Latest news with #cancerRisk
CTV News
2 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Belgium says 52 babies born from sperm donor with cancer-linked gene
A sperm is shown as it fertilizes an egg, leading to reproduction in the human body. (Sashkin/ Brussels, Belgium — A Danish sperm donor with a potentially cancer-causing gene fathered 52 children in Belgium between 2008 and 2017, the country's health ministry revealed Friday, in a case potentially involving several other children across Europe. According to a recent investigation by The Guardian, at least 10 cases of cancer have been identified among the 67 children born from his donations between 2008 and 2017. The man was reportedly in good health with no known family history of cancer, and had been tested in line with regulations in place at the time of the donations. But he was later found to carry a mutation of the TP53 gene that causes Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a rare hereditary disorder that significantly increases cancer risks, including for breast cancer or leukaemia. An alert was issued in 2023 after cancers were identified in some children conceived from his donations at a clinic in Denmark, and Belgium's Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products was notified that year. But Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke has said he learned about the case on Monday, and the government has declined to say how many Belgian cases involve confirmed cancer diagnoses. The scandal has exposed apparent breaches of Belgian law, which since 2007 has limited a single donor's sperm to no more than six women. 'That rule was exceeded nationally and within individual centres,' the health ministry said. An internal review has identified 37 affected families in Belgium, leading to 52 births. Authorities noted that not all children necessarily reside in Belgium. The donor's sperm was also reportedly used in at least nine other countries - Bulgaria, Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Ireland, Greece, the Netherlands and Poland.
News.com.au
3 days ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Common drug taken by millions globally is ‘linked to cancer'
A common over-the counter medication that's been available for decades and is taken by millions worldwide has been singled out for its possible cancer risk. Phenazopyridine, typically sold under brand names like Pyridium or Safrel and generally available over-the-counter in pharmacies across the world, is used to relieve symptoms caused by urinary tract infections. In Australia, the urinary analgesic is not readily available over-the-counter and generally requires a prescription from a healthcare professional. It works by numbing the lining of the urinary tract, decreasing burning, irritation and discomfort. But over the years, experts have warned the drug could cause cancer based on early evidence from animal studies, according to The Sun. Study links common pain drug to cancer After a study published in 2021, the National Institutes for Health (NIH) warned dietary exposure to phenazopyridine caused tumours in two rodent species in two different tissue sites. Benign and malignant liver tumours were found in female mice, while benign and malignant bowel tumours were discovered in both sexes. It was noted while animal studies don't prove a direct link between human cancer and exposure to phenazopyridine, it is 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen'. Potential side effects include chest tightness, dizziness, headache, and loss of appetite, according to the Mayo Clinic. More severe adverse reactions may include seizures, trouble breathing, and unusual bleeding or bruising. Rita Jew, president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, said personally she wouldn't advise taking phenazopyridine. She told Bloomberg: 'There is no need for this drug'. In Australia, it's estimated that one in two (50 per cent) of women experience UTIs in their lifetime, and a significant number of men and children also suffer. What is a urinary tract infection? UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from faeces entering the urinary tract. The bacteria enters through the tube that carries urine out of the body, known as the urethra. Women are more susceptible due to their shorter urethra, which gives bacteria a shorter path to the bladder. Several factors can increase your risk of UTIs, including sexual activity, certain birth control methods, and pre-existing conditions. Hygiene practices, age, and certain medical conditions also play a role. The most common treatment for UTIs is a short course of antibiotics. Remedies containing a mix of methenamine and sodium salicylate are seen as an alternative to phenazopyridine. New York-based gynaecologist Steven Goldstein, who recommends the medication to patients while they're awaiting the results of urine tests, said he was unaware of the cancer links. 'It's the first time I'm even hearing about this. I'm totally unaware,' he told Bloomberg. The Sun has reached out to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency on phenazopyridine and its safety as a UTI medication.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Popular over-the-counter drugs have been tied to cancer
Popular over-the-counter drugs used to treat uncomfortable urinary tract infections may come with a potential cancer risk. The drug is called phenazopyridine hydrochloride and is found in many pills - both generic and name-brand - that are used to treat a urinary tract infection. Women are typically at a higher risk than men for those kinds of infections. The pill, many of which sell for less than $15, are used to help reduce pain, burning and irritation associated with the infections. They promise relief in as little as 20 minutes. Phenazopyridine hydrochloride has been used for decades and is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Now, recent studies have raised questions about its use. 'There is no need for this drug,' Rita Jew, who serves as the president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, told Bloomberg. 'The data available from epidemiological studies are inadequate to evaluate the relationship between human cancer and exposure specifically to phenazopyridine hydrochloride,' the report said. There are more than 8 million related visits to healthcare providers in the U.S. each year to treat a UTI, according to the American Urological Association. Many people experience repeat infections, and around 60 percent of women and 12 percent of men will have at least one UTI during their lifetimes. But, even the labels on the drugs recognize that there is risk associated with the products. 'This product contains Phenazopyridine hydrochloride, known to the State of California to cause cancer,' the AZO label says. 'Long-term administration of phenazopyridine HCl has induced neoplasia in rats (large intestine) and mice (liver). Although no association between phenazopyridine HCl and human neoplasia has been reported, adequate epidemiological studies along these lines have not been conducted,' the URISTAT Pain Relief Tablet box notes. Neoplasia is the abnormal growth of cells. It was also listed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Service as a hazardous substance in 2001. Bloomberg also flagged that Phenazopyridine hydrochloride has been blamed for masking serious infections, slowing breathing, upset stomach and reddish-orange urine One adverse effect, known as methaemoglobinaemia, is rare but can be life-threatening. Still, even physicians may not have heard about the ties to cancer. 'It's the first time I'm even hearing about this. I'm totally unaware,' New York-based gynecologist Steven Goldstein told Bloomberg.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor reveals common post-booze symptom that could mean you're at risk of lethal pancreatic cancer
