Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Lung Cancer Is Not Just a Smoker’s Disease; Here is What is Putting You at Risk

Credits: Canva

It is true that <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/lung-cancer">lung cancer</a></span> is commonly seen among smokers. About 85 per cent of all lung cancers are directly related to tobacco use, especially smoking. However, nearly 10–20 per cent of lung cancers each year occur in people who have never smoked or who have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.

It is also the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Even if you have never smoked in your life, there is a possibility that you may still get lung cancer. While smoking has traditionally been seen as the leading culprit, other risk factors are increasingly being recognised.

<strong>Pollution, Family History and Hidden Risks</strong>

“We have seen that there are many other factors which may lead to the development of lung cancers. The most important ones are <span>air pollution</span>, especially in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent," says Dr Kamran Ali, Principal Consultant, Lung Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. He explains that pollutants from vehicles and industry, such as benzene and heavy metals, can contribute to lung cancer risk.

Long-term exposure to polluted air may cause persistent inflammation in the lungs, weakening the immune system and making it easier for cancer cells to grow. He warns about exposure to <span>radon gas</span>, which is found in soil and can sometimes creep into homes.

Long-term exposure to second-hand smoking or third-hand smoking also increases risk, says Dr Ali, pointing out that many people underestimate these dangers. He adds that genetic susceptibility also plays a role: "If your parents have lung cancer or your sibling has lung cancer, it does increase the risk of lung cancer for you as well.”

He also explains a lesser-known cancer, saying, “There is a separate intake entity called mesothelioma which arises from the surface of the lung. It is not from the lung itself. It is from the surface of it which is associated with asbestos.” Although asbestos is now banned, it was previously used in roofing and packaging industries. Dr Ali cautions against exposure to other heavy metals like chromium.

<strong>How Non-Smoker Lung Cancer Differs</strong>

Non-smoker lung cancers are slightly different from smokers’ lung cancers. “Classically, non-smokers’ lung cancer is usually an <span>adenocarcinoma</span>, which is found in the outer third of the lung surface,” he explains, adding that it often presents more vaguely than smoking-related cancers: “It also presents as a vague or a diffuse involvement of the lung rather than like a nodule or a mass.”

Dr Ali says it is typically slow-growing and less likely to spread to other parts of the body compared to lung cancer in smokers.

<strong>Watch for the Silent Signs</strong>

So lung cancer is a silent killer. If you have symptoms like a cough that worsens over time or a cough that does not go away, blood while you cough, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you need to consult your local <span>thoracic surgeon</span>. The expert stresses that <span>early detection</span> is critical for effective treatment.

<strong>Prevention Starts with Awareness</strong>

To lower your risk, Dr Ali shares these preventive measures:

<ul><li>Refrain from venturing out of your house when the air pollution level is in a severe state outside.</li><li>If necessary to go outside, use an N95 mask in polluted areas.</li><li>You should use air purifiers indoors to filter out harmful particles.</li><li>Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.</li><li>Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.</li><li>You can practise some appropriate breathing exercises to enhance your lung function.</li><li>If you have a strong family history of lung cancer, you must meet a thoracic surgeon or oncologist to get yourself evaluated.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

