Health and Me

Ishita Roy

How Widespread Is Thalassemia In India—And What Can Be Done?

How widespread is Thalassemia in India?

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/thalassemia">Thalassemia</a></span> and Sickle Cell Anemia are among the most common inherited single-gene disorder in the world. They affect hundreds of thousands of babies each year. It is also estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 babies born each year have severe hemoglobin disorders globally. These conditions also have a lifelong health implication. However, with awareness, testing and medical advancements, they can be managed and prevented. 

Beta Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder which is caused by a mutation in the beta globin gene. This gene is also essential for the production of normal hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Every person has two copies of the beta globin gene. 

If one of these genes is mutated, the person becomes a carrier, also known as having thalassemia minor. Carriers generally do not show any symptoms and have mild anemia, with their hemoglobin levels around 9d/dl and smaller red blood cells.

However, if both genes are mutated, the child could have thalassemia major, a severe form of disease. The symptoms usually appear around six months of age. The children suffer form chronic anemia and require lifelong, regular blood transfusion. 

Carrier detection is possible with a complete blood count and a test called High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Indicators include:

<ul><li>Low haemoglobin (~9 g/dL)</li><li>Low MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume, ~65)</li><li>HbA2 levels above 3.5%</li></ul>

Once confirmed, genetic testing can identify the specific mutation in the family, helping with future planning and prenatal testing.

<h4>What Could Be Done To Manage Thalassemia?</h4>

There are three main options that can help one manage thalassemia, which includes:

<strong>Regular Blood Transfusions and Iron Chelation Therapy</strong>

Transfusion happens every 3 to 4 weeks, which helps in maintaining hemoglobin levels and support normal growth. However, each transfusion adds iron to the body, which can then damage vital organs. Thus, iron chelation, using oral medication like Deferasirox, or injections like Desferal, which are necessary to remove the excess iron. 

<strong>Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation </strong>

Also known as bone marrow transplant, this is currently the only curative treatment. If a child has a healthy HLA-matched sibling donor, stem cells can be transplanted after destroying the patient’s defective immune system. The success rate is 85%, though complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur. Programs like Coal India’s CSR initiative support patients with financial aid up to ₹10 lakh.

This advanced treatment involves repairing or replacing the faulty gene in the patient's own stem cells. Although it is still in the early stages and is currently available abroad at a cost of around $2 million. 

India bears a high burden of beta thalassemia and sickle cell disorders. Around 3–4% of the population — approximately 35 to 45 million people — are estimated to be carriers. The prevalence is higher among certain ethnic and tribal groups (up to 17%).

Data from Maharashtra and Gujarat shows varying carrier rates between districts, with the expected rate of affected babies ranging from 0.28 to 0.39 per 1,000 births per year.

For a populous country like India, prevention is key. A National Thalassemia Control Programme can play a vital role by:

<ul><li>Promoting public awareness and encouraging voluntary carrier testing before marriage or early in pregnancy.</li><li>Offering antenatal testing (via chorionic villus sampling at 12 weeks) for couples who are both carriers.</li></ul>

In parallel, ensuring access to safe blood transfusions and affordable iron chelation for affected children is crucial to improving quality of life.

