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Does Ozempic cause cancer?

Does Ozempic cause cancer?

Ozempic (semaglutide) carries a boxed warning for thyroid cancer based on animal studies. Here's what to know about the drug's cancer risk and what current research shows.Ozempic is a prescription drug that doctors prescribe to treat type 2 diabetes and help lower the risk of certain heart and kidney problems. They may prescribe it off-label to support weight loss. (Off-label use means prescribing a drug for a purpose other than what it's been approved for.)If you've seen warnings about a possible link between Ozempic and cancer, you may be wondering if this drug could raise your cancer risk. Here's what you need to know about Ozempic and cancer, including what research has shown so far.»Learn about Ozempic, including its dosage, side effects, and more, in this Ozempic overview article. Ozempic and thyroid cancerOzempic carries a boxed warning for a possible risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious type of warning required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This warning is based on animal studies, where some rats developed thyroid tumors after receiving semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic). However, animal studies don't always predict a drug's effects in humans. It's important to note that no cases of thyroid cancer were reported in clinical trials of Ozempic. But because of the findings in animals, the FDA requires this warning for the drug.Due to this possible risk, Ozempic is not usually prescribed for people who have either:a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancera rare genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)These conditions may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. Your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment option if you have one of these conditions.Thyroid cancer symptomsTalk with your doctor if you notice symptoms of thyroid cancer while receiving Ozempic. These may include:difficulty swallowinghoarseness or voice changespersistent cougha lump or swelling in the neckThese symptoms don't always mean cancer is present. However, your doctor may want to run tests to check for any signs of cancer.Cancer risk percentagesThere are no confirmed cancer risk percentages for people using Ozempic. The drug's warning about thyroid cancer is based on animal research.A recent research review involving Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and obesity found no apparent increase in thyroid cancer risk.Still, more research would help fully understand any long-term risks.Ozempic and breast cancerClinical trials of Ozempic have not shown an increased risk of breast cancer.Ozempic works by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps manage blood sugar and appetite. While GLP-1 receptors (attachment sites) are primarily found in the digestive system, they're also present in other parts of the body. This includes breast tissue.Because of this, some earlier studies raised concerns about whether GLP-1 medications could affect breast tissue and increase the risk of breast cancer. However, more recent research does not show a clear link between Ozempic and breast cancer.Can Ozempic cause breast cancer?To date, there's no strong evidence to suggest that Ozempic causes breast cancer. If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, talk with your doctor. They can help you weigh the benefits and potential risks of treatment based on your health history.Frequently asked questionsKeep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about Ozempic and cancer.Can Ozempic cause prostate problems?Ozempic is not known to cause prostate problems, including prostate cancer or an enlarged prostate.A research review suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may help lower the risk of prostate cancer. (Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.) However, more research would help in understanding this possible benefit.If you have other concerns about Ozempic and prostate health, talk with your doctor. Does Ozempic affect thyroid levels?Ozempic is not known to directly affect thyroid hormone levels, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH).However, Ozempic does carry a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid tumors based on findings from animal studies. While this risk hasn't been confirmed in humans, your doctor may still monitor your thyroid health more closely during treatment. They may order blood tests to check your thyroid hormone levels or watch for symptoms of thyroid problems. If you have an existing thyroid condition or concerns about your thyroid health while using Ozempic, talk with your doctor.SummaryThere's no confirmed evidence that Ozempic causes cancer in humans. However, the drug does carry a boxed warning about thyroid cancer based on animal studies. Although this risk has not been observed in humans, doctors may be cautious about prescribing Ozempic to people with certain thyroid conditions.If you're using Ozempic or considering it, talk with your doctor about your health history and any concerns about cancer you may have. They can help determine whether Ozempic is the right treatment option for you.
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Tragedy after suicidal girl, 12, was left unattended in her hospital room, with FIFTEEN nurses subsequently fired
Tragedy after suicidal girl, 12, was left unattended in her hospital room, with FIFTEEN nurses subsequently fired

Daily Mail​

time22 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Tragedy after suicidal girl, 12, was left unattended in her hospital room, with FIFTEEN nurses subsequently fired

