Research published in BMJ Oncology reveals a global increase of 79% in new cancer cases among those under 50 between 1990 and 2019. Breast cancer accounted for the highest number of early onset cases, while cancers of the windpipe and prostate rose the fastest.
Research finds that English hospitals meeting NHS 18-week waiting list target often only treat patients who are close to the threshold, rather than those in need. The study suggests that some trusts may prioritize compliance over clinical need.
A large private laboratory is still processing finger prick tests for oestrogen levels despite warnings of unreliability. Experts raise concerns about the validation and regulation of online tests and laboratories, citing a lack of robust assessment and oversight.
Experts recommend avoiding cannabis during adolescence, pregnancy, and driving due to links to psychosis, depression, and motor vehicle accidents. However, cannabidiol shows promise in reducing seizures and managing chronic pain.
A large population study found that unhealthy lifestyles between ages of 60 and 64 are associated with a doubling in the risk of nursing home admission. Physical inactivity, smoking, poor diet, and sleep disorders were linked to an increased risk of care, particularly among 60-64 year olds.
Research suggests that certain gut problems, such as gastroparesis, dysphagia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), may precede the development of Parkinson's disease. A nationwide medical record network study found a significant association between these conditions and an increased risk of Parkinson's diagnosis.
The FDA approved brexpiprazole, an antipsychotic drug, for treating agitation in elderly patients with dementia, despite trials showing it failed to provide a clinically meaningful benefit and increased the risk of death. The decision may reverse efforts to reduce off-label use of antipsychotics in care homes.
A smartphone intervention app reduced unhealthy alcohol use among university students, with a 10% decrease in weekly drinks and 11% fewer heavy drinking days. The app, available for both Apple and Android smartphones, was effective in promoting healthier drinking habits without requiring significant resources.
Royal colleges have received £9m in payments from drug and medical device companies since 2015 but often don't disclose these payments publicly. The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges should coordinate standardised disclosure, increasing trust and informed discussion about payment governance.
Research tracking nuclear industry workers' deaths suggests prolonged low-dose ionising radiation exposure increases solid cancer mortality by approximately 52% per unit of radiation absorbed. The study's findings should inform current rules on workplace protection from low-dose radiation.
Researchers found that young vapers are at risk of respiratory symptoms such as bronchitic symptoms and shortness of breath, even if they or others around them smoke cigarettes or cannabis. The study also highlights the need for regulatory oversight of vaping products.
A French study found that recreational drug use was associated with a nearly 9-fold higher rate of death or need for emergency intervention in cardiac intensive care patients. The study detected various substances in 1 in 10 patients, with cannabis being the most frequently detected substance.
A large long-term study found that good cardiorespiratory fitness in young men is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing nine specific cancers, including a 40% reduced risk of liver cancer. Higher fitness was also linked to lower risks of rectal, pancreatic, and bowel cancers.
Researchers compared absorbency of 21 menstrual hygiene products using human red blood cells, finding that menstrual discs held the most blood, while super-absorbency period pants held the least. The study highlights the need for more research on menstruation to improve diagnostic accuracy and care for women.
A large long-term study found exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with increased community mental health services use among people with dementia. Reducing nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter could help free up resources in overstretched psychiatric services.
A high level of cardiac troponin is associated with a 76% increased risk of death, including non-cardiovascular causes, over medium-term survival. Researchers suggest that troponin may serve as a general indicator of health issues, including undiagnosed conditions.
A pooled data analysis of 32 studies found that women who experienced childhood trauma were 37% more likely to have pregnancy complications than those who didn't. The risk of pregnancy-related diabetes, antenatal depression, underweight or premature babies, and preterm delivery was also significantly higher.
A pooled data analysis found that at least 25 minutes/day of slow walking can counteract the negative effects of bed rest on older hospital patients. Daily 50 minutes of slow walking or a mix of physical activities is even more effective in improving their functional capacity.
A study of over 20,000 patients with a hepatitis C cure found that they have a substantially greater risk of death compared to the general population. Drug and liver-related causes were the main drivers of excess deaths, highlighting the importance of continued support to fully realise the benefits of a hepatitis C cure.
Two new studies examine the health risks of antenatal steroid treatment for premature infants, revealing increased risk of serious infection and long-term health issues. The findings emphasize the need for doctors to exercise caution when considering steroid treatment.
The BMJ investigation found that pharmaceutical companies contributed £7.5 million to royal colleges between 2015-2022, mainly for events and grants. Critics argue that voluntary industry transparency initiatives do not go far enough and do not guarantee full disclosure.
A nationwide Finnish study found that premature parental death is strongly linked to poor mental health and lower earnings in adulthood for both sexes. Boys are more vulnerable than girls, with nearly twice the odds of hospital admission for intentional self-harm after losing their mother prematurely.
A pooled data analysis of clinical trials found that static isometric exercises were the most effective in lowering blood pressure, with reductions of up to 8.24/4 mmHg after isometric training. The findings suggest that current exercise guidelines may be outdated and support the development of new recommendations.
A series of articles published by The BMJ highlights major pandemic failures in Canada's COVID-19 response, including fragmented leadership and poor data-sharing. Experts call for an independent national review to learn lessons and ensure accountability.
A programme to teach empathy through free Barbie dolls has raised questions about gender stereotyping and the use of research to justify marketing. Critics argue that companies like Mattel should not be allowed to freely market their products in schools.
