Health and Me

Ishita Roy

US Man Became Blind After Consuming Ozempic: Do Weight Loss Drugs Cause Blindness?

Do weightloss drugs cause blindness?

When Todd Engel, based in Maryland, first noticed a change in his vision, he did not think it would change the rest of his life. However, within months, the 62-year-old went from working a full-time job and driving to becoming legally blind in both eyes. Now, Engel is suing Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of <span>Ozempic</span> - the drug he believes took away his vision. 

Engel was prescribed Ozempic in 2023 to help manage his type 2 diabetes. After four months later, he was diagnosed with nonarthritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is a rare condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked and causes sudden and irreversible vision loss. 

"He made a comment to me about how it’s painful to know he’s never going to see his wife smile again," said Engel’s attorney Jonathan Orent, who spoke to NBC News. "But he knows her voice so well, he can tell when she is smiling."

As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NAION affects about 10 in every 100,000 people over the age of 50. For Engel, the diagnosis meant that he no longer would work his job as a motor equipment operator. He also lost his ability to drive and the way he connects with his family. 

Filed in New Jersey’s Middlesex County Superior Court, the lawsuit accuses Novo Nordisk of negligence, alleging the pharmaceutical giant failed to properly warn users about the potential risk of NAION. Engel's legal team argues that the company was aware of the condition during early clinical trials but still chose not to include it in the warning label.

“Nothing was or is stopping Defendant from adding a warning regarding the risk of NAION,” the lawsuit states.

Had Engel known about a potential link between Ozempic and <span>blindness</span>, Orent said, he would have chosen a different medication. “There are a wide number of medications that can be used to treat diabetes — and treat it effectively,” Orent said to NBC News.

<h4>What Do Research Say About Ozempic And Blindness?</h4>

Ozempic, and its active ingredient semaglutide, is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially designed to treat Type 2 diabetes but now widely used for <span>weight loss</span>. Recent studies have hinted at a possible link between semaglutide and NAION — though causation hasn’t been confirmed.

A 2024 study which analyzed six years of medical records from Boston patients found that people with diabetes who took <span>semglutide</span> were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION. 

Even more striking, overweight or obese people without diabetes who took the drug were over seven times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.

However, researchers noted this study wasn’t a randomized clinical trial and said more investigation is needed before drawing conclusions.

In February 2024, a separate paper published in JAMA Ophthalmology reported a more modest increase in the risk of NAION for people with diabetes on Ozempic. Like the earlier study, it also stressed the need for further research.

Novo Nordisk's spokeperson told the NBC News that current evaluations, including internal safety reviews and a study from the University of Southern Denmark found no causal relationship between NAION and Ozempic. 

The company said that NAION is not listed as an adverse drug reaction. “This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes,” the spokesperson said.

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do weightloss  drugs cause blindness

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When Todd Engel, based in Maryland, first noticed a change in his vision, he did not think it would change the rest of his life. However, within months, the 62-year-old went from working a full-time job and driving to becoming legally blind in both eyes. Now, Engel is suing Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic - the drug he believes took away his vision. An Irreversible LossEngel was prescribed Ozempic in 2023 to help manage his type 2 diabetes. After four months later, he was diagnosed with nonarthritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is a rare condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked and causes sudden and irreversible vision loss. "He made a comment to me about how it’s painful to know he’s never going to see his wife smile again," said Engel’s attorney Jonathan Orent, who spoke to NBC News. "But he knows her voice so well, he can tell when she is smiling."As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NAION affects about 10 in every 100,000 people over the age of 50. For Engel, the diagnosis meant that he no longer would work his job as a motor equipment operator. He also lost his ability to drive and the way he connects with his family. What Does His Lawsuit Allege?Filed in New Jersey’s Middlesex County Superior Court, the lawsuit accuses Novo Nordisk of negligence, alleging the pharmaceutical giant failed to properly warn users about the potential risk of NAION. Engel's legal team argues that the company was aware of the condition during early clinical trials but still chose not to include it in the warning label.“Nothing was or is stopping Defendant from adding a warning regarding the risk of NAION,” the lawsuit states.Had Engel known about a potential link between Ozempic and blindness, Orent said, he would have chosen a different medication. “There are a wide number of medications that can be used to treat diabetes — and treat it effectively,” Orent said to NBC News.What Do Research Say About Ozempic And Blindness?Ozempic, and its active ingredient semaglutide, is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially designed to treat Type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. Recent studies have hinted at a possible link between semaglutide and NAION — though causation hasn’t been confirmed.A 2024 study which analyzed six years of medical records from Boston patients found that people with diabetes who took semglutide were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION. Even more striking, overweight or obese people without diabetes who took the drug were over seven times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.However, researchers noted this study wasn’t a randomized clinical trial and said more investigation is needed before drawing conclusions.In February 2024, a separate paper published in JAMA Ophthalmology reported a more modest increase in the risk of NAION for people with diabetes on Ozempic. Like the earlier study, it also stressed the need for further research.What Do The Manufacturers Say?Novo Nordisk's spokeperson told the NBC News that current evaluations, including internal safety reviews and a study from the University of Southern Denmark found no causal relationship between NAION and Ozempic. The company said that NAION is not listed as an adverse drug reaction. “This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes,” the spokesperson said.