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Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia are among the most common inherited single-gene disorder in the world. They affect hundreds of thousands of babies each year. It is also estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 babies born each year have severe hemoglobin disorders globally. These conditions also have a lifelong health implication. However, with awareness, testing and medical advancements, they can be managed and prevented. What is Beta Thalassemia?Beta Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder which is caused by a mutation in the beta globin gene. This gene is also essential for the production of normal hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Every person has two copies of the beta globin gene. If one of these genes is mutated, the person becomes a carrier, also known as having thalassemia minor. Carriers generally do not show any symptoms and have mild anemia, with their hemoglobin levels around 9d/dl and smaller red blood cells.However, if both genes are mutated, the child could have thalassemia major, a severe form of disease. The symptoms usually appear around six months of age. The children suffer form chronic anemia and require lifelong, regular blood transfusion. How Is It Diagnosed?Carrier detection is possible with a complete blood count and a test called High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Indicators include:Low haemoglobin (~9 g/dL)Low MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume, ~65)HbA2 levels above 3.5%Once confirmed, genetic testing can identify the specific mutation in the family, helping with future planning and prenatal testing.What Could Be Done To Manage Thalassemia?There are three main options that can help one manage thalassemia, which includes:Regular Blood Transfusions and Iron Chelation TherapyTransfusion happens every 3 to 4 weeks, which helps in maintaining hemoglobin levels and support normal growth. However, each transfusion adds iron to the body, which can then damage vital organs. Thus, iron chelation, using oral medication like Deferasirox, or injections like Desferal, which are necessary to remove the excess iron. Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Also known as bone marrow transplant, this is currently the only curative treatment. If a child has a healthy HLA-matched sibling donor, stem cells can be transplanted after destroying the patient’s defective immune system. The success rate is 85%, though complications like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) may occur. Programs like Coal India’s CSR initiative support patients with financial aid up to ₹10 lakh.Gene TherapyThis advanced treatment involves repairing or replacing the faulty gene in the patient's own stem cells. Although it is still in the early stages and is currently available abroad at a cost of around $2 million. The Growing Burden in IndiaIndia bears a high burden of beta thalassemia and sickle cell disorders. Around 3–4% of the population — approximately 35 to 45 million people — are estimated to be carriers. The prevalence is higher among certain ethnic and tribal groups (up to 17%).Data from Maharashtra and Gujarat shows varying carrier rates between districts, with the expected rate of affected babies ranging from 0.28 to 0.39 per 1,000 births per year.Why Prevention Is Important?For a populous country like India, prevention is key. A National Thalassemia Control Programme can play a vital role by:Promoting public awareness and encouraging voluntary carrier testing before marriage or early in pregnancy.Offering antenatal testing (via chorionic villus sampling at 12 weeks) for couples who are both carriers.In parallel, ensuring access to safe blood transfusions and affordable iron chelation for affected children is crucial to improving quality of life.

how widespread is thalassemia in india—and what can be done?

Aarushi Bhadury

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Being the leading cause of death worldwide, <span>cancer</span> diagnoses can change the trajectory of a person’s life. New cancer stats reveal that an estimate of 2,041,910 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the US, and about 600,000 have been estimated to die due to the disease. As you may know, cancer is a generic term for a lot of different diseases that affect our health. A malignant <span>cancer diagnosis</span> means that there is a rapid growth in abnormal cell growth which can affect various parts of your body. 

According to the World Health Organization, cancer causes nearly 1 in 6 deaths globally and had accounted for 20 million deaths in 2020. The question remains, has the advancement in research and public education helped lower cancer cases or recognized any concerning patterns? 

New information from Cancer Research UK, looking at 50 years of health data, shows both good and bad news about cancer. On the one hand, the number of deaths from cancer has gone down by more than one-fifth, which is a positive sign. However, the number of people being told they have cancer has actually gone up by 50%, showing a worrying increase in new cases. 

<h2>More Young People Getting Cancer </h2>

One of the most concerning things we're seeing is how much more young people, under the age of 50, are getting cancer. Specifically, for those between 20 and 49 years old, cancer rates have shot up by 23% since the 1990s. Scientists are now working hard to understand why this is happening and what's causing this significant jump in cancer cases among younger individuals. Several factors are being explored as likely contributors to the rise in early-onset cancers: 

<h4>Obesity, Poor Diet, and Inactivity </h4>

These lifestyle choices are strongly linked to the increase. Research into the rise of colon cancer among young people, for instance, revealed that more than a third of those studied were obese. It has been observed that individuals developing cancer at a younger age tend to have significantly higher rates of obesity compared to those diagnosed later in life. 

The food we eat greatly affects our gut health. It's suggested that outside elements like microplastics or chemicals could be altering this balance, potentially contributing to cancer development. Experts stress how important it is to start healthy eating and exercise habits early. There's also a warning not to forget that certain drinks can be just as risky as unhealthy processed and sugary foods. 

