Cancer is a disease that has ripped many families apart from their loved ones. Often showing less or no signs, cancer cells grow in the form of tumours, and if not detected can consume the person whole! Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide. Slowly but surely breast cancer survival rates have increased and this has given people hope with advances in breast cancer screening and early detection.

With many breast cancer awareness weeks, workshops and lectures, people are more educated on the matter and how to talk about it. In India, many women face the stigma of not speaking about the matter as it is considered shameful and degrading. The only way to battle this issue is to keep speaking about and not treating this as a ‘women’s issue’ as anyone who has breast tissue is susceptible to cancer. There are many at-home steps you can utilize to keep a check on yourself if you are worried about going to the hospital on a whim. Signs you should look for are lumps and thickened area of skin that feels different from the surrounding tissue. If your nipples look flattened or tuned inwards and there is a change in the colour of your breast skin, you must visit your healthcare professional for a check-up.

Many brave survivors have shared their stories and what they went through during the trying times. One such survivor has shared her story with us. *Sunita Rai, a 41-year-old woman from Bangalore spoke about her diagnosis and her treatment after.

How It Began

“So, I felt a lump at the end of February, around 24th, then I felt a lump at my right breast. I thought it might be an abscess or maybe mastitis or something of that sort or maybe PMS. So, I booked an appointment with my gynaecologist on the following Monday, which was the 26th of February. And her initial thought was also probably an abscess or a lump, mastitis or something of that sort because when I was breastfeeding my child about 4-5 years ago, I had some blocked ducts. So, I thought maybe something unhealthy occurred. However, she also said on physical examination, she noticed some discolouration of my skin.”

With the prompt response of her doctor's availability of the correct equipment, Sunita was able to get a sonogram and an X-ray mammogram. The results however did not put Sunita at ease, she was quickly referred to a surgical oncologist. The following days brought forth the diagnosis that the masses were carcinogenic initially with invasive ductal carcinoma, which prompted a deep biopsy, which confirmed the presence of invasive papillary carcinoma.

Family History and Genetic Tests

When there are breast cancer detections, it immediately prompts the question of whether there is a family history. Sunita’s doctors recommended these tests to her as 41 is still a very young age to get breast cancer, citing that it is more common in women above the age of 61. “He recommended that we do the genetic testing specifically for the BRCA1 and 2 gene. But we decided to go ahead and test for the entire genome mapping. We did check for my child's risk because the TP53 also has, I mean, there are multiple childhood cancers which are associated with the TP53 gene which could manifest. So, we did go ahead and get an exemption for my child and get her tested. Other than that, my parents gave it to me for testing, but the result has not yet come out. So, I did it.”

Sunita expressed that she had to take some time to explain why everyone in her immediate family needs to get tested. There was pushback, but eventually, they did send the samples. The reason why it was important for them to get tested as it may have been a new mutation, or it may have been inherited from someone in the family, “We were in touch with somebody from the Strand Life Sciences Team, who specialise in advanced genomic technologies that drive breakthroughs in clinical diagnostics, personalise treatment plans, and research. They had a very quick response, they immediately came and took the samples. They were very supportive to help us get my daughter tested and get the results for us. In fact, they went out of the way to send me the result quite late in the night because they knew that I was worried.”

How it is Going

Sunita is still fighting her cancer vigorously and keeping her spirits high. Currently, she is going through targeted therapy and radiation. Going through stage 2 cancer she is under robust monitoring, especially after the diagnosis of TP53 mutation. As a last piece of advice for the people who are still on the fence about getting diagnosed or not going to the doctors, Sunita shares, “I would say it is okay to feel all the emotions that you're feeling. It's very natural and normal to feel shocked, anger, disappointment, and also fear. Because depending on your family circumstances, if you have children especially, it becomes a big worry for you. Because a cancer diagnosis, no matter what stage you are, is quite a bit of a shock. So it's okay to feel whatever emotions you are feeling. You shouldn't feel like, oh, I have to be strong, I shouldn't cry, I shouldn't speak about what I'm feeling. I think it's better to be able to speak out what you're feeling than bottle everything up. Because that helps a lot. And it's also very important to have a very strong support system around you, whether it's your family or friends.”

