Latest news with #ActaObstetriciaetGynecologicaScandinavica
The Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Common pill taken by millions already ‘slashes risk of killer cancer by 69%'
WOMEN who use oral contraceptives for a decade or more can reduce their risk of developing womb cancer by as much as 69 per cent, say scientists. Shorter use is still linked to a significant reduction in the likelihood of developing the disease, new research found. 1 Oral contraceptives (OC) offer several benefits beyond preventing pregnancy. They're known to regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual pain and bleeding, and improve acne. Previous studies have linked OC with reduced risk of ovarian cancer. Now, new research published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, confirms a clear association between OC use and the risk of womb cancer. Researchers found the protective association between the use of OCs and the risk of womb cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is stronger with duration of use. Women using OCs for less than five years had a 34 per cent lower risk, those using them for five or more years had a 61 per cent lower risk, and the strongest benefit – a 69 per cent reduction – was observed in women who used OCs for at least 10 years. When the analysis was restricted to users of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) - hormonal birth control that contains both estrogen and progestogen - the protective association was even more pronounced, with a 54 per cent reduction in the odds of womb cancer compared to non-users. 'The use of oral contraceptives, which regulate hormone levels, appears to reduce the proliferation of endometrial cells, potentially lowering mutation rates and long-term cancer risk,' said Dr András Harajka, a PhD student at Semmelweis University's Centre for Translational Medicine, and the first author of the study. Womb cancer is now the most common gynaecological malignancy in high-income countries, with more than 417,000 new cases reported globally in 2020 alone, the research warns. The World Health Organisation (WHO) projects a 49 per cent increase in EMC cases by 2050. These rising trends have been linked to factors such as ageing, obesity, and hormonal influences. Earlier studies have shown hormonal factors – particularly the roles of oestrogen and progesterone – play a central role in womb cancer risk. Co-author Dr Nándor Ács, also head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Semmelweis University, added: 'Our findings provide robust and up-to-date evidence that oral contraceptive use is significantly associated with lower risk of endometrial cancer, particularly with longer use. "This is an important consideration for patients and clinicians when discussing contraceptive options.' But the researchers caution while OCs used by more than 150 million worldwide offer significant protective benefits, they can also carry side effects including mood changes, nausea, and, in rare cases, an increased risk of blood clots or stroke. The NHS says you may have some side effects when you first start taking the combined contraceptive pill, including bleeding between periods (breakthrough bleeding) or changes to your periods. Taking the pill can also cause high blood pressure in a small number of people. The NHS advises: "If you still have side effects after three months and they're a problem for you, speak to a pharmacist or doctor. "It may help to change to a different pill, or to have a shorter pill-free break or no break between pills (a tailored regime)." It adds the risk of getting a blood clot is very small and affects up to one in 1,000 people.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New study says strength training during pregnancy reduces fatigue and prevents excessive weight gain — here's how to do it
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. There are many benefits of exercise for physical and mental health, especially for pregnant women, and a new study suggests that one of those benefits could include reduced fatigue and pain during pregnancy — if you strength train. As a personal trainer, I spend my life encouraging people to lift weights. Not only does it help you build strength and muscle, it's also great for your metabolism, strengthening your joints and ligaments and protecting you from injury. Now, a systematic review published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that lifting during pregnancy could improve overall quality of life, including better energy levels and mood, and mitigate excessive weight gain. But that's not all. Here's what the research from this year found. What is the study? The review looked at nine randomized controlled trials involving 1,581 participants. Results showed that strength training during pregnancy can mitigate excessive weight gain, alleviate pain, boost mood and improve various aspects of overall quality of life. These 'aspects' include strength, flexibility, sleep, energy expenditure and psychological well-being. The research concluded that pregnant women could optimize their health through strength training during pregnancy, reducing anxiety and fatigue, increasing energy levels, sleep duration and vitality, and reducing stress and pain. That's heaps of benefits. Participants were healthy and ranged in age. The intervention was long-term (six to 12 weeks) with a minimum frequency of two to three sessions per week. Within sessions, there was a warm-up, strength session and cool-down; sessions ranged from 50 to 60 minutes using circuit-style programs, sets, reps, or time. Finally, the main muscle groups (think legs, arms, back and chest) were targeted using functional strength compound exercises, and there was a focus on the muscles used most during labor (core, lower back and pelvic floor) using equipment such as elastic bands, weight plates, barbells and machines. Exercises ranged from deadlifts, hip hinges, squats and lunges to pulling and pushing, and core workouts. The research didn't find any adverse effects reported. Why does the research matter? Muscle strength and flexibility can help reduce discomfort and increase functional mobility — all of which are important for supporting a healthy pregnancy when the demand on your body is much greater. The research suggests a strength training program during pregnancy could boost overall quality of life and help keep you strong, mobile and mentally healthier. Again, things that are very important when going through pregnancy and the early days of motherhood. While the WHO guidelines currently recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, this research suggests including one or two 50 to 60-minute strength sessions. Exercises can involve upper and lower body, circuits, rows, presses, modified push-ups and more, and should feel challenging, using Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), which means assessing how you feel on a scale of 1-10 or 1-20, depending on the method you use. That said, the research also states that a program should be tailored and specific depending on the person. During pregnancy, the exercises that are safe for you to do will vary from trimester to trimester, so it's always important to check in and adapt as you go. For example, higher intensity sessions and lifting heavy weights won't always be (or feel) appropriate and can put more stress on your joints. As a personal trainer, I would advise you to think about maintaining muscle rather than going all out to pack muscle on; working with a pre- and post-natal trainer is a great way to ensure you stay safe and avoid exercises that could cause harm. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide Not running or cycling — this 10-minute dumbbell workout builds strength and cardiovascular endurance Ditch the gym! This 5-move strength workout sculpts upper body muscle with just a pair of dumbbells How to hit your daily step goal without going outside — 5 easy ways to get 10,000 steps
