In a powerful display of courage and inclusion, about 50 children with cerebral palsy will take the lead in a special run at the Jupiter Marathon Thane 2026, running alongside nearly 100 cancer survivors who are participating to spread hope, resilience, and awareness. Their presence is to symbolise that battles may differ, but bravery unites us all. Scheduled for January 4, the marathon — organised by Jupiter Hospital with the theme 'Let’s Outrun Cancer' — is designed to transform public awareness into action. With cancer cases in India rising by nearly 15 per cent in the last five years, the marathon aims to break fear, encourage timely screenings, and highlight the power of early detection. Flagging off at 5:30 am from Singhania School Ground in Thane, the marathon expects over 6,000 participants. Doctors from the hospital note that urban areas like Thane and Mumbai are seeing a steady rise in lifestyle-driven cancers, with breast cancer being the most common among women and head & neck cancers leading among men. Despite the concerning numbers, experts emphasise that cancer outcomes can drastically improve with awareness. Delayed diagnosis due to stigma, hesitation, and misinformation remains a major barrier — something this marathon hopes to break. Medical teams are using the platform to urge citizens to stay alert to potential warning signs like unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, lumps anywhere in the body, abnormal bleeding, non-healing sores, or changes in bowel habits. Participants are expected from Thane and Mumbai, and neighbouring regions, including schools, corporate offices, fitness groups, senior citizens, and running clubs — ensuring a community-wide movement for change. Speaking about the initiative, Dr Ajay P Thakker, who is the chairman and managing director of the hospital said, “The numbers are rising, but so is our ability to fight cancer — if we act early. The goal of the marathon is to convert awareness into screenings and screenings into saved lives.”
01 January,2026 04:16 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentChennai is set to get a dedicated public women's cancer screening centre at Thousand Lights by February. The facility, being established at a cost of Rs 1.23 crore, will offer free screening services for breast, cervical and ovarian cancers - affecting women in Tamil Nadu the most. The three-storeyed centre will be operated by the Greater Chennai Corporation's Health Department and will function from 8 am to 5 pm on all days except Sundays. It will be equipped with a mammogram unit for breast cancer screening, a laboratory for Pap smear tests to detect cervical cancer, and an ultrasound facility for screening abdominal and ovarian cancers. A dedicated consultation room will also be part of the facility. While government hospitals already provide several diagnostic services free of cost, advanced cancer screening tests such as mammograms and specialised scans often require patients to seek private care. The new facility aims to bridge this gap and ensure early diagnosis, especially for women from economically weaker backgrounds. Announcing the initiative, Thousand Lights MLA Dr Ezhilan Naganathan said the centre was conceived in response to the growing burden of cancer in Tamil Nadu. "I wanted to establish a free, accessible cancer screening facility in the city, particularly for women. Early detection can significantly improve survival rates. We also plan to create a detailed data registry of all women who undergo screening, which will help in research and long-term cancer prevention strategies," he said. Dr J. Amalorpavanathan, member of the State Planning Commission, said the facility was being set up at a crucial time, as Tamil Nadu accounts for 6.4 per cent of India's total cancer cases despite having only 5.6 per cent of the country's population. He noted that while cervical cancer continues to be one of the most common cancers among women in rural areas, urban regions are witnessing a steady rise in breast cancer cases. This trend, he explained, is often linked to lifestyle changes, delayed marriages and late childbirth. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
