Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Until a few years ago, a <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> diagnosis was seen as a death sentence, the simple phrase was enough to discourage people. However, with modern medicine, people have a fighting chance; they can now focus on their health and have the hope that they’ll recover. But it is not all positive. 

In recent years we have seen an alarming rise in cancer diagnoses. While one likely explanation for this is that more people are aware and getting diagnosed earlier, studies have shown lifestyle choices, declining food quality and environmental factors are also to be blamed. 

Now scientists have also found a gender disparity, however this difference has come as a shock to some. 

A new study published in JAMA Network has uncovered a surprising trend in India: even though more women are diagnosed with cancer than men, a higher percentage of men die from the disease. This is what's known as a paradox. 

<h2>Who Is Affected More By Cancer Deaths: Men Or Women? </h2>

Between 2015 and 2019, India saw more than 700,000 cancer cases. 

<ul><li>Women made up 51.1% of these cases.</li><li>Men accounted for 48.9%.</li></ul>

Despite women having a slightly higher number of cases, the death rate tells a different story: 

<ul><li>55% of all cancer deaths were among men.</li><li>45% were among women.</li></ul>

Looking ahead to 2024, the trends are similar. The estimated number of new cancer cases for women (781,277) is slightly more than for men (780,000). The crude incidence rate (CIR)—which is the number of new cases per 100,000 people—is also higher for women (113.3) than for men (107.4). 

The study, which gathered data from 43 cancer registries across the country, also identified the most common types of cancer for each gender. For women, the most frequent cancers were breast, cervical, and ovarian. For men, they were oral, lung, and prostate. 

<h2>Does Geography Play A Role In Cancer Cases?</h2>

that cancer cases are not spread out evenly across India—some areas have much higher rates than others. The highest rates were found in a specific region of the country. 

The top five places with the highest rates of cancer were mostly in northeast India. The city of Aizawl in Mizoram had the highest rates for both men and women. Other high-risk areas included Kamrup Urban, Papumpare, and East Kasi Hills. The only exception on this list was Hyderabad. 

Just how big is this difference? Another study from 2023 found that cancer rates in Aizawl were seven times higher for men and four times higher for women compared to regions in Maharashtra like Osmanabad and Beed. 

<h2>Why Cancer Rates Are Higher for Women </h2>

So, why do more women in India get cancer? Experts point to several factors: 

<ul><li>Changes in diet, lack of physical activity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol are all risk factors.</li><li>The rise in hormone-related cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer, may be linked to people being more exposed to pollutants in the air and harmful chemicals in cosmetics and processed foods.</li><li>Things like having children later in life can also increase a woman's risk.</li><li>Financial and social barriers can play a role in a woman's health.</li></ul>

<h2>Why Is There A Gender Disparity Among Cancer Survivors? </h2>

Even though more women get cancer, more men die from it. This is likely because the most common cancers found in women—like breast and cervical cancers—are very treatable if they are found early. For example, the American Cancer Society states that the five-year survival rate for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">breast cancer</a></span> is over 90% when it's diagnosed in the early stages. 

However, a new and worrying trend is emerging. A study from March 2025 found that over the past decade, cancer-related deaths have been increasing more quickly among women than men. This trend is expected to continue. Experts suggest this could be because women face challenges like getting the wrong diagnosis, having limited access to good quality healthcare, and other financial and social barriers.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Cancer Cases In Men And Women

