Author: Saba Kash

Increasing Incidence of Colon Cancer Among Young Adults The incidence of colon cancer in young adults, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, is on a concerning upward trend. This development contrasts with the traditional perception of colon cancer primarily affecting older individuals.  Global Trends and Emerging Research Recent analyses have shown a steady rise in the incidence of colon cancer among adults under 50 since the 1990s. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) acknowledges this increase, highlighting the need for research into the causes and risk factors specific to early-onset colorectal cancer​​.  In a global study spanning from 2000 to…

The Malaysian honey market is currently grappling with a significant challenge, as up to 90% of honey products sold in the country are suspected to be counterfeit.  Dr. Zulkifli Mustafa, a senior lecturer at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), brought to light a concerning statistic, highlighting the daunting prevalence of artificial honey in the market. This revelation highlights the urgent need for stringent quality control and heightened consumer awareness in the industry. Detecting Authentic Honey In addressing this widespread issue, Dr. Zulkifli emphasised the complexity involved in distinguishing genuine honey from fake products. Due to the sophisticated methods employed in creating…

New data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reveals a startling prediction: global cancer cases are expected to surge by 77% by 2050.  This increase, based on the 2022 estimates of 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths, highlights an urgent need for enhanced global health strategies. The statistics also highlight a concerning lifetime risk of cancer, affecting approximately one in five individuals. The Escalating Global Cancer Burden The world is facing a looming health challenge of unprecedented scale. According to the latest estimates by the WHO and IARC, the…

A recent study by SG Her Empowerment (SHE) reveals significant online safety concerns among Singapore’s youth, shedding light on urgent issues in the digital world. The Safeguarding Online Spaces (SOS) Study, conducted with over 500 young participants, highlights a worrying trend of exposure to harmful content. A striking 63% of youth reported encountering sensitive content, including body image-related issues, without actively seeking it. This has led to emotional distress, with half of these individuals feeling upset for extended periods. Gender-Specific Challenges and Perspectives in Asia The SHE study’s findings align with broader global trends, revealing distinct gender-specific online challenges. For…

Singapore Elevates Mental Health as National Focus In a significant move to prioritise mental health, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, along with Senior Parliamentary Secretary Rahayu Mahzam, has emphasised the importance of mental health as a national concern in Singapore.  In his address to the Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the complexity of mental health issues within the community. Emphasising the diverse nature of these challenges, he indicated that mental health concerns span a wide spectrum, necessitating a varied and comprehensive set of solutions. This perspective lays the groundwork for Singapore’s strategic approach. It aims to cater to…

King Charles III’s Cancer Diagnosis: A Royal Health Alert Buckingham Palace has recently announced that King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer. This news comes after a hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, during which the cancer was detected. King Charles Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Plan The specific type of cancer affecting King Charles III has not been disclosed. However, the King has commenced a schedule of treatments. Following medical advice, he will temporarily step back from public-facing duties. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about his treatment and is keen to resume his full public…

Colour blindness, primarily affecting men, is a fascinating genetic phenomenon. This condition, where individuals struggle to differentiate certain colours, is significantly more common in males than females. The root of this disparity lies in the genetic makeup of X and Y chromosomes. Colour Blindness Prevalence: A Gendered Perspective Moving forward, let’s examine the prevalence of colour blindness across genders, a key area where the genetics manifest distinctly. Studies show a clear disparity in the occurrence of colour blindness between men and women. A comprehensive study reported in the ‘Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics’ provides concrete statistics in this regard.…

Discover how the National University of Singapore’s groundbreaking study revolutionises the treatment of pneumonia in ICU patients, showing that shorter courses of antibiotics are equally effective. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant concern in intensive care units (ICUs), often necessitating prolonged antibiotic treatments. Challenging this standard practice, the National University of Singapore (NUS) conducted the “REducinG Antibiotic tReatment Duration for Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia” (REGARD-VAP) trial. This landmark study introduces a pivotal change in treating ICU pneumonia, suggesting that shorter antibiotic courses, tailored to individual patient responses, could be just as effective as the traditionally longer treatments. Trial Overview This randomised controlled…

The scent of a newborn baby is a topic that has long intrigued both parents and researchers.  This distinctive aroma is not just a source of fascination but also plays a crucial role in the bonding process between a parent and their child. Biological Origins of Newborn Scent The vernix caseosa, a waxy substance on a newborn’s skin, intricately connects to their unique scent. Composed mainly of water (about 80.5%), lipids, and proteins, this substance plays a vital role in preserving the baby’s skin moisture and acting as a protective barrier. The vernix caseosa’s high water content is mainly confined…

Fish Oil: A Secret Weapon Against Ageing Eyes? Did you know that the fish oil in your kitchen cupboard might be more than just a health supplement? Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fish oil, could be a game-changer in protecting against age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision impairment among older adults.  Unveiling the Connection: Omega-3s and AMD The connection between omega-3 fatty acids and AMD, while complex, has shown potential benefits. Several studies have explored the impact of omega-3s on AMD, with varying results. Some studies indicate that the effect of omega-3…