According to statistics, most breast cancer cases are found in women who are older than 50 years of age. And one in every eight women develops invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. This is a cause for concern, and therefore, doctors recommend regular breast examination, as well as medications like Trastuzumab, Tamoxifen,  and Ibrance if cancer is detected. There are certain risk factors that put some women at a higher risk of developing this condition. They are as follows: 1. Genetic mutation There are some risk factors that can be controlled by an individual, while some cannot be. Gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2 are one of the most common causes of breast cancer. These mutated versions lead to abnormal cell growth that is responsible for the development of cancer. 2. Old age As women age, their bodies may become more susceptible to severe conditions, such as cancer. Studies suggest that most breast cancer cases occur in women aged between 55 and 64 years. This is not to say that the condition cannot occur at a younger age. 3. Obesity Obesity leads to several health scares, breast cancer being one of them. However, this is a risk factor that can be managed through changes in lifestyle.

Research suggests that one in seventy-eight women may develop ovarian cancer during their lifetime. It is one of the leading causes of mortality among women who are in their late 30s right up to those in their early 70s. Ovarian cancer is a complicated condition as there is no single cause for it and most symptoms show up in the advanced stages. Doctors may prescribe medications like Vectibix and Rubraca, or surgery to treat ovarian cancer. Here is a brief overview of the known risk factors and signs of ovarian cancer: 1. Risk factors Here are a few risk factors for ovarian cancer: Age Women above the age of 55 may develop epithelial, stromal, or germ cell tumors, depending on the type of cancer. Older women can also develop metastatic ovarian cancer, wherein the tumors grow in the ovaries but spread to other parts of the body. Hereditary problems Having a family history of ovarian cancer, certain genetic mutations, and even inherited genetic disorders increase the risk of cancer. While genetics may not be the direct cause, abnormalities in the gene pool that mainly affect the reproductive organs can trigger abnormal cell growth. Health complications Women who already suffer from conditions, such as breast, endometrial, or colorectal cancer, are at a high risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Eczema is a chronic and inflammatory skin condition that causes red, dry, scaly and itchy patches on the face, arms, hands, legs, and feet. It can be brought on by external triggers like soaps, detergents, or fabric softeners. Foods and allergens can also cause it. Here are some of the soaps that trigger eczema: 1. Antibacterial soaps These soaps are some of the common soaps that trigger eczema. Antibacterial types of soap contain triclosan, a chemical that helps kill bacteria. Triclosan is used in soaps and other household cleaning products because it prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mildew on surfaces. This is especially helpful for people with delicate or sensitive skin because it helps eliminate 99.9% of surface bacteria. However, triclosan can also react to sunlight in your body, triggering eczema flares up in people with sensitive skin or eczema. This is because skin cells have increased sun sensitivity in people with eczema. 2. Strong fragranced soaps Soaps that have strong fragrances are another common trigger for eczema flares. To make soaps smell good, manufacturers add a variety of chemicals and fragrances to give it a nice scent. Phenoxyethanol is a common chemical that is added to soap to make it smell good.

Thyroid cancer earns its name because it starts in the thyroid gland, a small endocrine gland in the neck that helps regulate heart rate, body temperature, metabolism, and blood pressure. Statistics show that thyroid cancer is three times more common in women than men. There are about forty-three thousand new cases diagnosed every year. Early detection of thyroid cancer lends to a survival rate of nearly a hundred percent, especially when medications like pralsetinib, Gavreto, and Lenvatinib are prescribed as part of treatment. Some key symptoms that can help lead to early detection are outlined below: 1. Unexplained hoarseness If you sound or feel hoarse with no explanation, you should investigate further. You might also notice some changes to your voice. It might sound raspier. You might assume it’s a case of laryngitis and it will take care of itself if you rest your voice. The thyroid is actually supposed to be the protector of your larynx, often referred to as your voice box. The thyroid gland hugs the front of the larynx. The pressure of growing cancer can lead to hoarseness without you ever actually straining your voice. Your vocal cords are in the same area and will be put under pressure by the nodules associated with thyroid cancer.

Dementia develops as a result of dysfunctional brain nerve cells. This condition affects a patient’s cognitive abilities, which is their capacity to process information, interact with others, and think. Although it is more common among the elderly, it is not a natural consequence of becoming older. There is an expected decline in brain function with age, but people with dementia experience this decline much faster. Dementia comes in various forms, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent, as reported by the National Institute on Aging. Other forms include vascular disorders, Lewy body dementia, mixed dementia, and Frontotemporal dementia. Here are the top early symptoms of dementia: 1. Poor movement or mobility Dementia’s early symptoms may include the inability to get up and move about after sitting or standing motionless. Also, movements might become more sluggish or jerky as dementia progresses, increasing the risk of falls and other accidents. Therefore, keeping your mobility is crucial even if you don’t feel as secure going about as you once did. In addition, a caregiver can assist a dementia patient walk more efficiently by giving external stimulation like caressing the patient on the arm. 2. Apathy and depression Dementia’s early stages often manifest as apathy or depression.

