Best Cancer Prevention

Health researchers forecast and call for immediate action against cancer prevention which was projected to rise by 50% before the year 2040.

It was noted that millions of these future cases could be prevented through effective interventions targeting key risk factors such as reducing tobacco and alcohol use, expanding vaccination programmes, improving air quality, and ensuring workplace safety. 

This call comes in response to research from the World Health Organization (WHO), which reveals that four in 10 cancer cases worldwide are preventable. 

The study from the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) analysed data across 185 countries, identifying 30 modifiable risk factors behind cancer development.

The analysis shows a massive, missed opportunity: in 2022 alone, roughly 7.1 million of the 18.7 million new global cancer diagnoses could have been prevented through lifestyle changes, robust public health policies, and environmental improvements.

“Millions continue to develop cancers that need never have occurred,” the report states, highlighting a critical pathway for health systems to reduce suffering and save lives through targeted prevention.

Tobacco remains the leading cause, responsible for 15 per cent of all new cancers globally, signalling a need for even stronger control measures. 

It is followed by infectious agents at 10 per cent, and alcohol consumption at three per cent.

The research marked a significant advancement by incorporating infectious causes alongside behavioural and environmental factors for the first time in a global cancer analysis. 

This holistic approach revealed that viruses and bacteria play a substantial role in cancer development, particularly in regions with limited access to vaccines and treatments to prevent the infections.

Three cancer types accounted for the majority of preventable cases. 

Lung cancer, primarily driven by smoking and air pollution, topped the list. 

Stomach cancer, largely caused by Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, ranked second. 

Cervical cancer, overwhelmingly linked to human papillomavirus infection, came third.

Each of these cancers has well-established prevention pathways that remain underutilised in many parts of the world.

Men bear a significantly higher load, with 45 per cent of their new cases deemed preventable compared to 30 per cent for women. 

Smoking alone drives roughly 23 per cent of all new cancer cases in men. 

For women, infections are the leading preventable cause (11 per cent of cases), 

dominated by HPV-related cervical cancer, a disease that vaccination could virtually eliminate.

Regional variations highlighted how different populations face distinct cancer risks based on their environments, behaviours, and access to preventive services, underscoring the need for tailored prevention strategies rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.

Kenya recorded 44,726 new cancer cases in 2022, with breast, cervical, prostate, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers being the most common.

Notably, nine women die every day from cervical cancer, a disease that could be virtually eliminated through HPV vaccination and screening programmes. Women face disproportionate cancer risk in Kenya, and reproductive cancers account for nearly a quarter of all cancer deaths in the country.

Beyond the major risk factors, the study identified additional modifiable causes, including excess body weight, physical inactivity, ultraviolet radiation exposure, air pollution, and occupational hazards such as asbestos exposure. Each represents an actionable target for intervention.

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How To Handle Ectopic Pregnancy

Pregnancy begins with a fertilized egg and the fertilized eggs attaches to the lining of the uterus. 

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants grows outside the main cavity of the uterus.

Ectopic pregnancy mostly occurs in a fallopian tube which carries eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. 

This type of ectopic pregnancy is called a tubal pregnancy. 

Sometimes ectopic pregnancy occurs in other areas of the body, such as the ovary, abdominal cavity or the lower part of the uterus (cervix), which connects to the vagina.

The fertilized egg can't survive, and the growing tissue may cause life-threatening bleeding, if left untreated.

Symptoms

Symptoms might not surface at first. However, some women who have an ectopic pregnancy have the usual early signs or symptoms of pregnancy as a missed period may occur, breast tenderness and nausea.

If you take a pregnancy test, the result will be positive. Still, an ectopic pregnancy can't continue as normal.

As the fertilized egg grows in the improper place, signs and symptoms become more noticeable.

Early warning of ectopic pregnancy

Often, the first warning signs of an ectopic pregnancy are light vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain.

If blood leaks from the fallopian tube, you may feel shoulder pain or an urge to have a bowel movement. Your specific symptoms depend on where the blood collects and which nerves are irritated.

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How To Treat Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an erection firm enough for sex. It is also kno n as impotency.

Having erection trouble from time to time isn't necessarily a cause for concern. 

If erectile dysfunction can cause stress, affect your self-confidence and contribute to relationship problems. 

Problems getting or keeping an erection can also be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment and a risk factor for heart disease.

Sometimes, treating an underlying condition is enough to reverse erectile dysfunction. 