lung cancer

non smokers

air pollution

second hand smoke

adenocarcinoma

early detection

thoracic surgeon

radon gas

asbestos exposure

genetic risk

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It is true that lung cancer is commonly seen among smokers. About 85 per cent of all lung cancers are directly related to tobacco use, especially smoking. However, nearly 10–20 per cent of lung cancers each year occur in people who have never smoked or who have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime.It is also the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Even if you have never smoked in your life, there is a possibility that you may still get lung cancer. While smoking has traditionally been seen as the leading culprit, other risk factors are increasingly being recognised.Pollution, Family History and Hidden Risks“We have seen that there are many other factors which may lead to the development of lung cancers. The most important ones are air pollution, especially in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent," says Dr Kamran Ali, Principal Consultant, Lung Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. He explains that pollutants from vehicles and industry, such as benzene and heavy metals, can contribute to lung cancer risk.Long-term exposure to polluted air may cause persistent inflammation in the lungs, weakening the immune system and making it easier for cancer cells to grow. He warns about exposure to radon gas, which is found in soil and can sometimes creep into homes.Long-term exposure to second-hand smoking or third-hand smoking also increases risk, says Dr Ali, pointing out that many people underestimate these dangers. He adds that genetic susceptibility also plays a role: "If your parents have lung cancer or your sibling has lung cancer, it does increase the risk of lung cancer for you as well.”He also explains a lesser-known cancer, saying, “There is a separate intake entity called mesothelioma which arises from the surface of the lung. It is not from the lung itself. It is from the surface of it which is associated with asbestos.” Although asbestos is now banned, it was previously used in roofing and packaging industries. Dr Ali cautions against exposure to other heavy metals like chromium.How Non-Smoker Lung Cancer DiffersNon-smoker lung cancers are slightly different from smokers’ lung cancers. “Classically, non-smokers’ lung cancer is usually an adenocarcinoma, which is found in the outer third of the lung surface,” he explains, adding that it often presents more vaguely than smoking-related cancers: “It also presents as a vague or a diffuse involvement of the lung rather than like a nodule or a mass.”Dr Ali says it is typically slow-growing and less likely to spread to other parts of the body compared to lung cancer in smokers.Watch for the Silent SignsSo lung cancer is a silent killer. If you have symptoms like a cough that worsens over time or a cough that does not go away, blood while you cough, unexplained weight loss, shortness of breath, or chest pain, you need to consult your local thoracic surgeon. The expert stresses that early detection is critical for effective treatment.Prevention Starts with AwarenessTo lower your risk, Dr Ali shares these preventive measures:Refrain from venturing out of your house when the air pollution level is in a severe state outside.If necessary to go outside, use an N95 mask in polluted areas.You should use air purifiers indoors to filter out harmful particles.Incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated.You can practise some appropriate breathing exercises to enhance your lung function.If you have a strong family history of lung cancer, you must meet a thoracic surgeon or oncologist to get yourself evaluated.

lung cancer is not just a smoker’s disease; here is what is putting you at risk

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These 10 US Cities Are The Most Stressed In 2025

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Top 10 Most Stressed and Least Stressed Cities in the US

Stress in America isn’t just about inflation or economic outlooks. It’s also about where you live. That’s the takeaway from a recent deep-dive by WalletHub, which ranked 182 U.S. cities from most to least stressed. And the results reveal more than just financial anxiety — they uncover a deeper story of how work culture, public safety, healthcare access, and family strain can weigh heavily on the <span>mental health</span> of entire communities.

Before we name the cities topping the stress charts, it’s worth understanding what WalletHub actually measured. The study broke stress down into four key categories:

Work-Related Stress: Based on metrics like unemployment, underemployment, hours worked, and commute times.

Financial Stress: Includes median credit scores, personal debt, poverty, and the cost of living.

Family Stress: Measured by child care affordability, separation/divorce rates, and emotional support networks.

Health &amp; Safety Stress: Factored in mental health stats, suicide rates, access to healthcare, and crime levels.

Each of these categories carries its own weight — literally and figuratively — and when they pile up in one area, the pressure cooker effect kicks in.

<h2>Top 10 Most Stressed Cities in the US</h2>

<table class="redcator-table-advance"> <thead> <tr> <th>Rank</th> <th>City</th> <th>State</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>1</td> <td>Detroit</td> <td>Michigan (MI)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>2</td> <td>Cleveland</td> <td>Ohio (OH)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>3</td> <td>Baltimore</td> <td>Maryland (MD)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>4</td> <td>Gulfport</td> <td>Mississippi (MS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>5</td> <td>Memphis</td> <td>Tennessee (TN)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>6</td> <td>Shreveport</td> <td>Louisiana (LA)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7</td> <td>Philadelphia</td> <td>Pennsylvania (PA)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>8</td> <td>Toledo</td> <td>Ohio (OH)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>9</td> <td>Birmingham</td> <td>Alabama (AL)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>10</td> <td>Jackson</td> <td>Mississippi (MS)</td> </tr> </tbody><tbody></tbody></table><em>Source: WalletHub, 2025</em>

<h2>Top 10 Least Stressed Cities in the US</h2>

<table class="redcator-table-advance"> <thead> <tr> <th>Rank</th> <th>City</th> <th>State</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>182</td> <td>South Burlington</td> <td>Vermont (VT)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>181</td> <td>Fremont</td> <td>California (CA)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>180</td> <td>Sioux Falls</td> <td>South Dakota (SD)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>179</td> <td>Irvine</td> <td>California (CA)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>178</td> <td>Burlington</td> <td>Vermont (VT)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>177</td> <td>Fargo</td> <td>North Dakota (ND)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>176</td> <td>Bismarck</td> <td>North Dakota (ND)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>175</td> <td>Lincoln</td> <td>Nebraska (NE)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>174</td> <td>Overland Park</td> <td>Kansas (KS)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>173</td> <td>Boise</td> <td>Idaho (ID)</td> </tr> </tbody><tbody></tbody></table><em>Source: WalletHub, 2025</em>

