QUOTE FOR THE WEEKEND:

“Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have completed a comprehensive analysis of cancer statistics for different age groups in the United States and found that from 2010 through 2019, the incidence of 14 cancer types increased among people under age 50. Of these cancer types, nine—including several common cancers, such as breast cancer and colorectal cancer—also increased in some groups of people aged 50 and older. However, the incidence of 19 other cancer types—including lung cancer and prostate cancer—decreased among people under age 50, so the total rate of all cancers diagnosed in both younger and older age groups did not increase, nor did the rate of cancer death.

“This study provides a starting point for understanding which cancers are increasing among individuals under age 50,” said lead investigator Meredith Shiels, Ph.D., of NIH’s National Cancer Institute.“The causes of these increases are likely to be cancer specific, including cancer risk factors becoming more common at younger ages, changes in cancer screening or detection, and updates to clinical diagnosis or coding of cancers.”

The study appeared May 8, 2025, in Cancer Discovery.

Why types of cancers and their rates have increased below and after the age of 50 with certain cancers lowering in the past 30 years!

Cancercenter.org states the following:

”One of the most common risk factors for cancer is something we can’t do anything about—age. Our cancer risk increases as we get older, with the average age at diagnosis hovering around 68.

But a new study in Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology says that over the last few decades, doctors have been seeing dramatic increases in cancer in adults younger than 50. The disturbing trend has scientists searching for:

  • Reasons behind the sharp increase in early-onset cancer
  • How best to screen for or detect cancers in young adults
  • Whether the cancers are different types of common cancers in older adults
  • Which treatments show promise for younger people

Cancers in the under-50 age group may foreshadow an “emerging pandemic,” says the study’s researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Cancer patients under 50 are at a different point in their lives than the typical, older patient: They may be students, parents of young children, family breadwinners or caregivers to aging parents. Their cancer treatments may mean a different financial burden, one that hits during their prime income-earning years. They may also face higher risks of other health issues, including infertility, heart disease and secondary cancers.

“Young adults often have a more challenging landscape than older adults diagnosed with cancer,” says Toufic Kachaamy, MD, Interventional Program Specialist and Chief of Medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), Phoenix (he was not involved in the study). “When you’re 40 and get cancer, there’s a good chance that you’ve never been sick before. One day, you’re out to dinner or a party, the next thing you know, you’re on chemotherapy.”

Which cancer types were studied?

Researchers looked at 14 cancers being diagnosed with increased frequency in adults who haven’t turned 50 yet:

  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Extrahepatic bile duct cancer
  • Gallbladder cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Thyroid cancer

Colorectal cancer

Some of the highest increases in early-onset cancer are being seen in patients with colon cancer and rectal cancer. While colorectal incidence rates have dropped by almost 40 percent since 2000 among adults 50 and older, the rate is rising in those under 50. The latter trend may be linked to obesity levels that have exploded in the 18-25 age group, from 6.2 percent in 1976-80 to 32.7 percent in 2017-18.

Some researchers have thought that a higher body mass index (BMI)—or how much someone weighs compared to how tall he or she is—was a more significant risk factor for colon cancer than for rectal cancer. But that theory may not hold for early-onset cases, since researchers say rectal cancer is increasing in the United States at a faster rate than colon cancer.

Stomach cancer and esophageal cancer

Stomach cancer and esophageal cancer, like colorectal cancers, are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Eight of the 14 early-onset cancers studied are cancers of the digestive system.

The findings suggest someone’s microbiome—the microorganisms floating around in the digestive tract—impacts cancer risk, either because of changes caused by poor nutrition, lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking, or a significant increase in the use of antibiotics in recent decades.

Some risk factors for early-onset esophageal cancer include smoking, obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Heavy alcohol consumption is considered a risk factor for all stomach cancers, including early-onset cases.

Breast cancer

The study, instead of using the under-50 and over-50 groupings typical for breast cancer analyses, looked at premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Breast cancer is rising in both groups, but at a faster rate among younger, premenopausal adults.

Some studies have shown that a large number of female breast cancer patients under 50 were not considered at high risk for the disease. Now, the American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend women begin regular mammograms at age 40 instead of 50.

