For many, the onset of spring means longer days, warmer weather and more time spent soaking up the sun. While spending time outdoors can be refreshing, a hidden danger may be hiding in your medicine cabinet. Experts caution that some widely prescribed medications have been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer development by making the skin more susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) damage.

Our body's immune system is crucial in protecting us against illnesses, such as cancer. Nevertheless, certain medications, particularly immunosuppressants, are able to impair our body's natural defense system, making it more difficult to ward off dangerous cells. Recent studies have revealed that certain common drugs, taken by millions across the globe, could increase the risk of skin cancer—a shocking discovery that has prompted increasing concern among dermatologists and oncologists.

How Medications Increase Skin Cancer Risk

Some drugs make the skin more sensitive to sunlight so that individuals develop severe burns, rashes, and even cell-level DNA damage. This excess sensitivity is termed photosensitivity, a condition characterized by an intensified response of the skin to exposure to UV rays.

As per top skin specialists, a lot of people who are on these drugs have no idea what their side effects are. The majority of individuals don't know that their medication might be causing them to become sun-sensitive. They may observe that they're burning quicker or getting strange rashes, but they don't automatically attribute it to their drug.

In a few instances, patients on these drugs have experienced second-degree sunburns, blistering, or prolonged hyperpigmentation even with minimal exposure to the sun. Knowing which drugs have this risk is the first step in taking adequate precautions.

1. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are crucial in the treatment of bacterial infections, but some have a lesser-known side effect: heightened sun sensitivity. In particular, tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline and minocycline) and fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) are known to render the skin extremely sensitive to UV light.

Research has indicated that even short sun exposure during use of these antibiotics can result in intense sunburns, blistering, and long-term skin injury. This implies that patients on these drugs have to be extremely careful when going outdoors, even on cloudy days.

2. Diuretics

Diuretics, or so-called "water pills," are commonly used for treating high blood pressure and excess fluid. Nevertheless, these drugs—particularly hydrochlorothiazide—have been associated with a higher risk of squamous cell carcinoma, the second most prevalent form of skin cancer in the United States.

Recent studies have identified that patients who take hydrochlorothiazide in the long term are more likely by far to suffer from squamous cell carcinoma because of the effect the drug has on photosensitivity. This revelation has implications for millions who are on diuretics every day for the sake of their cardiovascular conditions.

3. Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants are vital to patients who have received an organ transplant, as well as those with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Medications such as azathioprine lower the skin's natural healing response after exposure to UV light, so people are more at risk for skin cancer.

For individuals on immunosuppressants, even a few minutes of unprotected sunshine can have dangerous repercussions. The skin becomes less capable of healing from DNA damage, making the chances of getting cancerous cells greater over a period of time.

4. NSAIDs

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve), are often taken to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever. Though usually harmless for one-time use, research has indicated that long-term use might cause increased sun sensitivity.

While the exact mechanism remains under investigation, some experts believe that NSAIDs interfere with the body’s ability to repair sun-induced damage, increasing the risk of chronic skin issues and potentially even skin cancer.

How to Protect Your Skin While Taking These Medications

Although these medications are essential for treating various health conditions, taking proactive steps can help minimize their risks. Dr. Alfonsi recommends the following precautions for individuals on photosensitizing drugs:

- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 daily, even on cloudy or winter days. Reapply every two hours if you are outside.

- Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can serve as a physical barrier against damaging rays.

- Avoid peak sun hours, since the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Avoid extended exposure during these times.

- Arrange regular skin check-ups; An annual visit to a dermatologist may identify early evidence of skin damage or cancer.

Also, patients taking these medications should discuss alternatives with their physicians if sun exposure cannot be avoided. In a few instances, it may be possible to switch to another drug with less photosensitizing activity.

The connection between common medications and increased skin cancer risk is a significant yet commonly overlooked a of aspect of healthcare. Although the drugs offer invaluable benefits to millions, understanding their potential side effects is crucial for making informed decisions about sun safety.

If you are already on any of these medications, take special care to avoid the sun and talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns. With proper precautions, you can still keep your health and the long-term health of your skin as priorities.

As soon as we heat peak summer heat in India, the only thig most people look forward to are the monsoon rains. Even with untimely mid-summer rains, people breathe a sigh of relief, even if it is momentary. With the transition of summer to monsoon, people find themselves feeling relieved that their risk of heat-related issues are lesser. However, it is still a looming issue, nonetheless.

