Low Grade Prostate Cancer Could Be Increasing Health Risks By 30%

Updated Aug 4, 2025 | 03:00 AM IST

SummaryLow-grade cancers mean an easier treatment, and better odds for people. However, new research shows that the previously thought low grade for this cancer, must be reconsidered.
Low Grade Prostate Cancer Could Be Increasing Health Risks By 30%

(Credit-Canva)

Cancers are unpredictable and can be either containable or completely wreck your health. To make cancer treatments and research better, healthcare professionals use stages and characteristics, making it easier for us to categorize and identify how far along the disease is. However, recent research has been questioning our stance on this particular cancer, saying it could be worse than what we had believed.

A recent study has found that a specific type of prostate tumor, called Grade Group one (GG1), might not be as harmless as once believed. While many doctors consider these tumors to be at low risk of spreading and recommend monitoring them, the new research suggests the true risk might be higher. In fact, the study indicates that up to 30% of these cases could be more serious than doctors think, and a closer look could save lives.

Challenge with Current Practices

For years, men diagnosed with a GG1 tumor were often told to skip immediate treatment and instead undergo "active surveillance." This means they were regularly checked with blood tests and follow-up biopsies to see if the tumor was growing.

However, researchers point out a key problem: a single biopsy might miss more aggressive cancer cells located in a different part of the prostate. This could lead to a patient being undertreated, which could have serious consequences later on if the cancer grows. The authors believe that relying on just one biopsy to decide on treatment is a flawed approach.

What Are Low-Grade Prostate Tumors?

According to a 2022 review published in the Urological Research Society, the lowest grade of prostate cancer, called ISUP Grade Group 1 (GG1), grows very slowly. Because it is so harmless, some experts have suggested that we should stop calling it "cancer" at all. This has been done before for similar low-risk tumors in the bladder and thyroid.

The review summarized that even though GG1 tumors have some characteristics of cancer, their behavior is much more like a harmless, non-cancerous growth. The authors suggest that renaming GG1 prostate cancer could have several benefits:

  • It could help prevent unnecessary treatments.
  • It would reduce a patient's fear and stress.
  • It could lower the financial costs for patients and the healthcare system.

Study's Findings

Challenging the view of previous studies, researchers sought to get a clearer understanding. To get a more accurate picture, the research team looked at data from over 300,000 men. Among those who were initially diagnosed with GG1 tumors, the team used additional factors like PSA levels and tumor size, which can be better indicators of risk.

By combining all this information, they found that a significant number of men—more than 18,000—were actually at higher risk and should have received more aggressive treatment like radiation or surgery. This data strongly suggests that as many as 30% of GG1 diagnoses might be underestimated, leaving many men without the full treatment they need.

Call for Change

The authors of the study are urging doctors to reconsider how they evaluate GG1 tumors. They emphasize that a "low grade" diagnosis from a biopsy isn't the same as a guaranteed "low risk" for the patient. They believe it's a doctor's responsibility to use all available data to accurately assess a man's individual risk. The goal is to ensure that those who need treatment get it, while still safely recommending active surveillance for the men who are truly at low risk.

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PCOS Could Be Raising Your Risk of Diabetes, Here’s The Hidden Link

Updated Sep 26, 2025 | 01:10 AM IST

SummaryPCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) affects many women, causing hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and other health challenges. While some risks are well-known, certain hidden complications may develop over time. Learn how simple daily habits and awareness can make a significant difference for women living with this common condition.
PCOS Could Be Raising Your Risk of Diabetes, Here’s The Hidden Link

Credits: Canva

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common condition marked by the development of small cysts on the ovaries. This can interfere with ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, and impact fertility. Interestingly, many individuals with PCOS also experience insulin resistance, a condition where the body produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar but cannot use it effectively.

This raises concerns about a potential connection between PCOS and diabetes. We got in touch with Dr Tripti Sharan, Director of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, explaining how PCOS may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

How PCOS Can Increase Diabetes Risk

Dr. Tripti explains that in PCOS, the ovaries do not function normally. Follicles are often stuck at different stages of development, giving the ovaries their characteristic “polycystic” appearance. However, the ovaries are not the underlying cause; they are affected by conditions like insulin resistance or hypothyroidism.

“Insulin resistance is often driven by genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors,” Dr Tripti notes. “To maintain normal blood sugar, the body produces more insulin. Excess insulin then affects the ovaries, causing them to release higher levels of male hormones. This can lead to irregular periods, acne, abnormal hair growth, and sometimes infertility.”

