Justin Manning Ⓥ’s Post

Let's talk Cancer (Part 4) So is Cancer caused by genes, lifestyle or just bad luck? Some people believe that getting cancer is purely a matter of genes, or bad luck and it is true that cancer is caused by changes in genes. Genes are vulnerable to various factors, especially during a long human life. These changes can result in the uncontrolled cell growth that characterizes cancer. It is also true that cells will accumulate changes in genes when people age, thereby increasing cancer risk. It is a fact that, nowadays, people die less frequently from infectious diseases, accidents and preterm births while chronic diseases, including cancer, become more common. However, cancer is not an inevitable consequence of ageing and evidence shows that only a small proportion of cancers are simply inherited. Only 5 to 10 percent of most cancer is familial, meaning that they are caused by an inherited mutated gene. You may be familiar with the famous breast cancer genes: the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Mutations in these genes lead to a very high risk of breast cancer in families. For the other 90 percent of breast cancers, other factors play a role. Scientific research has shown that cancer risk actually depends on a combination of our genes and things that we are exposed to. Some exposures that are known to increase cancer risk are: tobacco smoke, hormones, radiation, medication, chemicals, infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria, and pollution. In addition to that, what and how much we eat, and how much we exercise, also affects the risk of developing the most common types of cancer, such as colorectal, breast and prostate cancer. Furthermore, it is crucial to understand that cancer is a multifactorial disease. Each type of cancer, for each individual, is caused by more than one factor. Essentially, the fact that cancer is for a large part not an inheritable disease, is good news. It means that a considerable part of all cancers is preventable. Based on all the scientific evidence so far, it is estimated that 30 to 40 percent of the most common cancers are preventable by a healthy lifestyle. The term 'prevention' does not mean the complete elimination of cancer in a population. It means reduction in cancer occurrence. It means that at any age, fewer people have cancer than otherwise would be the case. To achieve this, guidelines for a healthy lifestyle and good communication with the public are very important. So, there is no reason for people to say: "there's nothing I can do about getting cancer, so why should I change anything?"

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Day Pancreatic #cancer is often diagnosed late when it’s harder to treat, so raising awareness is very important. #World Pancreatic Cancer Day, held every year on November 21st, focuses on helping people recognize the early signs and encouraging early detection.   What is the pancreas?  The pancreas is a vital organ measuring approximately 6 inches in length, located deep within the abdomen, nestled between the stomach and the spine. It serves both endocrine and exocrine roles, meaning it releases proteins into the bloodstream as well as into other tissues. Through its exocrine function, it produces digestive juices commonly referred to as pancreatic enzymes, which are released into the small intestine. The endocrine aspect involves islet cells that generate hormones like insulin, (which lowers blood sugar), and glucagon, (which raises blood sugar), both of which are released into the bloodstream.   Pancreatic Cancer Facts > Over 92% of pancreatic cancer cases are classified as pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which arises in the exocrine tissue responsible for producing digestive enzymes. > The rarer pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) originate in the hormone-producing endocrine cells, or islet cells. NETs typically have a more favorable prognosis and are diagnosed at a younger age. > The prevalence rate of pancreatic cancer in India is 0.5–2.4 per 100,000 men and 0.2–1.8 per 100,000 women. > The overall 5-year relative survival rate for pancreatic cancer for all stages is just 13%.   Causes of Pancreatic Cancer While the exact causes of pancreatic cancer remain unclear, several risk factors have been identified. These include: > Age: The disease primarily affects individuals aged 50 to 80.  > Smoking: Approximately one-third of cases are linked to tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco.  > History of certain health conditions: This includes diabetes, chronic pancreatitis (long-term inflammation of the pancreas), stomach ulcers, and Helicobacter pylori infections.  > In about 10% of cases, pancreatic cancer is inherited from parents, and certain genetic factors can also increase the risk. We, at Reliance MedLab, are proud to be your SMART health partner to fight the war against pancreatic cancer through our preventive health diagnostic services. #PancreaticCancer, #PublicHealth #DiagnoseCancer #RLS #Reliance #MedLabs #Diagnostics

Esophageal cancer awareness is a crucial topic that deserves attention. Spreading awareness about this disease improves early detection and treatment outcomes. Esophageal cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. There are several risk factors associated with esophageal cancer, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus. Individuals need to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to reduce their risk. Symptoms of esophageal cancer can vary and may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, weight loss, and persistent heartburn. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation if any of these symptoms are present. Early detection of esophageal cancer is critical to improving treatment outcomes. Regular screenings and diagnostic tests can help identify the disease in its early stages when it is more treatable. Treatment options for esophageal cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches. In addition to promoting awareness, it is also essential to support individuals affected by esophageal cancer. This can be done through fundraising events, support groups, and educational resources. By raising awareness about esophageal cancer, we can help ensure that individuals at risk are informed about the disease and have access to the necessary resources for prevention, early detection, and treatment. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against esophageal cancer.

