The IARC estimates, based on the best sources of data available in countries in 2022, highlight the growing burden of cancer, the disproportionate impact on underserved populations, and the urgent need to address cancer inequities worldwide.
In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. The estimated number of people who were alive within 5 years following a cancer diagnosis was 53.5 million. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from the disease.
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Cervical cancer develops in a woman's cervix (the entrance to the uterus from the vagina). Almost all cervical cancer cases (99%) are linked to infection with high risk human papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact. Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women.
Cervical cancer is the 6th most common cancer in women in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In 2020, an estimated 89,800 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Region and more than 47,500 women died from the disease.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It is a perfect opportunity to raise awareness about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. This year, we are focusing on ending cervical cancer within a few generations as the theme for Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.
When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care. With a comprehensive approach to prevent, screen and treat, we can end cervical cancer as a public health problem within a few generations.
On this Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, the messages are clear.
Get informed. Find out the facts about cervical cancer and the human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes it. Help educate other women in your life too.
Get screened. Cervical cancer screening typically starts at age 30 and is repeated periodically.
Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is given in 2 doses that should begin when a girl is between 9 and 14 years old.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month also comes at a time when the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, where substantial disruptions to essential health services persist. So during this month and beyond, let us work together, to build back healthier communities by improving access to HPV vaccination, screening, treatment for cervical pre-cancer and management of cervical cancer by 2030 and end cervical cancer within a few generations.
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In a clinical trial of Casgevy for sickle cell disease, 28 of the 29 patients experienced no episodes of major pain – which can lead to them being hospitalised – for at least a year afterward. When the treatment was used for those with beta thalassemia, 39 of the 42 trial participants did not need to have a red blood cell transfusion for at least 12 months after receiving Casgevy.
Sickle cell disease is caused by mutations in the beta-globin gene, leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are shaped like donuts, but in sickle cell disease, the abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to stiffen and adopt a spiky, sickle-like shape. The disease is estimated to affect 100,000 people in the United States and is more common among Black Americans. Sickle cell disease can be cured with a donor bone marrow transplant but use of this therapy has the best chance of success in patients who have a closely matched sibling donor, which is only a minority of patients.
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Anna Herland, senior lecturer in the Division of Bionanotechnology at SciLifeLab at KTH and the AIMES research center at KTH and Karolinska Institutet, says that the eye is ideal for this technology because it has no immune cells that react unfavorably in the first stage of implantation. Its transparency allows visual and microscopic study of what happens to the implant over time.
“The eye is our only window into the body, and it’s immune-privileged,” Herland says.
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Dopamine is a fascinating neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our daily lives, influencing various aspects of our well-being, including happiness. Often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, dopamine is involved in a wide range of functions within the brain and body. Let's explore how dopamine affects happiness, its underlying mechanisms, and how various substances and activities can influence its production.
Dopamine and Happiness:
Dopamine is often associated with feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation. It's released in response to pleasurable experiences and serves as a biological signal that reinforces positive behaviors. This connection between dopamine and happiness is not only fascinating but also essential for understanding how we experience joy and satisfaction.
Mechanism of Dopamine in Happiness:
Reward Pathway: The brain's reward system, often called the mesolimbic pathway, is where dopamine shines. When you engage in activities that bring pleasure or reward, such as eating a delicious meal, winning an award, or receiving praise, your brain releases dopamine. This surge in dopamine reinforces the behavior, making you more likely to repeat it in the future.
Motivation and Goal Achievement: Dopamine also plays a crucial role in motivation. It encourages you to pursue and achieve goals, whether they are small tasks like completing a to-do list or larger life aspirations. The anticipation of the reward associated with accomplishing these goals triggers dopamine release, providing a sense of satisfaction and motivation to keep going.
Dopamine and Substances/Activities:
Coffee: Many people turn to coffee for a morning dopamine boost. Caffeine, a key component in coffee, can increase dopamine production. It stimulates the release of dopamine by blocking adenosine, another neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. This temporary surge in dopamine can lead to improved mood and alertness.
Awards and Recognition: Receiving awards or recognition for your accomplishments can be a powerful source of dopamine. The acknowledgment of your efforts activates the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine and generating feelings of happiness and pride.
Exercise: Physical activity is another way to boost dopamine levels. Regular exercise has been shown to increase dopamine receptors in the brain, making it more sensitive to this neurotransmitter. This is why many people report feeling happier and more energized after a good workout.
Drugs of Abuse: Unfortunately, the same dopamine system that promotes happiness and motivation can be hijacked by drugs of abuse, such as cocaine and opioids. These substances artificially increase dopamine levels, leading to intense feelings of euphoria. However, repeated drug use can disrupt the brain's natural dopamine balance, leading to addiction and negative consequences.
In conclusion, dopamine is a key player in our pursuit of happiness. It's the brain's way of rewarding us for positive behaviors and motivating us to achieve our goals. While substances like coffee can provide a temporary dopamine boost, the most sustainable and healthy way to maintain a happy, balanced brain is through activities like exercise and the pursuit of meaningful accomplishments, like winning awards or achieving personal goals. Understanding the role of dopamine in our lives can help us make informed choices about how we seek and experience happiness.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/2631454118806139