Latest news with #InternationalAgencyforResearchonCancer
Axios
16 hours ago
- Health
- Axios
Grilling and cancer: Most Americans don't know the link
Only 20% of Americans understand grilled meats ' link to cancer, according to an American Institute for Cancer Research survey. Why it matters: Grills across America will be fired up this Fourth of July weekend. Catch up quick: Grilling meats — including hot dogs, chicken and fish — can create potential carcinogens, including heterocyclic amines (HCAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Plus, hot dogs themselves were declared carcinogens in 2015 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. How it works: When amino acids, sugars and creatine inside meat are exposed to high heat, a chemical reaction creates HCAs. PAHs form outside the meat when fat and juices drip out and cause smoke that sticks to the surface. Between the lines: More heat means more HCAs and PAHs — and that trademark charred black look grillmasters love to see. Yes, but: Grilling doesn't have this effect on all foods. For example, tossing vegetables and fruits on the grill doesn't produce HCAs. What we're hearing: Even eating small amounts of processed meat could increase cancer risk, American Cancer Society's senior principal scientist of population science, Marissa Shams-White, told Axios.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Sleeping in complete darkness: How it helps prevent Cancer growth
We all know how sleep plays a crucial role in our health. While our physical bodies rest, our brain during that time, performs some key activities like waste removal, memory consolidation, cell repair, energy restoration and many more. While everyone has their own consensus on how they want to sleep, doctors believe that sleeping in pitch darkness (With a source of light close by to switch on to avoid accidents) is extremely beneficial for health. The trick to test it? If you can see your palm in the dark, your room is still too bright. This apart, the dark can positively affect your body's natural processes, including how your cells grow and repair. However, that is not all. Do you know that sleeping in complete darkness also prevents Cancer growth? Here's how... Why dark matters Our bodies follow a natural 24-hour cycle called the circadian rhythm. This internal clock controls many functions, such as when we feel awake or sleepy, hormone release, and cell repair. Light is the main signal that tells our brain when it's time to be awake or asleep. When you sleep in a room with lights, on or even small amounts of light (even from outside), it can confuse your brain. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Secure Your Child's Future with Strong English Fluency Planet Spark Learn More Undo This disrupts your circadian rhythm and affects the production of important hormones like melatonin. The importance of Melatonin Melatonin is often called the 'sleep hormone' because it helps regulate sleep-wake cycles. It is produced by the pineal gland in the brain, mainly during the night when it is dark. Melatonin not only helps you fall asleep, but also has powerful antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect your cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can cause mutations in your DNA, which may lead to cancer. Melatonin helps neutralize these free radicals and supports your immune system in fighting abnormal cell growth. How the dark reduces Cancer Risk Exposure to light during sleep lowers melatonin production. Studies have found that people who are exposed to light at night, such as shift workers or those who sleep with lights on, have lower melatonin levels. This reduction can weaken the body's natural defense against cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified shift work involving circadian disruption as a probable carcinogen. This means that disrupting your natural sleep cycle by being awake at night or sleeping with light can increase the risk of developing certain cancers, especially breast and prostate cancer. What does science say Several research studies support the idea that sleeping in complete darkness may help prevent cancer growth: A 2014 study published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control showed that women who slept in rooms with light exposure had a higher risk of breast cancer compared to those who slept in complete darkness. Research from the University of Texas found that melatonin can slow the growth of cancer cells in laboratory experiments, especially breast and colon cancer cells. Another study in Chronobiology International found that people with lower nighttime melatonin levels were more likely to develop cancer over time. Tips for sleeping in darkness To improve your sleep environment and help your body produce melatonin naturally, try the following: Use blackout curtains: These block outside street lights or sunlight from entering your room. Remove electronic devices: Turn off or cover screens from phones, computers, and TVs, as they emit blue light that suppresses melatonin. Use a sleep mask: If blackout curtains are not an option, a comfortable eye mask can help block light. Avoid night lights: Even small night lights can reduce melatonin production. Keep your bedroom dark during naps: If you nap during the day, try to rest in a dark room to maintain your circadian rhythm. Other Benefits of Sleeping in Darkness Besides cancer prevention, sleeping in complete darkness has many other health benefits: Better sleep quality: Darkness helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Improved mood: Proper sleep reduces stress and lowers the risk of depression. Stronger immune system: Good sleep supports your body's ability to fight infections. Balanced hormones: Darkness helps regulate hormones related to appetite, growth, and stress. Sources Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Shocking Warning! Bread, potatoes, and cereal may contain cadmium linked to cancer, high BP, and other risks especially for children