Some research on premenopausal breast cancer points to reproductive risk factors, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption and the prevalence of Western-style diets—ones high in red meats and processed foods—as contributors to early-onset breast cancer.

Lung cancer

Lung cancer was not included in the study because it’s been decreasing in both the under-50 and over-50 age groups. But the proportion of lung cancer cases among nonsmokers in the under-50 age group is rising.

Women also are making up an increasing proportion of lung cancers diagnosed in patients under 50, with men contributing to a steeper decline in those cases than women.

What caused cancer rates to rise in people under 50?

While increased screening may partially explain the rising number of early-onset diagnoses, researchers say that doesn’t tell the whole story.

“Evidence suggests that the earliest phase of carcinogenesis might start in early life or young adulthood, followed by intervals of up to several decades between initial cellular damage and clinical cancer detection,” the study’s authors wrote.

Since the mid-20th century, many unhealthy changes have affected diet, lifestyle, obesity, the environment and our microbiomes. Those changes may now be occurring earlier in life and may be making humans more susceptible to cancer at a younger age. Studies also suggest the increase in early-onset cancers may be part of the growing trend in chronic diseases affecting younger adults.

If you’re a parent or thinking about becoming one, your concern about early-onset cancer should extend to your children. The study says that a woman’s smoking, diet, alcohol consumption and obesity during pregnancy may play roles in her child’s future cancer risk. Providing your children with healthy meals, limiting processed and sugary foods in their diets, encouraging them to exercise, watching their weight and avoiding their exposure to second-hand smoke may help reduce their future cancer risk at a time when they’re too young to make good choices for themselves.

“We found that this risk is increasing with each generation,” says Shuji Ogino, MD, PhD, a professor and physician-scientist in the Department of Pathology at Brigham who was involved with the study. “For instance, people born in 1960 experienced higher cancer risk before they turn 50 than people born in 1950, and we predict that this risk level will continue to climb in successive generations.”

Which cancer risk factors affect young adults?

Some of the causes behind the increased cancer rates for adults under age 50 are thought to include:

  • Drinking alcohol in excess
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Eating a Western diet
  • Being obese or overweight
  • Having type 2 diabetes
  • Getting too little sleep, having abnormal sleep patterns and/or getting too little sleep during childhood
  • Bearing children at a late age
  • Having the first menstrual period at a young age
  • Lower breast-feeding rates and increased formula consumption
  • Using oral contraceptive
  • Being exposed to environmental toxins

https://www.cancercenter.com/community/blog/2023/01/why-are-cancer-rates-rising-in-adults-under-50

Through Harvard.ed they state the following:

“In an extensive review, the team found that the early life “exposome,” which encompasses an individual’s diet, lifestyle, weight, environmental exposures, and microbiome, has changed substantially in the last several decades. They hypothesize that factors like the Western diet and lifestyle may be contributing to the rise in early onset cancer. The team acknowledged that this increased incidence of certain cancer types is, in part, due to early detection through cancer screening programs. They couldn’t precisely measure what proportion of this growing prevalence could solely be attributed to screening and early detection. However, they noted that increased incidence of many of the 14 cancer types is unlikely due to enhanced screening alone.

Possible risk factors for early onset cancer included alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, smoking, obesity, and eating highly processed foods. Surprisingly, researchers found that while adult sleep duration hasn’t drastically changed over the several decades, children are getting far less sleep today than they were decades ago. Risk factors such as highly processed foods, sugary beverages, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol consumption have all significantly increased since the 1950s.

“Among the 14 cancer types on the rise that we studied, eight were related to the digestive system. The food we eat feeds the microorganisms in our gut,” said Ugai. “Diet directly affects microbiome composition and eventually these changes can influence disease risk and outcomes.”