*Name has been changed for anonymity

If you have noticed more and more people sneezing around you, it is because the seasons are shifting. However, what is making it worse is the global warming. Whether or not you believe it, global warming is real and it is causing climate change, and as a result, making our seasonal allergies worse.

Tree pollen kicks in during this time, and then comes grass pollen that stays through the late spring and summer. Then fall pollen such as ragweed begins in the late summer and continue into autumn.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, 25.7% of US adults were diagnosed with seasonal allergies. This means that about a quarter of the population was suffering from watery eyes, a tickly throat, and a runny nose. Pollen allergies can make it difficult for you to step out and thanks to climate change, it keeps getting worse.

How Climate Change Impacts Pollen?

Climate change alters weather patterns and it can trigger an earlier onset of pollen count that stays till late. As a result, we experience more sneezing and breathing related issues.

Paul Gabrielsen of the University of Utah writes that if you think you are living under pollen season a bit longer every year, then you are right. The seasons have started 20 days earlier and stay 10 days longer, almost a month-long increase.

However, US is not the only country where it happens. It is there everywhere.

In 2015, the World Allergy Organization which comprised 97 medical societies from around the world released a statement that warned that climate change would indeed impact the timing, duration and severity of pollen seasons.

As per biologist William Anderegg, who also works in the University of Utah, who commented on his team's research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2020, "The strong link between warmer weather and pollen seasons provides a crystal-clear example of how climate change is already affecting people's health across the US."

The Hot The Weather Is, The More Pollen Allergies Will Be

Shifts in weather can have a major impact on allergy symptoms. A sudden temperature drop often dries out the air, making it easier for pollen and mold spores to become airborne. On the other hand, a warm spell can raise humidity levels, creating conditions where both mold and pollen thrive. Wind is another key factor—strong gusts can spread allergens across long distances, worsening symptoms for sensitive individuals.

The Role of Temperature and Humidity

Temperature and humidity are two of the biggest weather-related triggers for allergies. Warm weather tends to increase pollen production as plants become more active. High humidity encourages mold growth, both outdoors and inside homes. In contrast, cooler temperatures can reduce pollen levels, and dry air makes it harder for mold to grow. By staying aware of how these conditions affect allergen levels, individuals can better manage their exposure and take preventative steps to reduce symptoms.

A surprising rise in unplanned pregnancies among women taking popular weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro has prompted global health authorities to issue a clear warning0- use effective contraception. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK has released its first public alert linking the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) with potential contraceptive failure especially among overweight users relying on oral birth control.

With more than 40 pregnancy reports associated with these medications such as semaglutide-based injectables (Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) the data has raised alarm within the international medical community. The unforeseen side effect is sparking a pressing debate regarding reproductive health, drug safety, and the unforeseen effects of "skinny jabs" that have gained immense popularity.

These drugs in question, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are members of the GLP-1 RA drug class. Initially developed to manage Type 2 diabetes, these medications simulate the GLP-1 hormone to control insulin levels, delay digestion, and curb appetite.

Mounjaro, which acts on a second hormone (GIP), extends this mechanism even further by increasing sensitivity to insulin and offering even stronger control over appetite. These actions make the drugs extremely useful as weight losers—but they also modify digestion and hormone balance, potentially disrupting the absorption and metabolism of oral contraceptives, particularly among overweight patients.

The MHRA specifically states that Mounjaro can decrease oral contraceptive efficacy, especially in the first four weeks of treatment and following any increase in dosage. This is a major concern for women who use the pill as their method of birth control when on these injections.

What Is 'Ozempic Baby' Phenomenon?

The real-world consequences are starting to become more apparent. Social media groups such as the Facebook group "I Got Pregnant on Ozempic," which had over 750 participants in the past year, are full of anecdotal accounts from women who were surprised to find that they were pregnant after using precautions. "Ozempic babies" these pregnancies are generating new publicity for a once little-discussed side effect of these treatments for weight loss.