French doctors have given a stern warning regarding 'cadmium', a poisonous heavy metal present in all our daily foodstuffs such as bread, potatoes, and cereals. Most commonly entering the food chain in the form of phosphate fertilisers, cadmium is a serious health hazard, particularly to young children. French physicians identify long-term threats caused by ingestion of cadmium such as cancer, kidney injury and other serious ailments. Children's diets also report alarmingly higher levels of contamination, as reported. Experts have insisted on prompt action by the government in the form of tighter controls, public information campaigns, and reform of school lunches. They state that otherwise, the impact of cadmium could take decades to manifest itself. Protecting children and vulnerable populations from cadmium exposure will require urgent regulatory action, increased public awareness, and a shift toward more sustainable farming practices. French doctors warn: Cadmium in potatoes and grains may raise cancer, high BP risk in kids In a June 2 press release , the Union Régionale des Professionnels de Santé (URPS) ; a French medical professional association, issued a warning of an "explosion of contamination in young children." They added that children's diets consisting of high amounts of starchy and grain foods render them particularly susceptible. The letter highlighted that cadmium is one of the most poisonous heavy metals, and long-term exposure may have severe health effects as the children develop. This is due to the reason that cadmium has a tendency to get stored in the body, which means exposure at a young age can be especially lethal. What is cadmium and how does it enter the human food chain Cadmium is a naturally occurring heavy metal that becomes a health hazard when it accumulates in the body. It is commonly found in phosphate-based fertilisers used in agriculture. When these fertilisers are applied to soil, crops absorb cadmium through their roots, introducing it into the human food chain. While cadmium exists naturally in the earth's crust, industrial activity and poor waste management have significantly increased its presence in soil and water. Apart from food, another major source of cadmium exposure is tobacco smoke, as the metal is present in cigarettes. Long-term health risks associated with cadmium exposure Decades of scientific research have linked cadmium exposure to a range of serious health problems, including: Cancer: Cadmium is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). It is strongly associated with lung, prostate, pancreatic, and kidney cancers. Kidney damage: The kidneys are particularly vulnerable to cadmium, as the metal is filtered through them and accumulates over time. Cardiovascular issues: Exposure has been tied to high blood pressure and heart disease. Bone degradation: Cadmium interferes with calcium metabolism, leading to bone thinning and diseases such as osteoporosis. Neurological effects: In children, exposure may contribute to cognitive deficits and developmental delays. Fertility problems: Cadmium is also linked to reproductive toxicity, affecting both male and female fertility. Cadmium contamination in kids' diets far exceeds adult levels; warns ANSES Data from ANSES (France's food and environmental safety agency) reveals the extent of the issue: Only 0.6% of adult diets exceed the safe cadmium intake level. In comparison, 14% of children aged 3 to 17 have diets with unsafe cadmium levels. Alarmingly, the figure jumps to 36% among toddlers under the age of 3. This disproportionate exposure highlights how young children are especially vulnerable, due to their smaller body size and dietary habits that often include more grain- and root-based foods. EU bans high-cadmium fertilisers, but France yet to tighten rules To reduce cadmium exposure, the European Union has banned phosphate fertilisers containing more than 60 mg/kg of cadmium. However, public health researchers argue that this cap is still too high to ensure safety. Some EU nations have introduced stricter national limits, but France—despite being the EU's top consumer of phosphate fertilisers—has not implemented stricter controls. This lack of action has drawn criticism from health professionals who believe stronger regulations are urgently needed. Countries reporting highest cadmium alerts According to Euronews, a 2023 study monitoring cadmium contamination between 2000 and 2022 revealed the top five EU countries with the most food-related cadmium alerts: Italy Spain Germany France Poland These findings indicate that cadmium contamination is not isolated but rather a widespread issue across Europe. What are French doctors demanding The URPS physicians are calling on the French government to act quickly and broadly to contain this public health risk. Their proposals include: Initiating national campaigns to make the public aware of cadmium hazards Refurbishing school lunch programs to minimize cadmium-containing foods consumed by children Promoting organic farming, since crops grown organically tend to be lower in cadmium Instituting improved tracking systems for vulnerable individuals, particularly children They also mentioned the United States as a good example, referring to the fact that the US has lowered cadmium levels over the decades through enhancing sewage sludge management in agriculture. The hidden danger: Cadmium builds up slowly but lasts for decades One of the most disturbing features of cadmium is that it does not easily excrete from the body. After ingestion, it can remain and accumulate in tissues for many years, especially in the liver and kidneys. Consequently, the toxic effects could take decades or even decades to have a full impact. This delayed onset creates difficulties in associating health problems with cadmium exposure directly, again making policy a more complicated issue. The science is clear, however: the earlier action is taken, the less long-term harm can occur. Also Read | Burning, dry, or itchy eyes? Rose water might help; know its benefits and precautions before using
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Your favorite alcoholic beverage could be linked to deadly form of cancer, study finds