Lupus is a disease in which the immune system attacks the patient’s organs and tissues, causing inflammation. There are a few lupus symptoms such as pain and swelling in joints, a butterfly shaped rash on the nose and cheeks, and more. Here are some of the major risk factors that can cause lupus: 1. Family history Lupus tends to run in families, so one of the major risk factors for lupus is a family history of it. If you have lupus in your genes you are more likely to develop lupus. While the actual cause of lupus is usually unknown for a patient, it is thought that those with a predisposition to lupus due to genetics can develop lupus when an environmental factor triggers it. If you don’t have a family history of lupus it is still possible to develop lupus as most cases are sporadic but studies do show that having a family history of lupus makes it 5-13% more likely to develop. 2. Environmental exposure While researchers still aren’t sure what exactly triggers lupus, the following environmental factors are seen as the most likely culprits: ultraviolet rays, medication that makes you more sensitive to the sun, infections and viruses, exhaustion, and stress.

When it comes to medical treatments and medications, what you eat can impact their effectiveness and potentially lead to adverse reactions for your health. It’s important to be mindful of the foods you consume, especially if you’re taking medication or undergoing treatment for a specific condition. Here are some foods that can adversely interact with certain drugs and medical treatments: 1. Grapefruit Grapefruit is a popular fruit that contains a variety of nutrients and antioxidants. However, it also contains compounds called furanocoumarins that can interfere with the enzymes responsible for breaking down certain medications in your body. This can lead to higher levels of the medicine in your bloodstream, increasing the risk of adverse reactions and potentially harming your health. The interaction between the fruit and some medications, such as statins, calcium channel blockers, and immunosuppressants, is well-documented and can be serious. For example, consuming the fruit or its juice can increase the risk of muscle damage or kidney failure if you’re taking a statin to lower your cholesterol. Therefore, avoiding grapefruit and its juice is recommended when taking these medications. 2. Alcohol Alcohol is a widely consumed beverage that can interact negatively with various medications, including antibiotics, painkillers, and antidepressants.

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC accounts for about 10-15% of all lung cancer cases, while NSCLC accounts for about 85-90%. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with an estimated 1.76 million deaths each year. If you’re concerned about lung cancer, it’s important to know the early signs and symptoms. Here are seven early signs of lung cancer you should be aware of: 1. Chest pain Lung cancer can cause chest pain that is sharp or dull, and may be felt in the back, shoulders, or arms. If you have persistent chest pain, you should see a doctor. 2. Hoarseness If your voice becomes hoarse and you have trouble speaking, it could be a sign of lung cancer. This symptom is more common in people with NSCLC. 3. Shortness of breath Lung cancer can make it difficult to breathe, especially if the cancer has spread to the lungs or chest wall. If you experience shortness of breath, see a doctor right away.

Fertility issues and conception problems affect many couples, and it can be a stressful and emotional journey. Infertility can be caused by various factors such as age, lifestyle, genetics, hormonal imbalances, and medical conditions such as endometriosis. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available to help couples conceive, including assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Both IVF and IUI are effective treatments for infertility, but they have significant differences in their approach, success rates, and candidacy requirements. Here are the main differences between IVF and IUI: 1. Fertilization internally vs. externally IVF involves the fertilization of eggs and sperm outside the body, in a laboratory dish. The fertilized embryos are then transferred to the uterus for implantation. On the other hand, IUI involves the insertion of sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix and improving the chances of fertilization. 2. IVF has higher success rates than IUI The success rates of IVF are generally higher than IUI. IVF clinics and doctors have reported success rates ranging from 40% to 60%, while IUI clinics and doctors have reported success rates ranging from 10% to 20%. However, success rates may vary depending on the patient’s age, the cause of infertility, and other factors.

A dental implant is a prosthetic device that fuses with the bone of the jaw or skull to support an implanted crown, bridge, or denture. This is a permanent solution to replace a missing tooth or teeth. Tooth implants and implant dentures have a high success rate working out around 98% of the time. Also an implant is more affordable than you think with a total cost per tooth normally running between $3,000 and $4,500 USD, which for a life-time investment isn’t bad. Here are five reasons why dental implants are worth it. 1. Higher self-esteem One of the main reasons many people get a dental implant is so they can have higher self esteem. Missing teeth can make some people ashamed and make them want to hide their smile. Getting a dental implant is a great way to restore that confidence and make them feel happy to smile again. 2. Can prevent future dental problems Having a missing tooth can drastically affect the health of your jaw and the underlying bone. Without all your teeth, your bone can start shrinking and cause other medical and oral health issues. It can also increase your risk of being diagnosed with gum disease.