Cancer

Breast Cancer

Cancer In Men and Women

Does Cancer Affect Women More

Who Dies More due to cancer

Cancer death stats men and women

Prostate Cancer

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Until a few years ago, a cancer diagnosis was seen as a death sentence, the simple phrase was enough to discourage people. However, with modern medicine, people have a fighting chance; they can now focus on their health and have the hope that they’ll recover. But it is not all positive. In recent years we have seen an alarming rise in cancer diagnoses. While one likely explanation for this is that more people are aware and getting diagnosed earlier, studies have shown lifestyle choices, declining food quality and environmental factors are also to be blamed. Now scientists have also found a gender disparity, however this difference has come as a shock to some. A new study published in JAMA Network has uncovered a surprising trend in India: even though more women are diagnosed with cancer than men, a higher percentage of men die from the disease. This is what's known as a paradox. Who Is Affected More By Cancer Deaths: Men Or Women? Between 2015 and 2019, India saw more than 700,000 cancer cases. Women made up 51.1% of these cases.Men accounted for 48.9%.Despite women having a slightly higher number of cases, the death rate tells a different story: 55% of all cancer deaths were among men.45% were among women.Looking ahead to 2024, the trends are similar. The estimated number of new cancer cases for women (781,277) is slightly more than for men (780,000). The crude incidence rate (CIR)—which is the number of new cases per 100,000 people—is also higher for women (113.3) than for men (107.4). The study, which gathered data from 43 cancer registries across the country, also identified the most common types of cancer for each gender. For women, the most frequent cancers were breast, cervical, and ovarian. For men, they were oral, lung, and prostate. Does Geography Play A Role In Cancer Cases?that cancer cases are not spread out evenly across India—some areas have much higher rates than others. The highest rates were found in a specific region of the country. The top five places with the highest rates of cancer were mostly in northeast India. The city of Aizawl in Mizoram had the highest rates for both men and women. Other high-risk areas included Kamrup Urban, Papumpare, and East Kasi Hills. The only exception on this list was Hyderabad. Just how big is this difference? Another study from 2023 found that cancer rates in Aizawl were seven times higher for men and four times higher for women compared to regions in Maharashtra like Osmanabad and Beed. Why Cancer Rates Are Higher for Women So, why do more women in India get cancer? Experts point to several factors: Changes in diet, lack of physical activity, and the use of tobacco and alcohol are all risk factors.The rise in hormone-related cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancer, may be linked to people being more exposed to pollutants in the air and harmful chemicals in cosmetics and processed foods.Things like having children later in life can also increase a woman's risk.Financial and social barriers can play a role in a woman's health.Why Is There A Gender Disparity Among Cancer Survivors? Even though more women get cancer, more men die from it. This is likely because the most common cancers found in women—like breast and cervical cancers—are very treatable if they are found early. For example, the American Cancer Society states that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90% when it's diagnosed in the early stages. However, a new and worrying trend is emerging. A study from March 2025 found that over the past decade, cancer-related deaths have been increasing more quickly among women than men. This trend is expected to continue. Experts suggest this could be because women face challenges like getting the wrong diagnosis, having limited access to good quality healthcare, and other financial and social barriers.

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Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death globally, yet it is not the biggest cause of concern for people. It is not just an unhealthy lifestyle that can push you to cardiovascular diseases. Sometimes when your body lacks important components, it can tip your <span>heart health</span> sideways. 

Unexpected things like too much stress, lack of vitamin D, as well as too much vitamin B (according to some studies) can increase your risk of heart diseases. However, a surprising deficiency that can increase your risk of heart diseases is B12. However, how is a vitamin, whose role is to support nerve and brain function, responsible for your heart health? 

<h2>How Does B12 Vitamin Affect Heart Health? </h2>

Another function of vitamin is forming healthy red blood vessels and DNA. While <span>vitamin B12</span> is crucial for our health, but it hasn't been clear how a person's B12 levels relate to their risk of death. To understand this better, a study published in the 2024 Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of existing studies to find out if there's a link between B12 levels and the risk of dying from all causes, heart disease, or cancer. What they found was that 

<ul><li>People with very high B12 levels (over 600 pmol/L) had a 50% higher risk of death from any cause and more than double the risk of death from heart disease.</li><li>Even moderately high levels (400-600 pmol/L) were linked to a 34% higher risk of death from any cause.</li></ul>

They analyzed 22 studies that included a total of 92,346 people. The results showed a clear pattern: 

<ul><li>For every increase of 100 pmol/L in serum vitamin B12, there was a 4% higher risk of death from any cause in the general population.</li><li>This risk was even higher for older adults, who had a 6% higher risk of death for the same increase in B12 levels.</li><li>The connection was a straight, linear trend, meaning the risk steadily increased as B12 levels went up. </li></ul>

<h2>Can A Lack Of Vitamin B12 Also Cause Heart Diseases? </h2>

To find this a 2023 study published in the BMC, looked at vitamin B12 (B12), a marker for B12 deficiency called methylmalonic acid (MMA), and the risk of death has been unclear, especially for people with coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to explore how MMA and B12—from blood levels, diet, or supplements—are connected to the risk of death from any cause and from cardiovascular issues in adults with CHD. 

