BlogsHealth and Medicine
India's Rising Cancer Care Challenges
Listen to the article:
00:00 / 00:00
Source
21 Mar 2025 - 3 min read
Share this post
Related Blogs
Health and Medicine17-Oct-2025
Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Cancer
**Summary of Key Findings on Metabolic Syndrome and Gynaecological Cancers** 1. **Link Between Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and Cancer**: - A systematic review published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) indicates that women with MetS face a significantly higher risk of developing various gynaecological cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. 2. **Definitions and Prevalence of MetS**: - Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by a cluster of metabolic disorders including obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, high triglycerides, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. - The prevalence of MetS increases with age, affecting approximately 13% of young adults (18-29 years) to nearly 50% of individuals by age 50. - Prevalence among women is approximately 35%, compared to 26% in men. 3. **Odds Ratios for Cancer Risks**: - **Endometrial Cancer**: Odds Ratio (OR) of 1.99 (nearly double the risk for women with MetS). - **Ovarian Cancer**: OR of 3.44 (threefold increase in risk). - **Cervical Cancer**: OR of 1.9. - **Vulvar Cancer**: Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.49 (49% higher risk). - **Vaginal Cancer**: HR of 1.54 (54% higher risk). 4. **Research Context and Implications**: - The review identified a significant gap in Indian studies relating to the comorbidity of MetS and gynaecological cancers, despite the growing burden of MetS and non-communicable diseases in India. - Authors emphasized the need for population-specific data to inform actionable health strategies. 5. **Public Health Recommendations**: - MetS management should be integral to strategies aimed at preventing and treating gynaecological cancers. - There is a strong call for integrating women with metabolic disorders, including diabetes, into preventive health programs for primary prevention and early detection of cancer. 6. **Research Gap**: - The authors recommend large-scale, prospective cohort studies in India to better understand the implications of MetS on gynaecological cancers. 7. **Significant Research Contributors**: - The research was conducted by a collaboration of scientists from the ICMR–National Institute of Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), M.S. Ramaiah University, and Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. This systematic review highlights the critical relationship between Metabolic Syndrome and increased cancer risk in women, urging immediate attention to public health policies and research initiatives targeting these health concerns.
Health and Medicine18-Sep-2025
Impact of JE Immunity on Dengue Severity
- **Global Health Threat**: Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever pose increasing threats, exacerbated by urbanization and climate change, which create favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes and facilitate viral spread. - **Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) and Dengue**: A recent study indicates that waning immunity against the JEV may increase the severity of dengue infections, suggesting that JEV vaccinations could mitigate severe dengue outcomes. - **Research Context**: Conducted between 2019-2023 in Nepal, the study leveraged the high population immunity against JEV due to a vaccination program initiated in 2006, while the population had limited prior exposure to dengue. - **Study Design**: 546 dengue patients aged 15-65 were enrolled early in their illness. Blood samples were tested for viral serotypes and immune markers, particularly focusing on chymase levels, an enzyme linked to severe dengue. - **Findings**: - 61% of participants had neutralizing antibodies against JEV. - Higher levels of chymase were linked with confirmed JEV immunity. - Most significant correlation with mid-range anti-JEV antibody titres (1:160), with 3x higher risk of severe dengue. - **Implications for Public Health**: - The results imply that people may be vulnerable when JEV antibodies wane to moderate levels, worsening dengue severity. - Climate change is rapidly altering the epidemiology of dengue, requiring enhanced preparedness in affected regions, particularly in Asia. - **Vaccination Insights**: - While JE vaccination lowers incidence rates, antibody levels wane after a few years—only 63% maintain neutralizing antibodies after five years. - Timely booster doses of the JEV vaccine are recommended to sustain immunity against both JEV and dengue. - **Chymase as a Biomarker**: The study reinforces chymase's role as a biomarker for severe dengue, aiding clinical decision-making in managing patient care. - **Broader Impacts**: - The interplay between different flavivirus immunities and their health implications underscores the importance of integrated infectious disease strategies. - The insights could inform public health measures that save lives in an increasingly interconnected and climate-affected world. - **Conclusion**: The need for timely booster shots of the JEV vaccine emerges as essential in combating both JEV and dengue severity, fostering a comprehensive approach to public health in light of rising mosquito-borne diseases.