A 2024 study published in the Advancing Earth and Space Sciences, points out the increasing danger of moist heat in India, especially during monsoon breaks. It finds that the periods of dry weather during monsoon season are becoming more frequent and is exposing hundreds of millions of people to life-threatening conditions.

The report points to global warming and specific weather patterns as the main causes, which in turn are projected to have serious consequences for public health and the economy.

What is Moist Heat and Why is it a Problem?

Moist heat is a combination of high temperature and high humidity. It's especially dangerous because the high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating, which is how our bodies cool down.

The report uses the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to measure this risk. A WBGT of over 31°C is considered hazardous for physical work. This is a critical point where people working outside can suffer from heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other life-threatening conditions.

How is Heat In Monsoon An Issue

The study's most significant finding is that monsoon breaks, which are short periods without rain during the monsoon season, are surprisingly dangerous. While we often think of the monsoon as a time of cooling rain, these breaks create conditions of extreme moist heat. The report shows that monsoon breaks are a far greater threat than the hot summer months.

Widespread Danger:Between 1951 and 2020, monsoon breaks led to an increase in the area of India exposed to dangerous WBGT levels. This affected at least 670 million people.

Greater Risk Than Other Seasons: The risk of extreme moist heat during monsoon breaks is substantially higher than during other times of the year.

What Is The Reason Behind Heat In Monsoon?

The research points to two main factors behind the rise in extreme moist heat during monsoon breaks:

Global Warming

The study found a strong link between rising global temperatures and the increase in moist heat extremes in India. This suggests that global warming is making these events more frequent and intense.

Monsoon Weather Patterns

Specific weather patterns during monsoon breaks, like periods of prolonged warming and changes in air circulation, are also driving up moist heat levels. The presence of high humidity and heat during these dry spells creates a perfect storm for dangerous conditions.

How Does Heat In Monsoon Affect People?

This research has major implications for public health and policy in India, a country where a large portion of the population works in agriculture and construction.

Reduced Work Performance

The study projects that work performance in India could decline by 30-40% by the end of the century due to rising moist heat.

Economic Consequences

This drop in productivity could lead to a significant economic loss, potentially reducing India's GDP by as much as 4% and causing crop prices to rise.

Need for Policy Change

The findings emphasize the urgent need for a review of outdoor working hours and the development of new public health policies to protect workers from the growing threat of extreme moist heat.

The fight against weight gain and fat loss is something many people are fighting globally. Understanding that losing weight is more than simply being a smaller size is still foreign to many people, causing them to adopt unhealthy habits. When you lose weight, one needs to make sure they are eating appropriate foods because what you eat could have a huge impact on your health, sometimes even more than the weight itself.

Obesity is known to increase the risk of many cancers and weaken our body's ability to fight tumors. In a 2019 study obesity was linked to 4.8% of new cancers in men and 10.6% in women.

But a new study shows that not all fats are the same when it comes to this risk. The type of fat we eat can have a big impact on how tumors grow, even if a person is the same weight.

How Do Different Kinds Of Fat Affect Tumor Growth?

Researchers wanted to understand if all fats are the same when it comes to cancer risk in people with obesity. They fed mice different high-fat diets and found some surprising results.

Diets made with animal fats like lard, beef tallow, and butter made tumors grow much faster. However, diets made with plant oils like coconut, palm, and olive oil did not cause this accelerated tumor growth. What's most important is that all the mice were equally obese. This shows that the type of fat, not just being obese, is what made the difference in how the tumors grew.

How Did These Fats Affect Our Immune System?

The researchers discovered that the type of fat in the diet affects the body's immune system, specifically two types of cells: natural killer (NK) cells and CD8 T cells. These are the "killer" cells of our immune system, responsible for fighting off cancer.

• In mice fed the butter-based diet, these immune cells were less active and fewer in number inside the tumors.
• In mice fed the palm oil-based diet, these immune cells were more active and better at fighting the tumors.

This difference seems to be related to a specific fat-related molecule. The butter-based diet led to a buildup of a fatty substance called long-chain acylcarnitine in the blood. This substance acted as an "immunosuppressive metabolite"—it actively suppressed the function of the CD8 T cells, making them less effective at killing cancer cells.