us man became blind after consuming ozempic: do weight loss drugs cause blindness?

Tanya Dutt

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<span>Cervical cancer</span> is usually associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that accounts for nearly all cervical cancer cases. HPV types 16 and 18 have been found to account for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. HPV vaccination and cervical screening schemes have had a remarkable impact in lowering the incidence of HPV-associated cervical cancer, particularly in developed countries but can cervical cancer happen without HPV?

Surprisingly, yes—but only rarely. Between 5.5% and 11% of cervical cancers are HPV-negative, and these tend to be missed until advanced stages. This article discusses what we now know about HPV-negative cervical cancers, why they are difficult to diagnose, and what it all means for prevention and treatment in the future.

<h2>Dominant Role of HPV in Cervical Cancer</h2>

HPV is by far the most frequent cause of cervical cancer and is responsible for almost 99% of cases. The virus is generally transmitted through sexual contact and can remain in the body for years before resulting in abnormal cell growth in the cervix.

In nations such as Australia, where screening and vaccination programs are well organized, the majority of cervical cancer cases can be traced to HPV. Of the 900 women who develop cervical cancer annually in Australia, nearly all have been attributed to this virus. The two most lethal types of HPV—16 and 18—are accountable for as much as 80% of the cases.

However, in a small percentage of cases, no detectable HPV infection is present. These are the uncommon but important outliers that researchers and clinicians are working increasingly harder to comprehend.

<h2>What is HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer?</h2>

HPV-negative cervical cancers occur in an estimated 5.5% to 11% of all cases worldwide. These are uncommon subtypes of adenocarcinomas, including:

<ul><li>Clear cell carcinoma</li><li>Mesonephric carcinoma</li><li>Gastric-type adenocarcinoma</li></ul>

In a few instances, tumors that are HPV-negative at presentation can be and were once HPV-positive, yet the virus is no longer detectable because of tumor progression or testing limitations. In any case, such cancers tend to act differently than HPV-positive tumors—and present formidable diagnostic challenges.

<h2>Why HPV-Negative Cases Go Undetected?</h2>

One of the biggest challenges to tackling HPV-negative cervical cancers is that existing screening tools—both the Pap test and the newer Cervical Screening Test (CST)—are intended to pick up HPV-associated abnormalities. Therefore, HPV-negative tumors usually go undetected early on.

Lacking an independent test that can specifically pick up these uncommon types, many women won't be diagnosed until they start noticing symptoms, including:

<ul><li>Unexplained vaginal bleeding</li><li>Pelvic pain</li><li>Painful sex</li><li>Irregular discharge</li></ul>

These symptoms usually manifest later, hence HPV-negative cervical cancers usually have a poorer prognosis. A meta-analysis of 17 studies with more than 2,800 patients revealed that the outcomes for HPV-positive cervical cancers are substantially better than those for HPV-negative cancers. Both earlier detection and biologic differences in tumor behavior are likely to be the reasons for this.

<h2>Potential Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer Beyond HPV</h2>

Although HPV is still the leading cause of cervical cancer, various factors can contribute to elevating one's risk, particularly in HPV-negative patients:

Smoking: Duplicates the risk of cervical cancer by subjecting cervical cells to carcinogens.

Long-term oral contraceptive use: Prolonged use can raise the risk, although risk dissipates after stopping pills.

Multiple births: Multiple full-term pregnancies can raise the vulnerability through hormonal fluctuations and prolonged exposure to HPV.

Weakened immune system: Diseases such as HIV or immunosuppressive drugs may weaken the body and make it less likely to resist infections and abnormal cell growth.

