Kidney cancer cases are rapidly increasing across the globe—and India has emerged as one of the top countries affected. The country currently ranks fourth in the world in terms of kidney cancer incidence, following China, the United States, and Russia. In 2025 alone, India reported 17,480 new cases, as per estimates by GLOBOCAN, a global cancer data agency.

What’s particularly concerning is that the disease is no longer confined to a specific demographic. Kidney cancer is now being diagnosed across all age groups, regardless of gender or lifestyle choices. Experts note that while urological cancers in general are seeing a rise, kidney cancer in particular is spreading at an alarming pace. This makes awareness and timely screening more critical than ever.

Know the Risk Factors

A range of lifestyle and environmental factors increase the risk of developing kidney cancer. Tobacco and alcohol use are among the most significant contributors. Obesity and high blood pressure—two conditions often linked with sedentary lifestyles—also play a major role.

Additionally, long-term exposure to certain chemicals such as asbestos, benzene, cadmium, and trichloroethylene can elevate the risk. People who work in industrial environments or in occupations with frequent chemical exposure should be especially cautious. Those with chronic kidney disease, patients on long-term dialysis, and individuals with a family history of kidney cancer are also more vulnerable.

Interestingly, the disease is significantly more common in developing nations, and the number of cases worldwide is expected to rise steeply by 2030.

Higher Prevalence in Men and the Aging Population

Statistically, men are affected by kidney cancer at nearly twice the rate of women, with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. While the highest number of cases occurs in individuals over the age of 70, the trend is shifting. Increasingly, younger adults in their 30s and 40s are being diagnosed, likely due to changing lifestyle patterns and environmental exposure.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Early detection of kidney cancer is often difficult because the disease rarely causes symptoms in its initial stages. However, certain signs—if persistent—should raise concern:

• Blood in the urine – Frequently mistaken for infection or dehydration.
• Constant pain in the flank area – On one or both sides of the lower back.
• Noticeable lump or swelling – In the lower back or side region.
• Unexplained fever – Triggered by substances released by the tumor.
• Appetite loss and sudden weight loss – Occurring without any lifestyle change.
• These symptoms can easily be overlooked or misattributed, which is why awareness is crucial.

The Importance of Early and Routine Screening

Most kidney cancers are discovered incidentally—often during ultrasounds or CT scans done for unrelated issues. When caught early, treatment outcomes can be significantly improved. Minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic or robotic partial nephrectomy allow surgeons to remove the tumor while preserving kidney function.

Technologies like intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) help in real-time mapping of the tumor and surrounding blood vessels during surgery, enabling safer and more precise procedures. Robotic surgery adds another layer of precision with its 3D visualization and enhanced control.

In recent years, targeted therapies and immunotherapy have revolutionized the way advanced kidney cancer is treated, offering hope for improved survival and better quality of life.

Why Screenings Should Begin at 40

Although most kidney cancers appear between the ages of 50 and 70, cellular changes can begin much earlier. That’s why regular kidney health screenings are strongly advised starting at age 40. Annual imaging tests—particularly for those with a family history or other risk factors—can detect tumors at a stage when they are still small, localized, and easier to treat.

In the face of rising cases, timely detection and increased awareness are the most effective weapons in combating kidney cancer. With medical technologies and treatment options advancing rapidly, early diagnosis could make all the difference.

As the countdown to the Axiom-4 mission proceeds, a rather groundbreaking experiment led by Burjeel Holdings in collaboration with Axiom Space is taking off — quite literally. Among the astronauts heading to the International Space Station (ISS) is Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and while his voyage marks a historic leap for India, it also opens new frontiers in diabetes research. This mission aims to address a critical question that has long limited the pool of astronaut candidates: can insulin-dependent diabetics safely travel and live in space?

Tracking Glucose in Microgravity

For the first time, astronauts on the Axiom-4 mission will take part in the "Suite Ride" experiment, which involves the use of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to track real-time blood sugar levels in microgravity. Although it's not publicly disclosed which astronaut will wear the CGMs, the implications of this experiment are universal. These astronauts will also collect blood samples in-flight to validate the CGM data, ensuring the findings are accurate and clinically useful.