A 12-year-old girl admitted to a hospital in Washington state after several attempts to take her own life was left alone in her hospital room before jumping to her death from a parking garage. Sarah Niyimbona died on April 13 after leaving her room at Providence Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Spokane and jumping from the fourth-floor of the hospital's parking garage. In 2024, she was been admitted to the hospital's emergency room multiple times for suicide attempts. Now, fifteen nurses at the hospital have been fired amid questions over how the girl was allowed to leave her room undetected, the Spokesman-Review reported. Hospital administrators say the firings came after the nurses improperly accessed Niyimbona's private medical files following her death. The girl's mother, Nasra Gertrude, recalled rushing to the hospital after her daughter jumped. 'I ask what happened,' she told Investigate West. 'How come she left the room without anybody seeing her? How come she walked all the way to the elevator without anybody seeing her? 'They haven't given me any answer at all. I trusted this hospital to take care of my daughter. 'My heart got a little peace. At least I can go to work without receiving a 911 call that Sarah had attempted or was taken to the hospital. At least I can sleep. At least I don't have to worry about Sarah much because I know she's in safe hands. I trusted this hospital.' Gertrude said that her daughter had been a happy child, but began to experience bullying in middle school and was suspended multiple times for fighting. The young girl's sister, Asha Joseph, told PBS: 'We're confused how this could happen. We also want to know why there wasn't anyone there at the moment, why there was nobody watching her and how she was able to leave. 'We don't really know anything. We don't have any of the answers.' A GoFundMe launched by the girl's her family states: 'It's tragic that her potential was cut short due to lack of care. An act of negligence led to her passing and were left with so many questions.' It added that Niyimbona was a 'shining light, a bright angel who lit up our lives with her presence.' 'Sarah was intelligent, independent and outspoken, with a unique perspective on life that was truly magical,' her sister, Joseph, added. 'Her selflessness and compassion touched the hearts of everyone she met, from family and friends to peers and teachers.' 'It's heartbreaking that the one place that was supposed to keep her safe failed to do so.' The hospital said in a statement to the Spokesman-Review: 'We are heartbroken about the tragedy that occurred at Sacred Heart Medical Center. Safe, compassionate care is always our top priority. 'We believe that Sacred Heart Medical Center provides compassionate and thoughtful care to our patients in alignment with our mission and values. We extend our deepest sympathy to the patient's loved ones.' Niyimbona's family filed a lawsuit against the hospital over accusations of neglect and medical malpractice. Preventative and safety measures to help protect and monitor the girl were reportedly removed from her room before her death, including round-the-clock video and a health care worker, or 'sitter,' assigned to her room, Investigate West reported. There was also an alarm on her door to notify hospital staff if she opened her hospital room door. According to the lawsuit reviewed by the outlet, the hospital 'failed to properly utilize and monitor alarms in Sarah's room allowing her to escape.' 'I feel like they neglect my daughter and they neglect me. I feel like they were tired [of] seeing Sarah there, so they didn't care about looking after her all the time,' Gertrude told the Spokesman-Review. The fifteen of the nurses fired from the hospital were let go for 'patient privacy violations,' the hospital said. The nurses were accused of improperly accessing Sarah's health records after her death for no medical purposes, the Spokesman-Review reported. 'Providence takes violations of our code of conduct and federal privacy laws that govern private health information very seriously. We review employee conduct and take appropriate action, including termination of employment, where warranted. Patient privacy is one of our top priorities,' hospital spokesperson Jen York told the outlet. Bobbi Nodell, a spokesperson for the Washington State Nurse Association union, said that the violations could have been as simple as 'hovering' over the girl's chart from 'concerned nurses who worked with that patient.' The nurses are fighting their terminations, claiming the firings came only after they spoke with media following the girl's death. 'The union was contacted by these nurses and has field grievances over the terminations and disciplinary actions, arguing that any information accessed pertained directly to the nurses' duties responding to this crisis,' Washington State Nurse Association Director David Keepnews said in a statement to the Spokesman-Review. A hospital-wide email on the night of Niyimbona's death told staff to refrain from posting about the incident or making any comments on social media, and many staff members said they felt pressured to stay quiet, according to Cascade PBS. The nurses had reportedly expressed concern to hospital management for the young girl's safety but had been ignored. 'That's where this frustration and feeling of helplessness is really coming from,' one of Niyimbona's nurses told the outlet. 'We did try to speak up. We did try to say, "This isn't safe. We cannot take away the security because she's going to hurt herself."' A former nurse of the children's psychiatric unit, Kaili Timperley, added to the outlet: 'We said this is what was going to happen. We said their plan was not an adequate plan. 'You can't just put these kids in a medical room and expect everything to be ok. It's why we tried to fight against it and get the word out.' Niyimbona had been moved to the hospital's general pediatrics unit from the ER, where two rooms had been converted into new psychiatric beds. The rooms reportedly lacked proper safety measures that the shuttered unit had, including locked doors that make it harder for patients to leave without alerting staff.