Family history: There may be a genetic component that contributes to susceptibility.

Chlamydia infection: Long-term infections caused by this bacterium may raise the risk.

Poor diet: Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake has been linked with increased cancer risk from less protective antioxidants and vitamins.

Nevertheless, risk factors above are modifiers and not primary causes. In the case of HPV-negative cervical cancer, there is no single cause, and studies on possible genetic or environmental cause are under way.

<h2>Diagnosis of HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer</h2>

Since there is no screening test for HPV-negative cervical cancers, diagnosis typically only happens after symptoms arise. Physicians use:

<ul><li>Pelvic exams</li><li>Biopsies</li><li>Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans</li></ul>

By the point of discovery, the cancer is typically so advanced that the treatment becomes more complex and survival rates lower.

This delay in detection underscores a critical imperative for biomarker identification, cutting-edge imaging, and better awareness both within the healthcare community and among the general public.

<h2>Are We Underestimating the Role of HPV?</h2>

Some authors believe that the rate of HPV-negative cervical cancers could be overestimated because of false negatives, i.e., cases with the presence of the virus that are not detectable at the moment of testing. This may be explained by:

<ul><li>Low viral load</li><li>Sampling errors</li><li>Short period of time between infection and testing</li></ul>

This hypothesis is put forward on the grounds that the actual number of true HPV-negative cases may be less than reported, though more sophisticated diagnostic methods are required to support this.

<h2>How To Minimize Risk Of Cervical Cancer?</h2>

HPV-positive or HPV-negative, there are steps to take that lower the risk of developing cervical cancer overall:

Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine protects against the most risky types of the virus.

Go for regular screenings: Although they don't catch HPV-negative cancers, Pap and HPV tests are still important for the early detection of most.

Stop smoking: Reducing tobacco use reduces exposure to carcinogens.

Practice safe sex: Wear condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

Eat a balanced diet: Provide a nutrient-rich diet with high levels of antioxidants.

Women who have any unusual gynecological symptoms—no matter what their screening history is—should see a healthcare provider early.

Though HPV-negative cervical cancer is uncommon, it poses special detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges. These instances remind us that cervical cancer is not a monolith and highlight the need for ongoing research, improved screening technologies, and heightened awareness.

