Cancer
King Charles ‘proud of Catherine for her courage’
Following the Princess of Wales' statement that she had cancer, King Charles said he was "so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did."
Charles, who was also diagnosed with cancer following a treatment for an enlarged prostate, is still in "closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law," according to Buckingham Palace, reports CNN.
Prince Harry, Meghan hope Kate and family can heal ‘privately and in peace’
"Both Their Majesties will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time," said the palace.
The princess's health status was updated following her successful operation on her abdomen on January 16. She stayed in a London hospital for 13 days after the operation and, per the doctor's suggestion, has been away from the public eye during her recovery, the report said.
What is known about Kate's cancer diagnosis
Kate was seen in public for the first time since January, when she went to a farm store with her husband Prince William last weekend.
Kate, Princess of Wales, says she has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy
8 months ago
Prince Harry, Meghan hope Kate and family can heal ‘privately and in peace’
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have wished Catherine, Princess of Wales, "health and healing" after she announced her cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry and Meghan expressed hope that Catherine and her family may heal "privately and in peace" in a brief statement, reports BBC.
Catherine described the news as a "huge shock" after a "incredibly tough couple of months" on Friday.
She stated that she was "well" and "getting stronger every day".
The specifics of the cancer have not been disclosed. According to Kensington Palace, the princess is sure that she will fully recover, the report said.
What is known about Kate's cancer diagnosis
Catherine had abdominal surgery in January, although the presence of cancer was unknown at the time.
Following testing indicated the presence of cancer.
Harry and Meghan stood down as senior royals in January 2020.
They moved to California in June, citing a need for more room to raise their son, Archie. Lilibet, the second child, was born the following year.
King Charles was also recently diagnosed with cancer, and Harry went to London in early February to meet his father just one day after he began treatment. He did not meet his older brother during the trip.
King Charles ‘proud of Catherine for her courage’
Harry's relationship with his brother is said to have deteriorated since he made the announcement that he was leaving his royal responsibilities, the report also said.
Harry talked about his falling out with William in his book, “Spare”.
In recent years, the brothers have rarely been seen together.
8 months ago
Microgreens: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and How to Grow
In a world where healthy eating and sustainable farming practices are gaining prominence, microgreens emerge as a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent addition to any diet. These tiny greens not only pack a punch in terms of health benefits but also offer a cost-effective solution for farming enthusiasts. This article will delve into the world of microgreens, their origins, health advantages, nutritional components, and how one can cultivate them in our country.
What are Microgreens?
Microgreens are the young, edible seedlings of various vegetables and herbs, tracing their roots back to California in the 1980s. Far from accidental, their invention resulted from meticulous research aimed at maximising the nutritional value of plants in their early growth stages.
Harvested at around 1-3 inches tall, one week aged, these tiny greens offer an incredible concentration of flavour and nutrients. They often contain 40 times more nutrients than their mature counterparts, making them a popular choice for those seeking both taste and health benefits. Easy to cultivate at home, microgreens have become a trendy and versatile culinary delight.
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Nutritional Components of Microgreens: Superfood of the Future
These seedlings are rich in a bunch of vitamins including Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Protein, Carbohydrates, Fibre, Sodium, Iron, Selenium, Magnesium, Manganese, etc.
Due to the high nutritional value, microgreens are also referred to as "superfood".
9 months ago
Is There Any Alternative to Brick Kilns?
For centuries, brick kilns, characterised by fiery chimneys and billowing smoke, have played a key role in the construction industry. Despite their contribution in providing essential building materials, their operations entail harmful impacts on human health, biodiversity and environment.
What is a Brick Kiln?
A brick kiln is a specialised facility used in the production of bricks, fundamental building blocks for construction. These kilns play a vital role in shaping the urban landscape. The process involves heating clay or other materials in furnaces to create bricks and contributes to the growth of infrastructure. However, the traditional methods employed in brick kilns can have environmental and health consequences, making it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives and technologies.
