Pancreatic cancer is deadly because it is usually diagnosed when it is already advanced, Stage IV, with metastases all over, and inoperable. The reasons for the delay in diagnosis are: early, subtle symptoms; a hidden location (way at the back) that eludes physical examination; and the lack of any early screening tools.
A new major validation research at the Mayo Clinic Network “confirmed that specialized AI tools can detect pancreatic cancer up to 3 years before standard diagnosis.” Early detection will be a boon to reducing the mortality from pancreatic cancer, which, today, in the United States kills 144 people every day, and 1,500 a day worldwide. In the Philippines, 11 people die from pancreatic cancer each day.
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Scientists at USC “successfully used stem cells-inspired techniques to grow a virtually limitless supply of cancer-fighting immune cells, vastly improving the potential scale of immune therapy in the treatment of many forms of cancer.”
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GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptide-1) injection, now available in pill form for the treatment of T2 diabetes and obesity, has proven very effective. The benefits appear to extend to the brain, the heart, and the kidneys. One little side-effect found in the analysis of electronic health record (EHR) data: “There is a 48% increased risk of overall smell and taste disturbances over a 2-year follow-up period compared with matched controls using other antidiabetic agents.” Luckily, these problems are transient.
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As we grow older, our bones, especially among females, become more porous and brittle, hence more prone to fractures. Because of reduced balance control, falls are common among seniors. More than 14 million adults, or about 25 percent (one in four) of adults over 65, report falling each year, and 37 percent of these falls require hospitalization. Falls are very dangerous and life-threatening for seniors. They are the second leading cause of accidental deaths globally. A recent study shows that “vitamin D, calcium, or a combination of the two may not offer as much bone protection as once thought, providing little or no meaningful benefit” for bone health. If concerned, discuss the details with your physician.
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Processed meat, like bacon, is unhealthy. If prepared occasionally, it is better (healthier) to microwave it. Place bacon strips on 2-3 layers of paper towel, and cover with paper towel to prevent splatter. Microwave on high, 1 minute per slice, adding 30 increments till crispy. Microwaving (produces a higher temperature than pan-frying) bacon reduces the fat and calories, and precludes the formation of harmful chemicals, like inflammatory cancer-causing nitrosamines and AGE (Advanced Glycation End products), which happens with pan-frying.
Corn cobs, plantain bananas, and potatoes may also be cooked in a microwave. Cover with a wet paper towel and microwave each for 3 to 3 ½ minutes. Check and cook longer if needed.
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When we were in the womb, we were immersed in a liquid called the amniotic fluid, which kept our skin well-moisturized. Nature requires our skin, all over us, to be moisturized, to be healthier.
Moisturizers are not only for women. Men’s skin also needs moisture to remain healthy and smoother, with fewer wrinkles. High-end cosmetic creams are not necessary. The popular regular medium-priced moisturizers provide the same protection. The same with face creams. No face cream will remove eye bags or deep wrinkles, but it will generally improve the complexion.
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Physical exercises, a solid foundation of health, can be as effective as medications in managing mild to moderate depression, for free and without side effects. They also reduce our risk for diseases, including cardiac and cancer.
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Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, affects more than 55 million people globally and is projected to increase to 150 million by 2050. Detecting it early is challenging; hence, treatments are almost always delayed. Current diagnostic tools rely on expensive imaging scans or invasive procedures.
Now, new studies suggest ‘that tiny ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules carried in blood may help detect Alzheimer’s disease earlier and less invasively than current diagnostic methods.”
Researchers identified brain-derived RNA biomarkers that may help detect Alzheimer’s disease through a simple blood test, potentially reducing reliance on expensive brain scans and invasive spinal taps, and allowing earlier diagnosis and hence more prompt treatment at an earlier stage.
New studies on 22 beverages reveal that city-filtered tap water is better than swallowing pills with other liquids, like alkaline mineral water, distilled water, or worse, with soft drinks (the poisonous liquid candy). The timing of medication release for effectiveness is better with tap water.
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Ketogenic or keto diet (severely limiting carbs and upping intake of fats and protein) has been popular among celebrities and other weight-watchers. Recent studies reveal it may even be beneficial to health in other ways, like in improvements in treatment-resistant depression, managing blood sugar levels, and sending type 2 diabetes into remission. The advent of GLP-1 medication (very effective for diabetes and obesity) induced many to switch to this new wonder drug.
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Obesity is a well-established risk factor for many forms of cancer, including colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian, liver, uterine, and breast. A new study posted in Annals of Oncology revealed a potential link between taking GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, and a 50 percent decrease in the overall risk of developing obesity-related cancers in people without diabetes. The ongoing “RESTORE” trial also suggests that semaglutide may improve fertility-related outcomes in females with PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome).
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Drinking plain, undiluted coconut water helps lower blood pressure. It is a natural source of magnesium and potassium, a single cup containing between 400 and 470 milligrams of potassium, more than from one medium-sized banana. Potassium acts like a diuretic and makes the kidneys flush out more excess sodium (salt), reducing stress on the blood vessel walls. One to 2 cups a day is healthy, on top of filtered water for daily hydration. Water is essential.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, distinguished educators, renowned scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com
