Many of those who are diagnosed with cancer undergo chemotherapy, an experience that though, is life-saving, but causes severe pain. A new study published in the Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine found that patients undergoing chemo therapy experience severe nerve pain and that 40% of chemotherapy-treated patients develop painful peripheral neuropathy.

What happens in Peripheral Neuropathy?

The peripheral nervous system sends information to the brain and the spinal cord, also known as the central nervous system, to the rest of the body through motor nerves. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves.

Under this condition, which can result from traumatic injuries, infections, metabolic problems, or could be inherited due to exposure to toxins, people may experience stabbing, burning, or tingling pain.

The symptoms too can vary on the person and the severity of the case:

• Sensory nerves that receive sensation can be damaged, for instance the nerves that tells you about temperature, pain, vibration or touch.
• Motor nerves that control muscle movement could be damaged.
• Autoionic nerves that control functions like blood pressure, sweating, heart rate, digestion, or bladder function could be damaged too.

What Is Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when chemotherapy drugs damage nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This can disrupt normal nerve signaling, causing symptoms like:

• Tingling or numbness
• Burning or "pins and needles" sensations
• Weakness
• Loss of balance and coordination

This condition is not just temporary discomfort—it can persist for months or even years after treatment, significantly impacting a patient's quality of life.

ALSO READ: Under Treatment For Cancer, Hina Khan Opens Up About Being Diagnosed With Mucositis, A Side Effect of Chemotherapy

Who Are At Risk?

• The researchers after reviewing data from 77 studies which involved 11,000 patients across 28 countries found that those who are prescribed platinum-based and taxane chemotherapy drugs carry the highest risk of nerve pain.

Lung cancer patients too are most affected. The study showed that more than 62% who developed neuropathy, were likely due to frequent and prolonged chemo cycles.

Furthermore, the study also found that people with ovarian cancer, around 32% and lymphoma around 36% had the lowest reported risk.

But, why does this happen?

The reason is that while chemotherapy is actually designed to target cancer cells, it damages healthy cells too. These include healthy cells in nervous system. Chemotherapy kills cells that are in the process of dividing into 2 new cells. It also damages the genes inside the nucleus, which is the reason why it targets all and any cells which are in process of dividing into two. The exact mechanism behind nerve pain is however unclear, though the researchers believe that chemotherapy may alter nerve signaling in ways that could lead to chronic pain.

The Way Forward

The study highlights an urgent need for research into how chemotherapy causes nerve damage and how to prevent or manage it. Scientists are now focusing on potential therapies to protect nerves while ensuring cancer treatments remain effective.

For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, discussing potential nerve pain risks with their doctor—and exploring possible preventative measures—may help improve long-term outcomes.

When we talk about men’s health, prostate care rarely enters the conversation before the age of 50 but waiting that long might mean missing early signs of dysfunction. According to leading health experts, the prostate—a walnut-sized gland central to male reproductive health—starts undergoing subtle changes as early as your 30s. While issues like prostate enlargement and cancer are more commonly diagnosed later in life, the foundation for lifelong prostate health is laid much earlier.

So why should men under 35 be concerned? Because learning, know-how, and making a few sensible health decisions today might avoid chronic issues tomorrow.

Your prostate gland is tiny, yet its function in a man's reproductive system is important. It lies beneath the bladder and encases the urethra, the tube that carries urine as well as semen. The major functions of the prostate are:

Producing Prostatic Fluid: It is a significant fraction of semen. Prostatic fluid holds enzymes, zinc, citric acid, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), keeping the sperm alive by thinning the semen.

Regulating Urine Flow during Ejaculation: During orgasm, the prostate tightens to avoid urine entering into the semen and to facilitate ejaculation smoothly.

Regulating Hormones: Within the prostate, there is an enzyme 5-alpha-reductase that turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone affects male secondary sex characteristics such as body hair and deepening voice but also has a major role in the growth of the prostate.

Learning about these processes is key to knowing when things may be headed in the wrong direction—and that includes being able to tell different sorts of prostate disorders apart.

Prostate Enlargement vs. Prostate Cancer: What's the Difference?

One of the most prevalent misconceptions among younger men is mixing up benign prostate enlargement with prostate cancer. Dr. Sridhar Reddy Baddam, Senior Consultant Vascular and Oncointerventions at Hyderabad-based Apollo Hospital, says, "One of the key things that young men should know is the distinction between prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous, benign enlargement that usually starts developing post-30–35 years.". It can lead to symptoms like frequent urination or difficulty starting the stream, but it’s not life-threatening.”

Prostate cancer, by contrast, is a malignant growth that often shows no signs in its early stages, which makes regular screenings vital—especially if you have a family history of the condition.

The signs can overlap," continues Dr. Baddam, "which is why prevention and early detection are so important. If either condition is caught early, there are more treatment options and better results."

