Latest news with #IndianJournalofMedicalResearch
NDTV
05-08-2025
- Health
- NDTV
From Diet To Vaccine: Doctor Discusses 6 Ways To Prevent Majority Of Cancers
A report published by the Indian Journal of Medical Research revealed that the estimated number of cancer cases in India for the year 2022 was 14,61,427. The report revealed some alarming figures, as in India, one in nine people is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Lung and breast cancers were the leading types of cancer in males and females, respectively. Among the children below the age of 14, cancers, lymphoid leukaemia was the leading site. The study also estimated that the incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 per cent in 2025 as compared to 2020. While there's no guaranteed way to completely prevent cancer, experts say that certain lifestyle changes and habits can significantly reduce the risk. "Patients who come for surgery tend to ask the most important question of life - How could I have avoided cancer?" Dr SK Bala, consultant- Surgical Oncology & Advanced Robotic Surgery, CMRI Kolkata, told NDTV. Here Are Six Ways By Which The Majority Of Cancers Can Be Prevented Don't Use Tobacco Tobacco use is a major risk factor for numerous cancers, including lung, throat, mouth, bladder, and kidney cancer. "Quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco products altogether is one of the most impactful steps you can take to reduce your cancer risk," Dr Bala said, adding that even being around secondhand smoke may raise the risk of lung cancer. It's not only smoking that's harmful, chewing tobacco has been linked to cancer of the mouth, throat and pancreas. Avoid Obesity and Exercise Regularly Dr Bala said that being overweight or obese increases the risk of several cancers, including breast, colon and endometrial cancers. Regular physical activity, even moderate-intensity exercise, can help you maintain a healthy weight and also directly reduce cancer risk. "Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week," he said. Limit Alcohol Consumption Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, including liver, breast, colon and esophageal cancers. "Limiting or avoiding alcohol intake can significantly lower your risk," Dr Bala said. Eat Healthy Organic Foods Eat a lot of fruit and vegetables. Focus on fruits, vegetables and other foods from plant sources, such as whole grains and beans. Limit foods high in calories, fats and added sugars. Limit red meat, processed meats, refined grains, and saturated and trans fats. Get Vaccinated Certain viral infections can increase cancer risk. "Vaccination against hepatitis B can prevent liver cancer, and the HPV vaccine can protect against cervical and other cancers," Dr Bala said. Get Regular Medical Checkups and Screenings Regular checkups and screenings can help detect cancer early, when it's often more treatable. Pap tests, mammograms, and other screenings are important for early detection and improved outcomes. Consult with your doctor about recommended screenings based on your age and risk factors. Cancer Cases In India Dr Bala said that not all cancers can be prevented because of "random genetic mutation or a strong family history". Furthermore, increasing air pollution, widespread pesticide use in agriculture, and unregulated chemicals in processed foods contribute to cancer risk, even for those without a family history or genetic predisposition. The right way is to go for the recommended cancer screening. Moreover, never neglect any persistent symptoms (e.g. headache, pain in the abdomen, constipation, etc.) that have been present for more than a month. These common symptoms can be caused by cancer, and timely treatment can cure it completely.