In other cases, medications or other direct treatments might be needed.

Symptoms

Erectile dysfunction symptoms might include persistent:

Trouble getting an erection

Trouble keeping an erection

Reduced sexual desire

Causes

Male sexual arousal is a complex process that involves the brain, hormones, emotions, nerves, muscles and blood vessels. 

Erectile dysfunction can result from a problem with any of these.

Stress and mental health concerns can cause or worsen erectile dysfunction.

Sometimes a combination of physical and psychological issues causes erectile dysfunction.

Common causes include:

Heart disease

Clogged blood vessels (atherosclerosis)

High cholesterol

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Obesity

Various risk factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, including:

Medical conditions, particularly diabetes or heart conditions. 

Tobacco use, which restricts blood flow to veins and arteries can cause chronic health conditions that lead to erectile dysfunction.

Prostate surgery or radiation treatment for cancer

Injuries, particularly if they damage the nerves or arteries that control erections.

Medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines and medications to treat high blood pressure, pain or prostate conditions

Psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety or depression

Drug and alcohol use, especially if you're a long-term drug user or heavy drinker

Complications

Complications resulting from erectile dysfunction can include:

An unsatisfactory sex life

Stress or anxiety

Embarrassment or low self-esteem

Relationship problems

The inability to get your partner pregnant

Prevention

The best way to prevent erectile dysfunction is to make healthy lifestyle choices and to manage any existing health conditions.

Things To Do For Safety.

Stop smoking, limit or avoid alcohol, and don't use illegal drugs.

Exercise regularly.

Take steps to reduce stress.

Get help for anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns.

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How To Get Rid Of Your Asthma Attack

Asthma attack, also called an Asthma exacerbation, the airways become swollen and inflamed. 

The muscles around the airways contract and the airways produce extra mucus, causing the breathing (bronchial) tubes to narrow.

During an attack, you may cough, wheeze and have trouble breathing. 

Symptoms of a minor Asthma attack get better with prompt home treatment. 

A severe Asthma attack that doesn't improve with home treatment can become a life-threatening emergency.

Symptoms

Asthma attack signs and symptoms include:

• Severe shortness of breath, chest tightness or pain, and coughing or wheezing
• Low peak expiratory flow (PEF) readings, if you use a peak flow meter
• Symptoms that fail to respond to use of a quick-acting (rescue) inhaler

Causes

An overly sensitive immune system makes your airways (bronchial tubes) become inflamed and swollen when you're exposed to certain triggers.  Common Asthma attack include:

• Pollen, pets, mold and dust mites
• Upper respiratory infections
• Tobacco smoke
• Inhaling cold, dry air
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stress

For many people, Asthma symptoms get worse with respiratory infections, such as those caused by the Common.

Some people have Asthma flare-ups caused by something in their work environment. 

Sometimes, there isn't an apparent cause for an Asthma attack.

Risk factors

Anyone who has Asthma is at risk of an Asthma attack. You may be at increased risk of a serious Asthma attack if:

• You've had a severe Asthma attack in the past
• You've previously been admitted to the hospital or had to go to the emergency room for Asthma
• You've previously required intubation for an Asthma attack
• You use more than two quick-acting (rescue) inhalers a month
• Your Asthma attacks tend to sneak up on you before you notice symptoms have worsened
• You have other chronic health conditions, such as sinusitis or Nasal Polyps, or cardiovascular or chronic lung disease

Complications

Asthma attacks can be serious. They can:

• Interrupt everyday activities such as sleep, school, work and exercise, causing a significant impact on your quality of life — and can disrupt the lives of those around you.
• Send you to the emergency room, which can be stressful and costly.
• Lead to respiratory arrest and death.

Prevention

The best way to avoid an Asthma attack is to make sure your Asthma is well controlled.

While you may not be able to eliminate your risk of an Asthma attack, you're less likely to have one if your current treatment keeps your Asthma under control. 

Take your inhaled medications as prescribed in your written Asthma plan.

These preventive medications treat the airway inflammation that causes Asthma signs and symptoms. 

Taken on a daily basis, these medications can reduce or eliminate Asthma flare-ups and your need to use a quick-acting inhaler.

See your doctor if you're following your Asthma action plan but still have frequent or bothersome symptoms or low peak flow readings.

These are signs your Asthma isn't well controlled, and you need to work with your doctor to change your treatment.