Detroit tops the list, driven by high poverty rates, low credit scores, and elevated crime. Cleveland isn’t far behind, sharing many of the same economic stressors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, both cities have unemployment rates that regularly exceed the national average. Add in high foreclosure and personal bankruptcy rates, and it’s easy to see why financial pressure is sky-high here.

Baltimore and Philadelphia deal with a trifecta: public safety concerns, overburdened health systems, and economic disparity. The CDC reports that these cities have above-average rates of depression and chronic illness, compounding stress and making day-to-day survival more exhausting for residents.

<h4>3. Mississippi’s Hot Spots: Gulfport and Jackson</h4>

Mississippi may be known for its southern charm, but WalletHub’s data shows a much more complex reality. Gulfport ranked No. 1 nationwide for family stress, pointing to challenges in childcare access, marital strain, and emotional support systems. Meanwhile, Jackson is struggling with deep-rooted financial stress — including one of the country’s lowest median credit scores and one of the highest poverty rates. It’s a dual crisis of emotional and economic strain.

<h4>4. Memphis, Shreveport, Birmingham, and Toledo</h4>

Each of these cities faces unique challenges, but they share a few critical problems: aging infrastructure, low healthcare affordability, and weak job markets. Memphis, for instance, has long battled with healthcare access, while Shreveport struggles with crime and limited public health resources.

In a 2025 CNBC/SurveyMonkey survey, 73% of Americans reported being financially stressed — citing rising grocery bills, stagnant wages, and debt as top culprits. And these aren’t just numbers. According to Marist University’s Joanne Gavin, food prices alone have jumped 23.6% since 2020, squeezing families who are already living paycheck to paycheck.

These financial pressures bleed into every part of life — affecting relationships, physical health, and the ability to make long-term decisions. In cities already buckling under the weight of poverty or high unemployment, this becomes a generational issue.

<h2>How Health and Safety Are Crucial Stress Marker?</h2>

WalletHub considered mental and physical health to be core dimensions of stress. Cities with higher rates of depression, chronic illness, and untreated medical issues ranked worse — and for good reason. When adults can’t afford routine care, or when emergency rooms are overrun, people stop seeking help. That erodes mental resilience over time.

In cities like Jackson, Baltimore, and Detroit, public health infrastructure simply can’t keep up. And that lack of care is showing up in everything from increased suicide rates to binge drinking.

<h2>Why Family Stress Is The Silent Strain?</h2>

Childcare, divorce rates, and lack of emotional support all played into WalletHub’s rankings — and here’s where cities like Gulfport really stood out (for the wrong reasons). Ranked #1 in the nation for family stress, Gulfport’s issues go beyond money. Limited access to childcare workers, high divorce rates, and fewer emotional support systems are leaving parents and caregivers feeling isolated and burnt out.

Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned in a recent statement that parental stress directly impacts children. When caregivers feel unsupported or overwhelmed, kids experience those stressors in both direct and indirect ways — shaping mental health outcomes well into adulthood.

<h2>What This Means for Mental Health Policy?</h2>

These rankings aren’t just trivia. They’re a wake-up call for cities, state leaders, and public health officials. Mental health isn’t solved with therapy alone — it’s shaped by your zip code, your grocery bills, your commute time, and how safe you feel walking down the street.

“Where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public health and congested transportation systems naturally lead to elevated stress levels.”

As policymakers look to improve mental wellness nationwide, this data should be front and center.

While some stress is unavoidable, much of it is systemic. Where you live affects your stress levels as much as — if not more than — your personal choices. As this study shows, urban planning, healthcare investment, and family support systems all have a role to play in building more resilient communities.