Impacts of Brick Kiln on Health
Particulate Matter Emissions
Brick kilns pose a major health risk due to the emission of particulate matter, including pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Inhaling these pollutants can irritate the lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure may contribute to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Read more: 9 illegal brick kilns shut down, fined Tk 47 lakh in Sirajganj
Respiratory Issues
Prolonged exposure to emissions from brick kilns can lead to a range of respiratory problems. From workers within the kilns to residents in nearby communities, the inhalation of pollutants can result in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.
Occupational Health Risks
Workers directly involved in brick kiln operations face occupational health risks due to exposure to high temperatures, dust, and pollutants. Adequate safety measures and protective equipment are crucial to mitigating these risks.
Cardiovascular Problems
Brick kiln fumes, laden with pollutants, can obstruct arteries, elevate blood pressure, and disturb heart rhythms. These adverse effects heighten the likelihood of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, underlining the severe cardiovascular risks associated with exposure.
Read more: 4 brick kilns shut down for polluting air in South Keraniganj
Skin Problems
Dust and irritants emanating from brick kilns inflict skin torment on workers, causing rashes, itching, and burns. The daily grind leaves exposed skin raw, rendering workers vulnerable and uncomfortable in their work environment.
Cancer
Inhaling brick kiln fumes conceal invisible dangers, harbouring carcinogens that escalate cancer risks over time. Exposed workers face heightened threats of lung, skin, and other cancers, emphasising the risks associated with prolonged exposure.
10 months ago
Colon Cancer: Everything You Need to Know
Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer as it is commonly known, is a type of cancer that develops at the rectum or colon of the human body. WHO reports that colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer globally with 10% of all reported cases. It is also the third highest reason for cancer-related deaths. Let’s take a detailed look into the fatal disease, what causes it, and how people can potentially save themselves from colon cancer.
How Does Colon Cancer Develop?
The colon or the rectum is the terminal point of the digestive system. It is essentially a sac that houses the bowel and aids in the bowel movement process. The lining of the colon can develop precancerous polyps which can become cancerous over time.
It is important to note that all polyps are not cancerous. However, it is needed to medically treat them at the earliest as there is always the chance of it developing into cancer cells.
The exact cause of polyp development is unknown. However, scientists have often pointed out that genes and age play a crucial role in their development. Other factors like diets, obesity, smoking, and inflammation of the colon lining have been identified as leading causes thus far.
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What are the Symptoms and Causes of Colon Cancer?
Symptoms of colon cancer include:
Change in Bowel Movement
As a precursor to colon cancer, a patient often notices a significant shift in bowel movement. For example, the frequency of diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency is noticed.
Blood Discharge
A common symptom of colon cancer is the presence of blood in the stool. Patients may not feel any apparent discomfort but dark tarry stools may be noticed during bowel movement.
Pain in the Abdomen
Another common symptom of colon cancer is severe and lasting pain in the abdomen. It generally starts as mild discomfort and gradually moves to severe cramps.
Read more: JN.1: Symptoms, Prevention of and Precautions for the New COVID-19 Variant
Anemia
The blood discharge with stool may trigger anemia or loss of red corpuscles in the blood. Anemia also triggers weakness and fatigue which is a secondary symptom of colon cancer.
Unexpected Weight Loss
Another sign of any cancer in general is the unexpected loss of weight. Cancer patients including colon cancer ones tend to rapidly lose weight which may lead to secondary complications.
There are several known causes of colon cancer. These include:
Age
Age is one of the commonly identified factors behind colon cancer. Anyone over the age of 50 is at risk of contracting colon cancer though it might occur at any age.
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Family History
Genetics are also thought to be a reason behind colon cancer. Families with a history of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or FAP and Lynch Syndrome tend to compound the chances of contracting colon cancer.
Personal Medical History
Colon cancers are often recurring, meaning they can come back even if it is treated completely. A personal medical history of colon cancer or repeated polyp formation may trigger renewed cancer cell generation in the colon linings.
Additionally, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase the risk of contracting colon cancer. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also run the risk of developing colon cancer.
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10 months ago
Khulna Cancer hospital project sees slow progress
Despite the scheduled completion date having lapsed, the Khulna 100-bed full-fledged Cancer Hospital project is still far from completion, with only 21% of the work done over the past two years.
