कोलोरेक्टल कैंसर: पुरुषों और महिलाओं के बीच 8 प्रमुख अंतर

 

रोहतक: कोलोरेक्टल कैंसर दुनियाभर में एक सामान्य कैंसर है, जो हर साल लाखों लोगों को प्रभावित करता है। हालांकि, हालिया अध्ययन यह दर्शाते हैं कि यह पुरुषों और महिलाओं को अलग-अलग तरीकों से प्रभावित करता है। लिंग आधारित अंतर इसमें शामिल हैं जैसे घटनाओं की दर, आनुवांशिक कारक, लक्षण, स्क्रीनिंग प्रथाएं और उपचार परिणाम। इन भिन्नताओं को समझना कोलोरेक्टल कैंसर की देखभाल, प्रारंभिक पहचान से लेकर व्यक्तिगत उपचार तक, को बेहतर बनाने के लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

पुरुषों में कोलोरेक्टल कैंसर की घटनाएं महिलाओं की तुलना में थोड़ी अधिक होती हैं। इसका कारण पुरुषों में धूम्रपान, शराब और लाल मांस के सेवन जैसे जीवनशैली कारक हो सकते हैं। इसके अलावा, पुरुष अक्सर महिलाओं की तुलना में कम उम्र में इस बीमारी का शिकार होते हैं। वहीं, महिलाओं में जीवनभर कैंसरजनकों के कम संपर्क में आने के कारण जोखिम कम रहता है। अनुसंधान यह भी दिखाते हैं कि पुरुषों में कैंसर का स्थान अक्सर डिस्टल कोलन और रेक्टम में होता है, जबकि महिलाओं में यह प्रॉक्सिमल कोलन में अधिक होता है।

बीएलके-मैक्स अस्पताल के रोबोटिक सर्जरी विभाग के चीफ और ऑन्कोलॉजी विभाग के वाइस चेयरमैन, डॉ. सुरेंद्र कुमार डबास ने बताया कि ”लक्षणों और क्लिनिकल प्रस्तुति में भी अंतर देखा गया है। पुरुषों में अधिक स्पष्ट लक्षण जैसे मल में खून और आंतों की आदतों में बदलाव दिखते हैं, जिससे जल्दी चिकित्सा परामर्श लिया जाता है। वहीं, महिलाओं में कम विशिष्ट लक्षण जैसे थकान और पेट में असुविधा दिखते हैं, जिससे कभी-कभी निदान में देरी हो सकती है। स्क्रीनिंग के मामले में, पुरुषों में अधिक बार कोलोनोस्कोपी कराई जाती है, जबकि महिलाओं, खासकर युवा महिलाओं, में स्क्रीनिंग में देरी होती है।“

आनुवांशिक और आणविक स्तर पर भी लिंग आधारित भिन्नताएं मौजूद हैं। पुरुषों में केआरएएस जैसे जीन में म्यूटेशन अधिक देखे जाते हैं, जबकि महिलाओं में माइक्रोसैटेलाइट अस्थिरता (MSI) का स्तर अधिक होता है, जो बेहतर इम्यूनोथेरेपी प्रतिक्रिया से जुड़ा होता है। इसके अलावा, महिलाओं की उत्तरजीविता दर पुरुषों की तुलना में थोड़ी अधिक होती है, लेकिन देर से निदान के कारण यह लाभ सीमित हो सकता है।

डॉ. डबास ने आगे बताया कि “उपचार की प्रतिक्रिया और दुष्प्रभावों में भी अंतर देखा गया है। कुछ अध्ययन सुझाव देते हैं कि पुरुषों और महिलाओं में कैंसर की उत्पत्ति में शामिल विभिन्न उत्परिवर्तनों और हार्मोनल कारकों के कारण कीमोथेरेपी और अन्य उपचारों की प्रतिक्रिया अलग हो सकती है। जागरूकता और जोखिम की धारणा के मामले में, पुरुषों में अधिक स्पष्ट लक्षणों के कारण अक्सर जल्दी कार्रवाई की जाती है। दूसरी ओर, महिलाओं में गैर-विशिष्ट लक्षणों के कारण अपने जोखिम को कम आंकने की प्रवृत्ति हो सकती है, जिससे महिलाओं में प्रारंभिक पहचान को बढ़ावा देने के लिए लिंग-विशिष्ट जागरूकता अभियान की आवश्यकता होती है।“

