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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Stomach cancer: Study warns 1.6 million Indians born after 2008 at risk
lobal estimate links 76 per cent of projected lifetime cases to H. pylori and urges mass screening, with India expected to see over 1.6 million cases New Delhi Over 15.6 million people born between 2008 and 2017 may develop stomach cancer during their lifetime, most of them in Asia, and many in India, a new global estimate warns. According to researchers, 76 per cent of these future cases are linked to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common but treatable bacterial infection. The study projects that India alone could account for over 1.6 million cases if current control measures are not enhanced. These findings come from a new study titled Global lifetime estimates of expected and preventable gastric cancers across 185 countries, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Medicine. The researchers call for urgent investments in prevention, especially population-wide screening and treatment of H. pylori, to avert a major public health crisis. What does the study say? The study, conducted by scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), analysed data from the Global Cancer Observatory's GLOBOCAN 2022 database covering 185 countries. Using United Nations demographic projections, the researchers estimated how many people born between 2008 and 2017 might develop gastric cancer during their lifetimes. It found an estimated 15.6 million cases globally, with the vast majority—two-thirds of them—occurring in Asia. The Americas and Africa follow in projected numbers. China and India are expected to bear the brunt of the burden. Together, they could account for 6.5 million cases. India alone may see 1,657,670 lifetime cases if current preventive and treatment measures don't improve. Sub-Saharan Africa, while currently showing low rates, may experience a six-fold increase in future cases, raising alarms for healthcare systems in the region. What's causing so many cases of stomach cancer? According to the study, a common stomach bacterium called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) accounts for 76 per cent of all projected gastric cancer cases. Although H. pylori often causes no symptoms, long-term infection can lead to ulcers and, eventually, cancer. The bacteria is typically acquired in childhood and can persist for decades if untreated. The study highlighted that it is preventable and treatable with a simple course of antibiotics and acid-suppressing medication. Why is this concerning now? The study flags two worrying trends: Rising cases in younger populations, defying the earlier notion that gastric cancer is mostly a disease of older adults An ageing global population, which could increase the total number of cases even further, putting additional pressure on healthcare systems worldwide Can stomach cancer be prevented? The researchers said that up to 75 per cent of future cases could be prevented through timely action. Key strategies include: Countries like Japan and South Korea already have screening programmes in place and have seen success in reducing stomach cancer rates. What should individuals do to protect themselves? While national policies are essential, individuals can also take steps: Get tested for H. pylori if you have chronic digestive issues Maintain good hygiene, as the infection spreads through contaminated food, water, or saliva Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fibre, which has been shown to lower stomach cancer risks Limit salty and smoked foods, which are known risk factors 'While our study findings highlight the potential public health impact of H. pylori screen-and-treat approaches that are evidence-based, relatively simple and effective, and safe and inexpensive to implement—relative to cancer treatment—in mitigating the increasing gastric cancer burden, the importance of continued efforts to develop an H. pylori vaccine needs to be stressed,' the researchers said in the study. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
NDTV
4 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Simple Treatment Could Prevent 75% of Stomach Cancer Cases, Doctors Reveal
A new study published in Nature Medicine highlights a rising global trend of stomach cancer among people under 50, with most future cases linked to the preventable infection Helicobacter pylori (H pylori). Chronic H pylori infection is the strongest known risk factor for gastric cancer and can be treated using antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors. Researchers from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, projected that 15.6 million new cases of stomach cancer will occur globally among people born between 2008 and 2017 if current prevention strategies remain unchanged. Crucially, accordign to the study that published in the journal Nature Medicine, 76% of these cases-about three-quarters-are attributable to H pylori and are potentially preventable. Asia is expected to bear the highest burden with 10.6 million cases, followed by the Americas and Africa. The researchers used large-scale simulations incorporating data from GLOBOCAN 2022 and UN mortality projections to estimate lifetime cancer risk based on age, death likelihood, and demographic trends. A 100% effective screening and treatment program for H pylori could reduce stomach cancer cases by up to 75%. Even programs with 80-90% effectiveness would still prevent 60-68% of cases. These interventions are cost-effective and feasible even in low-income settings, comparable to HPV or hepatitis B vaccination campaigns. The study urges investment in population-level screen-and-treat programs and emphasizes the importance of developing an H. pylori vaccine. Despite limitations in data from low-income countries and assumptions about static infection rates, the findings strongly advocate for proactive, global public health measures to prevent a significant portion of future gastric cancers.
