Latest news with #CancerResearchUK
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What is 'popcorn lung' and is it linked to vaping?
A single-use vape ban is coming into force this weekend in the UK, which means you'll no longer be able to purchase disposable vapes from local corner shops and supermarkets. From Sunday 1 June, popular puff-and-dump vapes like colourful Lost Mary pods, will be removed from shelves in a move that's designed to address both environmental and health concerns around their usage. In the UK, up to 5.6 million adults are estimated to be regular vapers, with a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds having tried vaping and nearly one in 10 doing it frequently. As vaping is a relatively new lifestyle habit, scientists are still working to understand how e-cigarettes can affect our health in the long-term. One condition that some people associate with e-cigarettes is 'popcorn lung' – a rare health issue that causes breathing problems in sufferers. However, experts say there is no quality evidence to suggest vaping can cause popcorn lung in the UK. So what exactly is the condition and why are some people linking it to vaping? Here's everything you need to know… 'Popcorn lung' is the informal name for a serious disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, which causes damage to the small airways in the lungs. This can cause inflammation and scar tissue to build up, blocking the flow of air. Tell-tale 'popcorn lung' symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. It was first discovered in the early 2000s, when a handful of workers at a microwave popcorn plant in the US encountered breathing problems during their shifts. An investigation into the workers ruled that their symptoms were caused by inhaling diacetyl, a chemical which gives cook-in-the-bag popcorn its buttery flavour, prompting many major popcorn manufacturers to remove it from their products entirely. "Although bronchiolitis obliterans is sometimes called 'popcorn lung', it can be caused by a number of different things," according to Cancer Research UK. "For example, if the lungs are damaged by an infection. Or after breathing in chemicals that irritate the lungs and cause damage." However the charity states that it is not caused by e-cigarettes. It's worth noting that 'popcorn lung' is rare in the UK, with Cancer Research UK classing it as an "uncommon type of lung disease". The current worries around 'popcorn lung' and vaping seem to be related to the fact that diacetyl, the chemical that was previously used in microwave popcorn production, was formerly found in some flavours of e-cigarettes. However, Cancer Research UK state that, currently, there have been no confirmed cases of 'popcorn lung' linked to vaping in the UK. "Some of the liquids in e-cigarettes used to contain diacetyl, which led to the idea that e-cigarettes might cause popcorn lung," the charity says on its website. "[But] in the UK, diacetyl was banned in e-cigarettes and e-liquids under the EU Tobacco Products Directive in 2016. So, legal e-liquids sold in the UK aren't allowed to contain diacetyl." If you're concerned about 'popcorn lung' and you're currently vaping, the advice is to stick to purchasing regulated e-cigarettes which have been vetted for minimum standards of quality and safety. However, an even better move would be to take steps to quit, as although current research suggests that legal e-cigarettes are far less harmful than smoking, we don't yet know their long-term effects. 1. Find your 'why' Whether it's your depleted bank balance or wanting to break your dependence on nicotine, finding a reason to quit can help you to stick to a vape-free lifestyle. Keeping visual reminders handy can motivate you on your journey, like downloading a smoke-free tracking app such as Kwit, or funnelling your saved vape money into a holiday fund. 2. Lower the nicotine strength If you struggle with toughing out the withdrawal symptoms, the NHS suggests switching to a refillable vape, which means you can control the level of nicotine you're inhaling. By checking your e-liquid's nicotine content (mg/ml), you can gradually reduce it over time, which will eventually lower your dependence on the drug. 3. Identify your triggers Whether it's work emails piling up or a craving that hits with the first sip of a cold beer, knowing the environments that can trigger your urge to vape can help you to make adjustments ahead of time. Developing strategies to manage these feelings could involve having distractions handy to take your mind off vaping, or avoiding the triggers entirely until the worst of the cravings subside. 4. Try nicotine replacement therapies Nicotine replacement tools, like gums, patches and lozenges, can help to ease the physical symptoms of withdrawal and lower your intake of the drug over time. If you're a social vaper, studies suggest that these types of interventions may work better for you than if you vape every day. Although conducted on cigarette smokers, 2021 research found that light smokers were significantly more likely to achieve at least seven days of abstinence using nicotine replacement therapies, when compared with those who smoke heavily. 5. Speak to your GP If you're struggling to resist the urge to vape on your own, a visit to your GP is a good place to find support. They can discuss your vape usage with you and refer you to your local Stop Smoking centre, a free NHS service that provides expert advice, support and encouragement to those looking to quit. Read more about vaping: Kate Garraway shares moment she became 'instantly addicted' to disposable vapes (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read) Number of children vaping spikes 50% in a year (Independent, 5-min read) Australia bans recreational vaping to avoid having 'nicotine addicts' (Independent, 2-min read)
Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Global crises disrupt effort to get millions to quit smoking, report says
LONDON, May 30 (Reuters) - The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and wars have combined to hamper global governments' plans to reduce tobacco use, derailing efforts to get an estimated 95 million people to stop smoking, a report endorsed by 57 campaign groups said on Friday. Governments had planned to reduce smoking rates among people over 15 by 30% between 2010 and 2025 as part of an action plan tied to global sustainable development targets agreed in 2015. But the timeline to achieve the goal was extended an extra five years in 2024 as other priorities pushed countries to divert resources away from implementing a World Health Organization treaty on tobacco control signed by 168 countries. "This ... delay represents an estimated 95 million additional tobacco users, who would otherwise have quit by 2025," said the report, submitted to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, which oversees global sustainable development. While governments have succeeded in reducing the number of smokers, the failure to hit the 30% reduction target means that 1,207,800,000 people are still smoking globally, instead of the target of 1,112,400,000, based on a Reuters calculation using smoking rates and population figures provided in the report. Published by Action on Smoking and Health Canada and endorsed by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Cancer Research UK and others, the report warned the delays could result in millions of additional deaths from tobacco use if sustained. The U.N. has already acknowledged that funding shortfalls, geopolitical tensions and pandemic-linked disruptions have pushed the world off track on most of the 17 wide-ranging sustainable development goals. Those goals aim, among other things, to reduce poverty and hunger and increase access to healthcare and education. The groups that endorsed ASH Canada's report urged governments to redouble their efforts on tobacco control policies such as tax increases and smoking bans.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Model encourages others to 'empower in every step' as she aims for Miss Great Britain Edinburgh crown
Pageant hopeful Jennifer Winter is encouraging others to take a step out of their comfort zone and try something new, as she prepares to compete for a major national beauty pageant title. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The 27-year-old is hoping to use the Miss Great Britain platform to inspire others to embrace self-growth, overcome personal challenges and build confidence through stepping outside their comfort zones. The actress and model – who starred as Princess Jasmine in last year's flagship pantomime Aladdin at Ravenscraig Sport Centre – will go up against dozens of other hopefuls at the competition's Edinburgh heat on Thursday 5 June 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Now returning for her second year after placing first runner-up in 2024, Jennifer has launched her personal platform, Empower in Every Step, which encourages others to take a leap of faith and step outside their comfort zones. The 27-year-old placed second in last year's competition Jennifer said: 'I had never entered a pageant before last year and honestly, I was terrified. 'But it turned out to be the most empowering experience I've ever had. It pushed me in ways I never expected and helped me grow so much as a person. 'Now, I want to inspire others to do the same, whether it's trying something completely new, standing up for themselves, or just taking that first small step outside of what feels safe.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Earlier this year, she launched a limited Instagram interview series called Walk Through It, where she speaks to a range of different women about how they have overcome setbacks they have previously faced in their lives. Jennifer has raised more than £1,000 for good causes during her time as a finalist Jennifer added: 'Walk Through It was born from a desire to show others they're not alone. 'Everyone goes through hardships in life, but it's about finding strength in the struggle. 'Taking small steps to get back to yourself is powerful and I wanted to create a space where women could share those journeys authentically.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Over the last two years, she has also dedicated her time to using her platform to amplify the work of good causes across the country, raising more than £400 for A-Sisterhood – an organisation that seeks to empower, support and protect women worldwide – and over £600 for Cancer Research UK and Alex's Wish. Jennifer Winter will content for the Miss Great Britain Edinburgh crown next week Jennifer continued: 'Fundraising has become such an important part of this journey for me. 'Whether it's raising money or raising awareness, even the smallest actions can make a big impact.' Founded in 2024, the Miss Great Britain Edinburgh competition has enjoyed outstanding success in its inaugural year, with its first-ever titleholder Ava Morgan going on to scoop the national crown at the Miss Great Britain final in Leicester last October. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Now, Jennifer hopes to make it a back-to-back win as the next representative for Scotland's capital. She added: 'I was so inspired by Ava's journey. Seeing someone from this very stage go on to win the national title was incredible. 'It would be such an honour to represent Edinburgh, especially as it's the city I work in and love so much. 'To wear that sash and represent a place that means so much to me would be a massive honour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It's not just about the crown though, it's about the courage, the causes and the connections you make along the way. 'No matter the outcome, I hope someone out there sees my story and feels brave enough to start their own.' Established in 1945, Miss Great Britain has long been recognised as the UK's oldest pageant, with previous winners including Capital Scotland presenter Amy Meisak and Scottish model and presenter Deone Robertson. To find out more, visit or
