Over 35? Don’t Ignore This 'Controllable' Breast Cancer Risk Factor

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Updated Apr 20, 2025 | 03:00 AM IST

Over 35? Don’t Ignore This 'Controllable' Breast Cancer Risk Factor

SummaryOne in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Women who gain over 10 kg after age 35 face a 41% increased risk of breast cancer, with premenopausal women seeing up to double the risk, a study finds.

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in women globally, and in the United States alone, the statistics tell a sobering tale- one in every eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime. This is an average lifetime risk of 12.5% but for other women, especially those with a strong family history or genetic mutations, that risk becomes exponentially more likely to reach a 20% lifetime risk or more.

Knowing your personal risk is not only helpful it's possibly life-saving and though genetics and family history play large roles in breast cancer, a new emerging body of research identifies a modifiable risk factor many women over 35 may be ignoring- weight gain in midlife.

As women approach their late 30s and early 40s, hormonal changes, lifestyle changes, and metabolic changes all come together. Although these are natural changes, how they are dealt with can make a huge difference in long-term health, particularly breast cancer.

A new study published in Cancer Biology & Medicine has established a definite correlation between weight gain after the age of 35 and a highly increased risk of breast cancer. Scientists discovered that women who increased more than 10 kg (approximately 22 pounds) over age 35 had a 41% greater risk of having breast cancer. Women who were premenopausal were most at risk: those who increased 5 to 9.9 kg (11 to 22 pounds) had an 89% higher risk, and those who increased more than 10 kg over twice their risk.

The large-scale longitudinal study followed close to 73,000 Korean women, tracking weight changes across five stages of life. The aim was to examine how changes in body mass index (BMI) influenced breast cancer risk, particularly during hormonal transition periods such as perimenopause and menopause.

What was striking was the V-shaped association between weight gain and risk of cancer. Women who gained weight at a moderate but steady rate — 0.25 to 0.49 kg (0.55 to 1.08 pounds) per year — were at the greatest risk. This indicates that even slow weight gain, commonly viewed as innocuous, can have serious health consequences in the long run.

Do Hormones Cause Weight Gain?

But why is weight gain after age 35 such a strong risk factor? The answer has to do with the way that fat tissue works within the body. When women reach menopause, estrogen levels plummet, and the body responds by making estrogen in fat tissue. Too much fat, particularly around the belly, can lead to an estrogen-rich environment — a hormone associated with the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.

In addition, weight gain can cause an increase in inflammation, insulin resistance, and other metabolic derangements, all of which could contribute to tumor growth.

Why it is Important to Watch Your Weight As Your Age?

It's significant to realize that not all risk is due to lifestyle. There are a few other high-risk categories:

Family history: A mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast or ovarian cancer — particularly under the age of 45 — raises your risk.

Genetic mutations: Having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation may increase your lifetime risk to up to 85%.

Dense breast tissue: Denser breasts contain more gland and connective tissue than fatty tissue, making cancer more difficult to identify and very slightly more likely to develop.

Previous abnormal biopsy: Women with a past history of atypical hyperplasia or other precancerous cells are at higher risk.

Radiation exposure: Women who got chest radiation as children (e.g., for lymphoma) also have higher risks.

Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?

Though we can't alter our genetics or family history, we can control our weight and lifestyle. The results of this research are not only theoretical — they're an appeal to action for women, physicians, and public health experts.

Dr. Daehee Kang, senior author of the study, underscored the significance of identifying midlife as a "critical window" for breast cancer prevention. "By tackling weight gain in mid-adulthood," Dr. Kang said, "we might be able to significantly cut breast cancer risk and change how we think about cancer prevention efforts for women."

What You Can Do Starting Today

If you're 35 or older, it's time to take control of your breast health through proactive measures that can have a significant impact. Begin by sitting down with your doctor for an open and honest discussion of your unique breast cancer risk, particularly if you have a family history or other identified risk factors. Knowing your own personal risk is the key to developing a prevention plan that's right for you.

Also crucial is being aware of your Body Mass Index (BMI), which between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy, and closely monitoring any steady increase is crucial, as more research connects weight gain after age 35 with increased risk of breast cancer. Adding regular exercise—only 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise—can go a long way toward maintaining a healthy weight and lowering body inflammation.

Nutrition is important too. Eating anti-inflammatory foods, reducing sugar intake, and staying away from processed fats are all food choices that promote general wellness and can decrease risk of cancer. And don't miss your routine checkups. Mammograms and clinical breast exams are important weapons for detection early, while breast cancer is most curable and rates of survival are highest.

While it's not possible to prevent all instances of breast cancer, a great number of risk factors—most importantly, weight gain past your mid-30s—are reversible. Through vigilance and steady action, you can significantly lower your risk of the disease. Because when it comes to breast cancer, knowledge isn't power, it's protection.

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Could 3D Printing End the Organ Shortage Crisis?

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Updated Apr 25, 2025 | 05:36 PM IST

Could 3D Printing End the Organ Shortage Crisis?