Researchers used data from a major US health survey to conduct this study. They included 1,755 adults who already had coronary heart disease (CHD) and whose levels of B12 and a related marker called MMA were measured. The study also looked at how much B12 the participants got from their diet. These individuals were followed for an average of nearly eight years to track how many of them passed away. 

The study's key findings were about the connection between B12, MMA, and mortality: 

Out of the 1,755 people in the study, 980 died during the follow-up period. 

The study found no significant link between a person's B12 levels (from blood, diet, or supplements) and their risk of death. 

In contrast, people with the highest levels of MMA had a 70% higher risk of death from any cause and double the risk of death from cardiovascular problems compared to those with the lowest MMA levels. 

Interestingly, the risk of death from high MMA levels was even greater for participants who had a sufficient amount of B12 in their blood. In fact, CHD patients with high levels of both MMA and B12 had twice the risk of death compared to those with lower levels of both. 

The study suggests that for patients with coronary heart disease, high levels of MMA are strongly linked to an increased risk of death, especially from cardiovascular causes. This was true even when their blood and dietary B12 levels were normal. This "paradox" may indicate that the body's ability to properly use vitamin B12 is what's important, not just the amount present in the blood. 

Both studies and many experts agree that lack of vitamin B12 is an alarming factor for your heart health, however too much of it is also a risk variable. Before you make changes to your diet, whether to increase or decrease your vitamin B12 intake, make sure you speak to your healthcare professional to get a better idea of how much of it do you need.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency and heart

does Vitamin B12 cause heart attack

can less Vitamin B12 cause death

why do we need Vitamin B12

heart health

Heart diseases are one of the leading causes of death globally, yet it is not the biggest cause of concern for people. It is not just an unhealthy lifestyle that can push you to cardiovascular diseases. Sometimes when your body lacks important components, it can tip your heart health sideways. Unexpected things like too much stress, lack of vitamin D, as well as too much vitamin B (according to some studies) can increase your risk of heart diseases. However, a surprising deficiency that can increase your risk of heart diseases is B12. However, how is a vitamin, whose role is to support nerve and brain function, responsible for your heart health? How Does B12 Vitamin Affect Heart Health? Another function of vitamin is forming healthy red blood vessels and DNA. While vitamin B12 is crucial for our health, but it hasn't been clear how a person's B12 levels relate to their risk of death. To understand this better, a study published in the 2024 Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of existing studies to find out if there's a link between B12 levels and the risk of dying from all causes, heart disease, or cancer. What they found was that People with very high B12 levels (over 600 pmol/L) had a 50% higher risk of death from any cause and more than double the risk of death from heart disease.Even moderately high levels (400-600 pmol/L) were linked to a 34% higher risk of death from any cause.They analyzed 22 studies that included a total of 92,346 people. The results showed a clear pattern: For every increase of 100 pmol/L in serum vitamin B12, there was a 4% higher risk of death from any cause in the general population.This risk was even higher for older adults, who had a 6% higher risk of death for the same increase in B12 levels.The connection was a straight, linear trend, meaning the risk steadily increased as B12 levels went up. Can A Lack Of Vitamin B12 Also Cause Heart Diseases? To find this a 2023 study published in the BMC, looked at vitamin B12 (B12), a marker for B12 deficiency called methylmalonic acid (MMA), and the risk of death has been unclear, especially for people with coronary heart disease (CHD). This study aimed to explore how MMA and B12—from blood levels, diet, or supplements—are connected to the risk of death from any cause and from cardiovascular issues in adults with CHD. Researchers used data from a major US health survey to conduct this study. They included 1,755 adults who already had coronary heart disease (CHD) and whose levels of B12 and a related marker called MMA were measured. The study also looked at how much B12 the participants got from their diet. These individuals were followed for an average of nearly eight years to track how many of them passed away. The study's key findings were about the connection between B12, MMA, and mortality: Out of the 1,755 people in the study, 980 died during the follow-up period. The study found no significant link between a person's B12 levels (from blood, diet, or supplements) and their risk of death. In contrast, people with the highest levels of MMA had a 70% higher risk of death from any cause and double the risk of death from cardiovascular problems compared to those with the lowest MMA levels. Interestingly, the risk of death from high MMA levels was even greater for participants who had a sufficient amount of B12 in their blood. In fact, CHD patients with high levels of both MMA and B12 had twice the risk of death compared to those with lower levels of both. The study suggests that for patients with coronary heart disease, high levels of MMA are strongly linked to an increased risk of death, especially from cardiovascular causes. This was true even when their blood and dietary B12 levels were normal. This "paradox" may indicate that the body's ability to properly use vitamin B12 is what's important, not just the amount present in the blood. Conclusion Both studies and many experts agree that lack of vitamin B12 is an alarming factor for your heart health, however too much of it is also a risk variable. Before you make changes to your diet, whether to increase or decrease your vitamin B12 intake, make sure you speak to your healthcare professional to get a better idea of how much of it do you need.