01 January,2026 01:10 PM IST | Chennai | IANSWith cancer cases in India witnessing a nearly 15 per cent increase over the last five years, the Jupiter Marathon Thane 2026 set to place on January 4 is aiming to turn numbers into action. Organised by Jupiter Hospital, the marathon carries the theme 'Let’s Outrun Cancer', focusing sharply on early detection, awareness, and community-led prevention. The marathon will commence at 5:30 am from Singhania School Ground, and is expected to draw over 6,000 participants. Doctors at the hospital note that urban centres such as Thane and Mumbai are witnessing a steady rise in cancer incidence, with lifestyle-driven cancers forming a significant share. Data highlights 1. Breast cancer accounts for the highest number of cancer cases among women 2. Head and neck cancers are the most common among men 3. Tobacco use, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits remain key contributors Despite rising numbers, experts stress that outcomes can be dramatically improved. Early detection can lead to cure in a majority of cancer cases , yet delayed diagnosis continues to be a major challenge due to lack of awareness, fear, and stigma. A strong highlight of this year’s marathon is the participation of nearly 100 cancer survivors, who will take part in the 1-km run, offering visible proof that timely diagnosis and treatment save lives. Medical teams are using the platform to urge the public to act on early warning signs, which are often overlooked. Signs and symptoms of cancer 1. Persistent or nagging cough 2. Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite 3. Lumps anywhere in the body 4. Abnormal bleeding from any orifice 5. Non-healing ulcers or sores 6. Changes in bowel habits Participants are expected from Thane, Mumbai, and neighbouring regions, including students, working professionals, corporate teams, senior citizens, fitness groups, and running clubs. Multiple distance categories ensure wide participation across age groups. Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Ajay P. Thakker, who is the chairman and managing director at Jupiter Hospitals, said, “The numbers are rising, but so is our ability to fight cancer — if we act early. Nearly 15% growth in cases over five years is a serious concern. Through the Jupiter Marathon 2026, we want to convert awareness into action, encourage screenings, and remind people that early detection is the strongest weapon we have.” Registrations for the Jupiter Marathon Thane 2026 are open on Townscript, India Running, District, and BookMyShow.
31 December,2025 04:28 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentA city hospital has successfully performed remote robotic surgeries on two patients in Mumbai with the help of a surgeon based in Shanghai, highlighting the advancement in the medical field here. It was conducted with the operating surgeon Dr. TB Yuvaraja, director (Group), Uro-Oncology and Robotic Surgery, Kokilaben Hospital, located in Shanghai, over 5,000 kilometres away, This milestone, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Mumbai says is historic because it marks the first clinical application of the Toumai Remote Robotic Surgery System in India across borders, following approval by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), and represents a significant advancement in the country’s remote surgical capabilities. The landmark procedures were performed on two patients in Mumbai and included a robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and a robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. It demonstrates the safety, precision, and reliability of long-distance robotic intervention for complex urological procedures. The surgeries, performed remotely, used the Toumai system, which is the only robotic surgical platform currently being US FDA Study Approved for use in telesurgery. The procedures successfully demonstrated real-time surgical control and high precision for uncompromised patient safety despite the vast geographical distance. The international surgeries were enabled by high-speed, stable data transmission and multiple safety-assurance technologies. The system ensured real-time surgical control with ultra-low bidirectional latency of just 132 milliseconds, allowing the procedures to be performed with the same precision, safety, and reliability as conventional on-site robotic surgery. The ultra-low latency ensured seamless instrument movement, precise dissection, and reliable execution throughout the procedures. Dr Yuvaraja, who performed the surgeries remotely, has an experience of over 4,100 robotic procedures. Commenting on the achievement, he said, “Remote robotic surgery has the potential to transform access to high-quality surgical care. This achievement also opens up new avenues for offering world class treatment across India and world over.” The Toumai system allowed the surgeon to carry out complex procedures with the same confidence and accuracy as an in-person robotic surgery. Dr. Santosh Shetty, CEO & executive director of the hospital said, “Being the first hospital in India to successfully perform intercontinental remote robotic surgeries following CDSCO approval of the Toumai system is a proud moment for our institution and for Indian healthcare. It opens new possibilities for expanding access to advanced surgical care, particularly for patients in remote and underserved regions.”