Summary The demand for organs far outweighs the supply, leaving many patients with little hope. But what if I told you that you could practically 3D print the organ in demand?

Each year, hundreds of people around the world lose their lives waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. The demand for organs far outweighs the supply, leaving many patients with little hope. But what if we could print organs—tailor-made for each patient—using their own cells? While we're not quite there yet, researchers are making significant strides in this futuristic field known as 3d bioprinting.

Though the technology is still far from clinical trials, scientists believe that when 3d-printed organs become a medical reality, the process will likely involve a blend of cutting-edge imaging, personalised cell harvesting, and highly advanced bioprinting methods. Here's what this groundbreaking process could look like.

Step 1: Creating a Personalised 3D Model

To print a functional organ, the process begins with creating a precise 3D blueprint. While generic models can serve as a starting point, personalisation is key. Using imaging technologies like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans, medical professionals can generate a detailed digital model of the organ tailored specifically to the patient’s anatomy. This personalized design enhances the chances of a successful transplant by ensuring the printed organ will fit and function properly in the recipient’s body.

Step 2: Collecting Patient’s Cells And Preparing Bioink

One of the biggest hurdles in organ transplantation is rejection, which happens when the recipient’s immune system attacks the new organ. To reduce this risk, scientists aim to use the patient’s own cells to build the organ. These cells are harvested, cultivated in labs, and combined with a specially designed “bioink”—a gel-like substance engineered to mimic the structure of natural tissues. This bioink becomes the medium through which living cells can be precisely layered and formed into complex biological structures.

Step 3: Printing the Organ

With a personalized 3D model in hand and a supply of bioink rich in the patient’s cells, the actual printing process begins. The organ is built layer by layer, using bioprinters designed to handle delicate biological material. Some methods involve extrusion-based bioprinting, which pushes the bioink through a nozzle to form a structure, similar to how icing is piped onto a cake. Other techniques rely on light-based bioprinting, which uses beams of light to shape the biomaterial with incredible precision.

In some cases, additional cells may be added to the organ after printing to support its development or enhance functionality. Although the exact tools and materials are still being refined, technologies such as the BIO X, BIO X6, and LUMEN X are among those helping to push the boundaries of what’s possible in tissue engineering.

Road Ahead

While researchers are still navigating numerous scientific and ethical challenges, the vision of printing fully functional, transplantable organs is no longer science fiction. With continued innovation and global collaboration, 3D bioprinting could one day eliminate organ shortages altogether, saving countless lives and revolutionizing modern medicine.

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123-Year-Old Woman Credits Two Everyday Foods Behind Her Unbelievable Longevity

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Updated Apr 25, 2025 | 04:30 PM IST

123-Year-Old Woman Credits Two Everyday Foods Behind Her Unbelievable Longevity

SummaryAt 123, credits her longevity to a simple diet of fish and bananas, active outdoor living, daily walking, and stress-free laughter—echoing what science increasingly supports for a longer, healthier life.

In a world where superfoods, supplements, and scientific advances define the health discourse, María Antonia Cuero's story shines for its elegant simplicity. At 123, María is officially the world's oldest living human—informally surpassing the Guinness World Record holder, France's Jeanne Louise Calment, who reached 122 years of age. Though her age remains in process of verification, the insights she offers are incontrovertibly priceless and scientifically validated.

Born on October 18, 1901, in Colombia, María has witnessed two world wars, numerous technological revolutions, and the dawn of modern medicine. Yet when asked what the secret to her remarkable longevity is, María doesn't refer to a magic pill or a genetic mutation. Rather, she attributes her longevity to two humble foods: fish and bananas—cornerstones of her daily diet, steeped in her coastal upbringing.

Growing up in a big family of 10 siblings by the Mayorquín River, María spent her days surrounded by nature. With fresh fish and tropical fruits readily available, her childhood diet was both organic and full of nutrients—years before these words became health buzzwords. Throughout the decades, she also raised eight children and is now the proud matriarch to 26 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 54 great-great-grandchildren.

Although not officially documented by the Guinness World Records, María's identification card in 2012 indicates her birth as October 1901. She became the oldest to get vaccinated in March 2021, at 119 years old, marking yet another incredible achievement to her name.

However, aside from age and figures, it is María's way of living and attitude that provide deep insights into longevity.

Maria's Mindset and Philosophy of Longevity

In an interview on the Colombian television show Los Informantes, María discussed her philosophy of life: laugh frequently, don't worry excessively, remain active, and don't sit around too much. In her opinion, physical activity is essential. Her regimen included walking often, swimming, rowing, and being outdoors—long before fitness monitors or gym memberships were the rage.

These principles echo research in contemporary gerontology. Many studies identify an active life and good social relationships with a lower risk of chronic disease and longer lifespan. María's case supports that emotional well-being, combined with activity, is significant in healthy aging.

Fish

Of all the foods that she ate, fish is what María puts so much stress on. Living next to the river as a child, not only was she afforded the fresh catches each day, but she fished herself very frequently. "Good fish. I would fry the fish and then mix it with coconut and rice," she shared with a journalist.