MHRA records indicate 26 cases of pregnancy associated with Mounjaro, eight with semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy), and nine with liraglutide (Saxenda and Victoza). Although not all cases indicated whether the pregnancy was unplanned, at least two did. The trend has health officials and clinicians reassessing how contraception is counselled and controlled in conjunction with these treatments.

Contraception, Timing, and Pregnancy Risks

The MHRA and similar medical agencies now fully recommend women taking these weight-loss injections to use safe contraception—ideally combining methods. Women are asked to engage in barrier methods such as condoms alongside oral contraceptives, especially when taking Mounjaro.

In addition, these drugs are also contraindicated during pregnancy, conception, or lactation. Since there is no long-term safety information, experts advise that GLP-1 RAs may be having unforeseen effects on fetal development. The MHRA advises women to discontinue using these drugs at least two months prior to trying to conceive so that the drug has been completely cleared from the body.

Healthcare providers are also being reminded to clearly convey these warnings at the time of prescribing and to make patients fully aware of the possible reproductive consequences of these potent drugs.

The world's popularity with weight-loss injectables is on the rise, fueled partly by endorsement from celebrities, social media buzz, and increasing recognition of obesity as a disease. But that increased usage has far surpassed public awareness of the drugs' side effects—especially those related to reproductive health.

Experts caution that off-label use of such drugs, like buying them from beauty salons or internet retailers without prescription, may open more women to unregulated risks. The MHRA insists these drugs are approved to deal with certain clinical conditions and must not be used for cosmetic weight loss only.

"They are not a weight loss quick fix," the MHRA said. "They have not been evaluated as safe for use for aesthetic purposes, and improper use could have serious health consequences, particularly in pregnancy."

Serious Side Effects To Look Out For

Besides reproductive issues, GLP-1 RAs have been associated with a rare but severe complication: acute pancreatitis. The symptoms are chronic stomach pain that radiates to the back and doesn't resolve. Anyone with these symptoms should immediately consult a physician.

Prescription leaflets issued with the drugs now contain revised advice on pregnancy, contraception, and possible side effects. Both patients and healthcare professionals are asked to report any adverse effects through the MHRA's Yellow Card scheme, enabling monitoring of the safety of such widely used medicines in real-time.

Weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are changing lives by providing safe, health-approved solutions to obesity and diabetes. With great benefit, however, comes the burden of informed use. That means for women of childbearing age, it's necessary to know how such medications can affect fertility and the reliability of birth control.

If you are taking or thinking about taking GLP-1 medications, discuss with your doctor what kind of birth control is appropriate for you, and if pregnancy is in the cards, get off the drug well ahead of time.

While the potential of these drugs is great, their administration has to be based in science, safety, and full medical care—particularly when it comes to reproductive health.

Observed every year on June 5th, World Environment Day is the United Nations' flagship global campaign to raise awareness and drive action for the protection of the environment. The 2025 theme is "Restore Our Earth: Healthy Planet, Healthy People," highlighting the imperative to restore ecosystem degradation while reaffirming a key yet frequently forgotten reality: human health and well-being depend on a healthy environment.

As big-picture policies and corporate citizenship steal the spotlight, this year's campaign makes a formidable turn inward—encouraging people to look inward at how their daily actions impact the world around them and their own health. The link between environmental sustainability and physical health is no longer abstract. Climate change, plastic pollution, air and water pollution, and unsustainable consumer practices are linked directly to increasing rates of respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, hormonal imbalances, and even mental illness.

This section examines seemingly innocuous lifestyle trends—usual, daily behaviors that are quietly degrading the planet and quietly deteriorating our well-being. Through eating processed foods and relying too heavily on disposable plastics, how we keep our homes clean and drive to the office are also explored in this article in depth.

Hidden Dangers in Your Pantry

What you're eating may be hurting the planet—and your health—more than you realize. The food system is among the world's biggest greenhouse gas polluters, rainforest destroyers, and water consumers. But in addition to planetary harm, ultra-processed food, industrially farmed meat, and pesticide-treated produce also help to cause many chronic conditions.