“https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2022/09/researchers-report-dramatic-rise-in-early-onset-cancers/

Some of the causes behind the increased cancer rates for adults under age 50 are thought to include:

  • Drinking alcohol in excess
  • Smoking tobacco
  • Eating a Western diet
  • Being obese or overweight
  • Having type 2 diabetes
  • Getting too little sleep, having abnormal sleep patterns and/or getting too little sleep during childhood
  • Bearing children at a late age
  • Having the first menstrual period at a young age
  • Lower breast-feeding rates and increased formula consumption
  • Using oral contraceptive
  • Being exposed to environmental toxins

 

QUOTE FOR FRIDAY:

“Two decades after foreign terrorists attacked Americans on U.S. soil, the impact of Sept. 11, 2001, is still being felt today. Hundreds of thousands of people remain at risk due to the trauma and exposure to toxic air following each attack. Carcinogens from building materials, gases and jet fuel laced the air around each crash site, with the most severe toxicity among the ruins of the World Trade Center towers in New York City.

An estimated 410,000 first responders, cleanup crews and survivors spent days and weeks breathing in air heavy with toxins from 400 tons of crushed concrete, glass and asbestos at Ground Zero. Exposure to contaminated air and toxic chemicals created a growing list of health concerns for many of the men and women who were there, with some illnesses such as mesothelioma taking approximately 20 years to develop.

To date, more people have now died from this toxic exposure than in the 9/11 attacks. Although 2,974 people lost their lives that day, 4,343 survivors and first responders have died in the years since, according to the World Trade Center Health Program.

Respiratory diseases and cancer have caused the most deaths among first responders over the past 20 years. The toxic cloud of dangerous particles inhaled by so many first responders made their bodies more susceptible to these illnesses. To date, 1,469 WTCHP members have died from 9/11-related airway and digestive disorders, while 1,366 died from related cancers.”

Asbestos.com – brought to you by The Mesothelioma Center. (20 Years Later: The Lingering Health Effects of 9/11)

 

Health Effects from 9/11 Disaster.

 

HEALTH EFFECTS FROM SEPTEMBER 11 DISASTER

The world trade center (WTC) terrorist attact and its aftermath exposed hundreds of thousands of people to dust, debris, smoke and fumes.  I was one that went down that day as a volunteer RN to help out my country.  It was a sight I will never forget and thank God nothing like it has happened since including developing anything from being exposed to the environment of this disaster.  September 11, 2001, among rescue and clean up workers, office workers, building evacuees, and residents of lower Manhattan living down their have shown increased respiratory and other physical health problems, like developing cancers after this terrible terrorist tragedy.  Following is a outline of the most common conditions experienced by individuals exposed to the WTC attacks and their aftermath.  The types of conditions are:

Upper Airway Cough Syndrome:  Formerly named postnasal drip syndrome which is commonly caused by continuous irritation or infection of the sinuses and the nose either due to allergies or from environmental irritants.  The signs or symptoms that arise from this are cough, nasal congestion, postnasal drip and frequent need to clear the throat.

Asthma/Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome:  Some people exposed to the WTC disaster area have developed asthma related to exposure to irritants (also called reactive airways dysfunction syndrome [RADS]).  Signs and symptoms include:  Shortness of Breath (SOB); chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, phlegm, possible triggering of symptoms by colds or seasonal allergies or exercise or fragrances or extremes of temperature or humidity, recurrent episodes of respiratory infections requiring antibiotic treatment.

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE OR LARYNGOPHARYNGEAL REFLUX DISEASE:  Some people exposed to the WTC disaster developed this condition.  GERD results from the flow back or return (reflux) of stomach contents into the esophagus. LPRD results from the reflux of stomach contents into the voice box or throat.

Symptoms of GERD: Heartburn, acid regurgitation, upset stomach, cough made worse with meals or at night

Symptoms of LPRD: Hoarseness or other vocal changes, sore throat, cough, sensation of having a lump in the throat

Long-Term Physical Health Concerns:

There has been increased concern about sarcoidosis and cancer among individuals who were highly exposed during the WTC disaster. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in conjunction with other programs, is closely monitoring these conditions in order to detect any increases in these diseases.

At this time, there is no evidence of an increased rate of cancer among individuals highly exposed to the WTC disaster. Increased rates of sarcoidosis have been documented among fire department personnel ( Izbicki G, Chavko R, Banauch, GI, et al. World Trade Center “Sarcoid-Like” Granulomatous Pulmonary Disease in New York City Fire Department Workers. Chest. 2007;3:131;1414-1423). Rates of sarcoidosis among other groups are currently under investigation.