NDTV
07-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Covid Hospitalisation, Family History, Lifestyle Linked To Sudden Deaths: Study
New Delhi: Hospitalisations due to severe Covid-19 infection, a family history of sudden deaths, as well as lifestyle behaviours are some of the reasons behind the unexplained sudden death, according to a study led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). The peer-reviewed study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research explored factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in India. It showed that Covid vaccination was not responsible for sudden and unexplained deaths seen among young and healthy individuals. The study was conducted in 2023, following anecdotal reports of sudden, unexplained deaths in India's apparently healthy young adults, which were linked to Covid-19 infection or vaccination. "Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India. Past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, and certain lifestyle behaviours increased the likelihood of unexplained sudden death," the researchers said. Using a multicentric matched case-control model, the researchers included 729 cases and 2,916 controls from 47 tertiary care hospitals across India. The cases were apparently healthy individuals aged 18-45 years without any known co-morbidity, who suddenly (were seen apparently healthy 24 hours before death) died of unexplained causes between October 2021 and March 2023. Four controls were included per case matched for age, gender, and neighbourhood. The team interviewed/perused records to collect data on Covid vaccination or infection and post-Covid conditions, family history of sudden death, smoking, recreational drug use, alcohol frequency and binge drinking, and vigorous-intensity physical activity two days before death/interviews. "The results showed that receiving at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine lowered the odds for unexplained sudden death," the researchers said. Two doses, further, lowered the odds of unexplained sudden death. On the other hand, "past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death, binge drinking 48 hours before death, use of recreational drug or substance and performing vigorous-intensity physical activity 48 hours before death were positively associated", the team added.
NDTV
03-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Is India Prepared For A PCOS Crisis? Poor Lifestyle And Stress Could Be The Culprit
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a complex hormonal disorder has emerged as a significant health concern in India, affecting an increasing number of women. Typical symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, acne, weight gain, excessive hair growth, mood fluctuations, and sleep-related problems. PCOS is a leading cause of infertility, raising alarms among healthcare professionals. It is also the commonest cause of anovulation. Understanding PCOS requires a closer look at its multifaceted nature and the factors contributing to its rising prevalence. PCOS in India According to a study published in the journal Reproductive Health, a high 17.40% prevalence rate of PCOS among young women in Delhi (NCR), with 70.30% already diagnosed and 29.70% newly diagnosed during the study. Another study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research found that 1 in 5 young Indian women suffer from PCOS. This high prevalence has led to widespread infertility in several parts of the country. Understanding PCOS PCOS causes hormonal imbalances that disrupt a woman's normal reproductive cycle. As the name suggests, multiple small cysts can form on the ovaries, hindering ovulation and leading to infertility. Hormonal imbalance due to PCOS further contributes to insulin resistance and increases the risk of diabetes as well as heart disease. Additionally, the psychological impact of PCOS, ranging from anxiety and depression to body image issues, adds another layer of complexity to its management. The impact of poor lifestyle and stress Studies highlight that poor lifestyle choices and uncontrolled stress are two major contributors to PCOS in India. With growing dependence on the internet and instant services, a sedentary lifestyle is increasingly prevalent. Sedentary lifestyle choices coupled with unhealthy eating patterns contribute to a significantly higher risk of obesity and conditions like diabetes and PCOS. Additionally, increased consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods further increases the risk. Moreover, stress has become an omnipresent aspect of modern life. Chronic stress can lead to alterations in hormonal levels, further complicating the symptoms of PCOS. It can also fuel unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices which can result in weight gain and worsen insulin sensitivity. Other risk factors for PCOS include: Genes: Studies suggest that women with a family history of PCOS are more susceptible. Obesity: India's increasing rate of obesity is one of the prominent risk factors for PCOS Hormonal disruptors: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals commonly found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products can interfere with hormonal balance. Increasing awareness about the condition among women and healthcare providers is crucial to address the growing concern in India. Eating a well-balanced diet and exercising regularly are essential for managing symptoms effectively. Additionally, stress management techniques, such as yoga, mindfulness, and therapy, can also play a pivotal role in improving overall well-being and mitigating some of the psychological impacts associated with PCOS.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Study finds critical medicine shortages for diabetes, hypertension at rural health facilities