Following the surgeon general's January advisory linking alcohol consumption to seven types of cancer, a new study from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has revealed another possible risk. The research, recently published in the journal PLOS Medicine, classified alcohol as a carcinogen, highlighting a particular increased risk of pancreatic cancer. The surgeon general's previous advisory named cancers of the breast (in women), colorectum, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth and throat. Psychedelics As Potential Mental Health Treatment Are Explored By Trump Administration The researchers associated the pancreatic cancer risk with beer and spirits/liquor, but not with the intake of wine. "Alcohol consumption is a known carcinogen, but until now, the evidence linking it specifically to pancreatic cancer has been considered inconclusive," said senior study author Dr. Pietro Ferrari, head of the IARC Nutrition and Metabolism Branch, in a press release. Read On The Fox News App "Our findings provide new evidence that pancreatic cancer may be another cancer type associated with alcohol consumption, a connection that has been underestimated until now." For the study, researchers recruited 2.5 million participants with a median age of 57, following them for about 16 years. Fda Approves First Ai Tool To Predict Breast Cancer Risk Out of the group, 10,067 cases of pancreatic cancer were recorded. Each increase of 10 grams of ethanol per day in alcohol consumption was associated with a 3% increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer, the study found. Women who consumed 15 to 30 grams of alcohol (about one to two standard drinks) per day had a 12% increase in pancreatic cancer risk. Men who consumed 30 to 60 grams (two to six standard drinks) per day had a 15% increased risk of pancreatic cancer, and intake of over 60 grams per day was associated with a 36% greater risk. The research did have some limitations. "This observational study examined alcohol intake evaluated at a single time point during mid-to-late adulthood and included a limited number of Asian cohorts," the researchers wrote. "Further research is needed to better understand the role of lifetime alcohol consumption — for example, during early adulthood — and the influence of specific consumption patterns, such as binge-drinking." Dr. Adam Scioli, an addiction psychiatrist at Caron Treatment Centers in Pennsylvania, previously commented to Fox News Digital that "alcohol is a toxin." "There have been reports for years that it could be beneficial for one's health — but we know now that alcohol ingestion is one of the modifiable risk factors for cancer," Scioli, who is not affiliated with IARC, told Fox News Digital. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, was not involved in the study but spoke with Fox News Digital about the findings. "This is in keeping with alcohol as a toxin that directly inflames and damages pancreatic cells," he said. Around 75,000 Americans each year are diagnosed with a cancer that is in some way linked to alcohol use, according to Scioli. Dr. Neha Pathak, WebMD's chief physician editor of health and lifestyle medicine, noted that the study highlights a new, independent risk factor for pancreatic cancer. "What's important to know is that there really isn't a safe level of drinking when it comes to cancer risk," Atlanta-based Pathak, who also did not participate in the research, told Fox News Digital. For more Health articles, visit "This study reinforces that message — but it also shows how complex these links are, and how we need to keep digging deeper into the role of alcohol and different drinking habits in cancer development," she added. Fox News Digital reached out to several beverage industry associations requesting comment. Melissa Rudy of Fox News Digital contributed to this article source: Your favorite alcoholic beverage could be linked to deadly form of cancer, study finds
News18
11-06-2025
- Health
- News18
Are Brain Tumors Becoming More Common in India? Who Is Most at Risk?
Last Updated: Brain tumors can affect individuals of all ages, but some age groups are at greater risk No, brain tumors are not more common in India compared to other countries. According to the National Health Portal of India, there are only 5 to 10 cases of brain tumors per 100,000 people, especially those affecting the central nervous system (CNS). This rate is comparable to global data, indicating that brain tumors in India occur with similar frequency to the rest of the world. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reports more than 28,000 new cases of brain tumors and over 24,000 deaths annually in India. While the incidence is not disproportionately high relative to other countries, these figures underscore the seriousness of brain tumors as a public health concern in India. GLOBOCAN 2020 data indicates that brain and CNS tumors caused 251,329 deaths and 308,102 new cases worldwide. Thus, India's incidence and mortality rates align closely with global trends. Brain tumors can affect individuals of all ages, but some age groups are at greater risk. Older adults over the age of 65 and children under 15 are particularly vulnerable. In children (aged 0–19), brain tumors — especially gliomas — remain a significant cause for concern. Dr Manish Chhabria, Senior Consultant – Neurology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital shares all you need to know: Interestingly, research shows a growing number of cases among young and middle-aged adults. One study found a substantial number of cases in the 31–40 age group, and many were also diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 39, with a slightly higher incidence among females than males. Different age groups tend to develop different types of brain tumors. In children, gliomas are more common, whereas meningiomas are more frequently seen in adults. Tumor type, behavior, and prognosis often vary based on a patient's age and gender. According to data from the National Library of Science, CNS tumors are diagnosed at a rate of approximately 10 per 100,000 people annually in India — a rate consistent with global averages. While the overall incidence is not alarmingly high, the high mortality rate and the fact that brain tumors often affect younger people highlight the need for public awareness, early diagnosis, and enhanced diagnostic infrastructure. Continued research and stronger healthcare services are crucial to reducing the burden of brain tumors across all age groups in India.