does vitamin b12 deficiency cause heart attack or too much b12 increase the risk of heart diseases

Tanya Dutt

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When someone close to you tests positive for COVID-19, it’s natural to feel an immediate sense of urgency. The question that often follows is simple but critical: how long should you wait before getting tested? Testing too soon can give you false reassurance, while delaying too long risks spreading the virus to others. The answer lies in understanding the incubation period, the type of test you use, and the circumstances of your exposure.

COVID-19 doesn’t reveal itself instantly. It takes some time for the virus to reproduce in your body until it can be detected by tests to the level that it is present. That window is called the incubation period, and it is usually 2 to 14 days, with infections usually appearing on days 3 to 7. Waiting too long to test results in a false-negative reading because viral load isn't adequate yet. That is why professionals call for waiting for the appropriate moment before swabbing. 

<h2>When To Test For COVID If You Have Symptoms?</h2>

If you get symptoms like fever, cough, tiredness, stuffiness, or loss of smell and taste—you need to test immediately. A positive antigen test is most often accurate, but a negative one isn't always the end of the matter. Since rapid tests may not catch early infections, particularly within the first days, the FDA and CDC advise retesting 48 hours later if your initial test was negative but you continue to have symptoms.

<h2>When to Test for COVID if You Do Not Have Symptoms?</h2>

For people without symptoms but with known exposure, the CDC advises testing on Day 5 after exposure. Counting starts on the day of exposure, which is considered Day 0. By Day 5, the virus is typically detectable in most individuals. Testing earlier may be useful if you’re planning to be around vulnerable populations, but it’s important to confirm results later in the incubation period with a follow-up test.

<h2>Types of Tests for COVID-19 and Accuracy After Exposure</h2>

<ul><li>Speed: 15–30 minutes.</li><li>Advantages: Suitable for rapid decisions and testing at home.</li><li>Drawbacks: Less sensitive, particularly in the initial periods of infection or among asymptomatic individuals.</li><li>Optimal Use: Day 5 or later since exposure; retest after 48 hours if negative.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Speed: Results usually within 1–3 days.</li><li>Advantages: The gold standard because highly sensitive, able to identify even traces of the virus.</li><li>Limitations: Has to be processed in the lab, longer turnaround.</li><li>Best Use: Day 5 after contact for best accuracy.</li></ul>

<ul><li>Speed: Variable, but not useful immediately.</li><li>Strengths: Can identify past infection, not current.</li><li>Limitations: Antibodies typically show up 1–3 weeks after infection.</li><li>Best Use: To ascertain past exposure, not to test right after contact.</li></ul>

<h2>Why Testing Too Early Can Give Misleading Results?</h2>

Testing within 1–2 days of exposure rarely provides accurate results. At this stage, the virus is still incubating and your immune system hasn’t produced a detectable viral load. A negative result during this period can create a false sense of security, potentially leading to unintentional spread. Waiting until Day 5, unless symptoms appear earlier significantly improves accuracy.