Do you look red and flushed when you drink booze? Beware—this could be a sign you're at risk of a range of cancers, including the lethal pancreatic type, a doctor has warned. According to Dr Michael Mrozinski, an emergency medicine expert from Scotland, flushing after alcohol is a sign that a toxic chemical in the liquid called acetaldehyde has built up to potentially harmful levels in the body. The substance is, over time, 'very toxic to the organs in your upper GI tract like your stomach, oesophagus or pancreas,' he said in a recent Instagram clip. This means that 'if you flush when you drink you are at risk of types of cancer like stomach cancer, esophageal cancer and possibly pancreatic cancer', Dr Mrozinski warned. In the short term, high levels of acetaldehyde can also make you feel 'like crap'. 'You will flush. You will get a headache. You will feel nauseous you can get your heart racing all that stuff,' he added. Meanwhile, Dr Yiannis Mavrommatis, a genetics expert and registered dietitian, previously said: 'Symptoms typically start shortly after alcohol consumption, with facial flushing and warmth, headaches and dizziness. 'In more severe cases, this can escalate to nausea and vomiting, heart palpitations and difficulty with breathing.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Michael MBChB FRACGP MSc (@drmichaelsays) The ability for the body to dispose of acetaldehyde—and therefore prevent a flush—depends on the presence of specific genes, experts have previously found. The alcohol flushing response is the result of a genetic variant considered to be one of the most common in the world, mainly carried by those of East Asian descent. This is the variant in the gene that instructs the production of enzyme aldehyde dehydrogenase, which helps to breakdown the toxin. This means the toxic byproduct of alcohol accumulates in ther body. Acetaldehyde is known to cause permanent DNA damage, which can lead to cancer. The DNA damage can cause cancer of the bowel, oesophagus, liver, breast, pharynx (throat), mouth, and larynx (throat), studies have shown. An at-home DNA test can reveal if you are one of the estimated millions of people who are genetically adverse to booze. The My Health Checks test, which costs £54, also tests for sensitivities and intolerances to other ingredients, like gluten and lactose. Livia Di Batista, 40, from London, admitted she made several lifestyle changes since discovering an intolerance to alcohol through DNA testing. 'I haven't stopped drinking altogether, but now I'm selective over when I drink, so that I drink significantly less alcohol overall. 'I'm also choosing lower calorie options. This has helped reduce the inflammation I was experiencing, and I feel less fatigued,' she said. The most recent advice from Dr Mrozinski, who is now based in Australia, calls on people to consider their relationship with alcohol if they flush while drinking. 'If you are at an increased risk of those types of cancer and you do flush then it is something you need to think about,' he said. Isabela Ramos, a nutritionist at MyHealthChecked, explained that spirits such as vodka, whiskey, and rum have higher alcohol concentrations, which can make symptoms worse. 'Some wines and beers, particularly red wines and certain craft beers, contain higher levels of congeners, which are byproducts of fermentation that can worsen symptoms,' she added. But mixing drinks with non-alcoholic mixers like tonic water can also help reduce symptoms for those with a sensitivity. Ms Ramos said: 'Mixing alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic mixers, such as spritzers, can reduce the overall alcohol content and mitigate symptoms.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Walking certain number of steps daily reduces cancer risk, Oxford study finds
Exercise is known to reduce cancer risk — but that doesn't have to mean hard-core gym sessions or long runs. A new study led by Oxford researchers reveals that casual walking and other light-intensity activities are enough to lower cancer incidence. The number of steps was found to be more important than the pace of the walk, they found. Just 4 Minutes Of Intense Daily Activity Could Slash Cancer Risk Among 'Non-exercisers,' Study Finds Those who walked 7,000 steps per day had an 11% lower cancer risk compared to those taking 5,000 steps per day, and the risk was 16% lower for those taking 9,000 steps per day, according to a press release from the Oxford Centre for Early Cancer Detection at the University of Oxford. Even shopping and performing household chores have been shown to reduce cancer risk. Read On The Fox News App Overall, those who had the highest total amount of daily physical activity were 26% less likely to develop cancer compared to those with the lowest amount, after adjusting for lifestyle factors, body mass index (BMI) and other health conditions. The study, which was recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed activity tracker data for 85,394 people in the UK Biobank averaging 63 years of age. Cancer Deaths And Tax Rates Linked In Surprising New Study: Here's How They then compared that data with future cancer diagnoses in 2,633 participants over a nearly six-year period. While previous studies have used self-reported exercise to determine reduced cancer risk, this one used "more precise data" based on wearable activity trackers. "Our research highlights the importance of all forms of movement," senior study author Aiden Doherty, professor of biomedical informatics at Oxford Population Health, said in the release. "Whether it's increasing daily steps, engaging in light activity or incorporating moderate-to-vigorous exercise, any level of physical activity appears to contribute to lower cancer risk." "Our findings support and enhance current national and international physical activity guidelines, showing that people who often engage in simple low-intensity activities, such as walking, have a lower risk of developing cancer." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, pointed out that cancer is linked to inflammation, which is linked to sedentary behavior. "All kinds of activity, including walking, increases metabolic function and decreases inflammation," Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. "The results of this study are not surprising and are in keeping with previous and ongoing research." For more Health articles, visit In addition to Oxford Health researchers, experts from the National Institutes of Health and National Cancer Institute participated in the study. Funding was provided by the National Institutes of Health's Intramural Research Program and the National Institutes of Health's Oxford Cambridge Scholars article source: Walking certain number of steps daily reduces cancer risk, Oxford study finds