Dr. Mohammad Fityan, Chief Medical Officer at Burjeel Holdings, explains the motivation behind the research, "We are trying just to see if there is any change or fluctuation to the blood-sugar levels while they are in space." The focus is on understanding how microgravity impacts glucose metabolism, insulin absorption, and hormonal responses — factors crucial to diabetes management.

Refrigerated vs. Ambient Insulin: Will It Hold Up in Space?

In addition to wearing CGMs, astronauts on the Axiom-4 mission will carry two types of insulin pens: one stored in refrigeration and the other kept at ambient temperature. These are not just symbolic inclusions but scientific test subjects. Researchers aim to observe whether the molecular integrity of insulin can be maintained in space, a challenge given the temperature fluctuations and radiation exposure on the ISS.

This is a significant development in light of current restrictions. NASA presently does not allow insulin-dependent diabetics to become astronauts, and although there is no official exclusion for non-insulin-dependent individuals, no person with diabetes has ever ventured into space. This mission could set the stage for a major policy shift.

Why Microgravity Matters for Diabetes Research and Treatment?

Life in microgravity is vastly different from life on Earth. Reduced gravitational force alters fluid dynamics, muscle mass, bone density, and cellular signaling. These changes can impact how insulin is absorbed, how glucose is metabolized, and how the body reacts to both.

Dr. Fityan notes, "We hope that if we learn something about metabolism or its effects, we can use that knowledge to help our patients on Earth." Indeed, what is discovered in orbit could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for those living with diabetes on the ground — especially those who are bedridden, paralyzed, or in otherwise low-activity environments.

What's Next? Wearables, AI Models, and New Drug Targets

Beyond space exploration, the Suite Ride study is poised to have ripple effects in terrestrial healthcare. The data collected will help:

Design wearable tech for patients with limited mobility

Develop AI-powered predictive models to forecast insulin needs

Create new drugs that enhance insulin sensitivity or mimic exercise in sedentary individuals

Remote monitoring platforms that can capture continuous metabolic data from space may one day become the gold standard in diabetes management for underserved communities and telehealth systems.

Although this isn’t the first diabetes-related experiment in space, Axiom-4 takes the research further. Astronauts on Polaris Dawn and Galactic 07 missions wore CGMs or tested insulin pens, but Axiom-4 integrates both real-time monitoring and pharmacological testing — a first.

The Polaris Dawn mission, which lasted five days in September last year, involved CGM usage but lacked molecular testing of insulin. The Galactic 07 sub-orbital mission by Virgin Galactic proved that commercially available insulin pens could be used in space, but it was a brief encounter with microgravity.

Axiom-4’s two-week long mission, therefore, is uniquely poised to yield longitudinal data critical for comprehensive understanding.

Should the Axiom-4 study succeed, it could dismantle one of space exploration’s last great medical barriers. Diabetics, particularly those reliant on insulin, have historically been excluded from astronaut programs due to the unpredictability of insulin behavior in microgravity. Proving that it is safe and manageable could redefine who gets to go to space.

Moreover, this could lead to rethinking diabetes care on Earth. As Dr. Fityan says, "It has the potential to transform the future of space travel for astronauts with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), a condition historically considered disqualifying for space missions."

Even after the astronauts return, the impact of their journey will continue. Data from CGMs, blood samples, and insulin tests will be analyzed in ground-based labs. If trends or anomalies are found, they could spark development in precision medicine — tailoring diabetes care not just for astronauts but also for aging populations, patients in intensive care, or individuals living in remote areas with limited access to healthcare.

The fusion of space tech and medicine, driven by private and public partnerships, is making personalized and planetary health one and the same.

Observed every year on June 21st, International Yoga Day is more than a holiday honoring a health practice. It emphasises the numerous benefits of yoga for personal wellness and mindfulness, urging individuals to embrace calm amidst chaos. The age-old practice of yoga can perhaps provide young minds with a means to reboot and recall inner peace.

With teen anxiety on the increase, yoga is now being hailed not only as a means of physical exercise, but also as an intervention in mental health that can assist teens to manage emotional stress.

