman with rare heart defect second chance at life
17 December,2024 02:33 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEngaging in mentally stimulating activities during down time, such as reading, can be beneficial for brain health, according to an Australian research. In a new study, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) found that some sedentary, or sitting, activities are better for cognitive function than others. The researchers assessed the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 adults aged 60 and above, and found that socially or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing musical instruments, crafting or talking to others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities. Watching television or playing video games was found to be detrimental. The researchers said the findings could help reduce the risks of cognitive impairment, including from dementia. "We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadn't directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behavior for another," Xinhua news agency quoted Maddison Mellow, a co-author of the study from UniSA, as saying in the report. She recommended breaking up time spent watching TV or gaming with five-minute bursts of physical activity or more cognitively-engaged seated activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 55 million people globally have dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases diagnosed annually. In Australia, about 411,100 people (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia. Nearly two-thirds are women. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases each year. And, while the 'move more, sit less' message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, the research - conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Associate Prof Ashleigh Smith; with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle - shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 December,2024 10:01 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSLung cancer, long known to affect smokers, is seeing a significant rise in people who do not smoke, said doctors on Monday, raising concern over the shift. According to health experts, increased exposure to air pollution as the major reason. A recent research, published in the Lancet's eClinical Medicine Journal showed that a majority of lung cancer patients in India are non-smokers. The study noted that lung cancer cases are also manifesting in India about 10 years earlier as compared to Western countries. "India's lung cancer demographic presents a unique and concerning picture, with a rising incidence among younger individuals and an increasing number of cases occurring in non-smokers. Traditionally, lung cancer has been strongly associated with smoking, but we are witnessing a shift, especially in urban populations,” Dr. Prasad Adusumilli, Thoracic Surgeon and Cellular Therapist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), US, told IANS. Adusumilli added that non-smokers, particularly women, are increasingly diagnosed with lung cancer around 10 years earlier than their Western counterparts, often with no history of smoking. “This may be linked to various risk factors, including exposure to environmental pollutants, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors,” he explained. Lung cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with increasing cases among non-smokers, especially women and Asian populations. India reports about 75,000 new cases every year. Worryingly, a considerable number of lung cancer patients are diagnosed at advanced stages in the country. “Non-smoker lung cancer (LCINS) mainly presents as adenocarcinoma, affecting peripheral lung tissues. Key risk factors include air pollution, radon exposure, indoor cooking fumes, and second-hand smoke,” Dr. Jagadishwar Goud Gajagowni, an oncologist at a Hyderabad-based hospital. “Environmental pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in urban areas and radon in homes significantly contribute to risk. Poor indoor air quality from cooking with solid fuels in poorly ventilated spaces also poses a danger, especially in developing regions. Passive smoking further elevates risks, particularly in areas with high smoking rates among men, the doctor noted. In terms of treatment, there have been significant advancements in lung cancer therapies. Minimally invasive surgical approaches and radiation therapies are offering patients a less invasive, more targeted approach, resulting in reduced recovery times and fewer side effects. Further, “the development of targeted therapies has revolutionised the treatment landscape, offering more personalised and effective options for patients based on the molecular profile of their tumours," Adusumilli said. Also Read: Non-smokers also getting diagnosed with lung cancer in India, here's why This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 December,2024 09:47 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