Sarcoidosis is difficult to verify because NYC providers are not required by law to report sarcoidosis cases to the Health Department.  Based on New York City death certificate records over the   past 10 years, there have been an average of 32 sarcoidosis deaths per year, with the annual number remaining the same since the WTC attacks. During the   same period, there have been between 362 and 439 sarcoidosis-related hospitalizations per year in NYC (five per 100,000 people), with the annual   rate remaining the same since the disaster.

* Breathing in beryllium, other metal dust or fumes or moldy materials can cause lung disease, which may resemble sarcoidosis.

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis* is an auto-immune disease that can attack any organ   of the body, although it often starts in the lungs or lymph nodes. It mainly   affects people between 20 and 40 years of age, with African-Americans three  times more likely to develop the condition than Caucasians and women twice as   likely to develop it as men. While most sarcoidosis patients recover without treatment, less than one-third develop chronic debilitating sarcoidosis and  fewer than 5% die from the disease. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown.

Sarcoidosis and World Trade Center (WTC) Dust Exposure

While studies have not definitively linked dust exposure from   the WTC disaster to new-onset sarcoidosis among exposed workers, the data   does suggest elevated levels of sarcoidosis among firefighters.

There have been a few reported sarcoidosis cases among rescue   workers that may be related to Ground Zero dust exposure. In May 2007, the New York City Chief Medical Examiner determined that dust exposure from the disaster contributed to a sarcoidosis death, based on published epidemiologic findings among exposed firefighters.

Cancers

The collapse and burning of the WTC and neighboring buildings   released a complex mixture of irritant dust, smoke and gases. The dust cloud   also contained heavy metals, as well as asbestos and other carcinogens. In   addition, smoke released from the fires contained hazardous and potentially   cancer-causing substances.

Because of these exposures, there has been concern about the   possibility of increased cancer rates among WTC-exposed people. The NYC   Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Fire Department of New York and   other researchers are carefully monitoring cancer rates among highly exposed   people.

In 2007, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene brought together a panel of experts, including representatives from FDNY, the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the New York State Department of Health and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, to discuss the potential impact of the WTC disaster on cancer rates and mortality.

In 2010, after beginning the process of confirming cancer   diagnoses within their cohorts, the NYC Department of Health and Mental   Hygiene and FDNY co-chaired another conference of outside experts, including biostatisticians, environmental health scientists and cancer epidemiologists,   to help address the complex methodological questions associated with their   preliminary cancer investigations. The conference produced several   recommendations which are described in the 2010 WTC Medical Working group annual report.

Although cancer associated with specific exposures takes a long   time to develop, three early cancer studies based on verified diagnoses   within their cohorts through 2008 (the latest year for which data was   available when these analyses began) have been published:

  • FDNY found that nearly 9,000 firefighters with WTC exposure may be at greater risk for cancer than firefighters  who weren’t exposed.
  • The WTC Health Registry found small increases in rates of prostate cancer, thyroid cancer and multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, among nearly 34,000 WTC rescue and recovery workers in comparison to rates among New York State residents after adjusting for age, race/ethnicity and sex.
  • Prostate and thyroid cancer rates were higher than expected among nearly 21,000 rescue and recovery workers enrolled in the WTC Health Program in comparison to rates in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania where the majority  of workers lived.

Cancer analyses continue at FDNY, the WTC Health Registry and at   the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.

In 2012, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health  added many different types of cancers to the list of conditions that can be treated at the World Trade Center Health Program.

What the New York City  Health Department Is Doing:

Through the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Registry, the Health Department is conducting a cancer study that will help determine if cancer rates are higher among those exposed to the WTC disaster. Results of   the study will appear on this Web site and will be submitted to peer-reviewed scientific journals.

The Department is also conducting a broader public awareness campaign about cancer testing, and is working with its clinical partners to offer free cancer screenings. Identifying cancer early in the course of the disease reduces the risk of developing disability from cancer. Department efforts to reduce the rates of smoking among WTC disaster-exposed people also help reduce their risk for developing cancer and other diseases.

