South Korea medical students end 17-month boycott of classes
"It's time to take a deeper look at the medical field, the Congress, and the government, so that citizens can help solve problems," he wrote in a statement on Facebook. The Korean Medical Association said "we will place our trust in the government and parliament and commit to returning to school to help normalize medical education and the healthcare system," in a reported statement issued jointly with the parliament's education committee and other lobby groups.The government wanted to increase the annual admittance of medical students to universities from around 3,000 to roughly 5,000, saying more staff were needed to meet demand. It went back on its plan in March 2025.Yonhap News Agency reported that 8,305 students will be subject to grade retention, requiring them to repeat the same academic year, according to the education ministry.
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Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Telegraph
Obesity fuels surge in liver cancer
Obesity is helping to fuel a surge in liver cancer cases around the world, academics have warned. The number of new cases of liver cancer globally is set to double from 0.87 million in 2022 to 1.52 million in 2050, according to projections published as part of a new Lancet Commission on Liver Cancer paper. A team of experts, led by academics in Hong Kong, said the proportion of liver cancers caused by the disease's most common cause – the Hepatitis B virus – is set to reduce over the coming years. Cases caused by the Hepatitis C virus are also expected to decline proportionately. However, liver cancer cases caused by alcohol and obesity are set to increase. Experts predicted that by 2050, some 21 per cent of liver cancers will be caused by alcohol. And 11 per cent will be caused by a severe form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) – known as fatty liver disease, where excessive fat builds up in a person's liver. The severe form of this condition is called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. The research team points out that 60 per cent of liver cancers are preventable. The researchers also said that global deaths from liver cancer are expected to rise from 760,000 in 2022 to 1.37 million in 2050. 'These data suggest that preventive measures targeting a comprehensive number of risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma are sorely needed,' the team of experts wrote. The main treatment for MASLD is a balanced diet, being physically active and potentially losing weight. Prof Jian Zhou, chairman of the commission from Fudan University in China, said: 'Liver cancer is a growing health issue around the world. 'It is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with five-year survival rates ranging from approximately five per cent to 30 per cent. 'We risk seeing close to a doubling of cases and deaths from liver cancer over the next quarter of a century without urgent action to reverse this trend.' Professor Stephen Chan, of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who was the first author of the study, added: 'As three in five cases of liver cancer are linked to preventable risk factors, mostly viral hepatitis, alcohol and obesity, there is a huge opportunity for countries to target these risk factors, prevent cases of liver cancer and save lives.' Commenting on the study, Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: 'Liver cancer is the fastest-rising cause of cancer death in the UK, and just 13 per cent of people diagnosed will survive for five years or more. 'We know that the biggest risk factors are having pre-existing liver cirrhosis or viral hepatitis, and this new analysis highlights that MASLD, also known as fatty liver disease, is expected to be linked to an increasing number of cases. 'As well as improving early detection through surveillance of people with cirrhosis, it is essential that we tackle these underlying causes and prioritise public health. 'By supporting people to maintain a healthy weight, cut down on alcohol and get tested and treated for hepatitis, we can prevent many cases of liver cancer and save lives.' In 2022, some 64 per cent of adults in England were estimated to be overweight or obese.