cervical cancer

cervical cancer without hpv

hpv negative cervical cancer

rare cervical cancer types

adenocarcinoma hpv negative

cervical cancer causes

hpv vaccine limitations

cervical cancer screening

Cervical cancer is usually associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that accounts for nearly all cervical cancer cases. HPV types 16 and 18 have been found to account for more than 70% of cervical cancer cases worldwide. HPV vaccination and cervical screening schemes have had a remarkable impact in lowering the incidence of HPV-associated cervical cancer, particularly in developed countries but can cervical cancer happen without HPV?Surprisingly, yes—but only rarely. Between 5.5% and 11% of cervical cancers are HPV-negative, and these tend to be missed until advanced stages. This article discusses what we now know about HPV-negative cervical cancers, why they are difficult to diagnose, and what it all means for prevention and treatment in the future.Dominant Role of HPV in Cervical CancerHPV is by far the most frequent cause of cervical cancer and is responsible for almost 99% of cases. The virus is generally transmitted through sexual contact and can remain in the body for years before resulting in abnormal cell growth in the cervix.In nations such as Australia, where screening and vaccination programs are well organized, the majority of cervical cancer cases can be traced to HPV. Of the 900 women who develop cervical cancer annually in Australia, nearly all have been attributed to this virus. The two most lethal types of HPV—16 and 18—are accountable for as much as 80% of the cases.However, in a small percentage of cases, no detectable HPV infection is present. These are the uncommon but important outliers that researchers and clinicians are working increasingly harder to comprehend.What is HPV-Negative Cervical Cancer?HPV-negative cervical cancers occur in an estimated 5.5% to 11% of all cases worldwide. These are uncommon subtypes of adenocarcinomas, including:Clear cell carcinomaMesonephric carcinomaGastric-type adenocarcinomaIn a few instances, tumors that are HPV-negative at presentation can be and were once HPV-positive, yet the virus is no longer detectable because of tumor progression or testing limitations. In any case, such cancers tend to act differently than HPV-positive tumors—and present formidable diagnostic challenges.Why HPV-Negative Cases Go Undetected?One of the biggest challenges to tackling HPV-negative cervical cancers is that existing screening tools—both the Pap test and the newer Cervical Screening Test (CST)—are intended to pick up HPV-associated abnormalities. Therefore, HPV-negative tumors usually go undetected early on.Lacking an independent test that can specifically pick up these uncommon types, many women won't be diagnosed until they start noticing symptoms, including:Unexplained vaginal bleedingPelvic painPainful sexIrregular dischargeThese symptoms usually manifest later, hence HPV-negative cervical cancers usually have a poorer prognosis. A meta-analysis of 17 studies with more than 2,800 patients revealed that the outcomes for HPV-positive cervical cancers are substantially better than those for HPV-negative cancers. Both earlier detection and biologic differences in tumor behavior are likely to be the reasons for this.Potential Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer Beyond HPVAlthough HPV is still the leading cause of cervical cancer, various factors can contribute to elevating one's risk, particularly in HPV-negative patients:Smoking: Duplicates the risk of cervical cancer by subjecting cervical cells to carcinogens.Long-term oral contraceptive use: Prolonged use can raise the risk, although risk dissipates after stopping pills.Multiple births: Multiple full-term pregnancies can raise the vulnerability through hormonal fluctuations and prolonged exposure to HPV.Weakened immune system: Diseases such as HIV or immunosuppressive drugs may weaken the body and make it less likely to resist infections and abnormal cell growth.Family history: There may be a genetic component that contributes to susceptibility.Chlamydia infection: Long-term infections caused by this bacterium may raise the risk.Poor diet: Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake has been linked with increased cancer risk from less protective antioxidants and vitamins.Nevertheless, risk factors above are modifiers and not primary causes. In the case of HPV-negative cervical cancer, there is no single cause, and studies on possible genetic or environmental cause are under way.Diagnosis of HPV-Negative Cervical CancerSince there is no screening test for HPV-negative cervical cancers, diagnosis typically only happens after symptoms arise. Physicians use:Pelvic examsBiopsiesImaging tests like MRI or CT scansBy the point of discovery, the cancer is typically so advanced that the treatment becomes more complex and survival rates lower.This delay in detection underscores a critical imperative for biomarker identification, cutting-edge imaging, and better awareness both within the healthcare community and among the general public.Are We Underestimating the Role of HPV?Some authors believe that the rate of HPV-negative cervical cancers could be overestimated because of false negatives, i.e., cases with the presence of the virus that are not detectable at the moment of testing. This may be explained by:Low viral loadSampling errorsShort period of time between infection and testingThis hypothesis is put forward on the grounds that the actual number of true HPV-negative cases may be less than reported, though more sophisticated diagnostic methods are required to support this.How To Minimize Risk Of Cervical Cancer?HPV-positive or HPV-negative, there are steps to take that lower the risk of developing cervical cancer overall:Get vaccinated: The HPV vaccine protects against the most risky types of the virus.Go for regular screenings: Although they don't catch HPV-negative cancers, Pap and HPV tests are still important for the early detection of most.Stop smoking: Reducing tobacco use reduces exposure to carcinogens.Practice safe sex: Wear condoms to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.Eat a balanced diet: Provide a nutrient-rich diet with high levels of antioxidants.Women who have any unusual gynecological symptoms—no matter what their screening history is—should see a healthcare provider early.Though HPV-negative cervical cancer is uncommon, it poses special detection, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges. These instances remind us that cervical cancer is not a monolith and highlight the need for ongoing research, improved screening technologies, and heightened awareness.

can you get cervical cancer without hpv?

Aarushi Bhadury

NHS Doctor Warns Using Tap Water For This Practice Could Expose You To Brain-Eating Amoeba

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One must be very careful about what they consume. One of the easiest ways to get sick is by eating food or having beverages from unsafe and unsanitary places. That is why people are discouraged from eating at roadside stalls or food from street hawkers who do not follow the food safety protocol. 

Many people do not know how unsafe tap water can be. While the tap water available at home goes through treatment, it is best to only drink it after boiling or opting for water from the filter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that these health issues can range from mild to serious, depending on what germs are being transmitted. 

In a TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia who goes by Dr. Sooj, a practicing NHS GP and emergency doctor, issued a critical warning. urgent warning that if you use regular tap water to rinse your nose, you could be exposed to a very rare but dangerous "<span>brain-eating amoeba</span>." Even though tap water in the UK is perfectly safe to drink, it's a different story when it comes to cleaning out your nose. 