इन लिंग आधारित अंतर को समझकर कोलोरेक्टल कैंसर की रोकथाम, स्क्रीनिंग और उपचार को बेहतर बनाया जा सकता है। इन भिन्नताओं को ध्यान में रखते हुए रणनीतियों को अपनाना दोनों लिंगों में प्रारंभिक पहचान और उपचार परिणामों को बेहतर कर सकता है।

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Pollution and Its Deadly Impact on Heart Health

 

Dr. Pankaj Ranjan, Head of Department & Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Yatharth Hospital. Greater Noida  

Air pollution is a pressing global issue that poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health. Beyond its well-documented effects on the lungs, pollution is now recognized as a major contributor to heart disease. The link between air quality and heart health is especially concerning in North India, where pollution levels have dramatically exceeded safe limits. 

How Pollution Affects the Heart
Airborne pollutants, such as particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide, enter the bloodstream through the lungs. Once in the bloodstream, these particles can cause inflammation in blood vessels, increase oxidative stress, and lead to the formation of plaques in arteries. Over time, these changes heighten the risk of heart attacks, arrhythmias, and heart failure. Pollution also affects the heart indirectly by increasing blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart disease. 

Growing Threat of Pollution to Heart Health
Across North India, pollution levels often spike during winter, due to stubble burning, vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and weather patterns. Cities such as Delhi frequently record Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the “severe” category, where extended exposure poses serious health risks.
Hospitals nationwide have observed a significant rise in cardiovascular emergencies during high-pollution periods. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with heart disease, face heightened risks as pollution continues to exacerbate cardiovascular strain. 

Global Research and Implications
Studies worldwide have underscored the connection between long-term exposure to pollution and cardiovascular mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes approximately 20% of heart disease deaths to poor air quality. In India, this impact is magnified due to the high population density and widespread exposure to pollution. 

The risks extend beyond long-term exposure; even short-term spikes in pollution levels have been shown to trigger acute cardiovascular events. For instance, studies indicate a rise in heart attack cases following days of elevated pollution, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures. 

Safeguarding Your Heart Against Pollution
To protect heart health amidst rising pollution, individuals can monitor air quality, use air purifiers, maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise, and consult healthcare providers for tailored advice, especially if managing pre-existing heart conditions. 

The connection between pollution and heart disease underscores the urgent need for policy changes and public awareness. Addressing air quality issues is not just an environmental necessity but a critical step in safeguarding public health. By reducing pollution levels and adopting protective measures, we can mitigate its impact on heart health and improve the quality of life for millions.

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Park Grecian Hospital, Mohali Announces Launch of IMARS with Prof. (Dr.) Pawanindra Lal at the Helm.

Mohali :  Park Grecian Hospital is proud to announce the launch of its new Institute of Minimal Access, Advanced Surgical Sciences, and Robotic Surgery (IMARS), a cutting-edge facility designed to redefine surgical care. At the forefront of this new venture is  Prof. (Dr.) Pawanindra Lal, a globally renowned surgeon and a pioneer in robotic surgery, who joins the hospital as Chairman of the IMARS Institute.

Prof. Lal, a distinguished medical professional, brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in surgical oncology, laparoscopic surgery, and gastrointestinal procedures. He is the recipient of the Dr. BC Roy National Award (2016) and the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Award (2021), and has had a distinguished career as the former Head of Surgery and Chairman of the Division of Minimal Access Surgery at Maulana Azad Medical College & Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi. With credentials including MS, DNB, FRCS (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ireland), FMAS, FIMSA, FCLS, FACS, and FRCSEd, Dr. Lal is considered one of the leading figures in the advancement of Minimal Access and Robotic Surgery in India.