New Delhi: A joint survey conducted by the ICMR and the WHO, along with other institutes, has revealed critical medicine shortages for managing diabetes and hypertension at rural health facilities, from sub-centres to sub-district hospitals, across 19 districts in seven states. The study has also found a shortage of specialists at the community health centre (CHC) level and these findings are similar to the rural health statistics report of 2020-21, indicating a shortfall of physicians (82.2 per cent) and surgeons (83.2.9 per cent) at the CHC-level. The study findings, published in the "Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR)" suggest that among public health facilities, PHCs, district hospitals and government medical colleges in India are better prepared to manage services for diabetes and hypertension. Across all the facilities, the domain score for equipment was the highest and for medicines, it was the lowest. However, the availability of all medicines was better at tertiary-care facilities (public and private) compared to other levels of public health facilities. A cross-sectional survey of the health facilities was conducted in 19 districts of seven states, which included an assessment of both public and private health facilities. The Indian Public Health Standards and other relevant guidelines were used for the assessment. The service domain score for four domains: equipment, medicine, diagnostics capacity and staff, including the availability of guidelines, and the overall readiness score was calculated following the service availability and readiness assessment manual of the World Health Organisation (WHO). In two phases of data collection, 415 health facilities were covered, of which 75.7 per cent were public and 24 per cent were private. The number of facilities assessed varied across the states. More than half (57.6 per cent) of the health facilities assessed were primary level (33.5 per cent), followed by secondary (33.5 per cent) and tertiary (10 per cent) facilities. More than half (56.3 per cent) of the health facilities were in rural areas. More than three-fourths of all public and private health facilities reported being involved in the follow up of diabetes and hypertension patients. The most common mode of follow ups across all facilities was self-reporting by patients (61.4 to 100 per cent), except for in SCs (29.5 per cent). At SCs, the most common mode of follow up was home visits by health workers (60.4 per cent). The availability of out-referral and in-referral registers across all levels and types of facilities was between 25 and 53.8 per cent and 14 and 61.5 per cent, respectively. "Most public health facilities (from SCs to SDHs) reported stockouts of essential medicines for managing diabetes and hypertension. Out of the 105 SCs assessed, nearly one-third (37/105; 35.2 per cent) reported stockouts of tablet metformin, and nearly less than half (47/105; 44.8 per cent) reported stockouts of tablet amlodipine," the study stated. The median duration of the stockouts for the medicines ranged from one to seven months. The SCs reported more stockouts of essential anti-diabetes and anti-hypertensive medicines compared to any other types of facilities. These medicines were better available at government medical colleges compared to any other levels of public health facilities. The medicine availability score at the primary health centres (PHCs) was just 66 per cent, far below the ideal threshold of 100 per cent. "Our findings suggest that among public health facilities, PHCs, district hospitals and government medical colleges in India are better prepared to manage services for diabetes and hypertension. Across all the facilities, the domain score for equipment was the highest, and for medicines, it was the lowest," the study said. It mentioned the ICMR-India Diabetes Study (ICMR-INDIAB) report's evidence of an NCD epidemic spreading to rural areas in India, in addition to the urban areas, due to changes in the lifestyle. Therefore, improving the preparedness of the SCs will further enhance the primary-care services closer to the homes of people, it stressed. The government has already accelerated its efforts towards strengthening Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) for achieving Universal Health Care by committing resources and efforts through its flagship Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs). These were recently renamed as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. "During our assessment, the majority of PHCs (64 per cent) were converted to Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). This indicates that PHC-HWCs were better prepared to provide comprehensive services compared to SCs, as nearly half of them (52.3 per cent) were transformed into HWCs. However, we found that diagnostic services were less available at district hospitals, indicating that secondary higher-level public health facilities were not fully prepared to manage complications of these two conditions," the study pointed out. Efforts to strengthen diagnostic services are essential for the continuum of care, as there will be in-referrals of patients from peripheral public health facilities to DHs, it said. Lessons from the India Hypertension Control Initiatives (IHCI) project can be adapted to ensure a reliable drug supply and accurate information systems in primary health care facilities, it added.