A study found that people who experienced disrupted access to healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic were at increased risk of hospital admissions for ambulatory care sensitive conditions. Disruptions in accessing procedures led to a higher risk of hospital admission, with 77% higher odds compared to those without disruptions.
A systematic review of 55 studies finds no consistently beneficial impacts of private equity ownership on healthcare, confirming the need for increased research and regulation. Private equity firms' ownership is associated with harmful impacts on costs, quality, and health outcomes.
The proportion of smokers buying duty-free tobacco rose from 5% to 16% between 2019 and 2022, but black market sales stayed relatively constant. This trend was more noticeable among higher social grades, where cheaper products were a key factor in smoking cessation attempts.
Research found that people with bipolar disorder are 6 times more likely to die from external causes and twice as likely to die from physical illness. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to the increased risk of death from somatic causes.
Conventional psychotherapeutic approaches for women with late-stage gynaecological cancers take too long and require too much stamina. Psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy has shown promise in treating anxiety, depression, and end-of-life distress with rapid and sustained effects.
A UK-wide evaluation found that nearly all (93%) of dying hospital patients had demonstrable unmet needs for palliative care. The deficit was more apparent in district general hospitals compared to teaching hospitals and cancer centres.
A case-control study found associations between certain jobs and increased risks of ovarian cancer. Hairdressers, beauticians, and accountants were linked to higher risks, with cumulative exposure to agents like talcum powder and ammonia also contributing.
A systematic review suggests fibromyalgia is associated with a 27% heightened risk of death from all causes, with elevated risks for cancer, accidents, and infections. Regular monitoring of patients' physical and mental health is crucial to minimize these risks.
Research in the BMJ Open journal suggests that mid-life structural changes to the jawbone may signal subsequent height loss in women. The study, conducted on a cohort of women in Gothenburg, Sweden, found that severe cortical erosion and sparse trabeculation in the jawbone predicted significant bone shrinkage over time.
A systematic review of published evidence finds patient aggression against general practice staff is common, boosting absenteeism and staff turnover; receptionist experiences are under-studied and under-represented in research.
Fewer than half of new drugs approved for multiple indications in the US and Europe between 2011 and 2020 offered significant benefits over existing treatments. A study found that supplemental approvals were substantially less effective, suggesting a need to clearly communicate this information to patients and reflect it in drug prices.
A large study suggests that higher levels of lean muscle mass may be associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers used Mendelian randomisation to analyze the relationship between genetically proxied lean muscle mass and Alzheimer's disease risk, finding a modest but statistically robust association.
A newly developed risk calculator based on 11 key factors can accurately predict suicide risk in those who have self-harmed within 6-12 months. The OxSATS scoring system may help inform treatment decisions and resource allocation, pending further validation.
The number of GPs and hospital doctors retiring early has increased by an average of 9.3% year on year since 2008, according to official figures. This trend coincides with the introduction of pension taxation rules that penalize doctors for working extra hours.
A large Danish study found that use of menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased rate of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study revealed a significant increase in dementia risk among women who received treatment at the age of 55 years or younger, even for short-term users.
A large clinical trial found that monthly vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks by 9% in older adults. The study involved over 21,000 Australians aged 60-84 and showed a significant reduction in heart attack rates, but no difference in stroke rates.
The age of individuals with gender dysphoria has decreased, especially among those assigned female at birth, according to research published in General Psychiatry. The estimated prevalence of gender dysphoria rose significantly between 2017 and 2021, while the average age of diagnosis fell from 31 to 26.
An analysis of court cases suggests that mediation might not have resolved conflicts about children's medical treatment, with only around half of cases potentially avoidable. The study highlights the limitations of mediation in resolving complex disputes, particularly when personal values are deeply involved.
The revised ruling on advance medical directives in India may force terminally ill patients to endure 'machine-related suffering' without autonomy or dignity. The authors highlight shortcomings, including a cumbersome procedure for withdrawing life support and omission of consideration for healthcare access inequality.
Patients treated by higher volume surgeons experience lower risks of reoperation and serious complications, as well as shorter hospital stays. A study found that a mean annual volume threshold of 10.4 procedures significantly reduces revision surgery risk.
Disgraced transplant surgeon Paolo Macchiarini's misconduct at top institutions has raised concerns about patient treatment and wasted research dollars. Institutions such as University College London and Hospital Clinic Barcelona are urged to launch full investigations into their support for Macchiarini.
A group of international experts developed a consensus statement on concussion management, including new tools and strategies for identification, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. The statement includes evidence-based recommendations for return to active sport, education, and light intensity exercise to aid recovery.
Research suggests that the Bhopal gas disaster had long-term intergenerational effects on health and education. Men exposed in utero to toxic gas had a higher risk of disabilities and cancers, while those born later had reduced educational attainment. The sex ratio of births also changed among children born near the incident site.
The NHS struggles to address ethnic inequalities in healthcare until better ethnicity data is available. Analysis reveals stark disparities across various measures, including stillbirths, infant mortality, and mental health outcomes.
A study published in The BMJ found that women diagnosed with early stage breast cancer today can expect to become long term cancer survivors. The average risk of dying from breast cancer in the five years after a diagnosis has fallen from 14% to 5% since the 1990s.