A multicentre registry study found that medicinal cannabis can safely relieve cancer pain while reducing the total number of medications and opioids taken. Products with an equal balance of THC and CBD were particularly effective in reducing pain intensity and symptoms.
Pregnant women with SLE are more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity and fetal morbidity, with higher risks of premature birth, growth restriction, and acute renal failure. The study highlights the need for informed counseling and care for patients with SLE during pregnancy.
A study of Australian surveys found that doctors are more extroverted, agreeable, and conscientious than their patients, but also more neurotic. These differences may affect the quality of care and patient outcomes.
A study published in BMJ Open suggests that young children with common ENT issues may be at increased risk of autism or high levels of autistic traits. Early detection and treatment of these conditions could improve their quality of life and potentially shed light on the origins of autism.
Replacing sugary drinks with healthier options like coffee, tea, and plain water is associated with lower rates of early death among adults with type 2 diabetes. The study found that increasing consumption of these beverages was linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
Surgery may provide faster relief in pain and disability for people with sciatica, but benefits last only up to 12 months. The certainty of evidence is low to very low, suggesting it might be an early management option for those who value rapid improvement over potential risks.
A UK Biobank study found that cancer survivors may be at long-term increased risk of cardiovascular disease, regardless of traditional risk factors. Those with previous breast or blood cancers were found to have the greatest risk, with significant changes in heart size and function detected on MRI scans.
Concurrent vaping in early teen smokers may lead to persistent and heavier smoking in late teens, according to two UK and US studies. The 'entrenchment hypothesis' suggests e-cigarettes deepen early patterns of smoking, increasing the risk of continued tobacco use.
A modelling study suggests that specifying menu calorie counts is likely to reduce obesity-related cancers and healthcare costs in the US. The policy could prevent 28,000 new cancer cases and 16,700 cancer deaths, as well as save $1.48 billion in medical costs.
Experts warn that the UK's free trade deal with CPTPP will make it harder to regulate tobacco and alcohol, ban products containing harmful pesticides, and enact policies to cut consumption of unhealthy food and drinks. A health impact assessment is needed to evaluate the potential benefits and harms of this deal.
Researchers argue that current PPE provides inadequate protection to breast tissue, leaving it vulnerable to radiation exposure. Employers should invest in equipment that ensures the safety of all their staff, particularly female healthcare workers.
Research finds exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air pollution is associated with a heightened risk of dementia, with a 4% increase in risk for every 2 micrograms per cubic metre increase in average annual PM2.5 concentration. Nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide exposure also show a small increased risk.
A comprehensive evidence review found significant harmful associations between sugar consumption and 45 outcomes, including diabetes, depression, obesity, and heart disease. Experts recommend reducing added sugar intake to six teaspoons a day and limiting sugar-sweetened drinks.
A large UK Biobank study found that poor sleep quality may bolster genetic susceptibility to asthma, potentially doubling the risk. A healthy sleep pattern was associated with a lower risk of asthma, and spotting and treating sleep disorders early on might lessen the risks.
Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency prevalence ranged between 29-37% among active duty Navy military personnel, with higher rates among submariners. Periodic assessment and supplementation may be necessary to address the issue.
Research in England finds higher COVID-19 case rates among Bangladeshis, Pakistanis, Muslims, Sikhs, and those disadvantaged in wave 2. In contrast, White British, Christians, healthy individuals, and relatively affluent people had higher rates in wave 3.
Research analysis reveals gaps and uncertainties in evidence base for cancer drugs, including lack of relevance and inconsistent reporting. Findings emphasize the importance of improving communication of benefits and harms to support informed decision-making by patients and clinicians.
Researchers compared seven dietary programmes, finding Mediterranean programmes lower risk of mortality, non-fatal heart attacks, and stroke. Low fat programmes also showed benefits for mortality and non-fatal heart attacks, but with less pronounced effects.
Research published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that people with atopic diseases like asthma or eczema are at a heightened risk of developing osteoarthritis. Drugs used to dampen down allergic reactions may help lessen this risk, suggesting a potential new approach to treating the condition.
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic led to reduced opportunities for sex, with fewer reported unplanned pregnancies and abortions, but higher levels of sexual dissatisfaction and distress. The National Survey found that people were more likely to have multiple partners, but less likely to use condoms with new partners.
A systematic review found considerable uncertainty around analgesic effectiveness and safety for acute non-specific low back pain. Clinicians and patients are advised to use analgesics with caution due to limited high-quality evidence.
A study published by The BMJ found that ending performance-related payments for NHS GPs in Scotland was associated with a decline in the quality of some aspects of care compared to England. Researchers recommend continuing data collection to monitor the impact of changes on care quality.
A review of 182 nations found that almost all countries penalize those seeking an abortion (134 countries), providers (181 countries), and people assisting in the procedure (159 countries). The study highlights the need for better access to safe abortions and increased support for trained providers.
A Taiwanese study found that pregnant women involved in road traffic collisions, even with minor injuries, are at increased risk of birth complications. Those on scooters faced significantly higher risks than those in cars. The study suggests providing educational materials about road traffic safety during pregnancy.
Doctors have criticized the General Medical Council (GMC) for its investments in fast food firms, pharmaceutical companies, and private healthcare providers. The regulator has nearly £870,000 invested in companies like Nestlé, McDonald's, and Unilever, sparking concerns over conflicts of interest.