What You Can Do

Seek medical care.

If you were exposed to the WTC disaster and have developed symptoms or conditions you feel are related to this exposure, tell your doctor and bring the Clinical Guidelines for Physicians Treating Adults   Exposed to the WTC Disaster to   help your doctor diagnose and treat your symptoms. The Health Department also   released clinical guidelines  for   health care providers on how to treat children and adolescents exposed to the WTC disaster.

If you or your doctor believe that you require more specialized   care, you may be eligible for free treatment at a WTC   Center of Excellence or affiliated facility.

Practice preventive   health.

Whether or not you are currently experiencing symptoms, there   are things you can do to maintain your current health status, prevent   worsening of your health, and detect any new conditions. Suggested measures include:

    1. If you smoke, quit! Tobacco is known to cause   cancer and make existing respiratory conditions worse. If you currently   smoke, there are programs in place to help you quit.
    2. Lead a healthy lifestyle by drinking alcohol   in moderation and avoiding more than moderate sun exposure. Increase physical   activity, keep your weight down and eat a healthful and nutritious diet.
    3. Have a physical exam every year that includes a   complete blood count (CBC). Be sure your exam includes all tests appropriate   for your sex and age, including cancer screenings.
    4. Avoid risks at work and during leisure time. If you have any respiratory conditions  try to reduce your exposure to irritants such as dust, pollen, grass and smoke both at home and at work. Consider giving up activities that expose you to irritants, and if activities cannot be avoided, wear personal protective   equipment to minimize exposure.

 

QUOTE FOR THURSDAY:

“National Yoga Awareness Month is celebrated every September to promote the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. Created in 2008 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), this month-long observance encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to explore yoga.

September is an exciting time for yoga enthusiasts and wellness seekers, as it marks the observance of National Yoga Awareness Month. Celebrated each year throughout September in the United States, this month-long initiative encourages individuals to deepen their understanding of yoga and explore its physical, mental, and emotional benefits, including discovering different styles of yoga that suit their personal goals and body types.”

All Yoga (National Yoga Awareness Month 2026: September Guide & Events)

National Yoga Awareness Month – Why yoga is a self awareness habit, what are the 8 steps of yoga, what is the discipline of yoga, why love yoga month? Learn 5 relaxing facts about yoga!

National Yoga Awareness Month was created by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (N.C.C.I.H.) along with the Office of Research Services (O.R.S.) to raise awareness of the benefits of yoga-like mental and physical well-being, less stress, and increased longevity of life.

The term yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘yuj’ which means unite. It is said that once a person the practices yoga, the person is united with the universe and the supreme consciousness. The origins of yoga can be traced back to 2700 B.C. during the period of the Indus Saraswati Valley Civilization. The person who practices yoga is known as a yogi and Lord Shiva is said to be the first yogi or ‘Adiyogi.’ Shiva then transferred all the yogic knowledge to the Saptarishis — the seven sages. The sages then spread this knowledge to the people in different parts of the world.

The sun was given a lot of importance in the Vedic period. The Surya namaskara or “salutations to the sun” was created which contained a set of exercises and stretches that were performed as a prayer to the sun. The period between 800 B.C. to 500 A.D. is known as the ‘Classical Period’ of yoga. Types of yoga-like ‘Gyan Yoga’(Yoga of Knowledge), ‘Karma Yoga’ (Yoga of Action), and then ‘Bhakti Yoga’ (Yoga of Devotion) were created. The period between 500 A.D. to 1700 A.D. is known as the ‘post-classical period.’ It is also the time when renowned scholar Adi Sankaracharya’s teachings spread across the Indian subcontinent. Pranayama was introduced which taught people to control their breathings which had numerous benefits.

National Yoga Awareness Month was created by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (N.C.C.I.H.) along with the Office of Research Services (O.R.S.) to raise awareness of the benefits of yoga-like mental and physical well-being, less stress, and increased longevity of life.

Why is yoga a self-awareness habit?

