Today in our program, we’ll discuss a simple change to reduce anxiety around low-risk prostate cancer. Next, social media misinformation could be turning women away from the contraceptive pill. Finally, teeth cleaning robots: what’s ahead for dental health? Welcome to Health Channel News.
To start us off today, we’re talking about a change that could reduce fear and unnecessary treatment for men diagnosed with low-grade prostate cancer. According to the Times of London, experts are suggesting we stop using the word “cancer” to describe the lowest grade of prostate cancer. An international group of specialists recently recommended this shift. They believe it could help ease the stress that comes with a diagnosis. The article notes that most men with low-grade prostate changes don’t face aggressive disease. Many will never even experience health problems from it. According to one urology professor, these abnormalities are so common that they might just be a part of aging. He says, we absolutely need to monitor these abnormalities, but patients should not be burdened with a cancer diagnosis if what we see has zero capacity to spread or to kill.
The article explains that this recommendation isn’t just about avoiding fear. It’s also about preventing overtreatment. Many men undergo aggressive procedures that don’t improve their health. Instead, doctors say it’s better to keep a close watch using scans and tests without immediate treatment. Experts like Amy Rylance from Prostate Cancer UK agree, but she does caution that there are arguments for and against renaming low-risk cancers. It might help to reduce anxiety, but it could also mean that surveillance gets deprioritized, increasing the risk that if the cancer did progress, it could be missed.
Next up, according to an article in the Times of London, social media is spreading misinformation about the contraceptive pill. Health experts say it’s leading to a rise in unplanned pregnancies. What kind of misinformation? Videos on TikTok and Instagram claim the pill causes infertility and cancer, but doctors are pushing back. Regarding claims that the pill causes infertility, for example, one leading doctor from the UK’s National Health Service says that these claims aren’t backed by research. She says, evidence shows that the same number of women will be pregnant after one to two years of trying, regardless of whether they have used the pill or not. In other words, once you stop using the pill, your fertility rates are the same as those who have never used it.
According to the article, the combined contraceptive pill is one of the most effective methods of preventing pregnancy. Used correctly, it’s 99% effective, but now fewer women are choosing it. NHS data shows a drop from 47% in 2012 to just 27% last year. Meanwhile, abortions in England and Wales have reached record levels. Last year, over 250,000 abortions were recorded, up from 184,000 in 2012. The president of the Faculty of Reproductive Healthcare in the UK says misinformation on social media is a big factor. She relates that she has seen women in clinics who refuse the pill after watching TikTok videos talking about exaggerated side effects like weight gain, mood swings, and health risks. Some influencers promote natural alternatives like menstrual tracking apps, but she warns these methods aren’t as reliable. She says, we know that relying on the so-called fertility awareness will typically mean there is a one in four chance of actually conceiving.
The article stresses the importance of making informed decisions. If you are concerned about contraception, talk to a healthcare provider for accurate advice.
Our last story sounds like science fiction, but according to the Wall Street Journal, robots cleaning your teeth and growing your own new teeth may soon be a reality. Scientists are developing groundbreaking technologies that could change the way we take care of our teeth. One of these advancements is a team of microrobots that could brush, floss, and disinfect your teeth all on their own. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are behind this innovation. The microrobots use tiny iron oxide particles and magnets to form bristles or threads for flossing. The co-founder of the Center for Innovation and Precision Dentistry says, we are really looking for disruptive technology. He believes these robots could simplify oral care for people with disabilities and those who just want a more convenient option.
Another new approach is using mouth bacteria as medicine. Scientists are working on oral microbiota transplants. The idea is to transfer healthy bacteria from one person’s mouth to another to help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Early studies in rats have shown promising results, and human trials are planned for 2025.
There’s also exciting news about red light therapy for gum health. Researchers are developing a tooth implant that could emit light to kill bacteria and prevent infections around the gums. The light is powered by movements like chewing, making it a natural fit for the mouth. Another innovation is a gel that could help rebuild tooth enamel. This gel, developed by researchers at the University of Southern California, mimics the natural way our body creates enamel. It could be used to treat dental erosion and tooth sensitivity, although it’s still in the early stages of testing.
Finally, a drug that can help grow missing teeth is being developed in Japan, where an antibody has been developed that blocks a protein stopping teeth from growing. They plan to test this drug on children with congenital conditions where teeth fail to develop. Early trials in mice have already shown success, with human trials starting soon.
It’ll be interesting to see how these innovations reshape dental care in the future. That’s all we have for today. Thank you so much for joining us on Health Channel News.