If these factors are left unaddressed, insulin resistance can worsen. Over time, the body struggles to regulate blood sugar effectively, potentially leading to diabetes.

Risk Factors for Diabetes in Women with PCOSPCOS is often seen as a pre-diabetic condition. Without proper management, it can progress to diabetes. Dr Tripti highlights the importance of lifestyle measures, such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and adopting a structured daily routine.

ALSO READ: PCOS Awareness Month: 5 Lifestyle Tips To Manage PCOS According To Gynecologist

PCOS is also linked to other health concerns, including high triglycerides, fatty liver, endometrial hyperplasia, and high blood pressure. Factors such as obesity, inactivity, chronic stress, high cholesterol, pregnancy, aging, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and misuse of steroids can further increase diabetes risk in women with PCOS.

Symptoms Indicating Higher Diabetes Risk

Signs that may indicate a higher risk of developing diabetes in PCOS include poor weight control, fatty liver, elevated lipid levels, and hormonal imbalances like excess androgens. These factors point to worsening insulin resistance, which significantly raises the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Tips

Dr. Tripti recommends several strategies to reduce the risk of diabetes in women with PCOS:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Engage in daily physical activity, regardless of body size
  • Manage stress effectively
  • Prioritize sufficient sleep
  • Address hormonal imbalances under medical supervision
  • Treat thyroid disorders
  • Monitor and control lipid levels to prevent cardiovascular issues
  • Ensure pregnancies are planned and screened for diabetes
Recognize that aging increases insulin resistance, making a healthy lifestyle even more important

ALSO READ: Lori Harvey Opens Up About Endometriosis Journey, Shares What Brings Her Relief

She also advises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables, especially those with skins, which have a lower glycemic load. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake are important, and regular exercise, including cardio, strength training, stretching, and relaxation practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both PCOS and diabetes risk. Additionally, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol supports overall health.

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Wellness Report: 1 In 10 Employees Sleep-Deprived, Young Workforce Faces Rising Health Risks

Updated Sep 25, 2025 | 07:05 PM IST

SummaryThe report reveals that 1 in 10 employees experience sleep disorders, cardiac conditions are no longer limited to seniors but increasingly affect those under 40, and rising obesity among young professionals is accelerating chronic health risks. These trends, the report warns, are quietly eroding productivity during India’s most economically active years.
Young Workforce Faces Rising Health Risks

Credits: Canva

In today’s hyper-connected, always-on work culture, long hours and erratic shifts are quietly eating into one of the most essential pillars of health.. A new study by Truworth Wellness, India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025: From Access to Outcomes, reveals how sleep deprivation, chronic diseases, and poor preventive care are undermining employees during their prime working years.

Sleep Deprivation: A Silent Productivity KillerThe report, based on health data from over 46,000 employees across industries, found that nearly 1 in 10 workers suffer from sleep disorders, most of them between ages 23 and 39. This lack of rest translates to 11.3 lost workdays per employee every year, costing companies an estimated ₹2.1 lakh annually, as per the study.

Chronic Conditions Striking Earlier

Cardiac issues, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are no longer diseases of old age. They are increasingly showing up in employees under 40, adding long-term pressure on both workers’ health and company healthcare costs.

Obesity and the Prevention Gap

Obesity is emerging as a ‘gateway’ condition, with 14% of employees obese, 71% of them in the 25–35 age bracket. Despite being the most vulnerable, younger employees are also least likely to undergo preventive screenings, delaying early detection of high-risk conditions.

Poor Sleep Is Leading To Poor Mental Health

The report also warns of the mental health toll of sleeplessness. Chronic fatigue, stress, and unmanaged conditions fuel declining resilience and rising emotional distress at work. As Rajesh Mundra, Founder and Executive Chairman of Truworth Wellness, notes, “Wellness can no longer be a checkbox activity, it must be embedded as a strategic business priority.”

ALSO READ: High, Low, or Normal? A Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

How Companies Can RespondTo tackle the crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends:

  • Training managers to recognize and respond to emotional distress.
  • Mental health literacy programs to reduce stigma and raise awareness.
  • Stress management and lifestyle interventions such as physical activity and psychosocial support.
The Truworth report further calls for companies to make sleep and stress the foundation of wellness strategies, adopt gender- and age-responsive health pathways, and use early-warning systems to detect risks before they escalate.

