Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Can Obesity Cause Cancer? Study Finds A Link Between This Common Cause Of Obesity In Our Diet And Increased Risk Of Cancer

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. 

<h2>How Do Different Kinds Of Fat Affect Tumor Growth? </h2>

Researchers wanted to understand if all fats are the same when it comes to <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a> risk</span> 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. 

<h2>How Did These Fats Affect Our Immune System? </h2>

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 <span>cancer</span>. 

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

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. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">Can Obesity Cause Cancer</span>? </h2>

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. 

<h2>Why Does Excess Weight Increase Cancer Risk? </h2>

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

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

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. 

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

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. 

<h2>Does Losing Weight Lower Cancer Risk? </h2>

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. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Obesity and Cancer

Can Obesity cause cancer

cancer risk

Cancer

Diet and Cancer

Increased Risk Of Cancer

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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. 

can obesity cause cancer? study finds a link between this common cause of obesity in our diet and increased risk of cancer

Attention, Brits! This Is How Much Water You Should Really Be Glugging In A Heatwave

attention, brits! this is how much water you should really be glugging in a heatwave

Depression, Suicides, Overdoses: Study Reveals The Psychological Aftermath Of US Wildfire

depression, suicides, overdoses: study reveals the psychological aftermath of us wildfire

Oxford Study Reveals 6 Common Health Conditions That Could Lead To Dementia

oxford study reveals 6 common health conditions that could lead to dementia

Nutrition

More Than 50% Of U.S. Calories Come From Ultra-Processed Foods

more than 50% of u.s. calories come from ultra-processed foods

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 <span>moist heat</span> 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. 

<h2>What is Moist Heat and Why is it a Problem? </h2>

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. 

<h2>How is Heat In Monsoon An Issue </h2>

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. 

<h2>What Is The Reason Behind Heat In Monsoon? </h2>

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

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. 

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. 

<h2>How Does Heat In Monsoon Affect People? </h2>

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. 

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

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. 

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. 

Heatstroke And Heat Illnesses

moist heat

Heatstroke and monsoon

monsoon illnesses

Heatstroke in monsoon

Seasonal Changes

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. 

are heatstroke and heat-illnesses still problems in monsoon? the answer is yes, here's how

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

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subtle symptoms may indicate to early warning signs ms, 15 years before you are diagnosed

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9 signs your skin changes could be psoriasis, according to experts

<span>Mental health</span> 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.

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.

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, <span>poor sleep</span> 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”.

mental health

fatigue

isolation

irritability

hopelessness

appetite changes

poor sleep

hygiene decline

self care

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 OverYou 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 NervesSlow 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 RoadWhen 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 YouYou 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 LeftWhether 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 MissingShowers? 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”.

7 warning signs your mental health is declining and how to respond

Common Anti-Nausea Pill May Reduce Recurrence and Death in Aggressive Breast Cancers, Study

In <span>breast cancer</span> research, the search for effective treatments is constant. At times, the most promising candidates are not newly developed drugs but existing medications whose potential benefits have remained hidden in plain sight. A recent study suggests that a pill usually prescribed to calm queasy stomachs could also be helping women live longer, particularly those battling one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

The medication in question is <span>aprepitant</span>, a drug doctors have been doling out for years to keep chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in check. But according to researchers from Monash University in Australia and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, this humble anti-nausea capsule could be pulling off an unexpected encore performance by lowering the risk of breast cancer returning and even cutting the risk of death.

<h3>How the discovery unfolded</h3>The research team did not stumble across this by accident; they went digging through an impressive amount of data. They analysed the medical records of 13,811 Norwegian women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 2008 and 2020. Every single one had undergone <span>chemotherapy</span>, and all had been prescribed something to combat its stomach-churning side effects.

When the numbers were crunched, aprepitant stood out. Women who took it had an 11 per cent lower chance of their cancer making an unwelcome comeback and a 17 per cent lower chance of dying from breast cancer over a decade. Other anti-nausea meds did not show the same life-saving magic.

<h3>The triple negative twist</h3>The story gets even more interesting when you zoom in on women with <span>triple negative breast cancer</span> (TNBC) — a subtype known for its aggression, fewer targeted treatments, and generally poorer prognosis. For this group, the benefits of aprepitant were even bigger. The study found a 34 per cent drop in recurrence and a 39 per cent drop in deaths linked to breast cancer.

Dr Aeson Chang from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, a senior author on the study, explains why this matters so much. Triple negative breast cancer does not give many treatment tools to work with. That is why finding new uses for safe, existing drugs could be a fast-track way to help patients.

Repurposing medications is not new; after all, sildenafil was once meant for chest pain before its other, more famous use took off. In this case, aprepitant has already cleared safety hurdles and been in use for years. That makes it an appealing candidate for rapid integration into cancer care, provided future research confirms its benefits.

However, more work needs to be done before prescribing rules changes. Triple negative breast cancer is notoriously tough to treat. With around 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually in Australia alone, every potential new pathway matters. Researchers would like to see more studies to confirm if aprepitant really can prevent relapse and if so, we may need to rethink anti-nausea prescribing guidelines altogether.

Currently, aprepitant is only recommended for patients whose chemotherapy carries a high risk of causing nausea and vomiting. But nausea is a common visitor for most people going through systemic treatment; up to 60 per cent experience it. The study hints that more patients could benefit from aprepitant’s unexpected bonus effect.