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Business Standard
03-06-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Study finds key drug shortages for diabetes, BP at rural health centres
A joint survey conducted by the ICMR and the WHO, along with other institutes, has revealed critical medicine shortages for managing diabetes and hypertension at rural health facilities, from sub-centres to sub-district hospitals, across 19 districts in seven states. The study has also found a shortage of specialists at the community health centre (CHC) level and these findings are similar to the rural health statistics report of 2020-21, indicating a shortfall of physicians (82.2 per cent) and surgeons (83.2.9 per cent) at the CHC-level. The study findings, published in the "Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR)" suggest that among public health facilities, PHCs, district hospitals and government medical colleges in India are better prepared to manage services for diabetes and hypertension. Across all the facilities, the domain score for equipment was the highest and for medicines, it was the lowest. However, the availability of all medicines was better at tertiary-care facilities (public and private) compared to other levels of public health facilities. A cross-sectional survey of the health facilities was conducted in 19 districts of seven states, which included an assessment of both public and private health facilities. The Indian Public Health Standards and other relevant guidelines were used for the assessment. The service domain score for four domains: equipment, medicine, diagnostics capacity and staff, including the availability of guidelines, and the overall readiness score was calculated following the service availability and readiness assessment manual of the World Health Organisation (WHO). In two phases of data collection, 415 health facilities were covered, of which 75.7 per cent were public and 24 per cent were private. The number of facilities assessed varied across the states. More than half (57.6 per cent) of the health facilities assessed were primary level (33.5 per cent), followed by secondary (33.5 per cent) and tertiary (10 per cent) facilities. More than half (56.3 per cent) of the health facilities were in rural areas. More than three-fourths of all public and private health facilities reported being involved in the follow up of diabetes and hypertension patients. The most common mode of follow ups across all facilities was self-reporting by patients (61.4 to 100 per cent), except for in SCs (29.5 per cent). At SCs, the most common mode of follow up was home visits by health workers (60.4 per cent). The availability of out-referral and in-referral registers across all levels and types of facilities was between 25 and 53.8 per cent and 14 and 61.5 per cent, respectively. "Most public health facilities (from SCs to SDHs) reported stockouts of essential medicines for managing diabetes and hypertension. Out of the 105 SCs assessed, nearly one-third (37/105; 35.2 per cent) reported stockouts of tablet metformin, and nearly less than half (47/105; 44.8 per cent) reported stockouts of tablet amlodipine," the study stated. The median duration of the stockouts for the medicines ranged from one to seven months. The SCs reported more stockouts of essential anti-diabetes and anti-hypertensive medicines compared to any other types of facilities. These medicines were better available at government medical colleges compared to any other levels of public health facilities. The medicine availability score at the primary health centres (PHCs) was just 66 per cent, far below the ideal threshold of 100 per cent. "Our findings suggest that among public health facilities, PHCs, district hospitals and government medical colleges in India are better prepared to manage services for diabetes and hypertension. Across all the facilities, the domain score for equipment was the highest, and for medicines, it was the lowest," the study said. It mentioned the ICMR-India Diabetes Study (ICMR-INDIAB) report's evidence of an NCD epidemic spreading to rural areas in India, in addition to the urban areas, due to changes in the lifestyle. Therefore, improving the preparedness of the SCs will further enhance the primary-care services closer to the homes of people, it stressed. The government has already accelerated its efforts towards strengthening Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) for achieving Universal Health Care by committing resources and efforts through its flagship Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs). These were recently renamed as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. "During our assessment, the majority of PHCs (64 per cent) were converted to Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). This indicates that PHC-HWCs were better prepared to provide comprehensive services compared to SCs, as nearly half of them (52.3 per cent) were transformed into HWCs. However, we found that diagnostic services were less available at district hospitals, indicating that secondary higher-level public health facilities were not fully prepared to manage complications of these two conditions," the study pointed out. Efforts to strengthen diagnostic services are essential for the continuum of care, as there will be in-referrals of patients from peripheral public health facilities to DHs, it said. Lessons from the India Hypertension Control Initiatives (IHCI) project can be adapted to ensure a reliable drug supply and accurate information systems in primary health care facilities, it added.