According to the Public Works Department, the cancer hospital was supposed to be completed in June this year, now a proposal has been sent to the ministry to extend the project duration till December 2024 as the work has not been completed within the stipulated time.
The Development Project Proforma (DPP) cost was Tk 175.72 crore and of these, Tk 82.36 crore was allocated for the construction of the 15-storey building with two basement floors.
Under the government’s ‘Establishment of 100-bed Full-fledged Cancer Centre in Government Medical College Hospital in Divisional City’ project’, there will be three—cancer, kidney and heart—units at the hospital.
"Free Cervical Cancer Screening to Prevent Cervical Cancer to Save Lives of At-Risk Population"
Under the project, the 15-storey specialized hospital for treatment of cancer, kidney and heart patients will be established on 23250.46 square feet of land behind the outdoor department of Khulna Medical College and Hospital.
The government signed an agreement with MBPL and SNBPL—two contractor firms on October 31, 2021.
Cancer unit will be established from Bagement-2 to 6th floor with Linear Accelerator, CT Stimulator, Chemotherapy and Brachytherapy while Kidney unit will be established on the 7th floor to 11th floor with kidney dialysis unit, kidney transplant OT, post-transplant and ICU.
Meanwhile, the heart unit will be set up on the 11th floor to 14th floor with CCU, ICU, Cardiac OT, and Pediatric Cardiac Surgery and Cath lab.
Early detection of liver cancer now possible through a simple blood test
Besides, a ramp, moving stairs, lift for Covid-19, Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), 300-KVA power sub-station, 1000-KVA generator, lift, and firefighting system will be constructed under the project.
Sheikh Daud Haider, owner of the contractor firm SN Builders Private Limited, said the construction work was delayed due to various complexities including land acquisition but the construction work of the project is now going on in full swing.
Sheikh Golam Kuddus, project manager of the contractor firm, said the work of two basements has been completed and now the work will end speedily,” he said.
Amit Kumar Biswas, executive engineer of Public Works Department-1, said “Already 21% work has been completed and currently the construction work of the building is going on in full swing.”
14-year-old wins award for developing soap to treat skin cancer
In 2019, the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) approved a project involving Tk 2,388.40 crore to set up a 100-bed full-fledged cancer centre in each government medical college hospital in every divisional city.
The Ecnec cleared a total of eight projects with an estimated cost of Tk8,968.08 crore.
Of the approved projects, five are new and the remaining three are revised ones.
Then the project tenure was set from October 2019 to September 2022.
Patients underserved as KMCH overwhelmed with bed shortage, inadequate manpower
11 months ago
14-year-old wins award for developing soap to treat skin cancer
A 14-year-old school student has been termed "America's top young scientist" for creating a bar of soap that may be effective in the treatment of melanoma, a skin cancer that affects roughly 100,000 individuals in the United States each year and kills approximately 8,000.
Heman Bekele, a ninth-grader from Annandale, Virginia, was selected over nine other finalists for the award, reports The Guardian.
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“Curing cancer, one bar of soap at a time,” he said in his submission. “I have always been interested in biology and technology, and this challenge gave me the perfect platform to showcase my ideas,” he added.
He submitted his soap idea, "skin cancer treating soap," produced from ingredients that may reawaken dendritic cells that defend human skin, allowing them to combat cancer cells. Bekele stated in a video for the 3M Young Scientist Challenge that he believes "that young minds can make a positive impact on the world," the report said.
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Bekele's inspiration stemmed from his childhood in Ethiopia, where he saw people continually labouring under the blazing sun. “I wanted to make my idea something that not only was great in terms of science but also could be accessible to as many people as possible.”
Skin cancer is quite common, according to the American Cancer Society, with melanoma accounting for only 1 percent, yet causing the bulk of skin cancer deaths, the report also said.
Also read; Ancient viruses can help fight cancer, scientists say
According to the association, melanoma rates have been significantly increasing over the last few decades, particularly among women over 50, and it is more than 20 times more prevalent in white people than in black people. At the same time, owing to breakthroughs in therapy, melanoma death rates have decreased over the last decade.