The launch of IMARS at Park Grecian Hospital marks a significant step towards elevating surgical care with the introduction of advanced robotic technology. iMARS would provide the new Robotic Surgical procedures equipped with the latest robotic systems that offer unparalleled precision, control, and flexibility in complex and advanced surgical procedures. These technologies allow for minimally invasive procedures, ensuring smaller incisions, reduced recovery times, minimal scarring, shorter hospital stay and improved patient outcomes.

Prof. (Dr.) Pawanindra Lal expressed his excitement about leading this transformative initiative:

“I am thrilled to join Park Grecian Hospital and take the helm of the IMARS Institute. Our mission is clear – to offer patients access to the most advanced and precise surgical care available. With the power of robotic technology, we can significantly improve patient recovery and outcomes. I am committed to ensuring that IMARS sets new standards in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.”

The IMARS Institute will focus on a wide range of procedures, from minimally invasive surgeries to advanced robotic interventions, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care. This initiative represents Park Grecian Hospital's commitment to embracing the latest advancements in medical technology to deliver world-class healthcare.

The hospital's comprehensive post-operative care programs further reinforce its commitment to patients' recovery, ensuring that they receive the necessary support for a quick and effective recovery after surgery.

With Prof. (Dr.) Pawanindra Lal leading the way, IMARS at Park Grecian Hospital is set to become a leader in robotic surgery and minimal access surgical techniques in the region, offering patients cutting-edge solutions for a wide range of medical conditions.

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Cold temperature elevates risk for cardiac ailments

Dr Bimal Chhajer, Director, SAAOL Heart Centre 

Heart attack is a cause of blockage of blood flow through the blood vessels due to plaque buildup that breaks down into clots. While the heart has to work harder to pump the blood throughout, excessive work on the heart muscle causes a heart attack or in severe cases can lead to heart failure as well.  

Cardiac Ailments is one of the leading causes of death in India and worldwide killing about 1 in 5 men and 1 in 8 women, According to WHO reports. Heart attacks that were once reckoned to be an elderly problem have now been reflected in the middle-aged population as well. The increasing stress of modern life has exposed even younger people to the risk of heart disease.  

While a person’s genetic disposition and family history remain the most common and uncontrollable risk factors, the majority of heart diseases in the younger generation are due to excessive stress and long working hours coupled with erratic sleep patterns, which cause inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease. Smoking and a sedentary lifestyle further accelerate the risk symptoms in people in the age group of 20 to 30 years and ultimately heart failure. 

Cold weather causes blood vessels to tighten to preserve core body temperature, which forces blood pressure to rise and puts additional strain on the heart. To stay warm, people often consume more food, including high-calorie options, which can lead to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and higher cholesterol, further burdening the heart. Additionally, increased drinking and smoking during winter months can exacerbate these health issues, compounding the strain on the cardiovascular system. 

Risk factors such as smoking and diabetes, in particular, provoke inflammatory changes and promote the formation of blood clots, thus obstructing the blood flow. The one factor that strongly predicts both heart and brain health is high blood pressure. Many people are not even aware that they have high blood pressure because it has no visible symptoms, which is why it is called ‘the silent killer’. 

Symptoms of a heart attack

Though the symptoms of a heart attack may vary from person to person, angina, commonly known as chest pain may be the most common symptom, accompanied by unusual breathlessness, palpitation, heaviness or tightness in the chest excruciating to shoulder, jaws and arms. The symptoms may vary from being mild to moderate to severe, depending upon individual and their genetics. 

While the condition may happen to anybody irrespective of age and gender, certain signs and symptoms should never be ignored –

•  Sudden pressure, tightness, or painful sensation in the chest that seems to spread to the jaw, neck and back upto the arms.

•  Sudden or unusual shortness of breath

•  Cold sweats even at normal room temperatures

•  Sudden dizziness or light headedness.