If your Asthma symptoms flare up when you have a cold or the flu, take steps to avoid an asthma attack by watching your lung function and symptoms and adjusting your treatment as needed. 

Be sure to reduce exposure to your allergy triggers, and wear a face mask when exercising in cold weather.

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Signs Of Vagina Cancer You Ignore

Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that occurs in your vagina.

It most commonly occurs in the cells that line the surface of the vagina, which is sometimes known as the birth canal.

Several types of cancer can spread to your vagina from other places in your body, cancer that begins in your vagina is rare.

A diagnosis of early-stage vaginal cancer has the best chance for a cure. Vaginal cancer that spreads beyond the vagina is much more difficult to treat.

Symptoms

Early vaginal cancer may not cause any signs and symptoms. As it progresses, vaginal cancer may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, for example, after intercourse or after menopause
• Watery vaginal discharge
• A lump or mass in your vagina
• Painful urination
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Pelvic pain

Causes

It's not clear what causes vaginal Cancer. Cancer begins when healthy cells acquire a genetic mutation that turns normal cells into abnormal cells.

Healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. 

Cancer cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don't die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass (tumor).

Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from an initial tumor to spread elsewhere in the body (metastasize).

Types of vaginal Cancer

Vaginal Cancer is divided into different types based on the type of cell where the it began. This include:

• Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) that line the surface of the vagina, and is the most common type
• Vaginal adenocarcinoma, which begins in the glandular cells on the surface of your vagina
• Vaginal Melanoma, which develops in the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of your vagina
• Vaginal Sarcoma, which develops in the connective tissue cells or muscles cells in the walls of your vagina

Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of vaginal cancer include:

• Increasing age. Your risk of vaginal Cancer increases as you age. Most people who are diagnosed with vaginal Camcer are older than 60.

• With VAIN, cells in the vagina appear different from normal cells, but not different enough to be considered cancer. A small number of those with VAIN will eventually develop vaginal Cancer, though doctors aren't sure what causes some cases to develop into Cancer and others to remain benign.

  VAIN is frequently caused by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical, vaginal and Vulvar Cancers, among others. Vaccines that prevent some types of hpv Infection are available.

• Exposure to Miscarriage prevention drug. If your mother took a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant in the 1950s you may have an increased risk of a certain type of vaginal Cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

Other risk factors that have been linked to an increased risk of vaginal Cancer include:

• Multiple sexual partners
• Early age at first intercourse
• Smoking
• HIV infection

Complications

Vaginal Cancer may spread (metastasize) to distant areas of your body, such as your lungs, liver and bones.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent vaginal Cancer. However, you may reduce your risk if you:

• Undergo regular pelvic exams and Pap tests. You can increase the chance that vaginal Cancer is discovered early by having routine pelvic exams and Pap tests. When discovered in its earliest stages, vaginal Cancer is more likely to be cured. Discuss with your doctor when to begin these tests and how often to repeat them.
• Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination to prevent hpv Infection may reduce your risk of vaginal Cancer and other HPV-related Cancers. Ask your doctor whether an HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.
• Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start. Smoking increases the risk of vaginal Cancer.

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Delayed Ejaculation Could Be A Problem You Don't Call For

Delayed ejaculation also called impaired ejaculation. 

This is a condition in which it takes an extended period of sexual stimulation for men to reach sexual climax from the penis. 

Delayed ejaculation could be temporary or a long term problem. 

Probable causes of delayed ejaculation include certain chronic health conditions, surgeries and medications. 

Treatment for delayed ejaculation depends on the underlying cause.

It's normal for men to have delayed ejaculation from time to time. 

Delayed ejaculation is only a problem if it's ongoing or causes stress for you or your partner.

Symptoms

Some men with delayed ejaculation need 30 minutes or more of sexual stimulation to have an orgasm and ejaculate.

There have been no specific time that indicates a diagnosis of delayed ejaculation. 

Often, men might have difficulty reaching orgasm during sexual intercourse or other sexual activities with a partner. 

Some men can ejaculate only when masturbating.

Delayed ejaculation is divided into the following types based on symptoms:

Lifelong / Acquired

With Lifelong delayed ejaculation, the problem is present from the time of sexual maturity. 

Acquired delayed ejaculation occurs after a period of normal sexual functioning.

Generalized / Situational. 

Generalized delayed ejaculation isn't limited to certain sex partners or certain kinds of stimulation. 