The Mental Health Crisis Among Teens

According to Dr. Namrata Mahajan, Counselling Psychologist & Special Educator at Artemis Hospitals, teen mental health has deteriorated significantly in recent years. "Since technology and social media became a big part of everyday life, many teens now spend hours looking at perfect pictures of themselves online, which can make them feel bad about themselves and more anxious," she explains.

Increased screen time, cyberbullying and unrealistic comparisons have led to disrupted sleep patterns, mood swings, and heightened levels of anxiety. Add to that the pressures of academic achievement, extracurricular demands and college applications and you have a complex emotional landscape.

"Many teenagers find themselves losing their sense of independence and belonging due to factors like overprotective parents, peer pressure, and bullying," Dr. Mahajan adds. The need for holistic, non-invasive tools to support their mental well-being has never been more crucial.

Rima Bhandekar, Senior Psychologist, Mpower adds in and explains, "Yoga is an accessible, practical tool that complements therapy and medication, but isn’t a magic fix. Yoga provides an effective psychological support by training the minds of the teens to live in the present moment. It can promote a sense of control, as some of the techniques like breath control and stretches can be done anytime, anywhere, which reduces the feelings of helplessness in the moment that is associated with anxiety."

What Are The Underlying Psychological And Social Triggers Behind Anxiety Among Teenagers?

There has been a rise in teen anxiety and depression in India over the past decade, with a further increase during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, due to academic performance pressure, parental expectations, and competition for limited opportunities. Teen brains have become overwhelmed with increased digital interactions, reduced self-care time, and less in-person connection with others.

Ms Rima points out, "Anxious teens often get caught in a cycle of unhelpful ways of thinking, and do not know how to calm themselves down effectively. This can cause them to avoid things, get easily upset, pull away from others, or even have panic attacks. For example, they might think, “If I don’t do well in life, I’m letting my family down,” or see things in all good or all bad light, like “I’m either best in my class or worthless.” They are likely to personalize their problems, might think like, “If my loved one is unhappy, it must be solely my fault.” These thoughts increase anxiety, making teens feel trapped in a cycle of self-blame and believing that one mistake will ruin everything they worked hard for."

How Yoga Impacts The Body Biologically?

Yoga isn’t just a spiritual or philosophical endeavor; it has tangible physiological effects on stress regulation. Dr. Mahajan explains that consistent practice can regulate cortisol levels, improve heart rate variability (HRV), and enhance sleep cycles in teenagers.

"Yoga helps lower cortisol levels, which helps calm emotional turbulence. It increases HRV, indicating better resilience and heart health by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Yoga also boosts melatonin production, aiding restful sleep," she says.

These biochemical shifts translate into better emotional regulation, sharper focus, and a stronger sense of well-being for adolescents. The simplicity and accessibility of yoga make it an appealing choice for schools, homes, and community spaces.

According to Jyoti Singh, yoga expert and Founder & CEO of Sparsh Yog, yoga is a gentle but effective way to support teenagers through emotional turbulence. "When a teenager practices yoga, their body shifts from a stressed 'fight or flight' state to a relaxed 'rest and digest' mode," she explains.

This change is crucial for reducing anxiety. Yoga practices improve vagus nerve function, connecting the brain and body, and promoting emotional stability. Importantly, the practices don’t need to be complex.

Jyoti recommends, "Asanas like Balasana (Child’s Pose), Viparita Karani (Legs-Up-the-Wall), and Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) and Pranayama such as Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhramari (Bee Breath). Meditation, including mindful breathing or silent mantra chanting."

"These simple techniques bring calm, clarity, and confidence. I have seen teenagers grow emotionally stronger and more grounded through yoga," Jyoti adds.

"Yoga teaches teens to lean towards more compassion towards self and higher mental fitness, which further equips them to handle life’s challenges. Instead of reacting, teens learn to mindfully choose to act on daily living pressures by embracing uncomfortable thoughts, breathing through tough emotions, and connecting to the present moment, which builds emotional flexibility in the person. Yoga teaches to observe their anxious thoughts without labeling them, accepting them instead of suppressing or getting upset by them," says Ms Rima.