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Kylie Minogue and Richard E Grant send ‘love' to actress with stage 4 cancer
Kylie Minogue and Richard E Grant send 'love' to actress with stage 4 cancer The Liverpool-born actress, 64, known for her work on family films Happy Feet and Babe and their sequels, is "hopeful" that a new treatment will help her get through the illness (Image: Getty Images ) Kylie Minogue and Richard E Grant have sent "love" to Australian comedian Magda Szubanski, following her announcement that she has been diagnosed with stage 4 blood cancer. The Liverpool-born actress, 64, known for her work on family films Happy Feet and Babe and their sequels, is "hopeful" that a new treatment will help her get through the illness. The Melbourne resident posted on Instagram on Thursday, describing her stage four mantle cell lymphoma as a "rare and fast-moving blood cancer". Under the post, Australian singer and former Neighbours actress Minogue, who has previously spoken about going through breast cancer decades ago, wrote: "Sending all love" along with heart emojis. Grant, who co-starred with Szubanski in the film Kath & Kimderella and whose wife, Joan Washington, died from lung cancer, wrote: "We all love you soooooo much Mags." Jurassic Park star Sam Neill, who was diagnosed with a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2022, wrote to his Ride Like A Girl co-star saying: "Sending huge, healing love and hugs to you, dear Magda. "You are supported and held in all our hearts." Muriel's Wedding actress Toni Collette, and singer and TV host, Dannii Minogue, also sent their support. Collette said: "Sending huge, healing love and hugs to you, dear Magda. You are supported and held in all our hearts." Minogue wrote: "We will see you walking down the street – everyone will be waving to you and sending long distance." Along with the post, Szubanski appeared in a video saying she had shaved her head "in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks", which can be a common side effect of undergoing chemotherapy. "It's serious, but I've started one of the best treatments available (the Nordic protocol), and I'm lucky to be getting absolutely world-class care here in Melbourne," Szubanski also wrote. "I won't sugar-coat it: it's rough. But I'm hopeful. I'm being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant, and I've never felt more held by the people around me." According to Cancer Research UK, mantle cell lymphoma "develops when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control" and about 600 people are diagnosed with it each year in the UK. The charity said that a common treatment is the chemoimmunotherapy combinations, known as the Nordic protocol, which sees the patient have drugs on certain days. Article continues below Szubanski received international acclaim for her role as the farmer's wife, Esme Hoggett, in the 1995 movie, Babe, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards, winning one for visual effects. She played sports-loving Sharon Strzelecki in Australian sitcom Kath And Kim, which inspired an American remake with the same name, and has been in Neighbours, and Oscar-nominated 2024 animated film, Memoir Of A Snail. Szubanski, who voiced the role of penguin teacher Miss Viola in the animated films Happy Feet in 2006 and Happy Feet Two in 2011, moved to Melbourne with her family in 1966 from the UK.
The Age
2 days ago
- Health
- The Age
Why 36 to 46 is the most important time of your life for your health
For many of us, our 20s are a decade of hedonism – of giving barely a passing thought to our health. It's the era where we might smoke, binge-drink and shun exercise. But new research shows that by our mid-30s, this kind of party lifestyle will take its toll. Researchers in Finland found there were relatively few consequences for heavy drinking and smoking in people's 20s, but those who continued these habits found their health begin to deteriorate at 36. Over the course of their lifetime, they were found to result in a plethora of health problems including higher rates of depression, cancer, heart disease, lung disease and early death. In fact, the decade from 36 to 46 is a pivotal one for our future wellbeing. 'What you do in that window shapes the health you'll experience in the decades to come,' says Dr Philip Borg, an NHS oncologist and founder of The Longevity Doctor, a clinic specialising in preventative medicine. Accumulative damage It's in our mid to late 30s that we stop 'getting away' with unhealthy behaviour, as the cumulative effects of our lifestyle begin to show their impact. 'Chronic diseases are caused by long-term, silent processes like inflammation, triggered by habits including poor diet, stress, drinking, smoking and lack of exercise, which can slowly damage your cells, arteries and brain, starting decades before symptoms appear,' says Borg. Loading Prior to this age, much of the damage can be undone – for instance, people who quit smoking by the age of 35 were shown in a 2022 study of half-a-million Americans to have a similar long-term mortality risk to people who have never smoked. But the rates of lung cancer caused by smoking begin to rise steadily in the 40-44 age range, steadily for women and more rapidly for men, according to Cancer Research UK.