It's interesting to note that smoking is probably not the reason for the increase in cancer among young people. Experts have actually seen a drop in cancers linked to smoking across almost all age groups. This suggests that while smoking is a known cause of cancer, its decreasing popularity means it's not behind the current rise in cases among younger generations. 

Despite more young people getting cancer, Cancer Research UK's report highlights that we are currently in a very positive time for cancer treatment. Thanks to advancements, one in two people diagnosed with cancer are now expected to live for at least 10 years. This is a huge improvement from the 1970s, when only one in four patients reached that milestone, showing great progress in saving lives. 

Cancer

Cancer diagnosis

Cancer Diagnosis Under 50s

what causes cancer

cancer in young people causes

cancer in younger generation

Being the leading cause of death worldwide, cancer diagnoses can change the trajectory of a person’s life. New cancer stats reveal that an estimate of 2,041,910 new cancer cases will be diagnosed in the US, and about 600,000 have been estimated to die due to the disease. As you may know, cancer is a generic term for a lot of different diseases that affect our health. A malignant cancer diagnosis means that there is a rapid growth in abnormal cell growth which can affect various parts of your body. According to the World Health Organization, cancer causes nearly 1 in 6 deaths globally and had accounted for 20 million deaths in 2020. The question remains, has the advancement in research and public education helped lower cancer cases or recognized any concerning patterns? New information from Cancer Research UK, looking at 50 years of health data, shows both good and bad news about cancer. On the one hand, the number of deaths from cancer has gone down by more than one-fifth, which is a positive sign. However, the number of people being told they have cancer has actually gone up by 50%, showing a worrying increase in new cases. More Young People Getting Cancer One of the most concerning things we're seeing is how much more young people, under the age of 50, are getting cancer. Specifically, for those between 20 and 49 years old, cancer rates have shot up by 23% since the 1990s. Scientists are now working hard to understand why this is happening and what's causing this significant jump in cancer cases among younger individuals. Several factors are being explored as likely contributors to the rise in early-onset cancers: Obesity, Poor Diet, and Inactivity These lifestyle choices are strongly linked to the increase. Research into the rise of colon cancer among young people, for instance, revealed that more than a third of those studied were obese. It has been observed that individuals developing cancer at a younger age tend to have significantly higher rates of obesity compared to those diagnosed later in life. Diet and the Microbiome The food we eat greatly affects our gut health. It's suggested that outside elements like microplastics or chemicals could be altering this balance, potentially contributing to cancer development. Experts stress how important it is to start healthy eating and exercise habits early. There's also a warning not to forget that certain drinks can be just as risky as unhealthy processed and sugary foods. Smoking's Declining Role It's interesting to note that smoking is probably not the reason for the increase in cancer among young people. Experts have actually seen a drop in cancers linked to smoking across almost all age groups. This suggests that while smoking is a known cause of cancer, its decreasing popularity means it's not behind the current rise in cases among younger generations. Despite more young people getting cancer, Cancer Research UK's report highlights that we are currently in a very positive time for cancer treatment. Thanks to advancements, one in two people diagnosed with cancer are now expected to live for at least 10 years. This is a huge improvement from the 1970s, when only one in four patients reached that milestone, showing great progress in saving lives.  

cancer diagnosis under 50s have been fueled by these lifestyle factors

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If you have ever had a <span>migraine</span> then you would know that it is not just a <span>headache</span>, but it comes in phases. It starts with you being sensitive to all noise, smell, and even taste, feeling a bit dizzy, and losing out on your energy. Then there is a throbbing pain, this is when you know your migraine has reached its peak. 

<h4>What Are The <span rel="noindex">Stages Of Migraine</span>?</h4>

There are four main stages of migraine, which starts from predrome, aura, headache, and then postdrome. 

This stage is like a warning stage where there may be certain physical and mental changes. These include feeling tired, excessive yawning, food cravings, changes in your mood. You may feel low or irritated. Your body feels dehydrated and you might feel thirsty, have stiffness around your neck and may pass more urine. 