After receiving the award, Bekele told the judging panel that he hoped the soap would become a "symbol of hope, accessibility, and a world where skin cancer treatment is within everyone's reach."
1 year ago
‘Very much alive’: Heath Streak quashes death rumours
Following worldwide speculation regarding his sudden passing, Zimbabwean cricket legend Heath Streak has quashed the reports, asserting that he is indeed "very much alive." Streak conveyed this confirmation in a text exchange with his former teammate, Henry Olonga.
In May of this year, it was revealed that the former allrounder had been diagnosed with cancer.
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Olonga, who played alongside Streak as a fast bowler for Zimbabwe, was among the initial sources to disseminate the news of Streak's purported demise from his social media account. Olonga, later, emerged as the bearer of the truth, clarifying that Streak is, in fact, alive.
The message Olonga conveyed, accompanied by a screenshot from a messaging application on his X (formerly Twitter) handle was both poignant and symbolic: "The third umpire has called him back."
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Elaborating further, Olonga added, "I can confirm that rumours of the demise of Heath Streak have been greatly exaggerated. I just heard from him. He is very much alive folks."
Sources from Zimbabwe Cricket have also confirmed that the former captain is alive, though he continues to battle the cancer he has been striving to recover from.
Streak had served as a bowling coach for the Bangladesh team, playing a pivotal role in shaping Bangladesh's current formidable pace attack.
Read: Tamim Iqbal Resumes Batting Practice as Comeback Journey Progresses
A former captain of Zimbabwe's cricket team, Streak boasts an impressive record of 254 international matches. His contribution to the sport is underscored by amassing over 15,000 runs in competitive cricket, in addition to clinching more than 13,00 wickets. He was one of the best allrounders of his time.
1 year ago
Ancient viruses can help fight cancer, scientists say
Scientists have said relics of ancient viruses that have spent millions of years hiding within human DNA help the body battle cancer, according to a BBC report.
When cancerous cells escalate out of control, dormant remnants of these old viruses are reawakened, according to a study by the Francis Crick Institute.
This resurgence of these old viruses “unintentionally” helps the body’s immune system by targeting and attacking the tumour.
The study – published in the journal Nature – suggested a correlation between increased lung cancer survival and the presence of B-cells aggregating around tumours, according to the researchers.
Read More: Shakib launches cancer foundation to support underprivileged patients
B-cells usually manufacture antibodies in our body and are better known for their vital role in battling infections, such as Covid-19, BBC reports.
Although the exact functionality of these cells are yet to be identified, it was evidenced -- based on a series of intricate experiments using samples from patients and animals – that they are attempting to fight viruses.
"It turned out that the antibodies are recognising remnants of what's termed endogenous retroviruses," Prof Julian Downward, an associate research director at the Francis Crick Institute, told BBC.
Retroviruses have the clever ability to insert their genetic instructions into our own.
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Some of these foreign instructions have been adopted over time and serve beneficial purposes within our cells, while others are tightly regulated to prevent their spread, according to the researchers.
These ancient genetic instructions are no longer able to resurrect whole viruses but they can create fragments of viruses that are enough for the immune system to spot a viral threat.
"The immune system is tricked into believing that the tumour cells are infected and it tries to eliminate the virus, so it's sort of an alarm system," Prof George Kassiotis, head of retroviral immunology at the biomedical research centre, told BBC.
The antibodies stimulate other parts of the immune system that eliminate the "infected" cells -- the immune system is attempting to stop a virus, but in this case is eliminating cancerous cells, according to Professor Kassiotis.
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Meanwhile, Dr Claire Bromley, from Cancer Research UK said that the study adds to the growing body of research that could one day see this innovative approach to cancer treatment become a reality.
1 year ago
Bristol2Beijing: An Inspirational Journey by Luke for Cancer Awareness
Cancer is a frightening word that can strike fear in the hearts of many. It is a disease that affects millions of people around the world, and it is one of the leading causes of death. Cancer can be caused by a variety of things, including genetics, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. Most of us think cancer puts an end to our life. However, there are millions of cancer survivors who are leading a healthy life. Luke Grenfell-Shaw is a cancer survivor who has been leading a happy and healthy life, and he aims to make people aware of cancer.