<h2>COVID Testing Timeline Guideline</h2>

<strong>Day 0: </strong>Exposure occurs. Begin monitoring for symptoms.

<strong>Days 1–3:</strong> Remain vigilant. Avoid social contact, but delay testing unless symptoms occur.

<strong>Day 5:</strong> Test with PCR or an antigen test. If you use an antigen test and it comes back negative, retest in 48 hours.

<strong>Day 6–7:</strong> If you received a negative test result but are still worried—or must see someone high-risk—opt for a second test.

<h2>What to Do if You Test Positive?</h2>

A positive test result indicates you should self-isolate right away, notify close contacts, and adhere to public health advice. Most individuals with mild signs or symptoms can recover at home, but individuals with high-risk conditions—e.g., chronic illness, compromised immunity, or advanced age—should see a health care provider for potential antiviral treatment.

Isolation is usually 5 days from onset of symptoms or positive test (in case of being asymptomatic), but at least 10 days of masking around other people is recommended.

A negative test is not always conclusive. Taken too early, or if you don't have symptoms, the virus may not be visible yet. Keep on masking, watching for symptoms, and retesting as needed. If you have a subsequent onset of symptoms after a negative test, consider the infection to be possible and retest soon.

Testing for COVID-19 is widely available in various settings to accommodate a variety of needs. Home rapid tests, found at pharmacies and drugstores, are convenient and provide fast results, but a follow-up test is suggested if the test is negative but symptoms are still present. Healthcare clinics and pharmacies sell antigen and PCR tests, and some have appointments. Free or low-cost testing can be found at community clinics and public health clinics, especially in outbreak situations. For patients with respiratory symptoms, most clinics ask that they pre-call to reduce waiting room exposure, and telemedicine consultations are becoming more widespread throughout many areas.

Even in 2025, with better treatments and vaccines, testing is important. It catches infections early, informs isolation and treatment decisions, and safeguards at-risk populations. The CDC insists repeatedly that prompt testing—particularly following confirmed exposure—is among the best measures to slow spread.

If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, resist the urge to test right away. Instead, monitor for symptoms and plan to test around Day 5 post-exposure. Use rapid antigen tests for quick answers, but rely on PCR tests for the most accurate results. Regardless of your test outcome, continue practicing precautions, especially around high-risk groups. Testing at the right time doesn’t just protect you—it protects your community.

