Why It Is Important To Engage Men In Breast Cancer Awareness

Why It Is Important To Engage Men In Breast Cancer Awareness

Updated Oct 12, 2024 | 05:30 PM IST

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Why It Is Important To Engage Men In Breast Cancer Conversation For Timely Detection

SummaryEngaging men in breast cancer awareness is crucial for early detection and support. Expanding the conversation to include men strengthens awareness, empowering them to take proactive steps for their health.

October being a breast cancer awareness month, shouldn’t be the only time when awareness or education has to be done for the masses. Due to the current Lifestyle, it is important to annulate people about diseases that are life-threatening. The prevalence of cancer has become rampant and it is high time we take charge of our health in our hands.

The word cancer, itself is so scary, it has the power to destroy you, and your loved ones and disrupt your life. Why don't we understand the disease, educate people, and create awareness to save mankind and be responsible?

It is very important to understand that humans are born with 5% predetermined genes, and we have the power to make our genes stronger and more resilient.

Inculcating the natural cosmic elements like sunshine, walking on the grass, pranayama practices in the morning, breathing exercises to improve blood circulation which will improve oxygenation levels, following a dincharya, spending time in nature, eating well-balanced nutritious meals that are creative, healing and curative, practicing yoga, walking, sleeping well, managing our stress levels will make a difference in shaping our lives. These elements when we follow in our life can keep many lifestyle diseases at bay. Just simple corrections in our lives will help us to bring out the best version of ourselves and will build our longevity, immunity, and vitality.

Traditionally it is viewed as a women’s health issue, breast cancer awareness has often excluded men, even though they can also be affected by the disease. Engaging men in breast cancer awareness is crucial, as breast cancer can affect men, albeit at lower rates than women.

By broadening the conversation to include men, we not only empower them to advocate for their health but also strengthen support systems for those affected by breast cancer which is very important as a society that we live in.

Awareness campaigns should utilize language and visuals that resonate with men. Highlighting male breast cancer cases, sharing stories of male patients, and emphasizing the importance of early detection can make the message more relatable. This helps to bring the community closer and creates a bond among them that is lacking in many aspects.

Today's social media holds great power and is available to everyone with just a click away. The generation is so dependent on technology, the internet we can surely use it to make an impact and create awareness of certain diseases.

Social media platforms can be the most effective tools for spreading awareness. Campaigns that encourage men to share their stories, post about the importance of breast cancer awareness, or participate in challenges can help reach diverse demographics.

Educational Initiatives can do wonders too providing resources that educate men about breast cancer, its symptoms, and risk factors can empower them to take proactive steps in their health care. Workshops or online webinars can be useful in disseminating this information, especially in the workspace.

Organizing events that include both men and women can foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. Charity runs, workshops, and educational seminars that involve both genders can create an inclusive atmosphere where children should be called too as they are the future of tomorrow.

"Raising cancer awareness empowers individuals with the knowledge to recognize early signs, seek timely treatment, and ultimately save lives, as it is rightly said “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE” because prevention and early detection are the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer.

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This Common Household Spice May Hinder How Medicine Reacts In Your Body

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Updated May 6, 2025 | 08:00 AM IST

This Common Household Spice May Hinder How Medicine Reacts In Your Body

SummarySpices are a common part of all households, whether it is simply salt and peppers. While there are many people who enjoy foods with good seasoning, did you know, these spices could affect the way your body reacts to certain things?

While medications are made to have a certain effect on one’s body, everyone’s body is built differently. What may work on one person may not have the same effect on others. Different eating habits, lifestyle choices and other factors can enhance or decline the effect of medication.

One such anomaly that researchers have found is a particular spice. A new study found that consuming this spice can change the way medication reacts to your body. Published in the Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences journal, researchers have found that cinnamon is a key ingredient in the way one’s body processes medicine. While some cinnamon is good for your body, a lot of it could stop your body from using certain drugs properly.

How Does Cinnamon Impact Medication In The Body?

Researchers in this study wanted to understand exactly how cinnamon and the important parts of it affect the way our bodies break down medicines. To do this, they did experiments that copied how our stomachs digest food. They looked closely at cinnamon oil and two main things it contains: cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid. The study showed that both of these things can turn on special sensors in our bodies called xenobiotic receptors. These sensors are important for controlling how we deal with drugs.

Researchers explained the activation of these receptors by excessive cinnamon intake could lead the body to eliminate some drugs too rapidly, meaning, it could make our bodies get rid of some medicines too quickly. If this happens, the medicines might not stay in our bodies long enough to do their job properly, making them less effective. So, while a little cinnamon might be good for you, using too much could actually make some of your medications not work as well as they should.

How Much Cinnamon Poses Risk?

The researchers pointed out that even though a small amount of cinnamon in your food is probably okay, using a lot of it regularly or in strong forms could be a problem. They specifically warned that cinnamon supplements, which have a much higher amount of cinnamon in them, might be more likely to cause these issues with your medicines. Because of this, the researchers strongly advise people to talk to their doctors before they start taking any cinnamon supplements or similar products to be safe.

As the popularity of cinnamon grew researchers wanted to bring this issue to the forefront. A lot of people like type 2 diabetes patients who benefit from cinnamon. According to a study published in the American Diabetes Association 2003, one three and six grans if cinnamon per day reduced the amount of serum glucose, LDL or bad cholesterol and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes, effectively lowering risk of cardiovascular diseases and other conditions linked with diabetes.