I was so fat I ended up in a wheelchair with just 4 weeks to live – then I lost 20st without pricey jabs
I was so fat I ended up in a wheelchair with just 4 weeks to live – then I lost 20st without pricey jabs

Scottish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

I was so fat I ended up in a wheelchair with just 4 weeks to live – then I lost 20st without pricey jabs

After a brutal wake-up call which could have left her two sons without a mum, Suzanne shed two thirds of her body weight - without resorting to £150-a-month Ozempic or Mounjaro SHAPESHIFTER I was so fat I ended up in a wheelchair with just 4 weeks to live – then I lost 20st without pricey jabs 'SUGAR addict' mum-of-two Suzanne Evans was a chronic overeater who couldn't resist sweets and chocolate. She quickly soared to 31st and was forced to use a wheelchair just to move around. Then, she got the brutal wake-up call she needed; if she didn't slim down, and fast, she would be dead in four weeks. Suzanne eventually shed two thirds of her body weight - but it wasn't jabs like Ozempic that saw her do it. 13 Suzanne Evans before losing 20st without using jabs like Ozempic Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans 13 The mum-of-two after her incredible transformation, sparked by doctors giving her four weeks to live Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans Suzanne was always larger than her friends. But six years ago, unable to walk more than a few steps, she had to start using a wheelchair due to her size. After a trip to the doctor, the 40-year-old was told that her kidneys and liver were shutting down. Her heart was also under near-unbearable strain, and medics estimated that she had just four weeks to live due to imminent organ failure. Suzanne, from Hereford, Herefordshire, knew something had to change - and quickly. READ MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS JABS UP Can you get free fat jabs on the NHS? The 4 key criteria plus exact weight revealed 'I was terrified,' she tells Sun Health. 'When you look in the doctor's eyes and see they're scared, you know you're in trouble. 'It was the worst feeling and I was in the worst place. I didn't want to be 31st. 'Doctors said I was so ill because of my weight, but they didn't have faith in me that I would fight so hard to lose it. They thought the damage had been done.' Suzanne's health was in serious decline in 2018, with her being 'rushed into hospital every other week' for a year. 'Every single part of my body radiated pain,' she adds. 'I could hardly breathe or move without excruciating pain.' I was sick of trying fad diets and not losing weight but now I've shed FIVE STONE without fat jabs or silly eating plans The mum was terrified by the prospect of dying – with her sons just 10 and 13 at the time. 'I recorded videos for them to watch if I wasn't there any more,' Suzanne says. 'It was emotional. But I was determined to slim down and improve my health for them.' After her dad, Tony, died in hospital, she was hell-bent on not having the same outcome, and signed herself out in February 2019. Upon coming home, Suzanne vowed to turn things around for sons Gethin, now 19, and 16-year-old Evan. The mum had tried diets in the past but had always reverted to binge eating. I'd eat all day and all night. There was always something in my hand. I had drawers by my bedside full of sweets and crisps and chocolates Suzanne Evans 'My weight gain started after my father died unexpectedly when I was pregnant in 2008,' Suzanne says. 'I comfort ate and then suffered postnatal depression after giving birth. 'I became addicted to sugar – I would just eat anything sweet. 'My mum eventually became my carer when I became wheelchair-bound in 2014. 'I'd eat all day and all night. There was always something in my hand. 'I would have whatever I could get my hands on. I had drawers by my bedside full of sweets and crisps and chocolates. 'If I woke up in the night, I would gorge on them.' 13 After hitting 31st, Suzanne was forced to use a wheelchair to get around Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans 13 She says she was addicted to sugar and couldn't resist sweets and chocolate Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans 13 Doctors telling her she was on the brink of organ failure was the wake-up call she needed Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans 13 Suzanne joined Simming World and the weight soon started to drop off Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans But the stark warning from doctors proved to be the push she needed to, once and for all, drop the weight. Suzanne followed the Slimming World plan, which puts an emphasis on whole foods without counting calories. It costs £5.95 per week (or £23.80 per mont) - far less than injections which start at around £150 a month. Just one week into her weight loss journey, she had dropped 1st, and by the end of her first month she was 2st 7lbs lighter. But it wasn't all easy. 'I had the shakes from the sugar withdrawal,' she says. 'I'd had 11 years of overeating, but I had hope at last. I really was fighting for my life and I felt so proud. 'I started incorporating walking into my daily routine - just a few steps at first until I could do more. 'Eventually I was able to take the dog for a walk and it felt great. 