•  Sudden feeling of nausea and coughing  

When it comes to heart attack, timing is everything and the chances of survival doubles with timely intervention. It is advised to everyone specially those at risk of a heart attack such as diabetics, high blood pressure, smokers, overweight, elderly and those with a family history of heart attack to always keep Sorbitrate and Aspirin tablets ready in car, home and office as heart’s First Aid. Self help may not always be good enough but is the simplest way to prevent damage to the heart in an impending heart attack hence you must seek medical help – call for help and try and reach a hospital. 

From the heart point of view they should keep the risk factors like Blood Pressure, Sugar at the best. They should avoid all kinds of non vegetarian food and cut down oil to cut down the lipids. Walking can be restricted at home and they should do Yoga and meditation for half an hour on daily basis. To boost up the immunity they should take extra dose of Anti Oxidants, Vitamin C , Haldi, Amla, Tulsi, eat plenty of vegetables, salads and fruits.

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Lethal Smog: How Pollution Surge Fuels Stroke Cases

 

Dr. Amit Shrivastav, Director and Head of Department, Neurology, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida 

Air pollution has long been recognized as a significant contributor to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. However, growing evidence now highlights its alarming connection to stroke, one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. The recent surge in pollution levels across North India has underscored this link, with deteriorating air quality posing severe risks to public health, including an increased incidence of strokes. 

How Pollution Contributes to Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted due to a clot or bleeding, leading to brain cell damage. While lifestyle factors like poor diet and sedentary habits are well-established stroke risk factors, air pollution has emerged as a silent yet potent contributor. 

Fine particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and other pollutants can infiltrate the bloodstream, causing inflammation and oxidative stress. These processes damage blood vessels, accelerate atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries), and raise blood pressure, all of which heighten the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Studies suggest that even short-term exposure to high pollution levels can trigger strokes in vulnerable individuals, while prolonged exposure significantly increases the lifetime risk. 

The Situation in North India
North India, particularly during the winter months, experiences hazardous pollution levels due to a combination of factors such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, and industrial discharge. Cities like New Delhi and its surrounding regions frequently record air quality indices (AQIs) in the “severe” category.
This toxic air is not only affecting the lungs but is also contributing to a marked rise in stroke cases. Neurology departments across hospitals in North India report a surge in stroke-related admissions during high pollution periods. Patients with pre-existing conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes, are particularly susceptible to pollution-induced strokes. 

Vulnerable Groups and Immediate Impact
Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions are most vulnerable to the effects of pollution. Pregnant women exposed to high pollution levels may also face increased risks of complications that could affect both maternal and foetal health, including the likelihood of strokes. 

In urban areas with poor air quality, people are often unknowingly inhaling pollutants that compromise their cardiovascular systems over time. Short-term spikes in pollution levels, such as during festive seasons or crop residue burning, can act as immediate triggers for strokes, leading to emergency situations in hospitals. 

Mitigating the Risks
Tackling the pollution-stroke connection requires both individual and collective action. At a policy level, stricter regulations on emissions, better public transport systems, and promoting cleaner energy sources are critical. On an individual level, people can minimize exposure by wearing masks, using air purifiers, and avoiding outdoor activities during high-pollution days.  

Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups, especially for those in high-risk groups, to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other stroke risk factors. Raising public awareness about the link between air pollution and strokes is equally vital to encourage proactive measures.

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OCD Treatment Options and Management Strategies

Understanding Intricacies linked to OCD: Treatment Options and Management Strategies 

Obsessions and compulsions can bring chaos into one’s lives, especially when one is not able to identify the effect of its intricacies. When a person goes through Obsessive and Compulsive Disorder, they are damaging every aspect of their lives, without even a faint realization of it. They take it as their eccentricity, and fail to acknowledge that a problem persists in their behavior. This not only affects them, but a whole lot of interactions and tasks they perform on a daily basis. 

This is an issue that is best discovered by the people around the afflicted individual. OCD can disrupt every norm, and land people in situations that can be quite uncomfortable for them. There is an order in the chaos of this world, and OCD can diminish the power in our sights to see this. The manifestation usually shows up when the person is truly into a spiral of his obsessions and compulsions. Insight development is essential, and you can approach mental health experts around you to find the right way.  Dr. Gorav Gupta is one of the best psychiatrists in Delhi for the treatment of OCD and he can guide you to an ultimately transformative journey from your mental health condition. 