Now he works on raising funds for cancer patients and making every survivor aware of a healthy lifestyle. An expedition with a tandem from Bristol, UK, to Beijing, China is a part of his awareness and fund-raising program. Here is what we know about Luke and Bristol2Beijing.
Who is Luke Grenfell-Shaw?
Luke is a British citizen who is an English teacher, Master's degree holder, cyclist, blogger. Despite all these identities, he has now become a big identity as CanLiver. CanLiver is a person living with cancer.
Early in life, he spent some time as an English teacher in Siberia. While there, he competed in ultramarathon races and trail races through the forest.
On June 19, 2018, at the age of 24, he was diagnosed with cancer. His cancer was very rare and invasive sarcoma, which has already taken metastatic shape. The primary tumor had spread to his lungs, and there were 13 nodules. That's why Luke started chemotherapy in July. After completing the first round of chemotherapy in 25 years, he started surgery and radiotherapy with chemotherapy the following year.
However, all these could not change the rhythm of his life. Halfway through chemotherapy, he participated in the Bristol Half Marathon and finished in 1 hour, 20 minutes, and 8 seconds in September 2018. Not only that, he graduated from Oxford University with a degree in hydrology, policy, and management while undergoing chemotherapy.
Despite all this, he believes he can still lead a prosperous and enjoyable life. And every cancer patient like him is capable of doing the same. Then he decided to travel from Bristol, England, to Beijing, China, to raise money for cancer patients.
What is the Idea about Bristol2Beijing?
Bristol2Beijing is a tandem journey by Luke Grenfell-Shaw, which has a goal to raise awareness and redefine what is possible with a cancer diagnosis. On January 1, 2020, Luke set out on a tandem bicycle from Bristol, 30,000 kilometers away, to China. Through this long journey, Luke wants to show the world that even if he is diagnosed with cancer, he does not have to stop. Luke has already inspired millions of people by cycling around 20,000 kilometers.
Luke's expedition invites people, especially the CanLivers (it is a term by Luke, and he meant the people living with cancer), to take part in his country. Usually, when he approaches a country, the people from that country participate. And people show their gratitude in different ways. For example, some people cycle with him in his tandem, others may escort him or organize an event in the country.
When Luke arrived in Germany in 2020, the Corona pandemic broke out. When he returned to the country, he did not give up. When the situation changed, he started his journey again. With this, Luke said, he needs to undergo a physical examination every 4 months. So he tends to remain a little more careful.
Aim of Bristol2Beijing Expedition
So far, Luke Grenfell Shaw has worked to raise funds for cancer patients in 28 countries, as well as raise awareness. He wants to raise 300,000 pounds for five charities. So far, 100,000 pounds have been collected. According to Luke, when he saw the light of hope with the treatment of cancer, he decided to stand by people.
In short, Luke's goal is to collect £300,000, expedite 30,000 km and visit 30 countries with his tandem named 'Chris.' And all these for 1 inspiring cause, fight cancer. At the same time, creating inspiration in everyone that it is possible to live a happy and prosperous life even with cancer.
Luke Grenfell-Shaw in Bangladesh
Luke arrived in Bangladesh via Benapole on March 07, and now he is in Dhaka. He came to Dhaka from Benapole via Gopalganj. The green nature of Bengal has left its mark on the way, and Luke liked the warm welcome in the country. He wants to spend a part of the money collected for cancer patients in Bangladesh. During his stay in Bangladesh, he will attend different awareness programs organized by different organizations. World Child Cancer has partnered with Luke in Bangladesh.
Usually, World Child Cancer's mission is to improve pediatric oncology facilities in Bangladeshi hospitals. In addition, the charity additionally aims to improve the physical and emotional well-being of children with cancer that unfortunately cannot be cured.
After he is done with the programs in Dhaka, Luke will leave Dhaka for Beijing via Sylhet and India.
Final Words
In conclusion, cancer is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly. It can affect anyone at any time. While the treatment is difficult and expensive, it is possible to live a full and happy life with cancer.
2 years ago