Tag

Risk Factors

All articles tagged with #risk factors

Surge in pancreatic cancer among younger adults prompts call for quick detection and lifestyle tweaks
health11 days ago

Surge in pancreatic cancer among younger adults prompts call for quick detection and lifestyle tweaks

Pancreatic cancer, long seen as a disease of older people, is increasingly diagnosed in people in their 30s–50s as obesity and metabolic disease rise; doctors warn that its early signs are vague and often dismissed, contributing to diagnoses only after the cancer has spread in about 80% of cases, with five-year survival around 12%. The piece highlights rising incidence among younger patients, the role of risk factors like smoking, obesity, and genetics (BRCA/ATM), and new research on epigenetic changes in genes such as KLF5 that may fuel growth. It also offers lifestyle prevention tips—limiting red/processed meats and ultra-processed foods, cooking at home, eating lean proteins, and considering environmental exposures like pesticides—and notes advances in treatment (robotic Whipple surgeries, BRCA-targeted therapies) that improve outcomes when detected early.

health22 days ago

Silent Signals: Women Must Watch Heart Health in Midlife

The piece emphasizes that heart disease is the leading killer of women and often presents with subtle, nonclassical symptoms—especially during perimenopause—so proactive risk tracking (blood pressure, fasting glucose, A1C, lipid panel, hs-CRP, resting heart rate) and advanced screenings (CAC scans, lipoprotein(a)) are crucial. It also advocates targeted lifestyle changes (prioritize sleep, Mediterranean-style eating, regular movement, stress management) and proactive patient advocacy—keeping symptom records and asking doctors about personalized risk and screening.

Heart Disease Deaths Dip, Yet U.S. Risk Factors Remain High
health27 days ago

Heart Disease Deaths Dip, Yet U.S. Risk Factors Remain High

The American Heart Association’s 2026 update shows deaths from cardiovascular disease have fallen but remain the leading U.S. killer, with someone dying from cardiovascular disease roughly every 34 seconds. While mortality declined for heart disease and stroke, obesity and related CKM syndrome (heart/kidney/diabetes/obesity) are rising risks, and prevention via Life’s Essential 8—healthy eating, activity, no tobacco, good sleep, healthy weight, and controlling cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure—remains crucial to reduce future risk.

Scientists Warn of Rising Global Cancer Deaths
health1 month ago

Scientists Warn of Rising Global Cancer Deaths

Global cancer cases and deaths have surged over the past three decades, driven mainly by population growth and aging, with low- and middle-income countries facing the fastest increases. Despite advances in treatment, disparities persist, and behavioral risk factors like tobacco use significantly contribute to cancer mortality. The study emphasizes the urgent need for equitable cancer prevention and control efforts worldwide to reduce future burdens, especially in resource-limited settings.

Hidden Causes and Risks of Blocked Arteries Beyond High Blood Pressure
health1 month ago

Hidden Causes and Risks of Blocked Arteries Beyond High Blood Pressure

Blocked arteries develop gradually due to factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, poor diet, and lack of exercise, often without symptoms. Preventive measures include a healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, managing medical conditions, reducing stress, and regular check-ups to detect silent blockages early.

Early Detection of Blocked Arteries: Cardiologist Warns of Silent Killer
health1 month ago

Early Detection of Blocked Arteries: Cardiologist Warns of Silent Killer

Atherosclerosis, a silent and progressive buildup of plaque in arteries, can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart attacks and strokes. Early detection through regular tests such as cholesterol panels, blood pressure monitoring, and imaging scans is crucial, especially for those with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and family history.

Rising Colon Cancer in Young Adults: Causes, Risks, and Early Signs
health2 months ago

Rising Colon Cancer in Young Adults: Causes, Risks, and Early Signs

Colorectal cancer rates are rising among people under 50, driven by environmental and lifestyle factors like poor diet and low fiber intake, not genetics. Experts recommend early screening starting at age 45, especially for those with family history, and emphasize lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol to reduce risk.

Key Symptoms and Risks of Heart Disease
health2 months ago

Key Symptoms and Risks of Heart Disease

The American Heart Association's revamped risk calculator highlights smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure as major risk factors for heart disease, with kidney disease also serving as a warning sign. While age and sex are uncontrollable risks, lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and managing blood pressure can significantly reduce one's risk. The calculator helps users understand their personal risk and emphasizes the importance of preventive measures to lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Research Warns Against Extreme Temperatures for Kidney Disease Patients
health2 months ago

Research Warns Against Extreme Temperatures for Kidney Disease Patients

Research shows that climate change-induced extreme heat and cold contribute to the rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD) globally, with dehydration from temperature extremes damaging kidneys. CKD affects over 788 million people worldwide, with key risk factors including high salt diets, high blood pressure, obesity, and non-optimal temperatures. Greater prevention, screening, and accessible treatments are needed to address this growing health issue.