Yoga helps us know ourselves better and helps us be in control of our emotions. Hence, yoga helps us improve our self-understanding and awareness.

What are the eight steps of yoga?

There are eight limbs of yoga. They are — ‘Yama’ (abstinence), ‘asana’ (yoga postures), ‘Dharana’ (concentration), ‘pranayama’ (breath control), ‘pratyahara’ (withdrawal of the senses), ‘niyama’ (observances), ‘dhyana’ (meditation), and ‘samadhi’ (absorption).”

What is the discipline of yoga?

Yoga is a philosophical or spiritual discipline. It helps bring harmony to the body, mind, and spirit.

5 Relaxing Facts About Yoga

  1. There are many schools

    There are about 18,000 yoga schools in the world.

  2. It can prolong aging

    Research has shown that practicing yoga can delay aging.

  3. It reached the U.S. in 1893

    Yoga reached the U.S. with the teachings of Swami Vivekananda.

  4. The first mat was made using carpet

    The first yoga mat was made by Angela Farmer who made it using carpet underlay.

  5. It can help schizophrenia

    Studies have shown that yoga helps schizophrenia patients with their cognitive functioning.

Why Love Yoga Awareness Month?

  1. It gives you a chance to improve our lifestyle

    Practicing Yoga has countless mental and health benefits. This month gives us a chance to learn a new skill that will benefit us for the rest of our lives.

  2. It reduces your stress levels

    Today in the 21st century, stress is unavoidable. However, with yoga exercises and breathing exercises such as Pranayam, one can significantly reduce stress levels.

  3. It gives you a chance to learn something

    Though yoga originated in the Indian subcontinent, its popularity has reached all over the world. This month gives us a chance to learn something which is one of the world’s oldest disciplines and improve our health at the same time.

QUOTE FOR WEDNESDAY:

CDC states the following about childhood obesity:

  • “Approximately 1 in 5 U.S. children and adolescents have obesity.
  • Obesity affects some groups more than others, including adolescents, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black children, and children in families with lower incomes.
  • Health care for obesity is expensive for patients and the health care system.
  • Overall, obesity prevalence was highest in Hispanic children (26.2%) and non-Hispanic Black children (24.8%) followed by non-Hispanic white (16.6%) and non-Hispanic Asian (9.0%) children.[1]
  • The prevalence of obesity increased with age. From 2017 to March 2020, obesity prevalence was 12.7% among U.S. children 2–5 years old, 20.7% among those 6–11, and 22.2% among adolescents 12–19.[1]”

Center for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC (Childhood Obesity Facts | Obesity | CDC)

National Childhood Obesity Month Awareness – Learn the facts from CDC, the childhood and long term effects from obesity, and the key to stopping childhood obesity throughout the U.S. / World taking prevention steps!

childhood-obesity  childhood-obesity2

childhoodobesity4childhoodobesity3

It is shown that there are high rates of obesity worldwide which have been attributed to a combination of genetics and environment. Myriad environmental exposures may contribute to obesity, including calorie-rich diets, sedentary behavior, stress, and overuse of antibiotics. Just as important as the types of exposures is the timing. The period from conception to adolescence is known to be especially sensitive to obesity risks influenced by maternal fitness and childhood diet and physical activity. Parental experiences and fitness before conception, generational effects, and early-life events can also affect adult health.

The “CDC-Centers for disease control and prevention” have obesity facts they present as follows:

  • “Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years.
  • The prevalence of obesity was 18.5% and affected about 13.7 million children and adolescents.
  • The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2012, now 18.4%.   Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to nearly 21% over the same period, now is 20.6%.
  • In 2012, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.
  • Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors.
  • Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.
  • Overweight and obesity are the result of “caloric imbalance”—too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed—and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.”

WEB M.D. states “One third of children in the U. S. is overweight or obese, and this number is continuing to rise. Children have fewer weight-related health and medical problems than adults. However, overweight children are at high risk of becoming overweight adolescents and adults, placing them at risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes later in life. They are also more prone to develop stress, sadness, and low self-esteem.