Situational delayed ejaculation occurs only under certain circumstances.

These categories help in diagnosing an underlying cause and determining what might be the most effective treatment.

Causes

Delayed ejaculation can result from medications, certain chronic health conditions and surgeries. Or it might be caused by substance misuse or a mental health concern, such as depression, anxiety or stress.

In many cases, it is due to a combination of physical and psychological concerns.

Psychological causes of delayed ejaculation include:

Depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions

Relationship problems due to stress, poor communication or other concerns

Anxiety about performance

Poor body image

Cultural or religious taboos

Differences between the reality of sex with a partner and sexual fantasies

Medications and other substances that can cause delayed ejaculation include:

Some antidepressants

Certain high blood pressure medications

Certain diuretics

Some antipsychotic medications

Some anti-seizure medications

Alcohol particularly drinking too much (excessive alcohol use or alcoholism)

Physical causes of delayed ejaculation include:

Certain birth defects affecting the male reproductive system

Injury to the pelvic nerves that control orgasm

Certain infections, such as a urinary tract infection

Prostate surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate or prostate removal

Neurological diseases, such as diabetic neuropathy, stroke or nerve damage to the spinal cord

Hormone-related conditions, such as low thyroid hormone level (hypothyroidism) or low testosterone level (hypogonadism)

Retrograde ejaculation, a condition in which the semen goes backward into the bladder rather than out of the penis

For some men, a minor physical problem that causes a delay in ejaculation might cause anxiety about ejaculating during a sexual encounter. The resulting anxiety might worsen delayed ejaculation.

Risk factors

A number of things can increase your risk of having delayed ejaculation, including:

Older age as men age, it's normal for ejaculation to take longer

Psychological conditions, such as depression or anxiety

Medical conditions, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis

Certain medical treatments, such as prostate surgery

Medications, particularly certain antidepressants, high blood pressure medications or diuretics

Relationship problems, such as poor communication with your partner

Excessive alcohol use, especially if you're a long-term heavy drinker

Complications

Complications of delayed ejaculation can include:

Diminished sexual pleasure for you and your partner

Stress or anxiety about sexual performance

Marital or relationship problems due to an unsatisfactory sex life

Inability to get your partner pregnant (male infertility)

Diagnosis

A physical exam and medical history might be all that are needed to recommend treatment for delayed ejaculation. However, if delayed ejaculation appears to be caused by an underlying problem that might need treatment, you might need further tests or you might need to see a specialist.

Tests for underlying problems can include:

Physical exam. This might include careful examination of your penis and testicles. The doctor will use light touch to make sure you have normal sensation in your genitals.

Blood tests. Your health care provider might take a blood sample and send it to a lab to check for signs of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, a low testosterone level and other health problems.

Urine tests (urinalysis). Urine tests are used to look for signs of diabetes, infection and other underlying health conditions.

Treatment

Delayed ejaculation treatment depends on the underlying cause, but it might include taking a medication or making changes to medications you currently take, undergoing psychological counseling, or addressing alcohol or illegal drug use.

Medications

If you're taking medication that might be causing delayed ejaculation, reducing the dose of a medication or switching medications might fix the problem. Sometimes, adding a medication might help.

There aren't any drugs that have been specifically approved for the treatment of delayed ejaculation. Medications used to treat delayed ejaculation are primarily used to treat other conditions.

Medications sometimes used to treat delayed ejaculation include:

Amantadine, a Parkinson's medication

Buspirone, an anti-anxiety medication

Cyproheptadine, an allergy medication

Psychological counseling (psychotherapy)

Psychotherapy can help by addressing underlying mental health problems leading to delayed ejaculation, such as depression or anxiety. It's also used to address psychological issues that directly affect your ability to ejaculate.

Counseling might involve seeing a psychologist or mental health counselor on your own or along with your partner. Depending on the underlying cause, you might benefit most from seeing a sex therapist — a mental health counselor who specializes in talk therapy for sexual problems. The type of counseling that's best for you will depend on your particular concerns.

Coping and support

If it's an ongoing concern, delayed ejaculation can cause mental and emotional stress for you and your partner. If you have delayed ejaculation only on occasion, try not to assume that you have a permanent problem or to expect it to happen again during your next sexual encounter. Remember, occasional delayed ejaculation due to stress or other temporary factors might improve when the underlying cause gets better.

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