Treatment options and management strategies play a huge role in identifying the future course of action and relapse prevention. For knowing these, a proper diagnosis must be made to ensure that the treatment plans are intricate and accurate in every manner possible. 

Diagnosis Procedure for OCD 

OCD is a condition that may not need an in-depth diagnosis for it, but for exploring its manifestation and intricacies it plays an important role. OCD can manifest in a variety of manners, and finding out crucial details along with its root cause play a major role in determining the treatment plan. To handle this, psychological assessments and physical examinations can be performed.   

Psychological assessment– This is a very essential part of diagnosis that involves history taking, assessment and tool application along with behavioral observation to add certainty to the diagnostic procedure.   

Physical examinations– These are performed to know if any physical issue lies behind the psychological manifestation of the disorder. Any abuse, trauma or genetic predisposition is assessed.  

Treatment Options for OCD with Best Psychiatrist in Delhi 

Treatment for OCD involves much intricate planning, since a specific thought pattern and behavior needs to be targeted. OCD has many treatment plans, with good non-traditional methods that are also FDA approved. Keeping this in mind, let us discuss some highly effective and widely used treatment plans that are usually consumed for the treatment and management of OCD.  

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)– A first line treatment plan for OCD, it focuses on the thoughts and behavioral patterns that result in the manifestation of OCD. This is done in an effort to help the patient realize their thoughts, actions and patterns and familiarize them to the problem they are facing and raise acceptance. One can gain insight into their faulty thought patterns and adopt new strategies to counter the effect of maladaptive thoughts.  

Exposure and response prevention (ERP)– As the name suggests, exposure and response prevention therapy helps the person get broadly associated with the stimuli that induces their compulsions and obsessions, gradually building a certain tolerance to it over time and reducing its effects on the person’s behavior. The person is encouraged to indulge in the situation or act, but not compulsively react to them. Over time, this behavior is moulded under supervision and the anxiety related to this behavior and thought pattern subsides. The pace of this exposure depends upon the insight and willingness of the person to approach their treatment.  

Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (dTMS)– There might be times when the issue lies in the physiological structures, and cannot be handled with psychotherapy and medication alone. To tackle this, dTMS is used. It used magnetic waves to target structures responsible for the disorder and alleviate the symptoms. An FDA approved treatment option, this brain stimulation technique is highly effective in severe cases of OCD. Since it is a non-invasive therapy, it does not have any physical implications and can diminish relapse of the condition.  

Psychopharmacology– Another first line of treatment method to tackle OCD, medications should be taken according to the prescription and assessment made by a psychiatrist. With consultations from a psychiatrist in Delhi for OCD, you can get to know the right kind of medication that can manage the severity and manage the symptoms along with other therapeutic methods. Very handful of medications are cleared by the FDA to treat OCD and other conditions that result due to its comorbidity, and SSRIs prove to be the best selections. Medications usually work the best when they are combined with therapies, discussions and holistic methods of care.  

Psychodynamic therapy– Psychodynamic therapy explores the unconscious motives and reasons behind the person’s current condition, specifically the impact of family, peers and environment. The treatment explores where the person comes from, how they developed a sense of self in relation to their environment and how it has shaped their behavior as of today. With psychodynamic therapy, these unconscious motives are surfaced, and the person deals with them in a conscious manner, realizing their anxiety inducing thoughts and moving away from it in a gradual manner. Over time, this anxiety is replaced by insight, and positive actions, or in this case, obsessions and compulsions are replaced by normative behavior. 

OCD does not have to Rule your Narrative.  

When a mental disorder takes over one’s life, it is all they can think about. The disruptions it brings along can be quite damaging. Many aspects of one’s life suffer, rendering them to reevaluate their life. With Tulasi healthcare, you rule your narrative and the transformation that comes with it. With some of the best psychiatrists in Delhi under one roof, you receive the best of healthcare. The power of support, motivation and positive environment is realized through our actions, and we are dedicated to providing it at all costs.