The Hindu
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
When seizures take over your life – the story of a 12-year-old boy battling multiple seizures
A 12-year-old boy from Yemen, named Yusuf, was suffering from multiple seizures every single day for a very long time. He was placed on 7 to 8 anti-epileptic medicines and was unable to walk, go to school, and even do simple tasks without help. His childhood was slowly slipping away, not just to a disease, but to the fear and helplessness that comes with it. An MRI scan done in his country showed a lesion on left side of brain, which had been previously ignored as a scar. Further investigations were conducted, including a battery of tests like video EEG, special MRIs including functional MRI, and interictal PET scans, after which it was found that the lesion in his brain was actually a tumour, and his seizures were originating from it. A precise yet gentle procedure known as a craniectomy with neuro-navigation guided microscopic tumour removal was performed — not just to remove the tumour, but to give Yusuf a chance at a normal, seizure-free life. Biopsy of the tumour tissue showed that the lesion on the left side of the brain was in fact a Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNET), a rare, benign brain tumour commonly associated with drug-resistant epilepsy in children. Only three weeks post-operation, Yusuf had eliminated seizures. With full restoration of physical abilities, he was able to walk, run, and return to school, allowing him to fully embrace the joys of childhood without fear. A seizure is one of the most terrifying experiences one may have It starts with subtle neurological signs of sudden blackouts, a strange twitching while watching TV, or a moment of lost time during your morning commute. For many, these instances are ignored, thinking of as stress or dehydration, but these can be the early signs of seizures. Seizures are among the most common neurological symptoms, which relate to epilepsy, a chronic disorder that involves abnormal brain activity that results in recurrent seizures. However, not every seizure is caused by epilepsy. When this frequently occurs, it may be a sign of a brain tumour. Brain tumour is an abnormal growth of tissue within the brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) that can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain. These tumours can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). They may originate in the brain itself or spread from other parts of the body. As per the GLOBOCAN 2022, brain tumours in India account for around 2% of all cancer-related cases in India, with new patients crossing the 30,000 mark annually. Children's brain tumours are particularly concerning, with the increase in diagnoses emphasising the importance of awareness and accessibility to specialised treatment needed during the early stage. Recognising the signs Brain tumours can show their symptoms in many ways, depending on their location and growth. Warning signs include persistent morning headaches, frequent nausea, new or worsening seizures, vision or hearing changes, movement difficulties, memory loss, personality shifts, and, in children, delays in milestones like walking. While all symptoms need immediate attention, seizures and sudden behaviour changes should never be ignored. Seizures in epilepsy follow a consistent pattern and are often the only symptom of this condition. Whereas in the case of a brain tumour, seizures are accompanied by a variety of symptoms such as speech difficulties, vision problems, and other cognitive and behavioural alterations. Seizures are usually connected with epilepsy, a chronic disorder characterised by recurring episodes of abnormal brain activity and can signal a brain tumour as well as this triggers the surrounding brain tissue, disrupting normal electrical activity, leading to seizures. Brain tumours can affect anyone however, the impact is most pronounced in children. Even non-cancerous tumours can have a significant impact on the functions of the brain. Children diagnosed with brain tumours often suffer from epilepsy that does not respond to medication, causing intellectual stagnation, impairments in physical abilities, and acquired dependence. Besides the physical dangers posed, seizures are perhaps the most traumatic symptom and necessitate great mental strength from both the child and their loved ones. A unique but significant tumour to be familiar with is the Dysembryoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumor (DNET). This tumour is often associated with medically refractory epilepsy in children, and if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can greatly diminish their quality of life. Safeguarding ourselves and our family members It is important to recognise that many brain tumours develop due to complex genetic and environmental factors beyond our control. While not all brain tumours are preventable, certain lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk. Minimising unnecessary radiation exposure, using a hands-free mobile phone, and avoiding harmful substances such as tobacco can all help. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep, also benefits brain health. Most importantly, being aware of early warning symptoms such as persistent headaches or personality changes and getting instant medical assistance can result in early detection and better outcomes. In the case of unexplained seizure episodes or any other concerning symptoms, consultation with the doctor should be done without any delay, as timely intervention and focused action on the problem can be life changing. (Dr. Anurag Saxena,Cluster Head Delhi NCR – Department of Neurosurgery, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, Email :