And for now, cities like Detroit, Gulfport, and Jackson are calling for help — not just from their residents, but from a national system that must catch up to their needs.

mental health

most stressed us cities

stress rankings

stress in cleveland

stress levels in detroit

urban stress america

mental health us cities

city stress statistics

Stress in America isn’t just about inflation or economic outlooks. It’s also about where you live. That’s the takeaway from a recent deep-dive by WalletHub, which ranked 182 U.S. cities from most to least stressed. And the results reveal more than just financial anxiety — they uncover a deeper story of how work culture, public safety, healthcare access, and family strain can weigh heavily on the mental health of entire communities.  Before we name the cities topping the stress charts, it’s worth understanding what WalletHub actually measured. The study broke stress down into four key categories:Work-Related Stress: Based on metrics like unemployment, underemployment, hours worked, and commute times.Financial Stress: Includes median credit scores, personal debt, poverty, and the cost of living.Family Stress: Measured by child care affordability, separation/divorce rates, and emotional support networks.Health & Safety Stress: Factored in mental health stats, suicide rates, access to healthcare, and crime levels.Each of these categories carries its own weight — literally and figuratively — and when they pile up in one area, the pressure cooker effect kicks in.Top 10 Most Stressed Cities in the US   Rank City State     1 Detroit Michigan (MI)   2 Cleveland Ohio (OH)   3 Baltimore Maryland (MD)   4 Gulfport Mississippi (MS)   5 Memphis Tennessee (TN)   6 Shreveport Louisiana (LA)   7 Philadelphia Pennsylvania (PA)   8 Toledo Ohio (OH)   9 Birmingham Alabama (AL)   10 Jackson Mississippi (MS)  Source: WalletHub, 2025Top 10 Least Stressed Cities in the US   Rank City State     182 South Burlington Vermont (VT)   181 Fremont California (CA)   180 Sioux Falls South Dakota (SD)   179 Irvine California (CA)   178 Burlington Vermont (VT)   177 Fargo North Dakota (ND)   176 Bismarck North Dakota (ND)   175 Lincoln Nebraska (NE)   174 Overland Park Kansas (KS)   173 Boise Idaho (ID)  Source: WalletHub, 2025What’s Fueling the Stress?1. Detroit and ClevelandDetroit tops the list, driven by high poverty rates, low credit scores, and elevated crime. Cleveland isn’t far behind, sharing many of the same economic stressors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, both cities have unemployment rates that regularly exceed the national average. Add in high foreclosure and personal bankruptcy rates, and it’s easy to see why financial pressure is sky-high here.2. Baltimore and PhiladelphiaBaltimore and Philadelphia deal with a trifecta: public safety concerns, overburdened health systems, and economic disparity. The CDC reports that these cities have above-average rates of depression and chronic illness, compounding stress and making day-to-day survival more exhausting for residents.3. Mississippi’s Hot Spots: Gulfport and JacksonMississippi may be known for its southern charm, but WalletHub’s data shows a much more complex reality. Gulfport ranked No. 1 nationwide for family stress, pointing to challenges in childcare access, marital strain, and emotional support systems. Meanwhile, Jackson is struggling with deep-rooted financial stress — including one of the country’s lowest median credit scores and one of the highest poverty rates. It’s a dual crisis of emotional and economic strain.4. Memphis, Shreveport, Birmingham, and ToledoEach of these cities faces unique challenges, but they share a few critical problems: aging infrastructure, low healthcare affordability, and weak job markets. Memphis, for instance, has long battled with healthcare access, while Shreveport struggles with crime and limited public health resources.Hidden Cost of Financial StressIn a 2025 CNBC/SurveyMonkey survey, 73% of Americans reported being financially stressed — citing rising grocery bills, stagnant wages, and debt as top culprits. And these aren’t just numbers. According to Marist University’s Joanne Gavin, food prices alone have jumped 23.6% since 2020, squeezing families who are already living paycheck to paycheck.These financial pressures bleed into every part of life — affecting relationships, physical health, and the ability to make long-term decisions. In cities already buckling under the weight of poverty or high unemployment, this becomes a generational issue.How Health and Safety Are Crucial Stress Marker?WalletHub considered mental and physical health to be core dimensions of stress. Cities with higher rates of depression, chronic illness, and untreated medical issues ranked worse — and for good reason. When adults can’t afford routine care, or when emergency rooms are overrun, people stop seeking help. That erodes mental resilience over time.In cities like Jackson, Baltimore, and Detroit, public health infrastructure simply can’t keep up. And that lack of care is showing up in everything from increased suicide rates to binge drinking.Why Family Stress Is The Silent Strain?Childcare, divorce rates, and lack of emotional support all played into WalletHub’s rankings — and here’s where cities like Gulfport really stood out (for the wrong reasons). Ranked #1 in the nation for family stress, Gulfport’s issues go beyond money. Limited access to childcare workers, high divorce rates, and fewer emotional support systems are leaving parents and caregivers feeling isolated and burnt out.Former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned in a recent statement that parental stress directly impacts children. When caregivers feel unsupported or overwhelmed, kids experience those stressors in both direct and indirect ways — shaping mental health outcomes well into adulthood.What This Means for Mental Health Policy?These rankings aren’t just trivia. They’re a wake-up call for cities, state leaders, and public health officials. Mental health isn’t solved with therapy alone — it’s shaped by your zip code, your grocery bills, your commute time, and how safe you feel walking down the street.“Where you live can play a big role in how stressed you are,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “Cities with high crime rates, weak economies, less effective public health and congested transportation systems naturally lead to elevated stress levels.”As policymakers look to improve mental wellness nationwide, this data should be front and center.While some stress is unavoidable, much of it is systemic. Where you live affects your stress levels as much as — if not more than — your personal choices. As this study shows, urban planning, healthcare investment, and family support systems all have a role to play in building more resilient communities.And for now, cities like Detroit, Gulfport, and Jackson are calling for help — not just from their residents, but from a national system that must catch up to their needs.

