Nearly 80-85 per cent of individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders do not receive timely or appropriate care due to stigma and lack of awareness, said mental experts here on January 3. Speaking at the curtain raiser Event of the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society, ANCIPS 2026 Delhi, the experts warned that despite advances in treatment and increasing awareness, the majority of people with mental illness continue to remain outside the formal healthcare system. Addressing the gathering, they emphasised that mental illnesses are among the most treatable health conditions if identified early and managed appropriately. “Mental health disorders are highly treatable, yet the majority of patients in India continue to suffer in silence. The fact that over 80 per cent of people do not receive timely psychiatric care reflects deep-rooted stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate integration of mental health services into primary healthcare,” said Dr. Savita Malhotra, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society. “This is not just a medical concern; it is a social, economic, and developmental issue that demands urgent national attention,” she added. Data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) clearly indicate that India faces one of the widest treatment gaps in the world, with over 85 per cent of people suffering from common mental disorders not seeking or receiving treatment. In a global context, more than 70 per cent of individuals with mental illness do not receive care from trained healthcare professionals, and in many low-income countries, fewer than 10 per cent of those in need actually access necessary treatment. India, with its vast population and limited mental health infrastructure, remains particularly vulnerable to this challenge. “When psychiatric care is delayed, the illness often becomes more severe and chronic, leading to greater disability, family distress, loss of productivity, and a significantly increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Mental health must be addressed with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health,” said Dr. Nimesh G. Desai, former Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS). “Strengthening community-based services, training primary care doctors, and improving referral systems are essential steps to bridge this unacceptable treatment gap,” he added. Delayed treatment has far-reaching consequences not only for individuals and families but also for society and the economy. Untreated mental illness contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, higher rates of substance use disorders, unemployment, family breakdown, and suicide. India already accounts for a significant proportion of global suicide deaths, making early identification and timely psychiatric intervention a critical public health priority. While government initiatives such as the Tele-MANAS national mental health helpline, expansion of the District Mental Health Programme, and greater policy focus on mental health are positive steps, the experts stressed that these efforts must be scaled up substantially to meet the growing demand. 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.
04 January,2026 10:48 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSShort bursts of energetic activity for 10 minutes daily could not only increase your fitness levels, but also help fight bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, according to a study. The study by researchers at Newcastle University showed that short and intense exercise activity can trigger rapid molecular changes in the bloodstream, shutting down bowel cancer growth and speeding up DNA damage repair. They found that exercise increases the concentration of several small molecules in the blood -- many linked to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and metabolism. When these exercise-induced molecules were applied to bowel cancer cells in the lab, the activity of more than 1,300 genes was altered, including those involved in DNA repair, energy production, and cancer cell growth. The findings, published in the International Journal of Cancer, help explain one way exercise can protect against bowel cancer: by sending molecular signals in the bloodstream that influence the activity of genes that govern tumor growth and genome instability. "What's remarkable is that exercise doesn't just benefit healthy tissues, it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells,” said Dr. Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University, who led the study. "It's an exciting insight because it opens the door to finding ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes. In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy," Orange added. The team found that exercise boosted the activity of genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism, enabling cells to use oxygen more efficiently. At the same time, genes linked to rapid cell growth were switched off, which could reduce the aggressiveness of cancer cells, and exercise-conditioned blood promoted DNA repair, activating a key repair gene called PNKP. The study involved 30 volunteers, male and female, aged 50-78, all overweight or obese (a risk factor of cancer) but otherwise healthy. After completing a short, intense cycling test lasting approximately 10 minutes, researchers collected blood samples and analyzed 249 proteins. As many as 13 proteins increased after exercise, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which helps repair the DNA of damaged cells. "These results suggest that exercise doesn't just benefit healthy tissues; it may also create a more hostile environment for cancer cells to grow. Even a single workout can make a difference. One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body. It's a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health," Orange 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.