<h2>Why Tap Water Is Risky for Your Nose </h2>

Rinsing your nose is a common thing people do when they have a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. You usually flush water or salt water into your nose to wash away snot, dust, pollen, and anything else that might be irritating your nasal passages. But in a video, a doctor known online as Dr. Sooj, explained why tap water is risky for this. He said that "tap water has bacteria. It has amoeba, it has protozoa. There are tiny living things in the water." When you drink these, your stomach acid usually kills them, but when they go up your nose, it's a different story. 

The main worry is a "brain-eating amoeba" called Naegleria fowleri. This tiny creature loves to live in warm fresh water, like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The Cleveland Clinic explains water that contains this amoeba goes up your nose, it can travel to your brain. Once there, it causes a very serious and almost always deadly infection called <span>Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis</span> (PAM). While this infection is rare, it's not worth the risk. 

If the amoeba gets into the brain through the nose, it can cause a severe infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Early signs of PAM can be a headache, fever, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), and throwing up (vomiting). This infection moves incredibly fast. Most people who get PAM unfortunately die within just 1 to 18 days after they start showing symptoms, often falling into a coma before death. Other symptoms can include a stiff neck, feeling confused, not paying attention to people around you, losing your balance, and seeing things that aren't real (hallucinations). 

Health experts like the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree with this advice. They also warn about another amoeba called Acanthamoeba. If you or someone you know starts to have a headache, fever, confusion, or vomiting soon after rinsing your sinuses or nasal passages, it's crucial to get medical help right away. 

Brain-Eating Amoeba

primary amebic meningoencephalitis

what is Brain-Eating Amoeba

how does Brain-Eating Amoeba infect you

causes of Brain-Eating Amoeba

how fast does Brain-Eating Amoeba affect you

One must be very careful about what they consume. One of the easiest ways to get sick is by eating food or having beverages from unsafe and unsanitary places. That is why people are discouraged from eating at roadside stalls or food from street hawkers who do not follow the food safety protocol. Many people do not know how unsafe tap water can be. While the tap water available at home goes through treatment, it is best to only drink it after boiling or opting for water from the filter. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that these health issues can range from mild to serious, depending on what germs are being transmitted. In a TikTok, Doctor Suraj Kukadia who goes by Dr. Sooj, a practicing NHS GP and emergency doctor, issued a critical warning. urgent warning that if you use regular tap water to rinse your nose, you could be exposed to a very rare but dangerous "brain-eating amoeba." Even though tap water in the UK is perfectly safe to drink, it's a different story when it comes to cleaning out your nose. Why Tap Water Is Risky for Your Nose Rinsing your nose is a common thing people do when they have a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. You usually flush water or salt water into your nose to wash away snot, dust, pollen, and anything else that might be irritating your nasal passages. But in a video, a doctor known online as Dr. Sooj, explained why tap water is risky for this. He said that "tap water has bacteria. It has amoeba, it has protozoa. There are tiny living things in the water." When you drink these, your stomach acid usually kills them, but when they go up your nose, it's a different story. Brain-Eating Amoeba The main worry is a "brain-eating amoeba" called Naegleria fowleri. This tiny creature loves to live in warm fresh water, like lakes, rivers, and hot springs. The Cleveland Clinic explains water that contains this amoeba goes up your nose, it can travel to your brain. Once there, it causes a very serious and almost always deadly infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). While this infection is rare, it's not worth the risk. If the amoeba gets into the brain through the nose, it can cause a severe infection called Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). Early signs of PAM can be a headache, fever, feeling sick to your stomach (nausea), and throwing up (vomiting). This infection moves incredibly fast. Most people who get PAM unfortunately die within just 1 to 18 days after they start showing symptoms, often falling into a coma before death. Other symptoms can include a stiff neck, feeling confused, not paying attention to people around you, losing your balance, and seeing things that aren't real (hallucinations). When to Seek Medical Help Health experts like the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree with this advice. They also warn about another amoeba called Acanthamoeba. If you or someone you know starts to have a headache, fever, confusion, or vomiting soon after rinsing your sinuses or nasal passages, it's crucial to get medical help right away. 

nhs doctor warns using tap water for this practice could expose you to brain-eating amoeba

A rare cancer could be prevalent among gen x and millennials

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A new study has revealed a sharp rise in cases of a rare <span>cancer</span>—appendiceal adenocarcinoma—particularly among younger generations. Generation X and millennials are seeing significantly higher rates of this cancer than previous generations, prompting concern among experts.

