January 2026

According to reports from ICMR and WHO, there will be a rapid increase in lung cancer cases in India by 2030. North-east India and women will be most affected. Know the causes and prevention. Lung Cancer Cases (Image: Patrika) Lung Cancer Cases: A new study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) suggests that lung cancer cases in India could see a sharp rise by the year 2030. The research indicates that the northeastern region of the country will be the most affected, and lung cancer cases will increase most rapidly among women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), lung cancer is one of the most serious global health problems. In 2022, approximately 20 million new cancer cases were reported worldwide, leading to about 9.7 million deaths. Statistics show that one in every five individuals may develop cancer at some point in their lives. What Causes Lung Cancer? Lung cancer occurs when lung cells begin to grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells form lumps or tumours, impairing the lungs’ ability to function properly and gradually affecting other organs in the body. The Situation is Most Critical in the Northeast The ICMR study reveals that the incidence rate of lung cancer is highest in Northeast India. The situation is particularly concerning in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. Here, cases are almost equal among both men and women, and the number of deaths is also high. Tobacco consumption is very prevalent in this region, with approximately 68% of men and 54% of women using it. This is the primary reason for the continuous rise in lung cancer cases.

A new Phase-4 study has revealed that Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill has improved Coronary Slow Flow in angina patients. The drug was found to be safe and effective Image: Patrika A welcome piece of news has emerged for patients suffering from chest pain, or angina. A new Phase-4 clinical trial has found that a drug named Shexiang Tongxin Dropping Pill (STDP) has shown significant improvement in Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon (CSFP). This study indicates that the drug is not only effective but also safe for daily treatment. What is CSFP? Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon (CSFP) is a condition where there are no major blockages in the heart’s arteries, yet blood flow within them remains slower than normal. This leads to recurrent chest pain, a decline in quality of life, and frequent visits to doctors or hospitals. Treatment options for this condition have been very limited until now, and the need for an effective medication has been felt for a long time. What was done in the study? This multicentre, randomised, and controlled study was conducted on 200 adult patients who suffered from both angina and CSFP. The patients were divided into two groups: one group received the STDP drug, and the other received a placebo. The treatment was administered between July 2016 and August 2020. Researchers observed the effect of the drug on blood flow in the heart’s arteries. What were the results? Patients who were given STDP showed improved blood flow in two major heart arteries, the Left Anterior Descending and Left Circumflex arteries. This means blood flowed faster. In contrast, patients who received the placebo did not show any significant improvement. The difference between the two groups was clearly visible in the data. Most importantly, the drug did not exhibit any serious side effects. Patients tolerated the medication well, which builds confidence in its safety.

Hearing the name Buerger Disease, you might be thinking of the food burger? In reality, this is a dangerous disease that is more commonly seen in young people who smoke at a young age. Image: Freepik Diseases are on the rise these days, to the extent that their names are often unfamiliar. We are encountering illnesses with such peculiar names that it’s hard to tell if it’s a disease or a food item! Take Buerger Disease, for instance. Does its name sound like a medical condition? Let’s explore what Buerger Disease is, its causes and symptoms, and how to prevent this dangerous illness. What is Buerger Disease? We all associate tobacco and alcohol consumption with cancer, but there’s another dangerous consequence: Buerger Disease. In the medical world, it is known as ‘Thromboangiitis Obliterans’. This disease gradually obstructs blood supply to the body’s limbs. It predominantly affects young individuals who begin smoking at an early age. Causes of Buerger Disease? What are the Symptoms of Buerger Disease?

Millions of people in India die every year from diseases that could be prevented with timely treatment. Know about India’s 7 deadliest diseases. Image: Patrika Every year, millions of people in India die from diseases that could be prevented or managed with timely detection. These deaths are not sudden but are a result of a lack of awareness, delayed treatment, unhealthy lifestyles, and a lack of early screening. Knowing the deadliest diseases can help us take timely precautions and the right steps. Below, seven of the leading causes of death in India are explained in simple terms. Heart Diseases Heart diseases cause the most deaths in India. High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, fried foods, stress, and lack of physical activity are major contributors. Many people experience mild symptoms for years but do not seek treatment. By the time they reach the hospital, it is often too late. Regular check-ups, a healthy diet, and an active lifestyle can significantly prevent these deaths. Chronic Respiratory Diseases Diseases like asthma and COPD gradually weaken the lungs. Pollution, cooking smoke, cigarettes, and working in dusty, smoky environments are the primary causes. Initially, shortness of breath may seem minor, but the condition can become severe later. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, patients can lead a normal life. TB TB remains a deadly disease in India, even though it is completely curable. Delayed diagnosis, abandoning medication midway, and general weakness are major reasons for its persistence. Completing the full course of medication is crucial, otherwise, the disease can return in a more dangerous form.

The ICMR is developing a multiplex diagnostic test that will identify multiple infections in a single test, thereby preventing the misuse of antibiotics. ICMR Multiplex Diagnostic Test (Photo- Freepik) The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working on a major initiative to simplify and expedite the identification of serious infectious diseases in India. The aim is to develop a single diagnostic test that can detect multiple diseases simultaneously. This step is considered crucial for public health as it will reduce the unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and mitigate the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Problems with the Current Testing System Currently, when a patient presents with common symptoms such as fever, breathlessness, or weakness, they often have to undergo a series of tests. First, dengue, then COVID, then flu, then typhoid – with each negative report leading to the next test. This entire process is time-consuming. Often, the correct diagnosis is delayed, leading to a delay in treatment and potentially worsening the patient’s condition. Furthermore, this approach also imposes a financial burden on the patient. Since many infections share similar symptoms, it becomes difficult to identify the disease based solely on symptoms, and the actual cause might be missed. Multiplex Molecular Diagnostics: A New Solution To address this problem, ICMR is developing multiplex molecular diagnostic tests. These tests will enable the examination of multiple serious infections from a single sample. This will provide doctors with a rapid confirmation of the correct illness, allowing treatment to commence promptly and effectively. Some advanced hospitals and ICUs already utilise such multiplex tests, particularly for severe cases like sepsis, where multiple bacteria and AMR genes are identified simultaneously. For better management of critically ill patients, doctors can further strengthen their understanding and skills through courses like OC Academy’s Certification Course in Intensive Care Medicine.