these 10 us cities are the most stressed in 2025

These Lifestyle Tweaks Can Cut Chronic Disease Risk, Even with Bad Genes

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When it comes to chronic diseases, your genes might have a say, but they are not everything. A massive review of 483 studies shows that seven everyday habits can seriously shrink your risk of developing long-term health problems, even if your DNA is not exactly on your side. These habits make up Life’s Simple 7, backed by the American Heart Association, and they do more than just protect your heart; they help pretty much your whole body run better.

If you smoke, stopping is hands down the best thing you can do for your health. Cigarettes do not just mess with your lungs; they quietly wreck your heart, blood vessels, and even your brain. The toxins cause chaos all over, raising your chances of everything from strokes to high <span>blood pressure</span>. But the good part is that the moment you stop, your body starts to bounce back.

Think of sitting too much like being stuck in slow traffic; every system gets backed up. Regular movement, even just 30 minutes a day five times a week, can make a real difference. It lifts your mood, improves your circulation, keeps your <span>blood sugar</span> steady, and helps with weight control. Whether you like dancing in your living room, cycling, or walking your dog around, just keep your body in motion.

No one is asking you to live off green vegetables. Just get more real food on your plate like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. These foods fight inflammation, fuel your metabolism, and keep blood sugar swings in check. Give up on unnecessary ingredients and sugar overloads. 

It is not about squeezing into skinny jeans. Carrying extra fat, especially around your waist, raises your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic issues. Managing your weight with good food and regular activity keeps pressure off your organs and helps dial down the kind of inflammation that quietly fuels disease.

High blood pressure rarely shows up with warning signs, but it can do real damage behind the scenes. It strains your heart, wears out your arteries, and messes with your kidneys. Staying in the healthy range often comes down to the basics like moving more, eating less salt, getting enough potassium, and managing stress where you can.

If your blood sugar runs high for too long, it starts harming everything from your nerves to your kidneys. A <span>healthy diet</span> and regular movement can keep it under control, even if diabetes runs in the family. Swap out white bread for whole grains, eat meals at regular times, and try not to include sugar in everything.

Not all cholesterol is evil, but the bad kind can clog up your arteries like gunk in a pipe. However, you can raise your good cholesterol and lower the bad with a few key choices, like eating more fibre, cutting back on saturated fats, and getting moving. The result is smoother circulation and a lower risk of heart problems.

You cannot pick your genes, but you can choose your habits. These seven lifestyle changes are a powerful strategy to delay or even prevent chronic diseases, regardless of hereditary risks. 

