ArdorComm Media Group

Friday, July 11, 2025 5:00 AM

Early Detection

Breast Cancer on the Rise: New Data Reveals Critical Health Crisis for Indian Women

ArdorComm news

Breast cancer is rapidly emerging as a major health crisis for women in India, with alarming new data revealing its widespread impact. According to a report by diagnostics firm Healthians, 16% of women aged 55-64 tested over the past three years are currently battling breast cancer. As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, these findings shed light on the hidden struggles faced by thousands of women nationwide, with Rajasthan identified as a significant hotspot—30% of women in this age group in the state are diagnosed with the disease. The report highlights troubling statistics from other states as well, such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, where 22% of women in the same age group are affected. These numbers underscore the urgent need for better access to early detection methods, improved treatment options, and enhanced awareness about breast cancer prevention. Dr. Sonal Saxena, a senior pathologist at Healthians, stresses the importance of vigilance: “Breast cancer is a significant health issue for older women. Symptoms like breast lumps, changes in shape or size, and skin dimpling should never be ignored. Regular screenings, especially mammograms, are critical for early detection, particularly in high-risk women over 55.” The rise in breast cancer cases has been linked to various factors, including late pregnancies, family history, hormonal changes, and lifestyle habits like smoking and stress. Raising awareness and promoting regular screenings are crucial steps in combating this growing health crisis. Deepak Sahni, founder of Healthians, also emphasized the urgency of early intervention: “Breast cancer rates are climbing, and we must act now. Early screenings and timely treatment save lives. At Healthians, we encourage preventive care and regular check-ups, particularly for women at higher risk.” The report highlights regional disparities, with Rajasthan leading at 30%, followed by Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand (22%), West Bengal (19%), Karnataka (5%), and Maharashtra (8%). The data underscores the need for a coordinated national response to this growing health challenge. Source: Business Standard

Breast Cancer on the Rise: New Data Reveals Critical Health Crisis for Indian Women Read More »

Princess Kate Announces Cancer Diagnosis: A Story of Courage and Resilience

Blog on Health

In a poignant and courageous announcement, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, revealed in a heartfelt video message the discovery of cancer following her recent abdominal surgery. Facing widespread speculation about her health and controversy over doctored images, the 42-year-old princess shared that she is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy on the advice of her medical team. The news, which came after months of public scrutiny and silence from Kensington Palace, shed light on the princess’s journey towards healing and resilience. With her characteristic grace and strength, Kate expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from well-wishers worldwide, while emphasizing the importance of privacy and family during this challenging time. In her message, Kate underscored the shock of her diagnosis and the subsequent efforts to process and manage the news for the sake of her young family. With unwavering support from her husband, Prince William, and the love of her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis, she navigates the complexities of treatment and recovery with courage and determination. The announcement also sparked conversations about cancer awareness and early detection, as medical experts weighed in on the significance of preventative chemotherapy in Kate’s case. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her diagnosis, the princess’s resilience and optimism serve as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges. As messages of support pour in from across the globe, the royal family rallies around Kate, offering words of encouragement and solidarity. With her strength and grace, she reminds us all of the power of resilience and the importance of facing adversity with courage and determination. Her story serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human heart and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity. In the midst of uncertainty, Kate’s unwavering courage and resilience shine brightly, inspiring us all to embrace each day with hope, gratitude, and unwavering determination.

Princess Kate Announces Cancer Diagnosis: A Story of Courage and Resilience Read More »

Novel HPV Methylation Test Boosts Cervical Cancer Detection

Researchers at the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Centre (MECC), designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), have developed a groundbreaking test to detect a type of cervical cancer that often goes unnoticed by traditional Pap tests. This discovery has significant implications for cervical cancer screening. The study’s findings were recently published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI). Dr. Howard Strickler, the co-senior and corresponding author of the JNCI paper and a member of MECC, explained, “Our innovative test demonstrates a high sensitivity for detecting cervical adenocarcinoma (ADC), which now accounts for up to 25 percent of cervical cancer cases, along with its precursor lesions, adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), which often progress into ADCs.” Cervical adenocarcinomas have higher mortality rates compared to the more common cervical squamous cell cancers since they are frequently missed by current screening methods. Dr. Strickler’s goal is to identify the disease at an early stage, before it evolves into cancer. Dr. Strickler also serves as a professor and heads the division of epidemiology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The Pap test, a method in which a pathologist examines tissue samples for abnormal cells, has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical squamous cell cancer over the past six decades. However, the prevalence of ADC has not decreased due to the Pap test’s limited effectiveness in detecting it. In recent years, HPV testing, which identifies the human papillomaviruses (HPVs) responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases, has become a standard screening tool alongside the Pap test. Although there are over 100 HPV types, three specific types (HPV 16, 18, and 45) account for more than 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases and over 90 percent of ADC cases. Current HPV tests cover these three types and can alert infected women to a high risk of developing cervical cancer. While vaccines like Gardasil-9 offer protection against nine HPV types, several generations of women are now beyond the eligible age for vaccination. Therefore, screening and preventive treatment for cervical cancer will remain crucial for decades. The MECC-developed HPV test takes a novel approach by examining methylation levels in HPV 16, 18, and 45. Dr. Robert D. Burk, a co-leader of the study and a member of Einstein and MECC, explained, “Next-generation genetic testing has provided us with opportunities to more accurately detect oncogenic HPV strains and identify genomic patterns associated with the development of AIS and ADC.” Methylation, the process of adding methyl groups (CH3) to DNA, is a common occurrence in both viral and human DNA, playing a crucial role in altering gene expression. The study, conducted in collaboration with the NCI, analyzed methylation levels in cervical tissue samples from 1,400 women who underwent cervical cancer screening at Kaiser Permanente Northern California before 2014, with known cervical cancer statuses. By assessing HPV in these samples, researchers calculated methylation percentages at 35 different viral-genome sites, providing each sample with a “methylation score” based on the average methylation percentage across these sites. Women with methylation scores in the top 25 percent had significantly increased odds of developing ADC or AIS. Dr. Burk emphasized, “If our findings are confirmed in clinical trials, women with a high methylation score may benefit from more extensive evaluation, such as colposcopy and specialized tissue examination, in addition to Pap tests. This could lead to early diagnosis and treatment for ADC or the removal of AIS lesions before they progress to ADC.” Dr. Strickler noted that the test’s equipment could potentially be simplified, making it suitable for broader use in resource-limited countries. Cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer among women, with a disproportionately higher burden in lower- and middle-income countries, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa where HIV-HPV co-infections are prevalent. Significant disparities also exist within the United States, with the Bronx, one of the nation’s poorest urban congressional districts, experiencing cervical cancer rates 50 percent higher than Manhattan. More frequent and effective screening could help bridge this healthcare disparity. “Ideally, the new HPV methylation test would only need to be done once every three to five years,” added Dr. Strickler, expressing hope that the test could enhance cervical cancer screening equity in the U.S. and beyond.

Novel HPV Methylation Test Boosts Cervical Cancer Detection Read More »