31 December,2025 01:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentArtificial Intelligence (AI) may not replace professional care, chatbots like ChatGPT may help reduce mental health stigma, particularly for people hesitant to seek traditional face-to-face support, according to a study. The team from Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia surveyed 73 people who had used ChatGPT for personal mental health support, investigating ChatGPT use and its perceived effectiveness related to stigma. “The findings suggest that believing the tool is effective and plays an important role in reducing concerns about external judgment,” said Scott Hannah, a student of the Master of Clinical Psychology at ECU. Stigma is a major barrier to seeking mental health help. It can worsen symptoms and discourage people from accessing support. The study focused on anticipated stigma -- fear of being judged or discriminated against; and self-stigma -- internalising negative stereotypes, which reduces confidence and help-seeking. People who felt ChatGPT was effective were more likely to use it and more likely to report reduced anticipated stigma, meaning less fear of being judged. As AI tools become more common, people are using chatbots for private, anonymous conversations about their mental health concerns. “These results suggest that, despite not being designed for these purposes, AI tools such as ChatGPT are becoming more widely used for mental health purposes,” he added. While it may be easier to open up to AI, one should be wary, as anonymous digital tools carry important ethical considerations, the team said. “ChatGPT was not designed for therapeutic purposes, and recent research has shown that its responses can sometimes be inappropriate or inaccurate. Therefore, we encourage users to engage with AI-based mental health tools critically and responsibly,” Hannah said. The team stressed the need for more research to understand how AI can safely complement mental health services. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
31 December,2025 11:51 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe drug-resistant fungal species Candida auris is turning more deadly and is also spreading globally, according to a study led by Indian researchers. Candida auris is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has a unique ability to grow and persist on human skin. The study by researchers from the Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the team at the National Institutes of Health in the US, showed that invasive fungal infections are spreading across the globe, and gaining in virulence, affecting about 6.5 million people per year. These infections are frequently associated with high mortality rates, often exceeding 50 per cent, even with antifungal therapy. “C. auris has developed wily cellular strategies to survive, including morphogenesis in its ability to switch from yeast growth to filament-driven spread, as well as forming multicellular aggregates, and also switching its phenotypic genetic expression in response to its changing environment,” said the team in the paper published in the journal Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews. The fungus is also extremely successful in colonising human skin, with the molecular evidence showing so far that the proteins of the cell wall attach like a kind of glue to mammalian cells -- and even non-living surfaces. Long-term skin colonisation by C. auris is a significant medical concern because colonised patients may facilitate inter- and intra-hospital transmission of C. auris to other patients. Furthermore, C. auris-colonised patients are at risk of developing more serious systemic infections, the team said. While the host develops mechanisms to battle C. auris, the science so far indicates the germ can develop proactive ways to evade the immune response. Diagnostics also remain a challenge, since most conventional lab tests lead to misidentification as other related yeasts, which delays and complicates treatment. But awareness of the burden of this relatively new scourge is growing -- and research is now proliferating to catch up to clinical needs. "Taken together, these data underscore the need to develop novel antifungal agents with broad-spectrum activity against human fungal pathogens, to improve diagnostic tests, and to develop immune- and vaccine-based adjunct modalities for the treatment of high-risk patients," the researchers write. The study also called for efforts to raise awareness about fungal disease through developing better surveillance mechanisms, especially in resource-poor countries. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
31 December,2025 09:39 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSAbundance of severe gum disease -- periodontitis -- may worsen disability for people with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that periodontitis may contribute to central nervous system disorders through chronic inflammation. However, its role in multiple sclerosis has been unclear. The new research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, found that high levels of Fusobacterium nucleatum -- a bacterium found in the mouth -- were associated with about ten-fold higher odds of severe disability in multiple sclerosis patients. "While the gut microbiome has been extensively investigated in multiple sclerosis, the potential involvement of the oral microbiome has remained largely unexplored. Because the oral cavity is a major source of chronic inflammation and represents a potentially modifiable factor, clarifying its relationship with multiple sclerosis severity is important for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new preventive strategies," said Masahiro Nakamori, an associate professor and lecturer at Hiroshima University Hospital. The team noted that nearly two-thirds (61.5 per cent) of multiple sclerosis patients with a high relative abundance