covid testing guidelines

when to test covid

covid exposure timeline

rapid antigen test covid

pcr test covid

covid 19 symptoms 2025

post exposure covid testing

When someone close to you tests positive for COVID-19, it’s natural to feel an immediate sense of urgency. The question that often follows is simple but critical: how long should you wait before getting tested? Testing too soon can give you false reassurance, while delaying too long risks spreading the virus to others. The answer lies in understanding the incubation period, the type of test you use, and the circumstances of your exposure.COVID-19 doesn’t reveal itself instantly. It takes some time for the virus to reproduce in your body until it can be detected by tests to the level that it is present. That window is called the incubation period, and it is usually 2 to 14 days, with infections usually appearing on days 3 to 7. Waiting too long to test results in a false-negative reading because viral load isn't adequate yet. That is why professionals call for waiting for the appropriate moment before swabbing. When To Test For COVID If You Have Symptoms?If you get symptoms like fever, cough, tiredness, stuffiness, or loss of smell and taste—you need to test immediately. A positive antigen test is most often accurate, but a negative one isn't always the end of the matter. Since rapid tests may not catch early infections, particularly within the first days, the FDA and CDC advise retesting 48 hours later if your initial test was negative but you continue to have symptoms.When to Test for COVID if You Do Not Have Symptoms?For people without symptoms but with known exposure, the CDC advises testing on Day 5 after exposure. Counting starts on the day of exposure, which is considered Day 0. By Day 5, the virus is typically detectable in most individuals. Testing earlier may be useful if you’re planning to be around vulnerable populations, but it’s important to confirm results later in the incubation period with a follow-up test.Types of Tests for COVID-19 and Accuracy After ExposureRapid Antigen TestsSpeed: 15–30 minutes.Advantages: Suitable for rapid decisions and testing at home.Drawbacks: Less sensitive, particularly in the initial periods of infection or among asymptomatic individuals.Optimal Use: Day 5 or later since exposure; retest after 48 hours if negative.PCR TestsSpeed: Results usually within 1–3 days.Advantages: The gold standard because highly sensitive, able to identify even traces of the virus.Limitations: Has to be processed in the lab, longer turnaround.Best Use: Day 5 after contact for best accuracy.Antibody TestsSpeed: Variable, but not useful immediately.Strengths: Can identify past infection, not current.Limitations: Antibodies typically show up 1–3 weeks after infection.Best Use: To ascertain past exposure, not to test right after contact.Why Testing Too Early Can Give Misleading Results?Testing within 1–2 days of exposure rarely provides accurate results. At this stage, the virus is still incubating and your immune system hasn’t produced a detectable viral load. A negative result during this period can create a false sense of security, potentially leading to unintentional spread. Waiting until Day 5, unless symptoms appear earlier significantly improves accuracy.COVID Testing Timeline GuidelineDay 0: Exposure occurs. Begin monitoring for symptoms.Days 1–3: Remain vigilant. Avoid social contact, but delay testing unless symptoms occur.Day 5: Test with PCR or an antigen test. If you use an antigen test and it comes back negative, retest in 48 hours.Day 6–7: If you received a negative test result but are still worried—or must see someone high-risk—opt for a second test.What to Do if You Test Positive?A positive test result indicates you should self-isolate right away, notify close contacts, and adhere to public health advice. Most individuals with mild signs or symptoms can recover at home, but individuals with high-risk conditions—e.g., chronic illness, compromised immunity, or advanced age—should see a health care provider for potential antiviral treatment.Isolation is usually 5 days from onset of symptoms or positive test (in case of being asymptomatic), but at least 10 days of masking around other people is recommended.What if You Test Negative?A negative test is not always conclusive. Taken too early, or if you don't have symptoms, the virus may not be visible yet. Keep on masking, watching for symptoms, and retesting as needed. If you have a subsequent onset of symptoms after a negative test, consider the infection to be possible and retest soon.Where to Get Tested for COVID?Testing for COVID-19 is widely available in various settings to accommodate a variety of needs. Home rapid tests, found at pharmacies and drugstores, are convenient and provide fast results, but a follow-up test is suggested if the test is negative but symptoms are still present. Healthcare clinics and pharmacies sell antigen and PCR tests, and some have appointments. Free or low-cost testing can be found at community clinics and public health clinics, especially in outbreak situations. For patients with respiratory symptoms, most clinics ask that they pre-call to reduce waiting room exposure, and telemedicine consultations are becoming more widespread throughout many areas.Even in 2025, with better treatments and vaccines, testing is important. It catches infections early, informs isolation and treatment decisions, and safeguards at-risk populations. The CDC insists repeatedly that prompt testing—particularly following confirmed exposure—is among the best measures to slow spread.If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19, resist the urge to test right away. Instead, monitor for symptoms and plan to test around Day 5 post-exposure. Use rapid antigen tests for quick answers, but rely on PCR tests for the most accurate results. Regardless of your test outcome, continue practicing precautions, especially around high-risk groups. Testing at the right time doesn’t just protect you—it protects your community.

covid symptoms have different in 2025—how long after exposure should you get tested?

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It is said that children pay for the mistakes their parents make. Whether this saying meant responsibilities, debts or mistakes, it certainly holds true for health. Whenever you see advertisements to not smoke and quit it, a common theme is urging people to quit smoking for their loved ones. 

It’s a well-known fact that smoking is harmful to your health. A new study, however, shows that the damage from smoking can reach across generations. If a man was exposed to secondhand smoke as a child, his own children may have weaker lungs and a higher risk of developing a serious lung disease called <span>chronic obstructive pulmonary disease</span> (<span>COPD</span>). 

<h2>How Much Risk Does Passive Smoking Put Children In? </h2>

The study found that children whose fathers were exposed to passive smoke as kids had a 56% higher chance of having weaker-than-normal lungs throughout their lives. This is a very significant finding because it shows a direct link across generations. It means that the harmful effects of smoke can be carried from a father's childhood into his child's adulthood. 