Children become overweight and obese for a variety of reasons. The most common causes are genetic factors, lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating patterns, or a combination of these factors. Only in rare cases is being overweight caused by a medical condition such as a hormonal problem. A physical exam and some blood tests can rule out the possibility of a medical condition as the cause for obesity.

Although weight problems run in families, not all children with a family history of obesity will be overweight. Children whose parents or brothers or sisters are overweight may be at an increased risk of becoming overweight themselves, but this can be linked to shared family behaviors such as eating and activity habits.

A child’s total diet and activity level play an important role in determining a child’s weight. Today, many children spend a lot time being inactive. For example, the average child spends approximately four hours each day watching television. As computers and video games become increasingly popular, the number of hours of inactivity may increase.”

The effects of childhood obesity impact a short time (if handled quick enough and obesity resolved) as opposed to a long lifetime of obesity. Childhood obesity has both immediate and long-term effects on a person’s health and well-being.

Presently by CDC, they state in this topic the following:

Childhood obesity is a serious problem in the United States putting children and adolescents at risk for poor health. Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is still too high.

For children and adolescents aged 2-19 years1:

  • Hispanics (25.8%) and non-Hispanic blacks (22.0%) had higher obesity prevalence than non-Hispanic whites (14.1%).
  • Non-Hispanic Asians (11.0%) had lower obesity prevalence than non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics.

Here are childhood effects that can occur:

  • Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease versus if one of your parents has cardiac disease one out of a 4 children family are at risk of getting it (25%) just based on the parents history.
  • Obese adolescents are more likely to have pre-diabetes, a condition in which blood glucose levels indicate a high risk for development of diabetes.
  • Children and adolescents who are obese are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, and social and psychological problems such as stigmatization and poor self-esteem.

Long-term health effects that can occur:

  • Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis.  One study showed that children who became obese as early as age 2 were more likely to be obese as adults. Overweight and obesity are associated with increased risk for many types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, pancreas, gall bladder, thyroid, ovary, cervix, and prostate, as well as multiple myeloma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • One of the best strategies to reduce childhood obesity is to improve the diet and exercise habits of your entire family. Treating and preventing childhood obesity helps protect the health of your child now and in the future.

The KEY to stopping childhood obesity into adulthood is through Prevention (which starts in childhood):

  • Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.
  • The dietary and physical activity behaviors of children and adolescents are influenced by many sectors of society, including families, communities, schools, child care settings, medical care providers, faith-based institutions, government agencies, the media, and the food and beverage industries and entertainment industries.
  • Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors.

To prevent obesity and overweight in children we need our communities throughout the world to:

  • Promote improvements to the nutritional value of the food children eat in schools, child care centers and after-school programs.
  • Support increasing children’s physical activity through improved compliance with physical education mandates by New York City schools, as well as through making physical activities available in after-school programs and City parks and playgrounds.
  • To increase education for children and parents about good nutrition, why healthy food choices are important, and how to combat obesity.
  • To support efforts that help all in every state of America and in the world making healthy food choices, such as laws eliminating trans-fats, and policies to tax or limit the sizes of sugary beverages. Which has already started in many areas but we need to keep doing it and making it stronger for the children health now in their future.

QUOTE FOR TUESDAY:

“Gynecologic cancers are cancers of the female reproductive system, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Anyone with female reproductive organs is at risk for these cancers.

According to the National Cancer Institute, more than 110,000 women in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with a gynecological cancer and more than 34,000 are estimated to die from one in 2026.”

American Association for Cancer Research – AARC (Gynecologic Cancers | Cancer Awareness Months | AACR)

September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month

According to the CDC, uterine cancer (cancer which develops in the uterus) is the most commonly diagnosed gynecological cancer in the U.S. and the fourth most common cancer in U.S. women overall.

Types of Gynecological Cancer

  • Cervical cancer.
  • Ovarian cancer.
  • Uterine cancer.
  • Vaginal cancer.
  • Vulvar cancer.

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness


It is estimated that within the past 2 years 98,000 women would be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer and some 30,000 would die from the disease.

Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month provides an important opportunity to draw attention to this important women’s health issue and offer vital information on risk cancers, warning signs, and prevention strategies.