This happens to a third of people with migraine, notes The Migraine Trust. There are various neurological symptoms that happens in this stage, which includes changes in sight. This means, one may see dark spots, coloured spots or sparkles, often described as stars and zigzag lines. There could also be numbness, feeling like pins and needles on your body, you may also feel weakness, dizziness, and have problems with speech and hearing. 

The Migraine Trust notes that aura is the result of wave of nerve activity that spreads over the brain, it is also known as cortical spreading depression. When this electrical wave spreads, the nerves fire in an abnormal way and this range of reversible neurological symptoms develop. 

This can last from five minutes to 60 minutes. 

As per the American Migraine Foundation, the headache phrase of a migraine attack is characterized by pain on one or both sides of the head. This phase lasts from several hours to up to three days. 

This phase can vary from person to person. While some can experience mild pain, for others it could be a debilitating pain. 

The pain, in this phase, also shifts from one side of the person's head to other. In this phase, doing everyday activity like walking, turning on the lights, or any slight change, movement, sensory actions can aggravate the pain. 

This phase is also called "migraine hangover". This happens during the end of headache phase. The American Migraine Foundation notes that not everyone experiences this phase, however, it occurs in most cases, in about 80% of people. 

In this phase, the headache could be debilitating, but then it follows with fatigue, body aches, and trouble concentrating, dizziness and sensitivity to light. While in this phase the headache is ending, however, people could still be sensitive to smells, tastes and sensory actions. 

stages of migraine

migraine

headache

what is migraine

If you have ever had a migraine then you would know that it is not just a headache, but it comes in phases. It starts with you being sensitive to all noise, smell, and even taste, feeling a bit dizzy, and losing out on your energy. Then there is a throbbing pain, this is when you know your migraine has reached its peak. What Are The Stages Of Migraine?There are four main stages of migraine, which starts from predrome, aura, headache, and then postdrome. What Do These Stages Mean?Predrome This stage is like a warning stage where there may be certain physical and mental changes. These include feeling tired, excessive yawning, food cravings, changes in your mood. You may feel low or irritated. Your body feels dehydrated and you might feel thirsty, have stiffness around your neck and may pass more urine. This can last for 24 hours.AuraThis happens to a third of people with migraine, notes The Migraine Trust. There are various neurological symptoms that happens in this stage, which includes changes in sight. This means, one may see dark spots, coloured spots or sparkles, often described as stars and zigzag lines. There could also be numbness, feeling like pins and needles on your body, you may also feel weakness, dizziness, and have problems with speech and hearing. The Migraine Trust notes that aura is the result of wave of nerve activity that spreads over the brain, it is also known as cortical spreading depression. When this electrical wave spreads, the nerves fire in an abnormal way and this range of reversible neurological symptoms develop. This can last from five minutes to 60 minutes. HeadacheAs per the American Migraine Foundation, the headache phrase of a migraine attack is characterized by pain on one or both sides of the head. This phase lasts from several hours to up to three days. This phase can vary from person to person. While some can experience mild pain, for others it could be a debilitating pain. The pain, in this phase, also shifts from one side of the person's head to other. In this phase, doing everyday activity like walking, turning on the lights, or any slight change, movement, sensory actions can aggravate the pain. PostdromeThis phase is also called "migraine hangover". This happens during the end of headache phase. The American Migraine Foundation notes that not everyone experiences this phase, however, it occurs in most cases, in about 80% of people. In this phase, the headache could be debilitating, but then it follows with fatigue, body aches, and trouble concentrating, dizziness and sensitivity to light. While in this phase the headache is ending, however, people could still be sensitive to smells, tastes and sensory actions. 

the four phases of a migraine

How VR and Gaming Aid In Brain Surgery Rehab

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Things are constantly changing and revolutionising in the health system. Thanks to technologies, there are now new ways to "heal". One such way is by indulging yourself in to the world of virtual reality and gaming, writes Dr Sathyanarayana LD, Consultant neurosurgeon at Narayana Health, Bengaluru for South First. 