A large Canadian study finds no association between maternal opioid prescription after delivery and adverse infant outcomes. Infants of opioid-using mothers were slightly more likely to visit an emergency department, but this difference was minor.
A recent analysis found that TikTok health information videos on Mpox are often inaccurate, incomplete, and of poor quality. This poses significant risks to public health, particularly during outbreaks.
Research suggests that high blood caffeine levels are associated with lower weight and body fat, as well as a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The study used Mendelian randomisation to explore the potential effects of caffeine on these outcomes.
A pooled data analysis of available evidence shows that sticking closely to a Mediterranean diet cuts a woman's risks of cardiovascular disease and death by nearly 25%. The study, which included over 700,000 women, found lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke in those who followed the diet most closely.
A recent study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a relatively small impact on mental health, with general population symptoms showing little change. However, specific groups such as women and certain age groups experienced worsening of depression symptoms, while others showed improvement in mental health and anxiety symptoms.
An international team of researchers analyzed data from 93 studies on cardiovascular diseases and exposure to radiation, finding a modestly increased excess risk of heart disease with low dose radiation. The study suggests that mechanisms for these cardiovascular effects are poorly understood and that further research is needed.
The study estimates that tap water scald burns result in significant healthcare costs, with average costs of $572 per emergency department visit and $28,431 per hospital stay. Thermostatic mixing valves could reduce the risk of these burns by mixing hot water with cold water.
A large-scale Chinese study found that frequent socializing was associated with significantly longer survival in older adults. Those who socialized nearly every day had the greatest likelihood of living longer, with a 42% delay in time to death compared to those who never socialized.
A pooled data analysis of 16 studies found that most family outcomes were similar between sexual minority and different sex parent families, with some advantages in child psychological adjustment and child-parent relationships. However, risk factors such as stigma and discrimination can negatively impact family outcomes.
A study of US adults found that Black men have a 50% higher death rate within 30 days of elective surgery compared to White men and women. The researchers highlight the need for better understanding of challenges facing Black men requiring surgery in the US.
The US government invested at least $337 million in critical research leading to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines before the pandemic, and $31.6 billion during it. These public investments saved millions of lives and have potential to address future pandemics and treat other diseases.
The number of US minors receiving hormone treatment and surgeries has risen significantly, despite concerns over the lack of strong evidence. Experts are questioning the evidence underpinning guidelines from organizations such as WPATH and the Endocrine Society.
Research published in General Psychiatry found that satisfying mid-life relationships are linked to a lower risk of accumulating multiple long-term conditions in older age. The study, which included 13,714 Australian women, suggests that stronger social connections and higher relationship satisfaction are associated with a lower risk o...
A long-term study found that regular leisure time physical activity at any age is associated with better brain function in later life. Maintaining an exercise routine throughout adulthood was particularly beneficial for preserving mental acuity and memory. The study, which included over 1,400 participants, showed that being physically ...
An analysis of 13 million tweets suggests that celebrity tweets, particularly from politicians and news anchors, played a significant role in shaping public opinion on the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring social media activity to combat misinformation and promote health-protective behaviors.
An international survey found that most health and nutrition claims on infant formula products are backed by little to no high-quality scientific evidence. The study identified 757 products with an average of two claims each, including benefits for brain development, immunity, and growth.
Despite industry claims of high R&D costs, most biopharmaceutical companies spent more on selling and administrative activities. New medicines often offer little or no added clinical value, leading to concerns over high prices.
Experts warn that scrapping England's long term plan for cancer will lead to wide variations in access to effective treatments and quality of care. The current proposal jettisons decades of global consensus on the need for dedicated cancer plans.
An investigation by The BMJ found that only 30 of 200 private hospitals treated COVID-19 patients in April 2020. Meanwhile, some private hospitals devoted 60% or more of their capacity to treating private patients during the pandemic.
Decades of wars and conflict in Iraq have led to a catastrophic rise in antibiotic resistance due to destroyed healthcare infrastructure, medicine shortages, and high levels of heavy metal contamination. Research is urgently needed to understand the link between armed conflict and AMR to prevent millions of needless deaths.
Researchers estimate that up to 2% of adults in these regions have heart failure, with significant health risks and costs. The study analyzed digital health records from 11 countries and found that preventive treatment should focus on stopping further worsening of heart failure and kidney function.
A recent study published by The BMJ found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may have benefits for both mother and baby. Two doses of mRNA Covid-19 vaccine were highly effective against delta infection, while two doses against omicron infection showed moderate effectiveness. A third dose during pregnancy also bolstered protecti...
A study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that married individuals tend to have lower average glycemic levels compared to those without a partner. The researchers also discovered that marital transitions, such as divorce, can significantly impact blood glucose levels and the risk of pre-diabetes.
A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggests that golf may be just as healthy or even healthier than Nordic walking for older adults. The research compared the acute effects of three aerobic exercises: an 18-hole round of golf, 6km of Nordic walking, and a 6km walk. The results showed that all three types of ...
A nationwide Finnish study found that around 58% of people with low educational attainment by age 30 will have a diagnosis of a mental disorder by age 52. The study also showed a stronger association between lower socioeconomic position and later diagnoses of substance misuse or schizophrenia spectrum disorders.