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प्रदूषण का असर बच्चों के ईएनटी स्वास्थ्य पर गंभीर खतरा

बढ़ता प्रदूषण बच्चों के स्वास्थ्य के लिए एक गंभीर खतरा बन गया है, खासकर उनके कान, नाक और गले (ईएनटी) के लिए। कमजोर इम्यून सिस्टम और प्रदूषण के लंबे समय तक संपर्क में रहने से बच्चों में ईएनटी से जुड़ी समस्याएं तेजी से बढ़ रही हैं।

प्रदूषित हवा में मौजूद पीएम 2.5, नाइट्रोजन ऑक्साइड और सल्फर डाईऑक्साइड जैसे हानिकारक कण बच्चों की नाक और गले की नाजुक मेम्ब्रेन को नुकसान पहुंचाते हैं। इससे बच्चों में बार- बार छींक आना, नाक बंद होना, गले में खराश, और खांसी जैसी समस्याएं हो सकती हैं। इसके अलावा, कानों में यूस्टेकियन ट्यूब की गड़बड़ी के कारण बार-बार कान के संक्रमण होते हैं, जिससे बच्चों के सुनने और बोलने के विकास पर बुरा असर पड़ता है।

डॉ. आशीष भूषण, सीनियर कंसल्टेंट, ईएनटी विभाग, यथार्थ हॉस्पिटल, ग्रेटर नोएडा, ने बताया, + प्रदूषण के कारण बच्चों में एलर्जिक राइनाइटिस, साइनस इंफेक्शन और कान के संक्रमण जैसी समस्याएं तेजी से बढ़ रही हैं। इन समस्याओं का प्रभाव बच्चों के स्वास्थ्य और उनकी पढ़ाई दोनों पर पड़ता है। प्रदूषण से बचाव और समय पर इलाज इन खतरों को काफी हद तक कम कर सकते हैं।

उत्तर भारत के शहरों में सर्दियों के दौरान हवा बेहद खराब हो जाती है। पराली जलाने, वाहनों के धुएं और फैक्ट्रियों से निकलने वाले प्रदूषण के कारण दिल्ली-एनसीआर जैसे क्षेत्रों में ईएनटी से जुड़ी समस्याओं में बहुत ज्यादा बढ़त हो रही है। कई स्कूलों में बच्चों की अनुपस्थिति बढ़ रही है क्योंकि वे सांस की तकलीफ, गले की खराश और कान में दर्द जैसी समस्याओं से जूझ रहे हैं। बच्चों को प्रदूषण के खतरों से बचाने के लिए कुछ महत्वपूर्ण कदम उठाने चाहिए। हाई पॉल्यूशन दिनों में बच्चों को घर के अंदर रखना सबसे सुरक्षित उपाय है।

घर में एयर प्यूरीफायर का उपयोग करें और साफ-सफाई का ध्यान दें। बच्चों को पर्याप्त मात्रा में पानी पिलाया जाए और पोषण भरा खाना दें ताकि उनकी इम्यूनिटी मजबूत बनी रहे। अगर बाहर जाना जरूरी हो, तो अच्छी क्वालिटी के मास्क पहनना सुनिश्चित करें। किसी भी प्रकार के लक्षण जैसे लगातार खांसी, सांस लेने में दिक्कत या कान में दर्द दिखने पर तुरंत ईएनटी डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

प्रदूषण के बढ़ते खतरों को रोकने के लिए व्यक्तिगत और सामूहिक प्रयास दोनों जरूरी हैं । साफ-सुथरे और सुरक्षित वातावरण की दिशा में कदम उठाना न केवल बच्चों के स्वास्थ्य के लिए जरूरी है, बल्कि उनके उज्जवल भविष्य की गारंटी भी है। सही जागरूकता और उपायों के जरिए हम अपने बच्चों को प्रदूषण के प्रभावों से बचा सकते हैं और उन्हें एक स्वस्थ जीवन दे सकते हैं ।

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