of Fusobacterium nucleatum fell into the moderate-to-severe disability range, compared with roughly one-fifth (18.6 per cent) of those with milder disease. No such association was observed in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. MS patients with both Fusobacterium nucleatum and at least one other periodontal pathogen showed even higher disability. "Fusobacterium nucleatum may act as a hidden 'bridge bacterium' -- not only bridging bacterial communities in dental biofilms, but also potentially linking oral inflammation to neurological disability," said Nakamori. MS is a central inflammatory demyelinating disease that targets the myelin sheath, the protective layer that wraps around some nerve cells. While the specific cause of multiple sclerosis remains unknown, viral infections, smoking, vitamin deficiencies, and genetic predispositions are thought to be possible contributing factors. The team now hopes to conduct larger, multi-center studies to validate the association between oral bacteria and multiple sclerosis severity. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
31 December,2025 09:32 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSHigh levels of antibiotic-resistant superbugs in both indoor and outdoor environments in Delhi are posing public health risks, according to a study. Airborne microbial contamination, especially involving antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes, poses a growing public health concern in urban environments. The study, by researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru University, explored the prevalence and diversity of staphylococci, including methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRS), in bioaerosols from various urban settings in Delhi, India. Indoor and outdoor air samples showed significantly high staphylococcal loads far above the WHO’s recommended limit for microbial exposure. Seasonal variations revealed a peak in airborne MRS during winter, while monsoon rains reduced outdoor bioaerosol contamination. The study assessed the prevalence and diversity of staphylococci in bioaerosols from various urban environments in Delhi, including Vasant Vihar Urban Slum (VVUS), Munirka Market Complex (MMC), Munirka Apartment (MA), and the Sewage Treatment Plant at Jawaharlal Nehru University (STP, JNU). “Eight staphylococcal species were identified, with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus arlettae being the most prevalent human- and animal-associated species, respectively,” said the researchers Himani Kumari and Madhuri Singh, from JNU’s School of Environmental Sciences, in the paper. Notably, 73 per cent of MRS isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR), showing resistance to macrolides, beta-lactams, and other commonly used antibiotics. Genotypic analysis confirmed the presence of ARGs among airborne MRS encoding resistance for beta-lactam, trimethoprim, gentamicin, macrolides, chloramphenicol, and lincosamides. Notably, 14 out of 36 MDR isolates carried the mecA gene encoding for methicillin resistance. “This study emphasises the potential health risks posed by airborne reservoirs of antibiotic resistance in urban environments and underscores the urgent need for comprehensive environmental AMR surveillance to develop effective mitigation strategies,” the team said. The study highlights the critical need for comprehensive monitoring and reporting on environmental AMR, including both antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their associated genetic markers. “Such efforts are essential to accurately assess the scope of the AMR threat and to inform the development of integrated action plans aimed at mitigating the growing challenges posed by AMR in urban settings,” the researchers said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
31 December,2025 09:23 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSEven as most Indians are busy working hard during their adult years, they are thinking about their retirement, not only to enjoy a good time off work, but also to be financially prepared so that they don't face any difficulty in the future.Retirement planning has been ranked as Indians’ first financial priority even as actual preparedness or a plan in place collapsed to 37 per cent from 67 per cent in 2023, a report said on October 29. The report from PGIM India Mutual Fund said that retirement took the first spot, climbing from eighth place, as lifestyle and entrepreneurial goals overshadow family-centric concerns. The shift reflects a broader change in financial planning from fear‑driven security to aspiration‑driven ambition, blending protection with progress and lifestyle freedom, it said. Family security and health emergencies, once dominant, have slipped down the list. In their place, aspirations such as lifestyle upgrades, starting a business, and personal fulfilment are rising rapidly. The fund house found that mutual funds emerged as the dominant retirement vehicle, while preference for choosing a product from a distributor rose to 62 per cent from 44 per cent in 2023. Mutual fund adoption for retirement climbed to 35 per cent from 24 per cent, it said, noting growing traction for NPS (National Pension System), PPF (Public Provident Fund), and retirement‑focused funds. Abhishek Tiwari, who is the CEO at PGIM India Asset Management Private Limited, said that the decline in readiness "is not a setback but a sign of positive evolution." "Indians are beginning to distinguish between safeguarding against risks and actively building a future for themselves. With a rising sense of surplus and families moving beyond simply providing for children to planning for their own retirement, it reflects a maturing mindset focused on self-driven security and dignity,” said Tiwari. Alternate income adoption among respondents declined to 25 per cent even as intent to pursue it jumped to 44 per cent. “Rising affluence and impact of pandemic have propelled self‑oriented goals like retirement planning, lifestyle upgrades, and entrepreneurship to the forefront, running parallel to traditional family-centric concerns,” said Ajit Menon, who is the senior advisor at PGIM India Asset Management Private Limited. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 December,2025 04:22 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSAn international team of researchers has discovered a new method to fight cancers that no longer respond to treatment. The team led by Israel's Weizmann Institute of Science used mutations that make tumours drug-resistant, Xinhua news agency reported. One of the biggest challenges in cancer care is when a therapy stops working. In many metastatic cancers, drugs that initially work lose their effect over time as cancer cells mutate and continue to grow. The new study, published in the journal Cancer Discovery, proposed a new way to confront cancer resistance: harnessing the very mutations that make tumours resistant in order to fight the cancer. The team introduced a computational tool called SpotNeoMet. It identifies therapy-resistant mutations common to many patients. These mutations produce tiny protein fragments called neo-antigens, which appear only on cancer cells. These shared neo-antigens may provide the basis for new immunotherapy approaches that prompt the immune system to selectively target cancer cells. "Our research demonstrates a broad principle that may change the way we think about treatment-resistant cancer," said Prof. Yardena Samuels at the Weizmann. "The same mutations that allow a tumour to evade a drug can, through precise immunotherapy, become the cancer's weak point. Unlike 'boutique' immunotherapies that must be tailored to each individual patient, these therapies could be suitable for large groups of patients," Samuels added. The researchers tested their approach on metastatic prostate cancer, a disease where most patients eventually become resistant to standard treatments. They identified three neo-antigens that showed promising results in lab experiments and in mouse models. The researchers said the approach differs from highly personalised therapies because it targets resistance mutations shared by many patients. This allows the same treatment to be applied more broadly to people with treatment-resistant cancers. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 December,2025 02:20 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSDo not take antibiotics over the counter, without a doctor’s consultation, said Dr M Srinivas, director at AIIMS, Delhi, on Monday, December 29, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned against their misuse. PM Modi, in his last 'Mann Ki Baat' of the year on Sunday, raised concern about “extremely worrying” Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) levels in the country, and urged people not to take antibiotics casually. The Prime Minister cited a recent alarming report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which stated that antibiotics are becoming less effective against diseases such as pneumonia and UTIs in India. "If everyone takes antibiotics and gets resistance, we won't have any drugs to treat them in the ICU. It is very harmful,” Dr V Srinivas, Director at AIIMS, said. “The message is: don't take antibiotics over the counter if you think you have an infection, a fever, or any other symptoms," he added. The doctor urged people to consult a doctor, who will then know which antibiotic to give. "The physician will prescribe the medicine with the lowest possible risk, and you should take it for the prescribed duration. “Self-prescription of antibiotics should not be done. It is very important that we do not take antibiotics until the doctor gives them to us,” he advised. The expert also noted that antibiotics will not work with viral infections, as there are antivirals for them. Dr Bimal Kumar Das, Professor and Head, Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, lauded the Prime Minister's speech about the importance of antibiotics and the serious issue of their misuse and overuse across the country. "Antibiotic resistance has now become a major public health concern. Bacteria are increasingly acquiring resistance to almost all classes of antibiotics that are commonly used, both in hospital settings and in the community," Das said. This situation is extremely worrying because we already have a very limited number of effective antibiotics, and very few new antibiotics are being developed. As a result, it has become critically important to focus on this issue and promote the rational use of antibiotics. "Antibiotic resistance exists not only in hospital settings but also in the community, making it a widespread and serious challenge," Das said. Dr Neha Rastogi, senior infectious diseases consultant at a city-based hospital, said that "India is bearing a silent and large pandemic in terms of high burden of infectious diseases, with UTI and pneumonia facing major brunt. Easy over-the-counter availability of antibiotics, irrational prescribing, and incomplete treatment courses have accelerated resistance." Major issues are the ease of access to antibiotics and the way prescriptions are implemented with limited checks and balances. Mass awareness, behavioural change, better diagnostics alongside stringent regulation and implementation of national policies on controlling AMR are key to tackling the crisis, Rastogi said. The expert also suggested prevention of infections via vaccination, proper sanitation, and better management of environmental factors. Further, pre-empting early and improved affordable diagnostics, avoidance of self-medication, the right dose, right duration protocol can be key pillars to build and sustain the drive against anti-microbial resistance. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 December,2025 12:47 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