The Business Case for Better Sleep

Companies that invest in outcome-driven wellness programs already see 28% fewer sick leaves, 26% lower healthcare costs, and 11% higher revenue per employee. For every rupee spent, organizations save ₹289 in healthcare costs and ₹241 through reduced absenteeism.

A Wake-Up Call for Corporate Industries

As sleep deprivation silently chips away at productivity, Indian businesses have an opportunity to treat wellness not as an add-on but as a strategic advantage. By tackling sleep, stress, and preventive care, organizations can build healthier, more resilient, and ultimately more productive workplaces.

ALSO READ: Prediabetes: How To Spot the Silent Warning Signs Before It Turns Into Type-2 Diabetes

By moving beyond generic wellness programs and focusing on measurable outcomes, Indian organizations can turn employee health into a strategic advantage. Embedding sleep, stress management, and preventive care into workplace wellness not only improves productivity but also builds a resilient workforce. The Truworth Wellness India Workplace Wellbeing Report 2025, conducted in collaboration with People Matters, highlights these insights and provides a roadmap for companies to act before small health risks escalate into costly chronic conditions.

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High, Low, or Normal? A Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Updated Sep 25, 2025 | 05:56 PM IST

SummaryHigh blood pressure, or hypertension, affects nearly half of all U.S. adults, yet many remain unaware. Understanding your blood pressure numbers and monitoring them regularly is crucial for heart health. Learn what systolic and diastolic readings mean, the updated 2025 AHA guidelines, and how home monitoring can help track treatment effectiveness.
Simple Guide To Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Credits: Canva

Half of all American adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, yet many don’t even know it. High blood pressure occurs when blood flows through your arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. Recently, cases of high blood pressure have been rising rapidly in the U.S. and globally. As these numbers climb, regularly checking your blood pressure becomes essential.

According to the 2025 American Heart Association Statistical Update, nearly half of U.S. adults, around 122 million people, have high blood pressure, a leading preventable cause of heart disease, stroke, and early death. Shockingly, only about one in four have their condition under control. To help you stay on top of your numbers, here’s a detailed guide to understanding blood pressure.

Blood Pressure Readings ExplainedBlood pressure is written as two numbers separated by a slash, such as 120/80 mm Hg, which can be read as “120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.”

The first number, or systolic pressure, measures the force of blood against artery walls when the heart pumps.

The second number, or diastolic pressure, measures the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

ALSO READ: World Lung Day 2025: How Strong Are Your Lungs? Do These Tests To Find Out

Blood pressure naturally changes throughout the day depending on activity, stress, and other factors. A healthy reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered high when systolic readings are 130 mm Hg or higher or diastolic readings are 80 mm Hg or higher.

New Blood Pressure Guidelines by the American Heart Association

In August 2025, the AHA and ACC updated blood pressure guidelines to emphasize early intervention and personalized care. Key points include:

  • Earlier Treatment: People with a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or more are advised to start medication along with lifestyle changes.
  • Personalized Risk Assessment: Doctors may use the PREVENT™️ calculator to estimate 10-year risk of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.
  • Expanded Lab Testing: Tests such as the urine albumin:creatinine ratio help tailor treatment plans.
  • Lifestyle First: Limit sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day, maintain a healthy weight, and stay physically active.
  • Alcohol Limits: Men: 2 drinks/day; women: 1 drink/day.

Blood Pressure Monitoring

The American Heart Association recommends that everyone with high blood pressure monitor their readings at home. Home monitoring helps healthcare professionals track whether treatments are effective and can also help confirm a diagnosis of high blood pressure. However, it does not replace regular doctor visits, and you should never stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider, regardless of your home readings.

ALSO READ: This Small Mistake Can Change Your Blood Pressure Reading, According To Doctor

Home monitoring is particularly important for:

  • Anyone already diagnosed with high blood pressure.
  • People starting or adjusting high blood pressure treatments, to see if they are working.
  • Individuals who require closer monitoring, especially those with risk factors for high blood pressure or related health conditions.
High blood pressure often shows no obvious symptoms, making regular monitoring crucial. Understanding your readings is the first step in protecting your heart and overall health. Adopting healthy habits, balanced eating, regular exercise, and stress management can significantly reduce your risk. Even small, consistent changes today can lower the chances of serious complications like heart disease and stroke in the future.

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