04 January,2026 10:39 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSRegular eating of fast foods, ranging from deep-fried snacks served as street food to quick-service restaurant chains, can cause serious damage to health, which can, in the long run, lead to several diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions, contributing to death, said experts on January 3. The doctors said this as social media was recently flooded with viral posts claiming that an 11th-grade student from Amroha district in Uttar Pradesh, admitted at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi in December, died due to excessive consumption of junk food. While the girl's family asserted that she was suffering from an intestinal infection that ultimately led to her death, media reports revealed that the girl was facing multiple health issues, including severe typhoid and complaints of tuberculosis. Doctors at the AIIMS declared that her death resulted from cardiac arrest. “While habitual excessive consumption leads to obesity, fatty liver, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, it is definitely not a cause for perforation of the intestine,” Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, ex-president of IMA Cochin and Convener of the Research Cell, Kerala, said. “In a young Indian adult, in the absence of trauma, the main causes of intestinal perforation are duodenal ulcer, typhoid, tuberculosis, or severe appendicitis. The two main causes of ulcers of the stomach and duodenum are Helicobacter pylori infection and excessive intake of painkillers,” he added. Eating fast food is known to increase weight gain, cause inadequate nutritional intake, digestive issues, energy crashes, and mood swings. These can contribute to obesity, diabetes and hypertension, and poor mental health, and more -- all of which can lead to mortality in the long term. Studies have shown that fast food consumption is associated with "all-cause mortality," meaning a higher overall risk of dying early. Unhealthy diets, including fast food, contribute to approximately 1.1 crore deaths worldwide annually. “Regular eating of fast food can silently damage the heart, liver, and blood vessels. It leads to obesity, high sugar and high BP, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and sudden death -- even in young people who appear otherwise healthy,” Prof Dr Naresh Bansal, Dept of Gastro, at a leading Delhi-based hospital, 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.
04 January,2026 08:50 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe free-living amoebae, also known as brain-eating amoebae, are becoming a growing global public health threat, warned a new study. Climate change, ageing water infrastructure, and gaps in monitoring and detection are making the dangerous group of pathogens lurk freely in water and the environment, warned the team of environmental and public health scientists, in the article published in the journal Biocontaminant. “What makes these organisms particularly dangerous is their ability to survive conditions that kill many other microbes,” said corresponding author Longfei Shu of Sun Yat sen University, China. “They can tolerate high temperatures, strong disinfectants like chlorine, and even live inside water distribution systems that people assume are safe,” Shu added. Amoebae are single-celled organisms commonly found in soil and water. While most are harmless, some species can cause devastating infections. Among the most notorious is Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the brain-eating amoeba, which can trigger a rare but almost always fatal brain infection after contaminated water enters the nose during activities such as swimming. Naegleria fowleri has also contributed to several deaths in Kerala in the recent years. The authors also emphasised that amoebae act as hidden carriers for other harmful microbes. By sheltering bacteria and viruses inside their cells, amoebae can protect these pathogens from disinfection and help them persist and spread in drinking water systems. This so-called Trojan horse effect may also contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance. Climate warming is expected to worsen the problem by expanding the geographic range of heat-loving amoebae into regions where they were previously rare. Recent outbreaks linked to recreational water use have already raised public concern in several countries. The researchers called for a coordinated One Health approach that connects human health, environmental science, and water management. They urge stronger surveillance, improved diagnostic tools, and the adoption of advanced water treatment technologies to reduce risks before infections occur. “Amoebae are not just a medical issue or an environmental issue,” Shu said. “They sit at the intersection of both and addressing them requires integrated solutions that protect public health at its source.” 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.