Take red meat and processed meat diets, for instance. These have been associated with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer, and even contribute to more carbon emissions than their plant counterparts. Further, that chemically intensive agriculture that provides you with the glossy apples and slick uniform tomatoes so often often involves pesticides that might interfere with endocrine function and raise cancer risk in the long run.

Choosing organic fruits and vegetables, lowering meat consumption, and waste reduction are not only climate-conscious—life-saving actions. According to a 2022 study released in The Lancet Planetary Health, moving toward a mostly plant-based diet has the potential to decrease death by 20% while food emissions were reduced by as much as 70%.

Toxic Truths in Household Products

There's irony in the new cleanliness definition: much of the stuff we use to "disinfect" our homes is polluting our indoor air and putting toxic chemicals into our bodies. Most retail cleaning products have volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, and ammonia in them—all associated with respiratory problems, hormone disruption, and skin disorders.

Environmental research indicates that regular use of standard cleaning sprays greatly increases the risk of asthma, especially among women who clean regularly at home. Additionally, their production and disposal lead to water and soil pollution, so their environmental impact is also as perilous as their health consequences.

Shifting to environmental or homemade alternatives—such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils—not only reduces exposure to harmful chemicals but also diminishes plastic packaging loads and chemical contamination of water systems.

Expensive Cost of Fast Fashion and Overconsumption

In the era of two-day shipping and trend-based shopping, consumer behavior has accelerated—and deteriorated—than ever. The fashion sector is alone accountable for 10% of worldwide carbon emissions and is also the second-largest water user globally. Microplastics expelled in washing synthetic clothes are only one example of how the environmental impact is immense. Dyes that kill rivers in garment-making nations are another.

On the medical side, synthetic fabrics can emit endocrine-disrupting chemicals, particularly when they touch skin directly or are exposed to heat (consider activewear or underwear). In addition, fast fashion fuels labor exploitation and hazardous working conditions—drivers of worldwide public health inequalities.

Sustainable consumerism—selecting sustainable brands, wearing things for longer, repairing rather than replacing—can both cut environmental impact and exposure to toxic substances. It also facilitates improved occupational health and fairness for people involved in the supply chain.

Transport Choices

Car culture is deeply rooted in most corners of the globe, particularly in suburban US and city communities. However, each time we drive alone rather than opting for sustainable transport, we fuel air pollution, traffic jam, and greenhouse gas accumulation.

In terms of health, air pollution exposure is presently a leading risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Auto exhaust fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been linked with increased incidence of stroke, lung cancer, as well as cognitive impairment in the elderly. For children, the risk involves asthma, developmental retardation, and compromised immune system.

Walking, cycling, carpooling, or using public transport reduces not just emissions but also fits exercise into your day—reducing your risk of lifestyle diseases and building better mental health. A transition to cleaner mobility can have two benefits: it lets the planet breathe more easily and keeps your heart beating better.

Plastic, Packaging, and Endocrine Disruption

Single-use plastics are ubiquitous used to package food, water bottles, packaging, and personal care products. Convenient as they are, they are the leading cause of environmental pollution. They last for centuries before they can break down, tend to leak into oceans, and emit dangerous chemicals in the process of breaking down.

In addition to contaminating the environment, plastics also directly harm health. Chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol A) and phthalates, which are often used in plastic containers, are recognized endocrine disruptors. These may interrupt hormone development and are linked with reproductive disorders, obesity, and even enhanced cancer risk.

To protect both your health and the environment, reduce plastic consumption where possible: switch to glass containers, carry a reusable water bottle, and support brands with sustainable packaging practices.

World Environment Day reminds us that healing the planet is not only an environmental goal, it's a public health imperative. Our daily choices, magnified across homes, cities, and nations, hold huge clout. What you consume, what you wear, how you travel, and even how you wash can destroy or protect the environment and by association, your own health.

This year, let World Environment Day be more than just a moment of awareness. Let it be the start of a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle that benefits not only future generations but your own well-being today.