Dr Chang believes this opens the door to testing whether a wider rollout could improve survival rates. Aprepitant is usually taken during the first three days of chemotherapy. Now they are wondering, what if longer-term use made the benefits even bigger?

<h3>The data detectives</h3>The team’s first author, Dr Edoardo Botteri, a pharmacoepidemiologist at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, says the large, population-based approach was key. Looking at such a big group over a long period gave them the first solid evidence of this potential connection. 

Before you rush to the pharmacy, here is the reality check. This study shows an association, not absolute proof of cause and effect. More clinical trials will be needed to see if aprepitant directly influences cancer biology or if the benefit comes from another, related factor.

Still, the idea that a simple anti-nausea pill could be doing double duty is an enticing one. It is a reminder that in medicine, sometimes the best discoveries do not come from flashy new drugs but from looking again at what is already in our medicine cabinets.

If future research backs it up, doctors might start prescribing it not just to soothe stomachs but also to boost survival odds, especially for those facing the toughest breast cancer battles.

aprepitant

nausea pill

breast cancer

triple negative breast cancer

chemotherapy

cancer registry of norway

oncology

In breast cancer research, the search for effective treatments is constant. At times, the most promising candidates are not newly developed drugs but existing medications whose potential benefits have remained hidden in plain sight. A recent study suggests that a pill usually prescribed to calm queasy stomachs could also be helping women live longer, particularly those battling one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.The medication in question is aprepitant, a drug doctors have been doling out for years to keep chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in check. But according to researchers from Monash University in Australia and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, this humble anti-nausea capsule could be pulling off an unexpected encore performance by lowering the risk of breast cancer returning and even cutting the risk of death.How the discovery unfoldedThe research team did not stumble across this by accident; they went digging through an impressive amount of data. They analysed the medical records of 13,811 Norwegian women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer between 2008 and 2020. Every single one had undergone chemotherapy, and all had been prescribed something to combat its stomach-churning side effects.When the numbers were crunched, aprepitant stood out. Women who took it had an 11 per cent lower chance of their cancer making an unwelcome comeback and a 17 per cent lower chance of dying from breast cancer over a decade. Other anti-nausea meds did not show the same life-saving magic.The triple negative twistThe story gets even more interesting when you zoom in on women with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) — a subtype known for its aggression, fewer targeted treatments, and generally poorer prognosis. For this group, the benefits of aprepitant were even bigger. The study found a 34 per cent drop in recurrence and a 39 per cent drop in deaths linked to breast cancer.Dr Aeson Chang from the Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, a senior author on the study, explains why this matters so much. Triple negative breast cancer does not give many treatment tools to work with. That is why finding new uses for safe, existing drugs could be a fast-track way to help patients.A drug repurposing opportunityRepurposing medications is not new; after all, sildenafil was once meant for chest pain before its other, more famous use took off. In this case, aprepitant has already cleared safety hurdles and been in use for years. That makes it an appealing candidate for rapid integration into cancer care, provided future research confirms its benefits.However, more work needs to be done before prescribing rules changes. Triple negative breast cancer is notoriously tough to treat. With around 3,000 new cases diagnosed annually in Australia alone, every potential new pathway matters. Researchers would like to see more studies to confirm if aprepitant really can prevent relapse and if so, we may need to rethink anti-nausea prescribing guidelines altogether.Beyond the guidelinesCurrently, aprepitant is only recommended for patients whose chemotherapy carries a high risk of causing nausea and vomiting. But nausea is a common visitor for most people going through systemic treatment; up to 60 per cent experience it. The study hints that more patients could benefit from aprepitant’s unexpected bonus effect.Dr Chang believes this opens the door to testing whether a wider rollout could improve survival rates. Aprepitant is usually taken during the first three days of chemotherapy. Now they are wondering, what if longer-term use made the benefits even bigger?The data detectivesThe team’s first author, Dr Edoardo Botteri, a pharmacoepidemiologist at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, says the large, population-based approach was key. Looking at such a big group over a long period gave them the first solid evidence of this potential connection. Where next?Before you rush to the pharmacy, here is the reality check. This study shows an association, not absolute proof of cause and effect. More clinical trials will be needed to see if aprepitant directly influences cancer biology or if the benefit comes from another, related factor.Still, the idea that a simple anti-nausea pill could be doing double duty is an enticing one. It is a reminder that in medicine, sometimes the best discoveries do not come from flashy new drugs but from looking again at what is already in our medicine cabinets.If future research backs it up, doctors might start prescribing it not just to soothe stomachs but also to boost survival odds, especially for those facing the toughest breast cancer battles.

common anti-nausea pill may reduce recurrence and death in aggressive breast cancers, study

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Can Obesity Cause Cancer? Study Finds A Link Between This Common Cause Of Obesity In Our Diet And Increased Risk Of Cancer

Quick Stories

Are Heatstroke And Heat-Illnesses Still Problems In Monsoon? The Answer Is Yes, Here's How

7 Warning Signs Your Mental Health Is Declining and How to Respond

Common Anti-Nausea Pill May Reduce Recurrence and Death in Aggressive Breast Cancers, Study

Health Conditions A-Z

Are Heatstroke And Heat-Illnesses Still Problems In Monsoon? The Answer Is Yes, Here's How

7 Warning Signs Your Mental Health Is Declining and How to Respond

Can Obesity Cause Cancer? Study Finds A Link Between This Common Cause Of Obesity In Our Diet And Increased Risk Of Cancer