'My doctor cried a year later when I walked into the surgery; it was the first time they'd seen me walk in a long time.' 'It saved my life' Suzanne has now lost an incredible 20st and weighs 11st 4lbs. She is careful to maintain her svelte size, having two healthy meals a day - including overnight oats with fruit for breakfast and a chicken or beef stir fry for dinner. Suzanne adds: 'People have noticed my weight loss and ask me what I have done to lose so much. 'I tell them it is all down to determination, willpower and Slimming World. 'They ask me what else I did and the answer is nothing. I just made the decision to change my life and live. 'I am so grateful to Slimming World because their food plan saved my life. 'And I am so proud of myself for making it happen.' 13 The 40-year-old lost a staggering 20st in total - two thirds of her body weight Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans 13 She overhauled her diet and started exercising Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans 13 Suzanne with her dad Tony, who died in 2008, when she was a child Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans 13 When people ask how she slimmed down, she tells them it was 'determination, willpower and Slimming World' Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans As well as spicy stir fries and oats, the mum is a big fan of tuna pasta salad, ham and mushroom omelettes and Italian pork with beans and greens. Suzanne says: 'These are my weekly must-haves - I always have to have all the ingredients to create these meals at home. 'Every week I go out on a Sunday to shop for the week ahead. 'For me, preparation is key - whether it's quick and easy tuna pasta, which has serious filling power, leaving you fuller for longer, or my favourite gluten-free vegetable and beef stir fry. 'I love that I can have unlimited amounts and stay slim. 'These meals are also so tasty that I never get bored - and best of all, I can eat them guilt-free. 'When you optimise your food, you are guaranteed to lose weight. I just wish I knew that, and how important having a slimming group can be, earlier. 'When I was on my own, I was too embarrassed and ashamed to be around anyone. I needed a community of people who understood me, and now I have that. 'I never miss a week; we're all there for each other, supporting one another all the way to our targets and beyond. 'It's essential to have that beautiful support, especially on days when you're struggling.' How to lose weight safely Losing weight should be a long-term commitment to healthier living, rather than any drastic measures. The NHS tips - which can be adopted slowly - include: Get active for 150 minutes a week – you can break this up into shorter sessions Aim to get your 5 A Day – 80g of fresh, canned or frozen fruit or vegetables count as 1 portion Aim to lose 1 to 2lbs, or 0.5 to 1kg, a week Read food labels – products with more green colour coding than amber and red are often a healthier option Swap sugary drinks for water – if you do not like the taste, add slices of lemon or lime for flavour Cut down on food that's high in sugar and fat – start by swapping sugary cereal for wholegrain alternatives Share your weight loss plan with someone you trust – they can help motivate you when you have a bad day Read about: The five fat loss foundations The calorie formula for weight loss The perfect portion sizes for meals to lose weight Sun Health's 8-week weight loss kick start plan Suzanne is particularly conscious to emphasise that losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint. She says: 'Quick fix diets are not the answer as they don't help with the underlying problem. 'I've tried most diets but they didn't work because I needed help changing my mindset to help me overcome my overeating. 'I couldn't do that alone; I needed a consultant to guide me. 'It has taken me seven years to overcome all of my obstacles. 'But now, because of all my hard work, I'm more than confident I can stay at my target weight for the rest of my days.' 13 The mum-of-two with her sons, who inspired her weight loss journey Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans 13 'Slimming World saved my life,' Suzanne says Credit: Jam Press/Suzanne Evans

Struggling doctors left in ‘recurring cycle of debt'
Struggling doctors left in ‘recurring cycle of debt'

The Independent

time2 hours ago

  • The Independent

Struggling doctors left in ‘recurring cycle of debt'

Newly qualified doctors and medical students are taking on part-time jobs, such as driving Ubers or working in bars, to cope with financial difficulties. The British Medical Association (BMA) reports an average £3,674 drop in funding for final-year undergraduates and post-graduate medical students due to reduced student loans and NHS bursaries. This funding gap is forcing students into a 'recurring cycle of debt,' with many maxing out overdrafts and credit cards to complete their medical degrees. Students from poorer backgrounds and those on longer, six-year programmes or post-graduate degrees are disproportionately affected, facing up to three years of reduced funding. The BMA is calling on the government to provide full student finance maintenance for the entire duration of medical courses, estimating the cost at £24 million.

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