He notes that many people undergo surgery to remove brain tumors, which are one of the most complex and could be life-altering conditions for someone to face. Brain tumors could be benign or malignant, however, both affects the person's speech, motor function, memory, and their ability to perform day-to-day activities. This is the reason why, post-surgery, patients may be left with impairments, including physical, cognitive, and emotional. But thanks to technological advancement in the field of health, virtual reality (VR) and gaming have become "powerful tools for neurorehabilitation". 

Dr Sathyanarayana notes that these means are not just for entertainment anymore. Since these means offer a more immersive and interactive experience, they have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and also speed up the healing process, post-surgery. 

The doctor notes that recovering from brain surgery is an intricate and lengthy journey. The brain does not return to full function immediately after the procedure; instead, it must gradually rebuild and rewire itself to regain what was lost.

This remarkable ability of the brain to reorganize and adapt, shaped by continuous learning and experience, is called neuroplasticity. It is through neuroplasticity that the brain creates new neural pathways to compensate for damaged areas and restore lost capabilities. In this complex process of rebuilding, gaming and virtual reality (VR) are emerging as powerful allies.

VR places patients in immersive, computer-generated environments that stimulate multiple senses at once—sight, sound, and even body awareness, known as proprioception. These rich sensory experiences actively engage different areas of the brain, sparking changes at the synaptic level, where neurons communicate with each other.

By simultaneously activating motor, sensory, and cognitive regions of the brain, VR encourages synaptic plasticity and broader neural reorganization. This multi-layered engagement fosters a more cohesive and efficient path to recovery, helping the brain rebuild its networks in a meaningful and impactful way.

<h4>Relearning Movement Through Virtual Play</h4>

Post-surgery, many patients face motor impairments like weakness or poor coordination. Virtual reality offers a safe and stimulating space to relearn movement through repetition and task-specific training—key elements for motor recovery.

For instance, VR games that simulate cricket—batting, catching, or goalkeeping—encourage repeated use of the shoulder, arm, and hand, helping restore motor skills. These games also adapt in difficulty and provide real-time feedback, keeping patients motivated while preventing fatigue.

Watching and participating in virtual activities also stimulates mirror neurons—cells involved in motor learning—which may strengthen communication between remaining healthy brain circuits and support recovery.

<h4>Training the Brain to Think Again</h4>

Beyond physical rehabilitation, brain surgery often impacts attention, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. Gaming and VR can simulate real-life tasks in a structured, repeatable way, challenging cognitive functions in an enjoyable format.

Games involving memory recall, puzzles, and strategic decision-making push the brain to stay active. Over time, this improves working memory, executive function, and mental sharpness—key components of cognitive healing.

<h4>Emotional Healing in a Virtual World</h4>

Recovery is not just physical or cognitive—it’s deeply emotional too. Patients may feel anxious, depressed, or lose confidence. Immersive VR experiences can provide psychological comfort by offering calming spaces or achievement-oriented challenges.

These environments give patients a chance to see their progress, rebuild self-esteem, and stay hopeful—factors that are vital for long-term motivation and adherence to recovery routines.

<h4>Why VR and Gaming Work in Neurorehab</h4>

<strong>Repetition with engagement</strong>: Games make repetitive rehab feel enjoyable, which is essential for promoting neuroplasticity.

<strong>Customized progress: </strong>VR systems offer real-time biofeedback and adaptive difficulty, ensuring that challenges remain effective and engaging without overwhelming the patient.

