It begins by highlighting a research on darker-skinned cancer patients receiving radiation treatment. The study, which was presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology meeting by Dr. Juhi Purswani of NYU Langone, discovered that these patients have an increased chance of suffering from severe radiation dermatitis, a common and excruciating side effect of radiation therapy. This syndrome develops in more than 90% of the four million American patients who receive radiation therapy each year. The National Cancer Institute has authorized the current screening method, but it largely looks for skin redness, an indicator that doesn’t show up the same in people with darker skin tones. Darker skin darkens rather than reddens, making an early diagnosis more difficult. Patients with radiation dermatitis may have to use over-the-counter medications to treat their symptoms since by the time the condition is identified, the skin may have started to peel and leave scars. In order to better diagnose radiation dermatitis in patients with darker skin tones, the study suggests that the usual screening instrument be modified to accommodate skin of color. A spectrophotometer, a tool frequently used in the paint and cosmetics industries for color measurement, should be utilized.
The study on dieting and longevity in mice, which challenges the accepted knowledge about weight reduction and lifetime, is covered in the second section of the article. The study, which involved almost a thousand mice, discovered that the mice who lost the least weight during calorie restriction or intermittent fasting also survived longer than the mice who lost the most. According to this research, which was published in Nature, losing a lot of weight quickly might not be good for your long-term health. Moderate calorie restriction instead of drastic weight loss may be the key to striking a balance between longevity and health. Mice with longer lifespans, higher energy levels, and better immune cell health were those who maintained a higher body weight and stored fat during stressful times. On the other hand, those who shed the most weight had shorter lifespans and weakened immunological and reproductive systems. According to the study, inherited features may be the main factor determining longevity, even though dietary restrictions can have an effect. Genetics is shown to play a substantial part in lifespan.
These two studies demonstrate, in summary, the value of individualized approaches in both medical care and nutritional health. Rethinking traditional eating methods and adapting medical instruments to account for ethnic variations may improve patient outcomes and long-term health.
SOURCE :
REUTERS