chronic disease

heart health

blood pressure

cholesterol

blood sugar

exercise

healthy diet

smoking cessation

When it comes to chronic diseases, your genes might have a say, but they are not everything. A massive review of 483 studies shows that seven everyday habits can seriously shrink your risk of developing long-term health problems, even if your DNA is not exactly on your side. These habits make up Life’s Simple 7, backed by the American Heart Association, and they do more than just protect your heart; they help pretty much your whole body run better.Here is how each one works:1. Quit SmokingIf you smoke, stopping is hands down the best thing you can do for your health. Cigarettes do not just mess with your lungs; they quietly wreck your heart, blood vessels, and even your brain. The toxins cause chaos all over, raising your chances of everything from strokes to high blood pressure. But the good part is that the moment you stop, your body starts to bounce back.2. Move MoreThink of sitting too much like being stuck in slow traffic; every system gets backed up. Regular movement, even just 30 minutes a day five times a week, can make a real difference. It lifts your mood, improves your circulation, keeps your blood sugar steady, and helps with weight control. Whether you like dancing in your living room, cycling, or walking your dog around, just keep your body in motion.3. Eat Nutritious Food No one is asking you to live off green vegetables. Just get more real food on your plate like fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins. These foods fight inflammation, fuel your metabolism, and keep blood sugar swings in check. Give up on unnecessary ingredients and sugar overloads. 4. Watch Your WeightIt is not about squeezing into skinny jeans. Carrying extra fat, especially around your waist, raises your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic issues. Managing your weight with good food and regular activity keeps pressure off your organs and helps dial down the kind of inflammation that quietly fuels disease.5. Keep Blood Pressure in CheckHigh blood pressure rarely shows up with warning signs, but it can do real damage behind the scenes. It strains your heart, wears out your arteries, and messes with your kidneys. Staying in the healthy range often comes down to the basics like moving more, eating less salt, getting enough potassium, and managing stress where you can.6. Steady That Blood SugarIf your blood sugar runs high for too long, it starts harming everything from your nerves to your kidneys. A healthy diet and regular movement can keep it under control, even if diabetes runs in the family. Swap out white bread for whole grains, eat meals at regular times, and try not to include sugar in everything.7. Mind Your CholesterolNot all cholesterol is evil, but the bad kind can clog up your arteries like gunk in a pipe. However, you can raise your good cholesterol and lower the bad with a few key choices, like eating more fibre, cutting back on saturated fats, and getting moving. The result is smoother circulation and a lower risk of heart problems.You cannot pick your genes, but you can choose your habits. These seven lifestyle changes are a powerful strategy to delay or even prevent chronic diseases, regardless of hereditary risks. 

these lifestyle tweaks can cut chronic disease risk, even with bad genes

Diagnostic Anomaly: Rare Condition Turned Man’s Penis 'Rock Hard' Into Bone

THIS Disease Silently Destroys Fertility And Damages Organs

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Health News

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Claims 4 Lives in Florida: What You Should Know

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<em>Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of <span rel="noindex">rare diseases</span>. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.</em>

It started with what seemed like a routine emergency room visit. A man in his 60s walked in after falling on his backside, complaining of knee pain. But when he also mentioned discomfort in his groin, doctors decided to investigate further. What they found stunned even seasoned physicians: X-rays revealed bone formation inside his penis.

This extraordinary case led to a diagnosis of penile ossification, a rare and majorly understood medical anomaly where bone forms within the soft tissue of the penis. Only about 40 of such cases have ever been documented in medical literature. The condition, while rare, is a window into the complex play between chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and tissue response in the human body.

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Is Penile Ossification</span>?</h2>

Penile ossification is the development of 'extraskeletal' bone tissue within the shaft of the penis. Unlike the baculum, a penile bone found in many mammals including dogs, bats and gorillas humans do not have a natural penile bone. So when ossification occurs in human males, it is considered a pathological response, not a biological norm.

This abnormal process typically results from metaplasia, a condition in which one type of tissue transforms into another as an adaptive, but misguided, response to chronic stress or injury. In this case, soft connective tissues in the penis begin to harden and calcify, forming actual bone.

<h2>How It Is Linked to Peyronie’s Disease?</h2>

In many cases, penile ossification has been associated with Peyronie’s disease, a condition that causes fibrous scar tissue to develop inside the penis. This scar tissue can lead to curvature during erections, discomfort, and even sexual dysfunction. In the current case, while the patient declined follow-up and a complete diagnostic workup, physicians suspected Peyronie’s disease may have contributed to the ossification process.

Peyronie’s disease affects about 1 in 10 men, primarily between the ages of 40 and 70, and its exact cause is still debated. It’s thought to develop following trauma—either acute or from repetitive microtrauma—that causes bleeding and inflammation inside the penis. The body tries to heal this damage with scar tissue, and in rare cases, this process can spiral into ossification.