Can Obesity Cause Cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute, a strong connection between excess body weight and at least 13 types of cancer has been found. The risk is highest for endometrial and esophageal cancers. For these, a person with severe obesity can have a risk that is 5 to 7 times higher than someone at a healthy weight. For other cancers, the risk for people with obesity can range from a 10% increase to double the risk.

Why Does Excess Weight Increase Cancer Risk?

Scientists have several ideas about how obesity and overweight can lead to cancer:

Extra Estrogen

Fat tissue produces more estrogen. High levels of this hormone can increase the risk of cancers like breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer.

Insulin and IGF-1

People with obesity often have higher levels of insulin and a hormone called IGF-1 in their blood. High levels of both can encourage cancer growth, especially for colorectal, thyroid, breast, and other cancers.

Chronic Inflammation

Excess body fat can cause ongoing, low-level inflammation in the body. This inflammation can directly help tumors grow.

Hormones from Fat Cells

Fat cells release hormones called adipokines. Some of these, like leptin, can promote cell growth, while others, like adiponectin, which helps protect against cancer, are less common in people with obesity.

Does Losing Weight Lower Cancer Risk?

While more research is needed, some studies suggest that losing weight can reduce the risk of certain cancers. In one large study of postmenopausal women, those who lost more than 5% of their body weight had a lower risk of obesity-related cancers, especially endometrial cancer.

Weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery) has also been shown to reduce the risk of cancer overall, especially in women. Some newer weight-loss medications have also been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.

Mental health challenges often develop gradually, not suddenly. Small changes in your energy, mood, or habits can be early warning signs that something is wrong. Recognising these signals early can help you take steps to protect your wellbeing.

1. You’re Tired Even After a “Good Night’s Sleep”

Eight hours in bed and yet you still feel like a zombie? This isn’t just about physical tiredness; it’s the emotional kind that makes everything feel heavier. To fight back, try delaying that first coffee, getting your heart pumping for a few minutes, eating balanced meals, improving your sleep hygiene, or giving cold showers a go for an instant jolt.

2. Your Inner Hermit Has Taken Over

You stop replying to texts. Plans mysteriously “don’t work out”. Suddenly, the idea of spending time with people feels like running a marathon in flip-flops. While hiding away can feel safe, it also convinces your brain you’re completely alone. Ease back in slowly: visit a cafe, a library, or a park, even if you just sit there without talking to anyone. Gentle exposure can remind your mind that the world isn’t hostile.

3. Everything and Everyone Gets On Your Nerves

Slow walkers. People chewing loudly. Someone breathing in your general direction. When tiny annoyances feel like personal attacks, it’s usually a sign your tolerance levels are shrinking. The fix? Slow down your reactions. Don’t let one irritating moment snowball into a bad day. A little pause between frustration and action can save you a lot of energy.

4. The Future Looks Like a Grey, Endless Road

When your brain starts expecting the worst, it’s a major red flag. Break the cycle by giving yourself something to look forward to, no matter how small. Book tickets for a film, plan a walk in your favourite spot, or schedule dinner with a friend. Hope often hides in the little things.

5. Your Appetite Is Playing Tricks on You

You might be inhaling biscuits like they’re air or forgetting to eat altogether because nothing feels worth the effort. Either way, it’s a disruption in basic self-care. Start by checking in with your eating patterns and, if possible, plan meals ahead. A food log can help spot changes you didn’t even realise were happening. If your appetite swings keep going, see a doctor. It could be more than stress.

6. Sleep Has Packed Its Bags and Left

Whether you’re tossing for hours, waking up in the middle of the night, or opening your eyes in the morning feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus, poor sleep is often one of the first signs your mental health is slipping. Build a solid bedtime routine, experiment with cognitive shuffling (mentally hopping between unrelated words), relax your jaw before bed, or play calming sounds to help your nervous system wind down.

7. Your Personal Care Routine Has Gone Missing

Showers? Optional. Laundry? Forget it. Brushing teeth? Tomorrow, maybe. This isn’t laziness; it’s your body’s way of signalling that your energy reserves are running low. Make the basics easier for yourself: keep floss picks on the counter, place shampoo where you can’t miss it, or keep fresh clothes within reach. Reducing the steps can make the difference between “I can’t” and “I did”.