As many people become aware of the health benefits of cinnamon and start incorporating it in their diet, it is important to do more research to find out what side effects it could have and how it could potentially affect our health. While this new study gives us some important information, the researchers say we still need to do more research, especially studies with people, to really understand how cinnamon might interact with different medications.

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What Happens When You Don't Shower Everyday?

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Updated May 5, 2025 | 08:03 PM IST

What Happens When You Don't Shower Everyday?

SummaryNot showering every day can lead to a range of issues, like discolouration. Besides, it is also reflective of significant inflammation and irritation caused by a lack of personal hygiene.

Showering every day has been a matter of discussion. But you will always find someone who has gone a day or two without a shower. While it is generally not considered unhygienic, dermatologists have now raised concerns about this habit.

There are always red flags which are sent by your skin if you miss bathing. Some of you may experience scaly patches or discoloured parts. It may even start to look dirty because of hyperpigmented spots. It's not dirt, though. If you reach that point, you might want to see a dermatologist right away, who can determine if you have dermatitis neglecta.

Understanding This Condition

Dermatitis neglecta, as the name suggests, is caused by neglecting the skin. While it might look like dirt, it is just neglecting the skin. Besides discolouration, it is also reflective of significant inflammation and irritation caused by a lack of personal hygiene.

Why Does It Happen?

The answer lies in how your skin sheds. Every few weeks, all dead cells are removed. Cells slough off. Showering helps this process along, even if you don't use an exfoliant. Therefore, when you aren't showering, those cells are likely to remain on the upper layer of your skin or epidermis. If left for days, it will naturally combine with all the bacteria, sweat, oils, and grime your skin encounters. And a layer of tough buildup will begin to appear.

How Long Can It Take For A Person To Get Dermatitis Neglecta?

Dermatitis neglecta does not happen overnight or even in a couple of weeks. A 2015 study in the Journal of Dermatology explored three cases. In one of the cases, the affected individual had not cleaned a part of her body for no less than three to four months. (As a side note, the woman had gone through surgery and was worried about causing an infection in the area, which is why she stopped washing it.) Fortunately, the skin treatment for dermatitis neglecta is fairly simple. Most people can resolve skin issues that are related to dermatitis neglecta with regular cleaning and, in stubborn or severe cases, alcohol-based wipe-downs or administration of topical agents.

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Women With This Reproductive Condition Can Hit Menopause In Their 30s

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Updated May 6, 2025 | 12:00 AM IST

Women With This Reproductive Condition Can Hit Menopause In Their 30s

SummaryEven though hearing about early menopause does not raise any alarm for people, it can be a very difficult thing for a woman to go through. A new study shows that women who have this certain condition may go through early menopause.

There are many conditions that can affect a woman’s reproductive health. Certain medications or conditions that need hysterectomy can cause early menopause in women. There are many likely reasons why this happens. According to Office on Women’s Health (OASH) family history, smoking, chemotherapy or pelvic radiation or autoimmune conditions like thyroid disease and rheumatoid arthritis, could be some of the reasons why some women go through early menopause.

However, a new study shows that endometriosis could also be a reason for early menopause in women. The study published in the Human Reproduction journal found that women with endometriosis are seven times more likely to undergo surgical menopause, which involves the removal of both ovaries, compared to women without the condition. Furthermore, they are twice as likely to have this surgical procedure before the age of 40.

Women with endometriosis face a greater risk of experiencing natural menopause earlier than others. They are 1.4 times more likely to enter natural menopause before the age of 40, a stage defined as premature menopause. These women also have an elevated risk of early menopause, occurring between the ages of 40 and 44.

What Is Endometriosis?

It is a persistent condition affecting approximately one in 10 women of reproductive age in the UK. According to the NHS, it involves tissue similar to the womb lining appearing in other parts of the body. Previous research has shown a significant delay of nearly nine years in receiving an endometriosis diagnosis, potentially leading to missed treatment opportunities and irreversible organ damage due to the continued growth of this misplaced tissue.

According to the World Health Organization, 190 million women throughout the globe have endometriosis, which is roughly 10% of people. Not only does it cause pain during periods, issues in bowel movements, urination etc., but also causes bloating nausea, fatigue and mental health issues like depression, anxiety and infertility.

What Does Early Menopause Mean For Women?

It's crucial for women with endometriosis to be aware not only of the wide range of debilitating menopause symptoms they might experience earlier in life but also of the broader health risks associated with premature menopause, whether it occurs naturally or is surgically induced. These risks include cardiovascular disease and premature death.

Researchers from the study stressed the importance of understanding the causes of early or medically induced menopause to implement proactive measures for managing the associated long-term health risks.

OASH explains that women who experience menopause early may face similar symptoms and health issues as those going through regular menopause. However, some women with early or premature menopause might also have a greater chance of developing serious health problems like heart disease and weak bones (osteoporosis) because they'll live for a longer time without the protective benefits of higher estrogen levels.

They might also have more intense menopause symptoms, and there are treatments available to help manage these if they interfere with daily life. Additionally, some women may feel sad or depressed about losing their fertility early or the changes in their bodies. If these feelings, like low energy or loss of interest in enjoyable activities, last for more than a few weeks, speaking to a doctor is recommended.

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