The study found significant increases in colon and rectal cancer incidence among young adults in several high-income countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK. The incidence of colon cancer increased significantly each year in people aged 0-49 years, while rectal cancer incidence was most...
The study found that over 20 million babies were born with a low birthweight (less than 2500g) in 2015, with almost three-quarters of these babies born in Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The authors call for immediate action to tackle underlying causes of low birthweight and ensure clinical care for small babies.
A new study found that giving all women a single dose of preventative antibiotics after childbirth involving forceps or vacuum extraction could prevent almost half of maternal infections. The trial, involving 3,420 women, suggests that this simple intervention could reduce antibiotic use by 17% and save the NHS £52.60 per woman.
New trials suggest whole body MRI can diagnose cancer stage more quickly and accurately than standard imaging for colorectal and non-small cell lung cancers. This reduces treatment decision time from an average of 13 days to 8 days, while costs are lowered by nearly a quarter in some cases.
A global study predicts a 53% rise in chemotherapy demand by 2040, with an estimated 15 million patients needing treatment annually. The study recommends expanding the chemotherapy workforce to 100,000 physicians by 2040 to deliver optimal treatment.
The world is not on track to achieve global targets to reduce harmful alcohol use, according to a study of 189 countries' alcohol intake. The total volume of alcohol consumed globally per year has increased by 70%, with low- and middle-income countries driving the increase.
A systematic review of 12 studies with over 1,000 patients found that peanut oral immunotherapy increases the risk and frequency of anaphylaxis and allergic reactions. Despite inducing desensitisation in the clinic, the treatment does not lead to improved quality of life for patients.
Chronic post-surgical pain affects 10% of patients, often requiring higher levels of opioids that can lead to tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Opioid prescribing for surgery patients poses a challenge, with increases in misuse and abuse linked to inadequate pain management.
A study published in The Lancet Planetary Health estimates that traffic-related air pollution is associated with 170 new cases of traffic pollution-related asthma per 100,000 children every year. Globally, 13% of childhood asthma cases diagnosed each year are linked to traffic pollution.
A genetic study of over 160,000 adults in China found that moderate drinking has no protective effects against stroke and may even increase the risk. Blood pressure also rises with increased alcohol consumption.
An observational study of over 7,500 people aged over 50 found that a quarter reported age discrimination, which was associated with fair or poor health and serious health problems. The study highlights the need to tackle ageism to improve health and wellbeing in older people.
A study published in The Lancet found that globally, 11 million deaths (1 in 5) were associated with poor diet, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause. Diets high in sodium and low in whole grains, fruits, and nuts were found to be major contributors.
A survey of nearly 1,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo found that low public trust during the 2018 Ebola outbreak led to lower vaccination rates and increased refusal to seek care. Higher trust was linked to greater willingness to accept vaccination and seek medical attention.
A two-year observational study found childhood maltreatment associated with altered brain structure and increased risk of clinical depression relapse. The study identified a link between childhood trauma and reduced surface area in the insular cortex, a part of the brain involved in emotion regulation.
A world free of tuberculosis is possible by 2045 if increased political will and financial resources are directed towards priority areas including providing evidence-based interventions to everyone, especially to high risk groups. The savings from averting a TB death are estimated to be three times the costs.
A study found that economic growth in China led to a decrease in stunting and thinness among children and adolescents, but a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates. The research suggests a need for policies promoting dietary diversity, physical activity, and health education.
A case-control study found a strong link between daily cannabis use and psychosis, with high potency cannabis increasing the risk even more. The study estimated that one in five new cases of psychosis may be linked to daily cannabis use, highlighting potential public health implications for changes in cannabis legislation.
The study found the maternal mortality rate after C-section in Africa is substantially higher than expected at 5.43 per 1,000 operations, compared to 0.1 per 1,000 operations in high-income countries. Neonatal mortality rates also double the global average.
A randomized trial of ivermectin mass administration in children aged five or younger shows a 20% reduction in malaria episodes without adverse events. The study suggests ivermectin could be a useful tool in disease reduction to combat residual transmission.
A global study found that democratic governance is linked with declines in cardiovascular disease mortality and road deaths, as well as increases in government health spending. Life expectancy improved faster in countries that transitioned to democracy between 1970 and 2015 compared to those that did not.
The Lancet report highlights the alarming rise in adolescent disease burden worldwide, with an additional 250 million adolescents living in multi-burden countries. The prevalence of obesity, anaemia, and child marriage has increased significantly between 1990 and 2016, posing a major threat to their health and wellbeing.
Restrictive entry and integration policies are linked to poor mental health, depression, anxiety, and increased risk of premature death among migrants. More inclusive approaches can improve migrants' health and life opportunities.
A large-scale observational study found no association between conceiving within a year of stillbirth and increased risk of stillbirth, preterm birth, or small-for-gestational-age birth in the following pregnancy. The study included nearly 14,500 births from Australia, Finland, and Norway.
A global modelling study estimates nearly 400,000 new cases of childhood cancer annually, while current records count only around 200,000. Undiagnosed cases could account for more than half of the total in Africa, South Central Asia and the Pacific Islands.
A new analysis published in The Lancet finds that all forms of Brexit will negatively impact the NHS, but a No-Deal Brexit presents the worst scenario. The Withdrawal Agreement offers a more positive scenario compared to a No-Deal Brexit, but concerns remain about its negative impact on the NHS beyond the transition period.