<h4>What Is Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma?</h4>

Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare form of cancer that originates in the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. While appendix cancers are not commonly diagnosed—about 3,000 new cases per year in the U.S.—they appear to be rising at an alarming rate among younger adults.

According to a new paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the rate of AA has tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials compared to those born in the mid-20th century. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, which tracked cancer cases from 1975 to 2019.

The numbers are telling: the study found that for people born in 1985, the incidence of appendix cancer is four times higher than for those born in 1945. For individuals born in 1980, it is about three times higher.

<h4>A Broader Gastrointestinal Trend</h4>

Experts say this rise mirrors trends in other gastrointestinal cancers—such as colorectal and stomach cancer—which are also being diagnosed more frequently in adults under 50. Between 1975 and 2019, the researchers recorded 4,858 cases of appendix cancer, with a noticeable uptick in recent decades.

<h4>Possible Causes: Lifestyle and Diet</h4>

Although the exact reasons for this generational increase remain unclear, researchers suggest that lifestyle and environmental factors may be playing a major role. The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats has increased sharply in recent decades. Additionally, obesity and metabolic syndrome—both risk factors for various cancers—are more prevalent among younger people today than in past generations.

Lead researcher Dr. Andreana Holowatyji highlighted that the increase in cases is not due to more appendectomies being performed. Surgical removal rates of the appendix have remained largely stable over time, suggesting that other factors, possibly related to diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, are contributing to the spike in cases.

<h4>The Challenge of Early Detection</h4>

One of the major hurdles in combating appendiceal adenocarcinoma is the lack of clear early symptoms. Many of the signs—such as bloating, appetite loss, and changes in bowel habits—are vague and can easily be mistaken for more common digestive issues. This often leads to delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options.

With no definitive causes identified, scientists are calling for more research into environmental exposures, genetic factors, and molecular changes that might contribute to the development of appendix cancer. Understanding these elements could help in early detection and potentially lower the rising risk among younger populations.

cancer

cancer among gen x

cancer among millennials

cancer disease

A new study has revealed a sharp rise in cases of a rare cancer—appendiceal adenocarcinoma—particularly among younger generations. Generation X and millennials are seeing significantly higher rates of this cancer than previous generations, prompting concern among experts.What Is Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma?Appendiceal adenocarcinoma (AA) is a rare form of cancer that originates in the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. While appendix cancers are not commonly diagnosed—about 3,000 new cases per year in the U.S.—they appear to be rising at an alarming rate among younger adults.Generational Surge in CasesAccording to a new paper published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the rate of AA has tripled among Generation X and quadrupled among millennials compared to those born in the mid-20th century. Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center used data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program, which tracked cancer cases from 1975 to 2019.The numbers are telling: the study found that for people born in 1985, the incidence of appendix cancer is four times higher than for those born in 1945. For individuals born in 1980, it is about three times higher.A Broader Gastrointestinal TrendExperts say this rise mirrors trends in other gastrointestinal cancers—such as colorectal and stomach cancer—which are also being diagnosed more frequently in adults under 50. Between 1975 and 2019, the researchers recorded 4,858 cases of appendix cancer, with a noticeable uptick in recent decades.Possible Causes: Lifestyle and DietAlthough the exact reasons for this generational increase remain unclear, researchers suggest that lifestyle and environmental factors may be playing a major role. The consumption of ultra-processed foods, sugary beverages, and processed meats has increased sharply in recent decades. Additionally, obesity and metabolic syndrome—both risk factors for various cancers—are more prevalent among younger people today than in past generations.Lead researcher Dr. Andreana Holowatyji highlighted that the increase in cases is not due to more appendectomies being performed. Surgical removal rates of the appendix have remained largely stable over time, suggesting that other factors, possibly related to diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposure, are contributing to the spike in cases.The Challenge of Early DetectionOne of the major hurdles in combating appendiceal adenocarcinoma is the lack of clear early symptoms. Many of the signs—such as bloating, appetite loss, and changes in bowel habits—are vague and can easily be mistaken for more common digestive issues. This often leads to delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options.Urgent Need for ResearchWith no definitive causes identified, scientists are calling for more research into environmental exposures, genetic factors, and molecular changes that might contribute to the development of appendix cancer. Understanding these elements could help in early detection and potentially lower the rising risk among younger populations.

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