<strong>Affordable and scalable: </strong>Innovations from institutions like IIIT Hyderabad’s Serious Games Lab are making VR solutions accessible and low-cost, even for rural and public healthcare settings.

brain health

brain tumor

VR and gaming for brain healing

can gaming help after brain surgery

Things are constantly changing and revolutionising in the health system. Thanks to technologies, there are now new ways to "heal". One such way is by indulging yourself in to the world of virtual reality and gaming, writes Dr Sathyanarayana LD, Consultant neurosurgeon at Narayana Health, Bengaluru for South First. He notes that many people undergo surgery to remove brain tumors, which are one of the most complex and could be life-altering conditions for someone to face. Brain tumors could be benign or malignant, however, both affects the person's speech, motor function, memory, and their ability to perform day-to-day activities. This is the reason why, post-surgery, patients may be left with impairments, including physical, cognitive, and emotional. But thanks to technological advancement in the field of health, virtual reality (VR) and gaming have become "powerful tools for neurorehabilitation". Dr Sathyanarayana notes that these means are not just for entertainment anymore. Since these means offer a more immersive and interactive experience, they have the potential to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and also speed up the healing process, post-surgery. How Does It Work? Why Does It Work?The doctor notes that recovering from brain surgery is an intricate and lengthy journey. The brain does not return to full function immediately after the procedure; instead, it must gradually rebuild and rewire itself to regain what was lost.This remarkable ability of the brain to reorganize and adapt, shaped by continuous learning and experience, is called neuroplasticity. It is through neuroplasticity that the brain creates new neural pathways to compensate for damaged areas and restore lost capabilities. In this complex process of rebuilding, gaming and virtual reality (VR) are emerging as powerful allies.VR places patients in immersive, computer-generated environments that stimulate multiple senses at once—sight, sound, and even body awareness, known as proprioception. These rich sensory experiences actively engage different areas of the brain, sparking changes at the synaptic level, where neurons communicate with each other.By simultaneously activating motor, sensory, and cognitive regions of the brain, VR encourages synaptic plasticity and broader neural reorganization. This multi-layered engagement fosters a more cohesive and efficient path to recovery, helping the brain rebuild its networks in a meaningful and impactful way.Relearning Movement Through Virtual PlayPost-surgery, many patients face motor impairments like weakness or poor coordination. Virtual reality offers a safe and stimulating space to relearn movement through repetition and task-specific training—key elements for motor recovery.For instance, VR games that simulate cricket—batting, catching, or goalkeeping—encourage repeated use of the shoulder, arm, and hand, helping restore motor skills. These games also adapt in difficulty and provide real-time feedback, keeping patients motivated while preventing fatigue.Watching and participating in virtual activities also stimulates mirror neurons—cells involved in motor learning—which may strengthen communication between remaining healthy brain circuits and support recovery.Training the Brain to Think AgainBeyond physical rehabilitation, brain surgery often impacts attention, memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. Gaming and VR can simulate real-life tasks in a structured, repeatable way, challenging cognitive functions in an enjoyable format.Games involving memory recall, puzzles, and strategic decision-making push the brain to stay active. Over time, this improves working memory, executive function, and mental sharpness—key components of cognitive healing.Emotional Healing in a Virtual WorldRecovery is not just physical or cognitive—it’s deeply emotional too. Patients may feel anxious, depressed, or lose confidence. Immersive VR experiences can provide psychological comfort by offering calming spaces or achievement-oriented challenges.These environments give patients a chance to see their progress, rebuild self-esteem, and stay hopeful—factors that are vital for long-term motivation and adherence to recovery routines.Why VR and Gaming Work in NeurorehabRepetition with engagement: Games make repetitive rehab feel enjoyable, which is essential for promoting neuroplasticity.Customized progress: VR systems offer real-time biofeedback and adaptive difficulty, ensuring that challenges remain effective and engaging without overwhelming the patient.Affordable and scalable: Innovations from institutions like IIIT Hyderabad’s Serious Games Lab are making VR solutions accessible and low-cost, even for rural and public healthcare settings.

how vr and gaming aid in brain surgery rehab

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How Widespread Is Thalassemia In India—And What Can Be Done?

Quick Stories

Cancer Diagnosis Under 50s Have Been Fueled By These Lifestyle Factors

The Four Phases Of A Migraine

How VR and Gaming Aid In Brain Surgery Rehab

Health Conditions A-Z

Kids’ Tongues Show Signs Of Illness, Reveals Study

Cancer Diagnosis Under 50s Have Been Fueled By These Lifestyle Factors

The Four Phases Of A Migraine