Balancing the Doshas Through Yoga

Acharya Shiv, a Yoga and Meditation expert, brings an Ayurvedic perspective to teenage anxiety. "In teens, the Pitta Dosha is dominant—symbolizing intensity, ambition, and heat. Combined with Kapha growth energy, it creates an inner fire that lacks direction," he says.

"Kapha is making them grow, that means their bones are still growing, their brain is still growing. So, in that case, I always say this to my clients and even to the students that start working on three simple pranayamas, three simple pranayamas and three postures which are extremely important for children especially and the young kids which are growing up and the youth," adds Acharya.

Yoga Asanas Effective For Teenagers

Acharya Shiv emphasizes the importance of targeted yoga routines for teens to regulate this internal imbalance. He recommends three asanas:

Veer Bhadrasana (Warrior Pose) – "It stills the body, stabilizes the heart rate, and grounds mental energy."

Balasana (Child’s Pose) – "Encourages blood flow to the brain, inducing relaxation and releasing negativity."

Matsyendra Asana (Half Lord of the Fishes Pose) – "A twisting pose that supports digestive health and the Manipura Chakra, helping teens tap into their intuition."

For pranayama, he advises:

Nadi Shodhan (Alternate Nostril Breathing) to balance the nervous system

Bhramari (Bee Breath) to quiet racing thoughts

Om Chanting for emotional purification and self-expression

"Om chanting alone can improve serotonin levels, lower cortisol, and ease anxiety-induced stuttering. It builds confidence and self-awareness," he adds.

Yoga is more than just stretching or deep breathing, it cultivates emotional literacy, helping teens identify, understand, and manage their feelings. Regular practice encourages mindfulness, fosters a sense of self-compassion, and creates a safe mental space where teens can reflect without judgment.

Yoga teaches adolescents to pause before reacting, an essential skill in emotionally charged situations. It improves attention span, reduces impulsivity, and helps young people navigate both internal and external challenges with greater poise.

Acharya Shiv emphasizes, "Teenage kids will be able to express themselves a lot better if they learn to inculcate yoga in their daily routine. I get a lot of patients who come with a problem of stuttering, children come with a problem of stuttering because they were facing anxiety. Now the moment they start doing 10-15 rounds of Om chanting, they see a huge difference in their thinking process you can say and also they could express themselves better because they were loudly chanting Om."

How Schools and Parents Can Integrate Yoga Into Teens' Lives?

Given its proven benefits, schools and parents have a vital role to play in making yoga more accessible. Morning yoga sessions, after-school yoga clubs, and even five-minute breathing breaks during class can make a profound difference.

Parents can encourage short, home-based practices, perhaps joining in themselves to model behavior. Apps, guided videos, and local community centers also offer free or low-cost ways to start.

Creating non-competitive, judgment-free yoga spaces where teens can simply show up and be present without fear of performance or appearance tanyais key to long-term engagement.

As teen anxiety continues to rise globally, yoga stands out not only as a therapeutic tool but also as a preventive practice. Unlike medication or therapy, which may come with stigma or side effects, yoga offers a natural, empowering, and holistic path to emotional stability.

On this International Yoga Day, we are reminded that some of the oldest solutions remain the most effective. For teens drowning in a sea of stress, yoga may just be the anchor they need.

Yoga can help teens who are getting more anxious. Yoga helps relax the nervous system, lower stress chemicals like cortisol, and make you stronger emotionally by focusing on breathing, moving, and being present. Yoga provides a calm place for adolescents to reset when they are feeling overwhelmed by schoolwork, social media, or their own feelings. This mind body exercise promotes equilibrium over time, not just in your body but also in your thoughts.

Researchers might have discovered a unexpected ally in the battle against Alzheimer's disease—spearheading cholesterol-reducing medications. Recent studies indicate that medications such as statins, which have been prescribed over many years to forestall heart attacks and strokes, might also confer significant protection against mental decline.