04 January,2026 07:23 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe consumption of wearable healthcare technology, including blood pressure monitors and ultrasound patches, can increase 42-fold worldwide by 2050, approaching two billion units yearly and emitting 3.4 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to an analysis. China is projected to generate the most yearly greenhouse gas emissions from wearable healthcare electronics in 2050, followed by India. The analysis is published in the journal Nature. The environmental footprint is estimated alongside ecotoxicity and e-waste issues posed by the devices. A kilogram of carbon dioxide equivalent is a unit measuring the climate impact of greenhouse gases emitted by comparing their potential for warming to that of carbon dioxide. Researchers from the US' Cornell and Chicago universities estimated that a wearable healthcare device could be emitting up to six kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent during its entire lifetime, from raw material extraction through manufacturing to disposal. The researchers also showed that the use of recyclable or biodegradable plastics offers only marginal benefits, whereas substituting critical-metal conductors and optimising circuit architectures can significantly reduce impacts without compromising performance. The team's engineering-based framework of assessing a device's footprint during its lifecycle "holds promise for establishing (an) ecologically responsible innovation in next-generation wearable electronics." The researchers conducted a 'life cycle assessment' of four devices they said represented wearable electronics in digital healthcare -- a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor, a continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, a blood pressure monitor (BPM) and a point-of-care ultrasound patch. The devices were selected for the analysis based on clinical relevance, diversity of sensing modalities and coverage across the technology readiness spectrum. "(A) cradle-to-grave analysis of representative wearable healthcare electronics (glucose, cardiac and blood pressure monitors and diagnostic imagers) generates full-spectrum environmental impact metrics, identifying warming impacts of 1.1-6.1 (kilograms carbon dioxide)-equivalent per device," the authors wrote. "The global device consumption is projected to increase 42-fold by 2050, approaching two billion units annually and generating 3.4 (metric tonnes of carbon dioxide) - equivalent emissions alongside ecotoxicity and e-waste issues," they said. By 2050, non-invasive continuous glucose monitors could surpass current global smartphone sales, estimated at 1.2 billion units in 2024, the team said. They added that the market share is initially dominated by continuous ECG and blood pressure monitors, but by 2050, continuous glucose monitors dominate (72 per cent), followed by continuous ECG (19 per cent) and blood pressure monitors (eight per cent). 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.
02 January,2026 03:50 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIAmid the happiness of entering the new year, many people are pondering their life choices, and like always, health remains a top priority — especially in a post-Covid world. People, except those who were immunocompromised, were mostly carefree earlier, but doctors say the need to prioritise health is now greater than ever.More importantly, making healthy choices is not only for the old but also for younger adults, who are increasingly being affected by lifestyle-related health issues. The fact that air pollution is no longer an environmental issue but a growing health concern, say doctors, makes it even more necessary for us to focus on our health in 2026. As you take on the new year, Mumbai doctors highlight key health trends spanning both physical and mental wellbeing — not to alarm, but to guide people in the right direction. They predict preventive healthcare to become the need of the hour, along with a sharper focus on mental health, which increasingly impacts physical wellbeing in more ways than many realise. Dr Chhya Vaja, internal medicine expert, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Chembur As 2026 approaches, the focus is shifting towards preventive healthcare rather than treatment alone. People are likely to undertake regular health screenings to detect conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancers at an early and more manageable stage, thereby improving quality of life. Preventive health check-ups that include cholesterol, blood sugar, and heart assessments are expected to become a routine part of adult life rather than something done only when symptoms appear. The aim is to encourage everyone to go for timely health check-ups to identify problems early. Fitness will go beyond weight loss, with attention to strength training and mental well-being. Daily physical activity, stress management in the form of yoga and meditation, and quality sleep will be key factors for improving overall wellness. Heart health awareness is also set to grow, with people paying closer attention to lifestyle habits such as diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation, along with regular cardiac screening. Cancer screening — including breast, cervical, head and neck, lung, and colorectal cancers — is expected to gain wider acceptance, encouraging timely diagnosis to save lives. The year 2026 is expected to play a significant role in transforming India’s healthcare sector through greater awareness and preventive care. Dr Hemalata Arora, consultant, internal medicine, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vile Parle One of the most positive health trends gaining momentum in 2025 and likely to take over the coming year is the rising importance of fitness. People are frequently tracking fitness, prioritising sleep, getting routine check-ups, and seeking medical advice in time. There has also been wider awareness and use of medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide — used in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Patients battling Type 2 diabetes with obesity are able to improve blood sugar control and achieve clinically meaningful weight loss. This is also helping them reduce obesity-related comorbidities such as high blood pressure, fatty liver disease, and sleep apnoea. However, any medication should be taken only after appropriate medical consultation and must be supported by a balanced diet and regular exercise. When it comes to weight loss, there are no quick fixes or magic pills. A worrying health trend that is unfortunately gaining a foothold is persistent upper respiratory symptoms such as cold, nasal congestion, throat irritation, and cough. Unlike in the past, these symptoms now take longer than a week to resolve. While the infection itself isn’t harder to treat, antibiotics are not effective because these are viral infections. Underlying causes such as pollution are constantly affecting the airway lining, worsening symptoms, and slowing recovery. Wear masks while venturing outdoors, especially during winters or high-pollution days, and stay well hydrated. Try using simple saline nasal sprays or steam inhalation to keep the nasal passages clean and infection-free. One may practice Jal Neti, ensuring strict hygiene with sterile, distilled, or previously boiled-and-cooled water, along with clean equipment. Another major concern is rising health issues induced by deteriorating mental health, particularly among younger adults. In many patients, anxiety presents as palpitations, breathlessness, chest tightness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort — sometimes escalating to panic attacks. Such symptoms require both physical and mental evaluation and professional support. Introduce non-negotiables such as routine exercise, eight hours of sleep, a balanced diet, and screen detox into daily life. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals when needed to protect your mental health and strengthen physical health. Dr Honey Savla, consultant, internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central Seasonal illnesses are no longer following textbook patterns — worsening air pollution is a major reason. Traditionally, respiratory infections peaked in winter, while viral fevers were mostly seen during the monsoon months. However, in the past year, doctors have noticed that the seasons of illness overlap. Cough, wheezing, allergies, and viral symptoms occur almost year-round. Ongoing exposure to fine particulate pollution harms the protective lining of the airways, making people more vulnerable to infections that would typically be mild or go away on their own. What is changing is not just how often people get sick but also the severity of symptoms and the length of recovery. Patients with asthma, allergies, diabetes, or heart disease are increasingly experiencing prolonged cough, fatigue, and breathlessness even after common infections. Pollution also triggers flare-ups of sinusitis, bronchitis, and acid-reflux-related cough, which are often confused with repeated infections. Another growing concern is immune fatigue linked to pollution. Constant exposure to poor air quality keeps the body in a state of low-grade inflammation. This reduces its ability to respond effectively when real infections occur. This explains why many patients feel they are “falling sick again and again”.In the future, the patterns of seasonal illness will depend less on the weather and more on the air quality trends. Preventive care should include consistent mask use on high-AQI days, improving indoor air hygiene, staying well hydrated, and seeking timely medical advice instead of relying solely on traditional seasonal expectations. Dr BC Kalmath, director and HOD-department of cardiac sciences, KIMS Hospitals, Thane The year 2025 taught us that lifestyle diseases are no longer slow illnesses. They are speeding up. In 2026, we will see a clear shift toward preventive and predictive healthcare instead of just reactive treatment. One of the strongest trends will be the early detection of cardiovascular risks, even in people in their 30s and early 40s. More Indians are showing signs of silent hypertension, borderline cholesterol, and stress-related heart rhythm issues, often without classic symptoms. This will lead to routine cardiac screenings expanding beyond ECGs to include monitoring with wearables, AI-assisted risk scoring, and personalised prevention plans. Another major trend is the medical acknowledgment of stress as an important cardiac risk factor, not just a lifestyle issue. Long work hours, lack of sleep, and digital fatigue are increasingly linked to spikes in blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and early heart disease. We should expect more focus on sleep health, stress management, and structured exercise plans as part of heart care. Nutrition will also become more tailored, moving away from one-size-fits-all diet advice. Patients will receive guidance based on their metabolic response rather than just calorie counting. Finally, hybrid care models, which combine hospital expertise with remote follow-ups, will expand. In 2026, the aim won’t just be to treat heart disease, but to delay or prevent its onset, especially in urban India. Dr Ajithkumar Vivekanandan, associate chief physician, Apollo AyurVAID While adaptation may take time, the future of healthcare lies in a scientific, integrative approach, leveraging modern diagnostics and allopathic medicine where they excel, and Ayurveda and allied systems where they are strongest. This is not “mixopathy” but a rational convergence of disciplines. Supported by artificial intelligence (AI) and technology, integrative healthcare is poised to gain momentum and become an inevitable necessity in the years ahead. Dr Roopa Mepani, medical director, Holy Family Hospital, Bandra West Looking ahead to 2026, healthcare will increasingly focus on preventing illness rather than reacting to it. Regular health check-ups, early screening for conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and timely vaccinations will become routine advice for everyone—not just high-risk groups. The use of AI and assisted technologies in clinics and hospitals will grow, helping doctors detect problems earlier and personalise care. Mental health will remain a major priority. More people, especially in urban and corporate settings, are expected to speak openly about anxiety, burnout, and depression and seek help sooner rather than later. Another key shift will be towards care at home and in the community. Teleconsultations, remote monitoring devices, and home healthcare services will expand, making follow-ups easier for the elderly and those living with chronic conditions. Overall, 2026 will be less about quick fixes and more about long-term, science-backed lifestyle changes, supported by technology and proactive medical care. Air pollution is no longer just an environmental issue—it is changing how illnesses affect us. With most Indians living in areas where air quality remains unsafe, many people now start each season with already stressed lungs and hearts. As a result, so-called “seasonal” illnesses are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and appearing more severe. Doctors are seeing persistent cough, breathlessness, asthma flare-ups, and allergies—often layered on top of routine viral infections. These trends are being reported not only in major metros but also in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, especially during winter smog and high-pollution periods. Long-term exposure to polluted air increases the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, making the line between seasonal and year-round illness increasingly blurred.
