Latest news with #JayeshSharma
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Can eating soybeans cause breast cancer? Leading oncologist spills some facts
Amidst rising cancer rates, particularly among the youth, Dr. Jayesh Sharma clarifies the link between soy consumption and breast cancer risk. Soybeans, rich in nutrients and phytoestrogens, have been shown to reduce breast cancer risk, especially in Asian women and breast cancer survivors. Cancer rates are on the rise, especially among the youth. Of late, there has been a discussion on whether soybeans contribute to breast cancer risk. Dr. Jayesh Sharma, a leading cancer surgeon based in Raipur, India, has now weighed in on if soy is linked to increased cancer risk. Soybeans are a nutritional powerhouse Soy and its products are excellent sources of protein. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, healthy fats, and many nutrients, including potassium and magnesium. Soy is often a go-to protein option for people on a plant-based diet. 100 grams of boiled soybeans contain : Calories: 172 Water: 63% Protein: 18.2 grams Carbs: 8.4 grams Sugar: 3 grams Fiber: 6 grams Fat: 9 grams Saturated: 1.3 grams Monounsaturated: 1.98 grams Polyunsaturated: 5.06 grams Well, there is no doubt that soybeans are packed with essential nutrients. But do these benefits come at the expense of one's health? Does soybean cause breast cancer? Soybeans contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic human estrogen. Dr. Sharma explained that human estrogen binds to cells and can drive changes that increase cancer risk. However, the phytoestrogens are about 1,000 times weaker. They act like a faulty key that enters the lock but doesn't open it, preventing stronger human estrogen from binding. He also stressed that soybeans have, in fact, proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Studies also confirm that. A 2016 study found that among Asian women, higher soy consumption is associated with an approximate 30% reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo 'So, in breast cancer survivors who regularly eat soybeans, the risk of breast cancer again is reduced by 25-30%,' the cancer surgeon said in a video shared on Facebook. Dr. Sharma also noted that soybeans provide more protein than chicken. 'Soybean has 52% protein, which is more than chicken. It also has fiber, some types of minerals. It also fits in our diet,' he said. However, the doctor has cautioned people about being aware of who should avoid consuming soy beans and also what's in the soy products they buy. 'Thyroid patients should not take soybeans without consulting their doctor,' the oncologist said. He added, 'There is a lot of palm oil and sugar in the soya chunks available in the market. So always check the label before buying.' Priyanka Chopra Responds to 'Hot Dog vs Vada Pav' Backlash: 'It's Not That Serious' Many experts have confirmed that soy products are safe and healthy. The health benefits of eating soy appear to outweigh any potential risk. Dr. Marissa Shams-White, Senior Principal Scientist in the American Cancer Society's Population Science department, in a statement, said, 'A large body of evidence supports the safety of soy foods as part of a healthy diet. Research studies have found that consuming soy foods is associated with a decreased risk or no change in risk for cancer. Some of the confusion around the safety of soy foods has been due to some earlier study findings in mice and rats compared to humans, and some misconceptions around a phytochemical naturally found in soy foods called isoflavones. '
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
5 major reasons for cancer deaths in India, according to an oncologist
India faces a growing cancer crisis, with cases projected to rise significantly. Dr. Jayesh Sharma identifies key factors driving cancer deaths, including tobacco use, HPV, alcohol consumption, obesity, and poor diet. Addressing these issues through prevention, vaccination, lifestyle changes, and dietary improvements is crucial to curb the escalating cancer rates in India. Cancer cases are steadily rising across the globe, and India is no exception. Studies have predicted that the incidence of cancer cases in the country will climb from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million by 2025. Dr. Jayesh Sharma, a leading cancer surgeon based in Raipur, India, has now spoken about the reasons for cancer deaths in India. 'If we avoid these mistakes, we can avoid a lot of problems,' he said, in a video shared on Instagram. He has listed five reasons behind the growing number of cancer deaths in India. Let's take a look. Tobacco Representative image Tobacco use remains the major cause of cancer deaths globally and in India. According to Dr. Sharma, consumption of tobacco products, be it cigarettes, chewing tobacco, smoking hookah, or khaini, all of this significantly increases the risk of cancer. He also noted that annually, tobacco-related cancers claim approximately 120,000 lives in India alone. Lung, mouth, and throat cancers are among the most common, affecting users and those exposed to smoke. HPV Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a major driver of cancer, especially cervical cancer. The oncologist also stated that HPV contributes to cancers of the mouth and throat. He added that this virus spreads through unsafe sexual practices and poor menstrual hygiene. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Vaccination against HPV and education on safe practices are important to lower these cancer rates. Alcohol Dr. Sharma noted that the rising alcohol consumption in India is fueling an increase in cancer cases. He emphasized that alcohol consumption not only harms the liver but also elevates the risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, esophagus, and stomach. Quitting or limiting alcohol intake is essential to prevent the cancer risk. Obesity (Pic courtesy: iStock) Though India is not as heavily impacted by obesity as some Western nations, it still leads to cancer. He noted that obesity accounts for about 15% of cancers worldwide. Excess body weight is linked to all kinds of cancers, including breast, colon, and endometrium, among others. India's traditional diet, rich in whole grains and vegetables, is good protection; however, the rising urbanization and sedentary lifestyles are increasing obesity rates. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is vital to mitigate this risk. Shoaib Ibrahim Confirms Dipika Kakar's Cancer can return | Treatment May Take 2 Years Poor diet (Pic courtesy: iStock) Though people in India largely eat home-cooked meals, they still fall short when it comes to nutrition. Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet, based on one's health is essential for cancer prevention. Add foods that are rich in antioxidants and fiber. Dr. Sharma stressed that in India, poor diet is only the fifth reason behind cancer because the population still largely relies on home-cooked foods. 'This is the fifth reason, only because we prefer home-cooked meals instead of eating out or ordering,' he added.
Mint
24-04-2025
- Health
- Mint
Cancer memes to raise awareness: Oncologist shares Bollywood-style campaigns; netizens say, ‘Great minds do great work'
In an age of rapid information and ever-shortening attention spans, a senior oncologist, determined to help medical professionals connect with the public in more impactful ways, created a quirky Bollywood-style campaign of cancer memes to raise awareness. In a viral LinkedIn post, Dr Jayesh Sharma, Sr Consultant Surgical Oncology, said, 'Why do we still explain cancer the same way we did 20 years ago? In a world of 10-second attention spans and infinite scrolls, our medical messages still sound like patient leaflets from the '90s.' Dr Sharma said healthcare professionals need to stop relying on jargon, fear, and bland diagrams to convince people to go for a checkup and start 'innovating how we talk about health.' 'Because when a reel or a meme can make someone laugh and go for a checkup—that's impact.' The oncologist said that he works with science, 'But I speak in metaphors, memes, and middle-class family WhatsApp language. Not because it's trendy—because it works.' 'Healthcare needs communication that meets people where they are. Not where we wish they were,' he emphasised. Reiterating the need for change in health campaigns, Dr Sharma said, 'Let's rethink, repackage, and rehumanise healthcare. Innovation isn't just about machines—it's about messaging.' Cancer memes However, a user pointed out that the cancer figure is exaggerated. They said 1.4 million or 14 lakh cancer cases are reported per year, according to an Indian Council of Medical Research report. 'While the awareness spread is great, the figure of 1.5 crore every year is exaggerated. As per the ICMR report, the cases are 1.4 million or 14 lakh per year,' a social media user said. Dr Sharma acknowledged the mistake and said, 'Yes. AI mistake. Thanks for pointing out.' Cancer memes Cancer memes Cancer memes Netizens loved Dr Jayesh Sharma's attempt to create a cancer awareness campaign that is understood and perceived more quickly than the older ones. Social media users said the cancer meme campaign highlights the best use of artificial intelligence. 'Finally, someone said it. We've got AI writing haikus and deepfakes making presidents dance—but cancer awareness still looks like a PowerPoint from 2003,' a user said. 'Loved the whole idea. Great minds do great work,' added another user. 'Nice creative explanation,' lauded a user. A user said: 'It's perfect 3Cs of Communication - Comprehensive, Concise and Crisp…… well said !!' 'Excellent Depiction Sir, Never seen before, what if this gets on the walls of all cinema halls,' said a user. However, a user said, 'It would be lovely if you/we can spread a word about the deep friendship between cancer cells and sugar. Cancer thrives on sugar and carbs. Chaahe ho wo maa ke haath se banaa..' To which Dr Sharma replied: 'Sugar contributes only in as much as it causes obesity. Lots of misinformation about sugar and cancer.' First Published: 24 Apr 2025, 10:31 AM IST