<h4>Early Decline in <span rel="noindex">Lung Health</span> </h4>

The researchers also found that these children were twice as likely to experience a rapid decline in their lung function early in life. This means their lungs started getting worse at a younger age than expected, putting them on a faster path toward serious breathing problems later on. 

COPD is a serious and life-threatening lung disease. The study showed that the children of fathers who were exposed to passive smoke had a doubled risk of developing COPD by the time they reached their 50s. This specific finding needs more research to be confirmed, but it highlights a concerning long-term health risk. 

<h2>Can You Pass Down Decreased Lung Capacity? </h2>

The study found that the risk is even greater when a child is exposed to smoke from two generations. If a man was around smoke as a child, and then he also allowed his own child to be exposed, that child faced a powerful "double whammy." The study found that these children were twice as likely to have below-average lung function compared to a child who wasn't exposed to smoke from either their father or their own environment. 

Researchers believe the period before puberty is an especially sensitive time for boys. During these years, exposure to harmful substances like tobacco smoke might change how their genes work. These changes could then be passed down to their children. This study is groundbreaking because it’s one of the first to show that a father’s exposure to passive smoke—not just if he was a smoker himself—can have a lasting, harmful effect on his child’s health. 

<h2>How Does This Affect Public Health? </h2>

This research highlights a major public health concern. Since so many children today are still exposed to secondhand smoke, the negative effects could be passed down through families for generations. The researchers say that to protect future health, it's crucial for fathers who were exposed to smoke as children to avoid smoking around their own kids. By doing so, they can help break this cycle of inherited harm and protect the health of their children and grandchildren. 

Severe Lung Disease Risk

passive smoking and children

how smoking affects your kids

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPD

Risk of Passive Smoking

Is COPD life threatening

Lung Health

It is said that children pay for the mistakes their parents make. Whether this saying meant responsibilities, debts or mistakes, it certainly holds true for health. Whenever you see advertisements to not smoke and quit it, a common theme is urging people to quit smoking for their loved ones. It’s a well-known fact that smoking is harmful to your health. A new study, however, shows that the damage from smoking can reach across generations. If a man was exposed to secondhand smoke as a child, his own children may have weaker lungs and a higher risk of developing a serious lung disease called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). How Much Risk Does Passive Smoking Put Children In? Higher Risk of Weak Lungs The study found that children whose fathers were exposed to passive smoke as kids had a 56% higher chance of having weaker-than-normal lungs throughout their lives. This is a very significant finding because it shows a direct link across generations. It means that the harmful effects of smoke can be carried from a father's childhood into his child's adulthood. Early Decline in Lung Health The researchers also found that these children were twice as likely to experience a rapid decline in their lung function early in life. This means their lungs started getting worse at a younger age than expected, putting them on a faster path toward serious breathing problems later on. Increased COPD Risk COPD is a serious and life-threatening lung disease. The study showed that the children of fathers who were exposed to passive smoke had a doubled risk of developing COPD by the time they reached their 50s. This specific finding needs more research to be confirmed, but it highlights a concerning long-term health risk. Can You Pass Down Decreased Lung Capacity? The study found that the risk is even greater when a child is exposed to smoke from two generations. If a man was around smoke as a child, and then he also allowed his own child to be exposed, that child faced a powerful "double whammy." The study found that these children were twice as likely to have below-average lung function compared to a child who wasn't exposed to smoke from either their father or their own environment. Researchers believe the period before puberty is an especially sensitive time for boys. During these years, exposure to harmful substances like tobacco smoke might change how their genes work. These changes could then be passed down to their children. This study is groundbreaking because it’s one of the first to show that a father’s exposure to passive smoke—not just if he was a smoker himself—can have a lasting, harmful effect on his child’s health. How Does This Affect Public Health? This research highlights a major public health concern. Since so many children today are still exposed to secondhand smoke, the negative effects could be passed down through families for generations. The researchers say that to protect future health, it's crucial for fathers who were exposed to smoke as children to avoid smoking around their own kids. By doing so, they can help break this cycle of inherited harm and protect the health of their children and grandchildren.  

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