What is the Hormonal Connection?

Hormones, specifically testosterone, bear a profound relationship with prostate health—but not necessarily one men suspect. Dr. Virender K Sheorain, Associate Director, Medanta - The Medicity, describes the nuance, "There's widespread confusion about testosterone and prostate health. Testosterone per se is not the issue; it's how the body metabolizes it. When it metabolizes into DHT, it can affect prostate growth. That's why hormonal balance is crucial."

Men in their 30s should have hormone levels regularly checked, particularly if they're finding it hard to urinate or have decreased libido. The best part? Treatment has improved.

"One of those methods is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE), which lowers the prostate's blood supply and causes it to shrink over time," explains Dr. Sheorain. "It's a non-surgical treatment that provides symptom relief without much downtime."

Can Exercise Prevent Prostate Issues?

At your 30s, prostate health is perhaps still a distant issue—but the habits you form at this stage are important. Dr. Mousam Dey, Senior Intervention Radiologist, Fortis Hospital Kolkata, points out the increased awareness among young men, "Men in their early 30s are more becoming aware of prostate health, and that's a positive change.". Daily exercise aids in hormone regulation, the reduction of inflammation, and weight control, all of which are connected to a decreased chance of developing BPH as well as prostate cancer.

Exercise, particularly strength training and aerobics, has been associated with lower PSA levels and decreased risk of prostate issues. Inactivity, conversely, can cause hormonal disruptions that speed prostate enlargement.

Early Red Flags You Shouldn't Ignore

The majority of prostate disorders start insidiously. However, as the gland enlarges (either through benign hypertrophy or malignancy), symptoms can start to develop. Men under age 35 should be aware of:

• Frequent urination, particularly at night
• Trouble initiating or stopping the stream
• A weakened or interrupted urinary stream
• Painful ejaculation
• Hematuria or hematospermia

Although these symptoms do not necessarily signify cancer, they are worth bringing up with a urologist for early screening and prevention.

How Small Habits Support Long-Term Protection?

So what can men younger than 35 do to safeguard their prostate health today? Use this as your fundamental guide:

• Shoot for at least 30 minutes of exercise five times a week.
• Add zinc-fortified foods (such as pumpkin seeds and seafood), healthy fats, and antioxidants such as lycopene (in tomatoes).
• If you have a family history, begin PSA screenings earlier—sometimes as early as age 35.
• Stress affects hormones and the immune system, both of which influence prostate function.
• Do not smoke and avoid excessive alcohol use since both are associated with worse prostate results and increased cancer risks.

The prostate can't take center stage in the same way as the heart or brain in early adulthood, but neglecting it until midlife will cost you your long-term well-being. Today's 30-something man is juggling career, family, and health aspirations—and that means staying one step ahead of avoidable diseases such as BPH and prostate cancer. As Dr. Baddam points out, "Awareness in your 30s isn't premature—it's proactive.

Start small. Think big. And remember: Prostate health isn't about age—it's about taking responsibility for your health journey early.

It is not unknown that people worldwide are struggling with mental health issues. However, the more number of cases is a result of more people reaching out for help. However, Australia's data show something concerning, teens, especially girls are struggling.

As per a recent national survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics found nearly 2 in 5, which makes it 38.8% of individuals, between the age of 16 to 24 years old experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in the previous 12 months.

This has been higher than the last survey which was conducted in 2007. Back then, the number was at 26%.

Another recent study published in Science Direct, titled: All things being equal? Longitudinal patterns of mental disorder symptoms and associations with key social determinants in a large cohort of Australian adolescents, revealed that mental health problems were especially higher in Australian high school students. It was found that 1 in 4 high school students had mental health problems by Year 10. The study also pointed that it was severe among girls.

Tracking Teen's Mental Health

The study published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health has revealed a steady and concerning rise in mental health symptoms among Australian teenagers, particularly among girls and gender diverse youth. The research tracked more than 6,500 students from 71 schools across New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia from Year 7 (ages 12–13) to Year 10 (ages 15–16).

Mental health problems rising with age

Researchers found a significant increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress over the four years:

• Depression: 17% of students met the threshold for probable depression in Year 7, rising to 28% by Year 10.

• Psychological distress: A similar trend was observed, with 14% of students reporting high distress in Year 7, increasing to 24% by Year 10.

• Anxiety: The proportion of students experiencing moderate-to-severe anxiety grew from 16% to 24% across the same period.

Girls and gender diverse teens most affected

The study found that certain groups were disproportionately affected by poor mental health outcomes. Girls and gender diverse teens not only began with higher symptom levels in Year 7 but also saw a steeper increase in distress over time.

By Year 10:

Girls had 88% higher depression, 34% higher anxiety, and 55% higher psychological distress than boys.

