(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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
ALSO READ: This Small Mistake Can Change Your Blood Pressure Reading, According To Doctor
Home monitoring is particularly important for:
© 2024 Bennett, Coleman & Company Limited