In response to Navjot Singh Sidhu's claim that he cured his wife's stage 4 breast cancer with turmeric and neem, Dr. Abhishek Shankar Sir from Delhi AIIMS shared a statement. **I read Dr. Shankar's statement. It's really helpful and worth reading if you have time. #CancerTreatment #BreastCancer #HealthClaims #MedicalAdvice #CancerAwareness #TurmericAndNeem #MedicalScience #AIIMS #NavjotSinghSidhu #DrAbhishekShankar #CancerResearch #HealthDebate #Oncology #CancerCare #HealthMyths #EvidenceBasedMedicine #BreakingNews

I echo with Dr Abhishek , Cancer treatment typically involves well-researched methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. While natural remedies can complement conventional treatments in improving quality of life, they should never replace evidence-based medical care.

Our own immune system is one of our greatest allies in suppressing the development of cancer in our bodies, but it often needs a little push. One way of doing this is by using a class of medications called ‘checkpoint inhibitors.' These medicines release the brakes on certain immune cells—called killer T cells—that then try and kill cancer cells. These can be very effective treatments for certain kinds of skin, lung, and kidney cancers, but unfortunately, they don’t work for every patient. A flurry of studies published in 2018 demonstrated that the patients’ microbiome may have something to do with this. People who did or didn’t respond to checkpoint inhibitor therapy were found to have consistent differences in the bacteria commonly found in their gut. And in 2021, two studies found that transferring microbes from the fecal matter of people who did respond to the therapy to the gut of those who didn’t, could improve therapeutic benefits in the latter patients. Now an unexpected discovery in mice, published in the April 25 issue of the journal Science, hints at one factor that might explain why people respond differently to cancer therapy: the level of vitamin D in their gut tissue might promote the presence and growth of certain bacteria that stimulates killer T cells to attack the cancer. Vitamin D, which we can get from our diet—by eating things like fatty fish or egg yolks—or produce in our skin when exposed to sunlight, plays a crucial role in our metabolism and the health of our bones, muscles, nerves, and immune system. There had been evidence that it might play a protective role in cancer as well, but the new findings in mice were still a surprise. https://lnkd.in/gEEuZc4e

November is Pancreatic Cancer awareness month and we at Unhurry® are committed to spreading awareness about it. Regular screening of people at high risk for pancreatic cancer pays off. Surveillance programs for people at high risk of developing pancreatic cancers can help detect precancerous conditions and cancers early, when they are most treatable, according to a new multicenter study directed by experts at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. A total of 1,461 individuals at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer were enrolled in the Cancer of Pancreas Screening-5 (CAPS5) study at Johns Hopkins Medicine and seven other medical centers, and underwent annual pancreatic imaging tests. Of these participants, 10 were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, including one participant who was diagnosed four years after dropping out of recommended surveillance. Seven of the remaining nine patients (77.8%) were diagnosed with stage I disease, and the other two had progressed to higher stage cancer (one had stage IIB, and one had stage III disease). Seven of these patients were alive after a median follow-up of 2.6 years. "A clear majority of patients in the CAPS program who were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were detected at the first stage of the disease if they maintained their surveillance,” says senior study author Michael Goggins, M.B.B.Ch., M.D., Sol Goldman Professor of Pancreatic Cancer Research and director of the Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Laboratory. In general, Goggins says, most patients presenting with symptoms already have later-stage pancreatic cancer; very few have their disease detected at stage I. Rachna Chhachhi RachnaRestores®️ Kindness Practice Foundation To read the complete article, please click on the link below. https://lnkd.in/d3akCyNW For more such articles on mental health, well-being and sustainability, don't forget to follow us. #unhurry #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthsupport #cancer #cancerawareness #pancreaticcancer #pancreaticcancerawareness #cancerpatient #cancerpatients #caregiver #screening #cancerscreening

Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis is part of a frightening global trend - It’s not just the Princess of Wales. More and more young people are getting cancer. Kate Middleton announced Friday in a video message that she was diagnosed with cancer after doctors performed abdominal surgery on her earlier this year and discovered evidence of the disease. Kensington Palace did not release details on what type of cancer ... but what we do know is that, as a 42-year-old woman, she is far from alone in her diagnosis: Worldwide, more and more people under 50 are developing cancers. Cancer typically strikes those who are in their 50s, 60s, or even older. Yet, in recent decades, early-onset cancers — which are usually defined as occurring in patients younger than 50 — are occurring at a higher rate, particularly in wealthy countries. As illustrated in the chart below, a 2023 BMJ analysis found that the early onset of 29 different cancers had risen nearly 80 percent globally between 1990 and 2019. Separately, a study published in JAMA Network Open the same year concluded that the occurrence of a wide range of cancers among people under 50 had increased between 2010 to 2019 among American adults, particularly among women. Much of the increase is attributable to colon and rectal cancers: In 2019, there were about 5.7 cases of colorectal cancer among 100,000 people ages 14 to 49. That’s up 63 percent since 1990, when there were approximately only 3.5 cases per 100,000 people. Breast, cervical, and skin cancers are still the most likely cancers to develop in adults under 50, but individual cases of colorectal cancers taking the lives of well-known celebrities, like actor Chadwick Boseman in 2020, have made that trend more visible in recent years. Cancers of the bladder, kidney, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, thyroid, and uterus also became significantly more common in the nearly three decades covered by the global investigation published in BMJ. No single factor is to blame for this widespread uptick in numerous cancers among young people, particularly the rise in the gastrointestinal system, but scientists are starting to put together a picture of the reality behind one of the most important medical mysteries of our time. One review published in Frontiers in Nutrition in 2022 found several dietary factors were associated with early-onset colorectal cancer. Eating a lot of deep-fried and processed foods, foods high in fat, and sugary drinks and desserts was a significant risk factor, as was having a diet low in fiber. Other studies have found higher alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer early. But these are still theories. While the mystery behind Catherine’s disappearance from public life these past few months has now been solved, scientists still don’t fully understand what is primarily driving earlier-in-life cancer cases. What we do know is that such stories are becoming all too common. #cancer #microplastics

🌟#EpiTales # 31🌟 🔲 Do antimuscarinic medications cause cancer? Protopathic Bias?🔲 Mohamed: "Dr. X, I came across a study linking medications for overactive bladder to an increased risk of cancer. How could that be?" Dr. X: "Ah, Mohamed, this might be a case of Protopathic Bias! It's when early symptoms of a disease are mistaken for risk factors. Let's look at a real publication to understand it better." Mohamed: "I'm intrigued! What's the example?" Dr. X: "In a study by Kaye et al. (2017), researchers investigated cancer incidence among patients using antimuscarinic medications for overactive bladder. They found that the incidence rates of prostate and bladder cancer were significantly higher in the first year after starting the medication." Mohamed: "So, the medications were thought to cause cancer?" Dr. X: "Initially, yes. But further analysis revealed that these patients' urinary symptoms, which prompted the prescription of antimuscarinic medications, were actually early signs of undiagnosed cancers. The medications didn't cause cancer; the early symptoms did." Mohamed: "Wow! So, the early symptoms were mistaken for risk factors. That's Protopathic Bias in action!" Dr. X: "Exactly, Mohamed! Here's the data: In the first year, the incidence rate of prostate cancer was 14.2 per 1000 person-years, which dropped to 6.8 per 1000 person-years in the second year. Similarly, bladder cancer incidence rates were higher in the first year at 5.5 for men and 1.2 for women per 1000 person-years, decreasing markedly thereafter." Mohamed: "That's fascinating! It shows how important it is to consider the timeline of symptom onset and treatment." Dr. X: "Indeed, Mohamed! Always consider the timeline of symptoms and treatments to avoid Protopathic Bias. 📅" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "I share daily insights on Epidemiology. Follow my #EpiTales for engaging stories, #EpiTools for practical Shiny apps, and #EpiNews for the latest updates!"

Esophageal cancer awareness is a crucial topic that deserves attention. It is essential to spread awareness about this disease to improve early detection and treatment outcomes. Esophageal cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach. There are several risk factors associated with esophageal cancer, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, and certain medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus. Individuals need to be aware of these risk factors and take steps to reduce their risk. Symptoms of esophageal cancer can vary and may include difficulty swallowing, chest pain, weight loss, and persistent heartburn. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation if any of these symptoms are present. Early detection of esophageal cancer is critical to improving treatment outcomes. Regular screenings and diagnostic tests can help identify the disease in its early stages when it is more treatable. Treatment options for esophageal cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches. In addition to promoting awareness, it is also essential to support individuals affected by esophageal cancer. This can be done through fundraising events, support groups, and educational resources. By raising awareness about esophageal cancer, we can help ensure that individuals at risk are informed about the disease and have access to the necessary resources for prevention, early detection, and treatment. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against esophageal cancer.