Gender diverse teens had 121% higher depression, 55% higher anxiety, and 89% higher distress than their male peers.

The study also highlighted the cumulative effect of gender and socio-economic disadvantage. Girls from the least affluent families experienced especially high levels of depression and anxiety—beyond what would be expected from either factor alone.

Family income and school advantage also matter

Teens from less affluent families showed a 7% higher rate of depressive symptoms than those from wealthier households. Meanwhile, students attending schools in lower socio-economic areas reported 9% higher anxiety than those at more advantaged schools.

Broader context and comparison with past data

The findings reflect a growing global concern. Although recent national-level data is limited, a 2015 Australian study (Young Minds Matter) reported 14.4% of 12- to 17-year-olds had a mental disorder. The higher rates in the current study suggest a worsening trend across generations—a phenomenon also noted in international research.

While the exact causes are still being explored, contributing factors likely include social media use, climate anxiety, academic pressure, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Importantly, the gender gap in mental health is not unique to Australia but part of a wider global pattern.

Addressing the gender mental health divide

Reducing gender inequities in mental health requires a multilayered and systemic approach. Research points to multiple underlying causes for poorer mental health among girls and gender diverse teens, including:

• Gender-based violence
• Pressure from unrealistic beauty standards
• Hormonal changes and menstruation
• Differences in family dynamics and social expectations

Lifestyle factors such as screen time and diet

While some of these issues are recognized in the National Women’s Health Strategy, meaningful investment and policy action are still needed. Moreover, solutions must also prioritize gender diverse teens, who face even starker disparities.

Designing support with teens, not just for them

Experts stress the importance of co-designing mental health strategies with young people, especially those from priority groups like girls, gender diverse individuals, and economically disadvantaged teens. Creating culturally safe, inclusive, and affirming support systems is key to helping teens feel understood and empowered—and improving their mental health outcomes in the long run.

In recent days, questions have emerged around the sudden demise of businessman Sunjay Kapur—particularly speculation that he may have accidentally swallowed a bee during a polo match, which then triggered a fatal reaction. While such incidents are extremely rare, they are medically possible under specific conditions.

If someone is allergic to insect venom—or has an undiagnosed heart condition—the ingestion or sting of a bug like a bee can set off a chain reaction within the body. In very rare cases, this can lead to a heart attack or even sudden cardiac arrest.

What Is Kounis Syndrome?

This rare medical condition occurs when a severe allergic reaction—known as anaphylaxis—triggers heart-related complications, including heart attacks. Known as Kounis syndrome, it accounts for just 0.5% to 2% of all anaphylactic cases, making it a rare but dangerous phenomenon.

Kounis syndrome can be caused by various allergens, including insect stings, medications, certain foods, or even unfamiliar environmental triggers. In such cases, the body’s immune response kicks in with the release of histamine and other chemicals to neutralize the threat. However, this same reaction can dangerously dilate blood vessels, drop blood pressure sharply, and deprive the heart of oxygen. This creates stress, especially for those with pre-existing cardiovascular issues.

How Allergic Reactions Impact the Heart

Histamine release during a severe allergic reaction results in widened blood vessels and a sudden drop in blood pressure. When blood pressure drops too low, the heart struggles to supply oxygen-rich blood to vital organs—including itself. This oxygen deprivation can trigger abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, and may ultimately result in cardiac arrest.

In more severe cases, anaphylaxis may cause fluid leakage from the bloodstream into surrounding tissues, further lowering blood volume and blood pressure. In individuals with underlying heart conditions, it can also cause the coronary arteries to narrow, reducing the heart's oxygen supply and increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Another potential outcome is plaque rupture—a common cause of heart attacks in people with coronary artery disease. When the plaque lining the artery walls tears or erodes, it can attract blood clots, which block blood flow and damage heart tissue.

Real Cases of Bug-Induced Cardiac Events

Two real-life examples highlight how allergic reactions from insects can escalate into cardiac emergencies.

One case as reported in Indian Express, involved a 31-year-old man working on a bee farm who suffered multiple stings, unaware of his allergy. He had only 40% plaque buildup in his arteries, but the allergic reaction caused the plaque to rupture. Blood clots formed over the tear, blocking the artery, and a stent was required to reopen it.

In another case, a wasp bite triggered a similar reaction, although the patient experienced plaque erosion rather than rupture. This too led to a blockage, though less severe, and did not require a stent.

What to Do in Such Cases?

Immediate medical attention is critical in managing allergic reactions that affect the heart. Patients should be administered steroids or a high-dose adrenaline injection (epinephrine) without delay. Supplemental oxygen must be provided, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed to assess cardiac function.

While such cases are rare, they underscore the importance of recognizing allergies, especially when combined with underlying heart conditions. Prompt response can be life-saving.