The Sun
18 hours ago
- The Sun
Three in 5 cases of ‘most challenging cancer to treat' could be prevented, scientists say – how to slash your risk today
THE number of cases of the "most challenging cancer to treat" are set to double by 2050, academics have said. But three in five cases are due to preventable risk factors, they add. 4 Liver cancer is a major cause of death and disability. Globally, it's the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of death from cancer. And it's considered one of the most challenging cancers to treat due to late diagnosis, the liver's complex anatomy, and the aggressiveness of the disease. Analyses predicts the number of new liver cancer cases will nearly double from 870,000 in 2022 to 1.52 million in 2050, primarily due to population growth and ageing populations. However, a new analysis as part of The Lancet Commission on liver cancer suggests the majority of liver cancer cases could be prevented by reducing levels of viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption and MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease – previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Chair of the Commission, Prof Jian Zhou, Fudan University, China, said: 'Liver cancer is a growing health issue around the world. "It is one of the most challenging cancers to treat, with five-year survival rates ranging from approximately 5 per cent to 30 per cent. "We risk seeing close to a doubling of cases and deaths from liver cancer over the next quarter of a century without urgent action to reverse this trend.' First author, Prof Stephen Chan, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, added: 'As three in five cases of liver cancer are linked to preventable risk factors, mostly viral hepatitis, alcohol and obesity, there is a huge opportunity for countries to target these risk factors, prevent cases of liver cancer and save lives.' Liver cancer was previously thought to occur mainly in patients with viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease. Today, rising rates of obesity are an increasing risk factor, mainly due to the increase in cases of excess fat around the liver. MASLD MASLD is primarily caused by the buildup of fat in the liver, a condition often linked to metabolic risk factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Approximately a third of the global population are estimated to have it. But only 20 to 30 per cent of patients with MASLD develop the more severe form of the condition with liver inflammation and damage - called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The rate of MASLD-linked liver cancer is expected to rise over the next decade, particularly in the USA, Europe, and Asia, due to increasing rates of obesity. In the USA, MASLD prevalence continues to climb in parallel with the obesity epidemic; by 2040, over 55 per cent of US adults could have MASLD. Commission author, Prof Hashem B El-Serag, Baylor College of Medicine, USA, said: "One approach to identify patients at high risk of liver cancer would be to introduce screening for liver damage into routine healthcare practice for patients at high risk of MASLD, such as individuals living with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. "Healthcare professionals should also integrate lifestyle counselling into routine care to support patients to transition to a healthy diet and regular physical activity. "Furthermore, policy makers must promote healthy food environments via policies such as sugar taxes and clear labelling on products with high fat, salt, and/or sugar.' Commenting on the study, Pamela Healy, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: "Liver cancer is the fastest rising cause of cancer death in the UK, and just 13 per cent of people diagnosed will survive for five years or more. "We know that the biggest risk factors are having pre-existing liver cirrhosis or viral hepatitis, and this new analysis highlights that MASLD, also known as fatty liver disease, is expected to be linked to an increasing number of cases. "As well as improving early detection through surveillance of people with cirrhosis, it is essential that we tackle these underlying causes and prioritise public health. "By supporting people to maintain a healthy weight, cut down on alcohol and get tested and treated for hepatitis, we can prevent many cases of liver cancer and save lives." How to reduce the risk of obesity 4 Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can help prevent obesity. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, control portion sizes, and reduce intake of sugary drinks and processed foods. Also, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. Getting enough sleep and managing stress can also help. How to cut down on alcohol If you regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, the NHS recommends some simple tips to help you cut down. These include making a plan before you start drinking - set a limit on how much you're going to drink. Letting friends and family know you're cutting down so you can get support from them. And going for smaller-sized drinks and alcohol with a lower strength (ABV in %). How to prevent viral hepatitis 4 To prevent viral hepatitis, focus on vaccination for hepatitis A and B, practising safe sex, and avoiding contact with infected blood. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B are available and highly effective. There isn't a vaccine for hepatitis C, so prevention relies on other measures. Use condoms consistently and correctly to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B and C through sexual contact. Avoid sharing needles and other injection equipment, and ensure proper sanitation and hygiene practices, particularly when travelling to areas with higher risk of hepatitis A and E. Being aware of the symptoms of liver cancer, should they arise, may also help you get treated quicker... LIVER CANCER: THE RISKS AND SYMPTOMS LIVER cancer is one of only a few common types of tumour that have increasing death rates. Experts say unhealthy living, including obesity, drinking alcohol and smoking are fuelling a rise in cases and deaths from the disease. What increases the risk of liver cancer? What are the most common symptoms? Jaundice – your skin and whites of your eyes turn yellow Darker wee and/or paler poo than usual Itchy skin Loss of appetite and/or feeling sick Unexplained weight loss Feeling tired or low on energy all the time A lump in the right side of your tummy
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Daily Mail
GSK strikes £370m deal with Chinese rival Jiangsu Hengrui to develop up to a dozen new medicines
GSK has struck a £370million deal with a Chinese rival to develop up to a dozen medicines, including a promising candidate for a chronic lung condition. The deal with Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals comes as GSK focuses on growing its pipeline to negate declining revenues from top drugs and vaccines amid slowing demand and rising competition. Under the deal, GSK will gain an exclusive licence to Hengrui's HRS-9821, which is being studied as a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. GSK shares rose 0.4 per cent, or 5.5p, to 1398p.