While Peyronie’s is a common thread in reported cases of penile ossification, it's not the only one. Researchers have linked the condition to:

<ul><li>End-stage renal disease, which can cause calcium-phosphate imbalances.</li><li>Metabolic disorders, including diabetes.</li><li>Repeated trauma, either from accidents, certain sexual activities, or aggressive treatments.</li><li>Chronic inflammation, possibly from autoimmune issues or infections.</li></ul>

Any of these conditions can prime soft tissue to start calcifying, setting the stage for ossification.

In this case, however, physicians were left in the dark. The patient left the hospital against medical advice and did not return for further evaluation. That means key tests—such as blood work to assess calcium levels, kidney function, and inflammation markers—were never performed. As a result, the exact cause of his penile bone formation remains unknown.

<h2>How Does It Present, and What Does It Feel Like?</h2>

Men with penile ossification often report painful erections, difficulty during intercourse, and significant psychological distress. Some describe their penis as feeling abnormally rigid or even "like bone," which, as this case illustrates, may not be a metaphor. Curvature can become extreme—approaching 90 degrees in some documented cases—and may not respond to conservative treatments like verapamil injections or physical therapy.

This is not just a sexual or cosmetic concern. In many cases, the condition severely impairs quality of life, making intimacy difficult or impossible and leading to emotional distress, depression, and anxiety.

<h2>How Is Penile Ossification Diagnosed?</h2>

Because the condition is so rare, misdiagnosis is common. Penile ossification may initially be mistaken for calcified plaques, common in Peyronie’s, or even dismissed as a psychological issue. However, pelvic X-rays or penile ultrasound can clearly show the presence of bony structures within the penis. CT scans and MRI may be used in more advanced cases to assess the extent of ossification.

In this patient’s case, the diagnosis came almost by accident—an X-ray taken to assess potential fractures in the pelvis ended up capturing the penile bone formation.

<h2>Treatment and Managing the Physical and Emotional Burden</h2>

Treatment for penile ossification depends on severity and cause. If the bone formation is limited and not causing significant distress, conservative management may include:

<ul><li>Topical anti-inflammatories</li><li>Oral pain relievers</li><li>Steroid or verapamil injections</li></ul>

In more advanced cases, shockwave therapy—using focused sonic waves to break down hardened tissue—may offer relief. Surgical intervention, including penile reconstruction or prosthesis, might be considered when curvature or ossification causes severe dysfunction.

That said, treatment outcomes vary. And because so few cases exist, there's limited consensus on best practices. What’s clear is that patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals.

Although penile ossification is rare, it's likely underdiagnosed, especially among men who delay seeking help due to embarrassment, stigma, or misinformation. Recognizing the early signs—such as painful erections or significant curvature—can help men get diagnosed sooner, before the ossification worsens.

It’s also a reminder that the body can respond to injury in unexpected ways. Something as seemingly routine as a fall, combined with underlying health issues, may trigger a rare and life-altering condition. For physicians, this case underscores the importance of listening carefully to patient complaints, even those that seem tangential to the original reason for a visit.

The patient who walked into the ER that day may never know what caused the bone to grow in his penis. And since he opted out of treatment, we may never know how his condition progressed. But his case joins a short list of documented penile ossification instances, each one helping to shed light on a condition that many doctors have never seen—and many patients never knew existed.

As research continues and awareness grows, the hope is that men suffering from this painful and rare condition can find answers, support, and a path to recovery that respects both their physical and emotional well-being because in medicine, even the rarest cases matter.