Experts warn of a surge in vector-borne diseases as Venezuela's humanitarian crisis worsens, with malaria cases increasing by 359% since 2010. The crisis is also leading to a resurgence of other diseases like Chagas disease and dengue, threatening public health gains in the country.
A modelling study predicts that combining high uptake of HPV vaccine and high HPV-based cervical screening rates can prevent up to 13.4 million cases of cervical cancer within 50 years. Cervical cancer elimination is expected in most countries by the end of the century, with average rates falling to less than 4 cases per 100,000 women.
A new study published in The Lancet found that one brief exposure to general anesthesia does not result in measurable neurodevelopmental or behavioral problems up to the age of 5 years. However, more research is needed to confirm the findings in girls and children with multiple and prolonged exposure to anesthesia.
A large study found that direct-acting antiviral treatment is associated with reduced risk of mortality and hepatocellular cancer, but not decompensation of cirrhosis. Patients treated with direct-acting antivirals were 52% less likely to die prematurely than those who were untreated.
A study analyzing 24,000 Canadian grant applications reveals that women are less successful in receiving funding when reviewers focus on the calibre of the applicant rather than the strength of the science. The gender gap is more pronounced when evaluating leadership and expertise as principal investigators.
A study of 15 highest-ranked social sciences and public health universities reveals persistent gender disparities in senior positions, with women concentrated in junior roles. Ethnic minority representation also lags behind, with women of color severely underrepresented in senior positions.
A new analysis of over 11.5 million medical papers found that almost three-quarters do not report outcomes for men and women. Female authors are more likely to report on sex-differences, highlighting the importance of diversity in research and the scientific workforce.
Cancer rates linked to obesity are rising faster in US young adults compared to older generations. Incidence of certain cancer types such as colorectal, uterine corpus, and pancreatic cancer has increased significantly in younger age groups.
A meta-analysis of 28 randomised controlled trials found that statin therapy reduces the risk of major vascular events in older people by about a fifth per 1 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol. The study showed no adverse effects of statin therapy on non-vascular mortality or cancer across all age groups.
A comprehensive package of interventions could avert 15.1 million new hepatitis C infections and 1.5 million cirrhosis and liver cancer deaths globally by 2030. Implementing comprehensive blood safety and infection control measures was estimated to reduce the number of new infections in 2030 by 58%.
Research suggests that frailty makes older adults more susceptible to Alzheimer's dementia, regardless of brain changes. The study found a significant association between frailty and cognitive decline, suggesting that maintaining function and independence may help reduce dementia risk.
Feeding a growing population of 10 billion people by 2050 with a healthy and sustainable diet will require significant changes to eating habits, food production, and reducing food waste. The new dietary pattern promotes whole grains, plant-based protein sources, and high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
A study published in The Lancet reveals that consuming at least 25g to 29g of dietary fibre per day can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer by 16-24%. Whole grains also show promise in reducing mortality rates and incidence of these diseases.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that caring for preterm babies in single family rooms reduces the incidence of sepsis and improves exclusive breastfeeding rates compared to traditional open ward neonatal units. However, long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were not significantly different between babies cared for in single...
A phase 2 trial found that an oral spray containing THC-CBD reduced spasticity in adults with motor neuron disease, improving muscle tone and pain levels. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed promise as a potential option for managing symptoms.
A Scottish study found that changing the legal drink-driving limit did not reduce road traffic accidents despite substantial initial public awareness campaigns. The researchers suggest inadequate enforcement and publicity as possible reasons for the lack of impact.
A study of 4,843 UK adolescents found that those identifying as sexual minorities experienced more depressive symptoms and self-harm than their heterosexual peers, starting at age 10. Depressive symptoms declined from age 18, but this decline was not seen in all groups.
A phase 2 trial of 70 men with cannabis dependence or use disorder found that an experimental drug reduced cannabis use and withdrawal symptoms compared to placebo. The drug, PF-04457845, works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down a natural endocannabinoid chemical in the brain.
The Lancet report debunks myths about migration and health, highlighting the economic benefits of migration and the need to integrate migrant populations into healthcare systems. The Commission on Migration and Health calls for improved public health responses and counteracting racism.
Researchers have successfully performed the world's first uterus transplant from a deceased donor, allowing a woman with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome to give birth. The recipient received immunosuppression drugs and had a healthy pregnancy, resulting in the birth of a baby girl via caesarean section.
A new randomised trial found that sharing pictorial representations of personalised scans showing the extent of atherosclerosis reduced cardiovascular disease risk one year later. The study showed improvements in total and LDL cholesterol levels, with the strongest effect seen for those at highest risk.
A randomized trial of over 3000 participants found that sharing personalized ultrasound scan images reduces cardiovascular disease risk. The study showed improved outcomes in smoking cessation, physical activity, statins, and antihypertensive medication.
The proportion of global population vulnerable to heat-related death and disease is growing due to climate change. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with cardiovascular diseases, are exposed to increased temperatures, increasing their risk of heart disease and kidney disease.
The proportion of global population vulnerable to heat-related death and disease is growing due to climate change's effects on aging populations and urbanization. Over 153 billion hours of labor were lost globally in 2017 due to heat exposure, with the agricultural sector bearing the brunt.
A randomised controlled trial found that gut-directed hypnotherapy delivered by psychologists was effective in relieving IBS symptoms, with benefits persisting at 9-month follow-up. Group hypnotherapy was as effective as individual sessions, potentially offering a new treatment option for IBS patients.