02 January,2026 03:18 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoA joint research team of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and domestic biotechnology firm Neogenlogic has developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) model that can help produce a whole new type of "personalised" cancer vaccine, the joint team said on Friday. The new AI platform helps identify neoantigens unique to each cancer patient that can train the patient's immune system, and thus prevent recurrence of the illness, reports Yonhap news agency. "Neoantigens -- mutation-derived protein fragments unique to a patient's tumor -- are the 'fingerprints' used by vaccines to train the immune system," the team, led by professor Choi Jung-kyoon of KAIST, said in a press release. "While current vaccines focus almost exclusively on activating cytotoxic T cells for immediate attack, emerging clinical evidence highlights that B cell-mediated immune memory is the key to durable, long-term antitumor responses and the prevention of recurrence," it added. Such findings were published in the Dec. 3 edition of Science Advances, a peer-reviewed scientific journal. According to the research team, its AI model predicts which neoantigens will trigger a "robust B cell response" by learning the structural interaction patterns between mutant peptides and B cell receptors (BCRs). "The study introduces the world's first AI framework capable of predicting B cell immunogenicity alongside T cell responses for the design of personalized cancer vaccines," it said. Professor Choi highlighted the significance of the study in that it provided empirical evidence on the importance of B cells in developing cancer vaccines. "While the academic community was aware that studying B cells is important in developing cancer vaccines, there were no tools to verify the concept," Choi told Yonhap News Agency. Neogenlogic said in a separate release that the new technology has been validated against "large-scale genomic datasets and clinical trial data from global vaccine leaders," adding the new AI framework has also been fully integrated into its proprietary discovery engine DeepNeo. Choi said his team is preparing an investigational new drug (IND) submission with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with plans to enter clinical trials in 2027. "Together with Neogenlogic, we are translating this academic breakthrough into a clinical-grade platform," he added. "Our proprietary AI elevates the scientific rigor of neoantigen selection, moving us from theoretical prediction to systematic clinical application." 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.
02 January,2026 02:19 PM IST | Seoul | IANSFormer Australia batsman Damien Martyn is currently hospitalised in Queensland in an induced coma after suffering from meningitis. As the outpour of comforting messages and a speedy recovery by cricketers and fans not only all over the world but also in India continues, it also brings to light meningitis, a devastating disease that can severely affect one's health. While it has not been revealed whether the meningitis suffered by Martyn is bacterial or viral, here's all you need to know about the disease: What is meningitis? As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), meningitis is a devastating disease that is deadly and often results in serious long-term health issues and it continues to remain a global health challenge. Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Causes and effects of meningitis WHO notes that it can be infectious or non-infectious in origin and can be associated with a high risk of death and long-term complications, and requires urgent medical care. Meningitis can be caused by several species of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. The global health organisation says a small number of cases can also be caused by injuries, cancers and drugs. Amid the two types, bacterial meningitis is said to be the most serious type of meningitis. The WHO says it is a severe, life-threatening condition that can often lead to long-term adverse health consequences. Which is the most vulnerable population? Meningitis can affect anybody anywhere and at any age. It not only depends on a person's age, immunity, and level of risk but also their living conditions and geographical location, the WHO states. There are different kinds of meningitis that affect newborn babies, children and adults, but also affects those who are immunocompromised, and people living with HIV, who can get a different type of meningitis. Across the world, the sub-Saharan region in Africa is known to have the highest burden of the disease - particularly the stretch from Senegal to Ethiopia.
01 January,2026 08:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn 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 correspondentADVERTISEMENT
