Pakistan Institute Of Medical Advancement

06/05/2025

Cancer rates in people under 50 jump 79%, with diet and alcohol as major factors

New research has revealed a concerning rise in cancer cases among young people, with a 79% increase in cases among those under 50 over the past three decades. The study, published in BMJ Oncology, analyzed data from 1990 to 2019, highlighting a dramatic surge in early-onset cancer. The research points to factors like the “Western diet” and lifestyle habits, such as alcohol consumption, as significant contributors to this alarming trend.

The study, which utilized data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019, found that in 2019, there were 3.26 million cases of early-onset cancer among individuals aged 14 to 49. This was a substantial increase from 1990, marking a 79.1% surge in new diagnoses. The report also noted that cancer-related deaths in this age group increased by 27.7% over the same period. Breast cancer, along with cancers of the windpipe, lungs, bowel, and stomach, had some of the highest mortality rates.

Among the various types of cancers, prostate and windpipe cancer saw the largest increases, while breast cancer had the highest incidence of early-onset cases. Interestingly, liver cancer cases declined during this time. Researchers found that regions like North America, Western Europe, and Australasia had some of the highest rates of early-onset cancer diagnoses. On the other hand, Eastern Europe, Oceania, and Central Asia had the highest mortality rates.

The study suggests that the rise in cancer cases may be linked to changes in diet and lifestyle, specifically the Western diet, which is high in red meat, salt, and alcohol. These dietary habits, coupled with a lack of exercise and other health risks like high body mass index and elevated blood sugar, are believed to contribute to the increase in cancer cases among younger individuals.

Despite the concerning rise in early-onset cancer cases, the study does point out a positive trend: in places like the UK, improved screening and early detection efforts have contributed to a decline in cancer-related deaths in younger populations. However, the researchers also predict that, without major changes in lifestyle, early-onset cancer diagnoses could rise by 31% and deaths by 21% by 2030.

23/04/2025

17/04/2025

Glucose is the main sugar your body uses for energy. It comes from the food you eat—especially carbohydrates—and gets absorbed into your bloodstream. Your body needs a steady supply of glucose to keep your brain sharp and muscles active, but when glucose levels go too high, things can turn dangerous. High blood glucose, or hyperglycemia, usually happens when your body doesn’t have enough insulin or can't use insulin properly, like in diabetes. If left unchecked, this sugar overload can damage blood vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, and even your heart over time.

The symptoms of high glucose aren’t always obvious at first, but your body gives warning signs. You might feel extremely thirsty all the time, need to p*e more often than usual, and experience unexplained weight loss even if you're eating normally. Fatigue is common, as is blurry vision and slow-healing wounds. Some people also feel hungrier than usual and may notice frequent infections, like yeast or skin infections.

Certain foods are loaded with glucose or cause a rapid spike in blood sugar. These include sugary drinks, candy, pastries, white bread, and processed snacks. Foods high in simple carbohydrates, like white rice and breakfast cereals with added sugar, also flood your system with glucose quickly. While fruits contain natural sugars, overconsumption—especially of juices—can also lead to spikes. It's best to balance these foods with fiber, protein, or healthy fats to slow down absorption.

Now, here’s where things get more serious. High blood sugar and poor diet often go hand in hand with high cholesterol—especially the bad kind, known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein). LDL cholesterol clogs your arteries, making them hard and narrow, which restricts blood flow. This increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Combined with high glucose levels, this becomes a dangerous cocktail. Sugar damages the inner walls of arteries, and LDL cholesterol builds up in those damaged spots like plaque, making things worse.

To stay safe, you have to tackle both blood sugar and cholesterol together. Start with your plate—eat more fiber-rich foods like vegetables, legumes, oats, and whole grains. Choose healthy fats from nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon. Cut back on processed foods, sugary snacks, and red meats. Move your body regularly—even a brisk 30-minute walk daily can make a big difference. Avoid smoking, manage stress, and get regular checkups to monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Remember, you don’t need to crash diet or overhaul your life overnight. Just consistent, small changes can help keep your glucose in check and your arteries clean. Because your heart, brain, and entire body depend on it.

15/04/2025

With Alix Hildal – I'm on a streak! I've made it onto their weekly engagement list 3 weeks in a row. 🎉