A paper in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry has found that those with low levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C) not only have fewer cardiac risks but also have a significantly lower risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. The presence of statins in those with low LDL-C levels further increased this benefit.

These results, coupled with corroborating evidence from U.S.-based scientists, pave the way to rethink how we keep cardiovascular health in line—now with consideration of the brain.

How Cholesterol Affects Brain Health?

Statins are among the most prescribed medications worldwide, with 7–8 million individuals in the UK alone taking them to avoid cardiovascular events. The drugs act by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called "bad cholesterol," which can block arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes.

A more in-depth look at population-level health information from South Korea, on over 570,000 people, added a fascinating new twist: the lowest LDL-C group—below 1.8 mmol/L—were 26% less likely to have dementia and 28% less likely to have Alzheimer's than the group with LDL-C of more than 3.4 mmol/L.

Additionally, statin users with low levels of LDL-C had a further 13% lower risk of dementia and 12% lower risk of Alzheimer's than non-users.

"These results highlight the significance of LDL-C management not only in preventing heart disease but as a key component of an anticipatory approach to neurodegenerative disease prevention," researchers stated in their study. "Targeted statin prescriptions that aim at optimal levels of LDL-C could maximize cardiovascular as well as cognitive benefit."

Relationship Between Brain Function and Blood Lipids

Yet another study, this one from the Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio, supports the notion that the relationship between brain and cholesterol is real—but not necessarily simple.

Dr. Sokratis Charisis, a neurologist and senior researcher, examined data from the landmark Framingham Heart Study and reaffirmed that high levels of LDL are causally linked with cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Though, the information pulled a surprise in regard to HDL—often called "good cholesterol." Long hailed for its cardio-protective qualities, low levels of HDL were found to be associated with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease, indicating a more nuanced biological interaction between cholesterol subtypes and cognitive impairment.

"It speaks to the fact that this relationship may not be as straightforward as we believe," said Dr. Charisis. "There may be completely different mechanisms linking blood lipids to brain health as opposed to cardiovascular health."

What Really Affects Alzheimer's Risk?

Charisis also pointed out a third lipid marker—ApoB48, a lipoprotein that carries dietary fats in the blood. Though not usually tested as part of regular cholesterol checks, higher levels of ApoB48 were associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's, suggesting unforeseen levels of biological interplay between the diet, lipid metabolism, and brain deterioration.

"This finding is especially noteworthy," said Charisis, "because it potentially could be used to help identify a new biomarker that can ultimately inform predictive diagnostics and personalized treatment strategies."

The significance of this developing research is immense. As of 2019, an estimated 57.4 million individuals globally were affected by dementia, a figure that is predicted to increase more than twice over—that is, 152 million by the year 2050, according to international health organizations.

As Alzheimer's disease is responsible for most cases of dementia and there is no cure yet, prevention and early treatment are more essential than ever. Changes in lifestyle, reduction of cardiovascular risk, and now control of lipids could be the cornerstones of a multi-faceted approach to neurodegeneration.

While statins have traditionally been seen from the perspective of heart health, this new evidence indicates they might also be repurposed or more targeted in their prescribing for brain health, particularly among aging adults.

Yet the results also highlight the importance of individualization. What is good for one brain may not be equally useful for another, especially when age and cholesterol levels are considered. "Perhaps it will be crucial to have dynamic cholesterol targets depending on the patient's age, health status, and genetic profile," Charisis said.

This opens up the possibility of more individualized treatment regimens—not only prescribing statins by cardiac risk, but also including cognitive health evaluations in the decision-making process.

For the time being, specialists continue to recommend regular monitoring of cholesterol levels and early treatment of cardiovascular risk factors. Although you shouldn't start statin therapy just to minimize dementia risk without a doctor's advice, having a healthy LDL-C value is a definite boon to both heart and brain.

Individuals worried about cognitive impairment—particularly those with a family history of Alzheimer's—are advised to:

• Monitor their lipid profiles on a regular basis
• Consult with a healthcare provider regarding cholesterol-lowering therapies

Adopt habits of lifestyle that foster both cardiovascular and cognitive health: exercise, a Mediterranean diet, managing stress, and sleep