Fish is a good source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins D and B2 (riboflavin), and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium. Omega-3s in oily fish, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are recognized to lower inflammation, maintain brain health, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Scientific studies in the Journal of the American Medical Association have indicated that individuals with high levels of omega-3s live as much as 2.5 years longer on average. Another significant study identified a 40% lower risk of coronary heart disease mortality in those who ate regularly from fish with high levels of omega-3s, a figure further supported by the British Heart Foundation.

Bananas

María's second pillar of diet? Bananas—the smaller, sweeter bocadillo bananas (also referred to as sugar bananas or lady finger bananas). These bite-sized fruits are not only tasty but are full of fiber, antioxidants, potassium, and vital vitamins.

Bananas have been valued for centuries for their digestive and cardiovascular benefits. They help to control blood pressure, balance body fluids, and repair muscle and nerve tissue—all highly beneficial for elderly populations. The tryptophan and vitamin B6 contained in bananas also assist with serotonin formation, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter that enhances emotional well-being.

For María, these bananas were an everyday treat. And as science indicates, eating bananas on a regular basis can help with heart health, boost mood, and assist with muscle recovery.

What We Can Learn From Her Habit?

María's remarkable life is not merely about what she ate—it's about the regularity with which she lived. Her life was based on balance: a modest diet, regular exercise, a positive attitude, and close family ties. To this day, she radiates resilience. When asked what she is afraid of, her answer was moving: "I am not afraid of anything anymore."

This lack of fear and deeply ingrained calmness may also have protective health benefits. Studies have linked chronic stress to increased inflammation and a heightened risk of age-related diseases. María’s philosophy—“don’t worry too much”—may offer more protection than we’ve previously realized.

As the world population ages, María Antonia Cuero's life is an eloquent reminder: the route to longevity may not come in the form of costly therapies, restrictive eating, or vigilant self-tracking. It may sometimes be found in age-old secrets—eat fresh, move frequently, laugh without restraint, and enjoy the little things.

As we wait for official verification of her record-setting age, her legacy already walks tall as an example of how simplicity, persistence, and culture can overcome and thrive. In a world filled with constantly changing health fads, María's legacy encourages us to stop for a moment and ask—what really counts when it comes to living a long, healthy life?

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Could Microplastics Be Clogging Your Arteries? This Simple Trick Can Help You Get Rid Of Them In Drinking Water

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Updated Apr 25, 2025 | 04:13 PM IST

Could Microplastics Be Clogging Your Arteries? This Simple Trick Can Help You Get Rid Of Them In Drinking Water

SummaryThe accumulation of microplastics in arterial plaques introduces a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about cardiovascular risk factors.

Microplastics—those invisible particles of plastic pollution—may be doing more than just contaminating the environment. According to recent findings presented at the American Heart Association (AHA), they could also be silently contributing to clogged arteries, potentially raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In a study that’s turning heads in the medical community, researchers discovered that fatty plaques found in neck arteries—known as carotid arteries—contained over 50 times more microplastic content compared to plaque-free arteries. Even more concerning, these microplastic concentrations were found to be significantly higher in individuals who had already suffered from a stroke, mini-stroke, or temporary vision loss caused by restricted blood flow.

What Exactly Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are extremely small particles—often less than five millimeters in size—created when larger pieces of plastic break down. They can enter the human body in multiple ways: through the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even skin contact. An even smaller subset, known as nanoplastics, measures under 1,000 nanometers and is completely invisible to the naked eye. Because of their minuscule size, these particles can infiltrate tissues, organs, and potentially disrupt biological functions.

The accumulation of microplastics in arterial plaques introduces a new dimension to the ongoing conversation about cardiovascular risk factors. While high cholesterol, smoking, and hypertension remain the usual suspects, environmental pollutants like microplastics are emerging as a stealthy but significant threat.

A Simple Solution In Your Kitchen?

Amid growing concerns about microplastic contamination, especially in drinking water, scientists have been working on practical ways to mitigate exposure. In 2024, a research team from Guangzhou Medical Centre made a breakthrough. They discovered that a common household activity—boiling water—can significantly reduce microplastic content in tap water.

According to the team, combining boiling with basic filtration can remove up to 90% of nanoplastic and microplastic particles (NMPs) from household water. However, the method’s effectiveness varied depending on the type of water used. In areas where tap water contains higher mineral content, commonly referred to as "hard water," the technique proved especially efficient.

The secret lies in limescale. As hard water is heated, it forms limescale—a chalky white substance—which appears to create a sticky layer that traps microplastic fragments. Researchers found this natural process enhanced the removal of plastic particles from water, offering a practical and affordable solution for most households.

While more research is needed to fully understand the long-term health effects of microplastics, early evidence suggests they may be more dangerous than previously thought—especially for cardiovascular health. Taking simple precautions, such as boiling and filtering drinking water, could help reduce exposure and offer a small but meaningful step toward safeguarding your heart and overall well-being.

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