Uterine Cancer

Uterine cancer forms in the tissues of the uterus, the organ in which a fetus develops. The two types of uterine cancer are endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma.

Endometrial cancer forms in the tissues of the endometrium – the lining of the uterus. Obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes may increase the risk of endometrial cancer.

Uterine Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that forms in the uterine muscles or in tissues that support the uterus. Exposure to X-rays during radiation therapy can increase the risk of uterine sarcoma.

Treatment with the breast cancer drug tamoxifen is a risk factor for both types of uterine cancer.

According to the CDC, uterine cancer (cancer which develops in the uterus) is the most commonly diagnosed gynecological cancer in the U.S. and the fourth most common cancer in U.S. women overall. While any woman can develop uterine cancer, it is most commonly diagnosed in women who have gone through menopause. Risk factors for uterine cancer include age (being age 50 or older), obesity, taking estrogen alone as hormone replacement, and having a family history of uterine, ovarian or colon cancer.

Routine testing is not recommended for uterine cancer, so it is important for women to be aware of symptoms—such as abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding and/or pain and pressure in the pelvic area—and talk to a healthcare provider if they experience these.

Ovarian Cancer

While ovarian cancer accounts for about 3% of cancers among women, it causes more deaths than any other gynecological cancer, according to the American cancer Society. While the survival rates for ovarian cancer are excellent when the disease is diagnosed early, only about 20% of ovarian cancers are found at this early stage. One reason for this is that there is no recommended routine screening for ovarian cancer on women without symptoms. And the symptoms of ovarian cancer—including abnormal abdominal bloating, abdominal pain or pressure, and feeling full quickly when eating—can also be easily be ignored or mistaken for other problems.

For women who experience these symptoms, or who at at higher risk (including women who have had breast cancer or have a family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer), a healthcare provider may recommending further screening. Testing may include rectovaginal pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound,or a CA-125 blood test.

There are three types of ovarian cancer in adults, including ovarian epithelial cancer, which begins in the tissue covering the ovary, lining of the fallopian tube, or the peritoneum; ovarian germ cell tumors, which start in the egg or germ cells; and ovarian low malignant potential tumors, which begin in the tissue covering the ovary.

Cervical Cancer

According to the American Sexual Health Organization, the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer—cancer that develops on the cervix, the opening to the uterus—are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The majority of women with an HPV infection will not develop cervical cancer, but regular screening is essential. In most cases cervical cancer can be prevented through early detection and treatment of abnormal cell changes that occur in the cervix years before cervical cancer develops. These changes are typically detected through a Pap test or an HPV test. HPV vaccines can also prevent cervical cancer.

In its early stages, cervical cancer typically doesn’t have any symptoms, which is why regular screening is so important. At later stages, symptoms may include abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding or pain during sex. While these can also be signs of other health issues, if a woman experiences these symptoms, she should report them to her healthcare provider.

Cervical Cancer. Carcinoma of Cervix. Malignant neoplasm arising from cells in the cervix uteri. Vaginal bleeding. Vector diagram

Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer

There are two main types of vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Adenocarcinoma is more likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. A rare type of adenocarcinoma is linked to being exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth.

Adenocarcinomas not linked with being exposed to DES are most common in women after menopause.

According to the American Sexual Health Organization, vaginal and vulvar cancers are rare—an estimated 1,000 women are diagnosed with vaginal cancer and 3,500 women with vulvar cancer each year. Like cervical cancer, vaginal and vulvar cancers are also associated with HPV infection, with up to 90% of vaginal cancers and pre-cancers and more than 50% of vulvar cancers linked to infection with the high-risk HPV types.

Vulvar cancer forms in a woman’s external genitalia. Vulvar cancer most often affects the outer vaginal lips.

Abnormal cells can grow on the surface of the vulvar skin for a long time. This condition is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Because it is possible for VIN to become vulvar cancer, it is important to get treatment.

Risk factors for vulvar cancer include having VIN, HPV infection, and having a history of genital warts.

HPV vaccines, which prevent some of the high-risk types of HPV, can also help prevent vaginal and vulvar cancers.