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Diagnostic Anomaly' is a Health And Me Series, where we dive deep into some of the rarest of rare diseases. Here, we trace such diseases and what causes them. We also try to bring case studies around the same.It started with what seemed like a routine emergency room visit. A man in his 60s walked in after falling on his backside, complaining of knee pain. But when he also mentioned discomfort in his groin, doctors decided to investigate further. What they found stunned even seasoned physicians: X-rays revealed bone formation inside his penis.This extraordinary case led to a diagnosis of penile ossification, a rare and majorly understood medical anomaly where bone forms within the soft tissue of the penis. Only about 40 of such cases have ever been documented in medical literature. The condition, while rare, is a window into the complex play between chronic inflammation, metabolic disorders, and tissue response in the human body.What Is Penile Ossification?Penile ossification is the development of 'extraskeletal' bone tissue within the shaft of the penis. Unlike the baculum, a penile bone found in many mammals including dogs, bats and gorillas humans do not have a natural penile bone. So when ossification occurs in human males, it is considered a pathological response, not a biological norm.This abnormal process typically results from metaplasia, a condition in which one type of tissue transforms into another as an adaptive, but misguided, response to chronic stress or injury. In this case, soft connective tissues in the penis begin to harden and calcify, forming actual bone.How It Is Linked to Peyronie’s Disease?In many cases, penile ossification has been associated with Peyronie’s disease, a condition that causes fibrous scar tissue to develop inside the penis. This scar tissue can lead to curvature during erections, discomfort, and even sexual dysfunction. In the current case, while the patient declined follow-up and a complete diagnostic workup, physicians suspected Peyronie’s disease may have contributed to the ossification process.Peyronie’s disease affects about 1 in 10 men, primarily between the ages of 40 and 70, and its exact cause is still debated. It’s thought to develop following trauma—either acute or from repetitive microtrauma—that causes bleeding and inflammation inside the penis. The body tries to heal this damage with scar tissue, and in rare cases, this process can spiral into ossification.Triggers for OssificationWhile Peyronie’s is a common thread in reported cases of penile ossification, it's not the only one. Researchers have linked the condition to:End-stage renal disease, which can cause calcium-phosphate imbalances.Metabolic disorders, including diabetes.Repeated trauma, either from accidents, certain sexual activities, or aggressive treatments.Chronic inflammation, possibly from autoimmune issues or infections.Any of these conditions can prime soft tissue to start calcifying, setting the stage for ossification.In this case, however, physicians were left in the dark. The patient left the hospital against medical advice and did not return for further evaluation. That means key tests—such as blood work to assess calcium levels, kidney function, and inflammation markers—were never performed. As a result, the exact cause of his penile bone formation remains unknown.How Does It Present, and What Does It Feel Like?Men with penile ossification often report painful erections, difficulty during intercourse, and significant psychological distress. Some describe their penis as feeling abnormally rigid or even "like bone," which, as this case illustrates, may not be a metaphor. Curvature can become extreme—approaching 90 degrees in some documented cases—and may not respond to conservative treatments like verapamil injections or physical therapy.This is not just a sexual or cosmetic concern. In many cases, the condition severely impairs quality of life, making intimacy difficult or impossible and leading to emotional distress, depression, and anxiety.How Is Penile Ossification Diagnosed?Because the condition is so rare, misdiagnosis is common. Penile ossification may initially be mistaken for calcified plaques, common in Peyronie’s, or even dismissed as a psychological issue. However, pelvic X-rays or penile ultrasound can clearly show the presence of bony structures within the penis. CT scans and MRI may be used in more advanced cases to assess the extent of ossification.In this patient’s case, the diagnosis came almost by accident—an X-ray taken to assess potential fractures in the pelvis ended up capturing the penile bone formation.Treatment and Managing the Physical and Emotional BurdenTreatment for penile ossification depends on severity and cause. If the bone formation is limited and not causing significant distress, conservative management may include:Topical anti-inflammatoriesOral pain relieversSteroid or verapamil injectionsIn more advanced cases, shockwave therapy—using focused sonic waves to break down hardened tissue—may offer relief. Surgical intervention, including penile reconstruction or prosthesis, might be considered when curvature or ossification causes severe dysfunction.That said, treatment outcomes vary. And because so few cases exist, there's limited consensus on best practices. What’s clear is that patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, involving urologists, endocrinologists, and mental health professionals.Although penile ossification is rare, it's likely underdiagnosed, especially among men who delay seeking help due to embarrassment, stigma, or misinformation. Recognizing the early signs—such as painful erections or significant curvature—can help men get diagnosed sooner, before the ossification worsens.It’s also a reminder that the body can respond to injury in unexpected ways. Something as seemingly routine as a fall, combined with underlying health issues, may trigger a rare and life-altering condition. For physicians, this case underscores the importance of listening carefully to patient complaints, even those that seem tangential to the original reason for a visit.The patient who walked into the ER that day may never know what caused the bone to grow in his penis. And since he opted out of treatment, we may never know how his condition progressed. But his case joins a short list of documented penile ossification instances, each one helping to shed light on a condition that many doctors have never seen—and many patients never knew existed.As research continues and awareness grows, the hope is that men suffering from this painful and rare condition can find answers, support, and a path to recovery that respects both their physical and emotional well-being because in medicine, even the rarest cases matter.