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  • Causes of Thyroid Cancer

    by icicilombard 002 | Oct 16, 2023

    Are you aware of the causes of thyroid cancer? It is an important question to ask, especially if you live in India, given that it is a very common form of cancer in the country. Recent studies have shown that exposure to radiation and certain chemicals may contribute to a person's risk. Understanding these potential factors is key to safeguarding your overall health. In this article, we will explore some common causes of thyroid cancer to understand this disease better.

    How is Thyroid Cancer Caused?

    Certain factors that can increase the chances of developing thyroid cancer include:

    • Toxic adenomas: If any sort of nodule or lumps of cell growth is seen in the thyroid gland, it is said to be a thyroid nodule, which upsets the body’s chemical balance by making thyroid hormones that can lead to a condition called goiter.
    • Thyroiditis: This is the inflammation of our thyroid gland, which is mostly painless and may appear post-delivering a baby in women, a condition known as postpartum thyroiditis. If in case the thyroid has not recovered, it may lead to hypothyroidism and later into the cancer stage. which is one of the common reasons for thyroid cancer.
    • Genetic mutation: Gene mutations (changes) that cause endocrine diseases like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) or type 2B (MEN2B) syndrome can increase the risk of thyroid cancer
    • Low iodine intake can increase the chances of developing thyroid cancer.
    • Family history: If a first-degree female relative like a mother, sister, or daughter has any history of thyroid cancer, she is at a greater risk of getting thyroid cancer.
    • Being overweight or obese: A person who is obese is at increased risk for getting this cancer.
    • Radiation therapy: If a person has been treated with radiation therapy, like in the case of radiation therapy for neck and head regions related to a disease, then he/ she is at increased risk of developing thyroid cancer and exposure to radioactive material from nuclear weapons or a power plant accident can also makes a person more vulnerable to develop cancer.
  • Causes of Kidney Cancer

    by icicilombard 002 | Oct 16, 2023

    Have you ever stopped to wonder what the causes of kidney cancer are? Many people don't know much about this type of cancer or what factors contribute to its development. Kidney cancer can have a debilitating and life-altering effect on those affected by it—from both physical and psychological impacts. But what leads someone to develop kidney cancer, and how can one reduce their risk? In this article, we'll explore the potential causes of kidney cancer so that you may better understand your own individual risks and potential ways to prevent it.

     

    How is Kidney Cancer Caused?

    The exact reason for kidney cancer is not known, but certain factors have been studied which may increase the chances of getting the disease:

    • Smoking: a person who smokes has almost twice the risk of developing kidney cancer as compared to nonsmokers.
    • Hazardous places: If a person is getting exposure to chemicals such as arsenic and cadmium used in mining, welding, farming and painting at their workplaces, they are at increased risk for getting this disease.
    • Family history: If a first-degree female relative like a father, brother, or son has any history of kidney cancer, he is at a greater risk of getting kidney cancer.
    • Being overweight or obese: a person who is obese is at increased risk for getting this cancer.
    • High blood pressure: High blood pressure has been associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer.
    • Radiation therapy: If a person has been treated with radiation therapy, like in the case of women; if she is treated with radiation therapy for reproductive organs related to a disease, then she is at increased risk of developing kidney cancer
    • Gene Mutation: Genes contain genetic information that instructs cells to function. If any changes are seen in certain genes, then it can increase the risk of getting kidney cancer.
    • Long-term Dialysis Treatment: Dialysis is the medical process of filtering the blood by passing it through a machine called a dialyzer. The process of dialysis is done when a person’s kidneys aren’t functioning properly.
    • Tuberous sclerosis complex: Tuberous sclerosis is a disease that causes seizures and disabilities which can result in the formation of tumours in many different organs, including the kidney.
  • Causes of Bone Cancer

    by icicilombard 002 | Oct 16, 2023

    Bone cancer may sound like an uncommon diagnosis, but it claims more lives each year than many of us realize. With a higher incidence among young adults and children, bone cancer is something that deserves to be taken seriously – and understood more deeply. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the common causes of bone cancer and its risk factors, which will ultimately help you better understand this condition so you can take better care of your health.

     

    How is Bone cancer caused?

    Cancer occurs when the cells in a certain area of the body divide and multiply too rapidly in an uncontrolled manner that results in the formation of a lump of tissue known as a tumour. Experts are not certain about the exact causes of bone cancer, but certain factors can increase the chances of developing the condition, including:

    • Receiving radiotherapy treatment in the past: If a person is exposed to high doses of radiation in the past during radiotherapy treatment, it may cause cancerous changes in the bone cells at a later stage, although the chances for this are very low.
    • Bone conditions: In some cases, non-cancerous or benign conditions affecting the bones may increase the chances of developing bone cancer, like a condition called Paget’s disease of the bone that is known to increase the chances of bone cancer development in people over 50 to 60 years of age.
    • Cancer treatment: A person is more likely to get a tumour in the bones if he had any treatment like stem cell transplants or received chemotherapy drugs to treat other types of cancers.
    • Rare genetic conditions: Some rare genetic conditions, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, cause tumours to grow in the bones, thus increasing the risk of getting bone cancer.
    • Other conditions: If a person is born with a rare form of eye cancer known as retinoblastoma, he may be more likely to develop bone cancer. This is because the same inherited faulty gene can be responsible for both retinoblastoma and later stages of bone cancer.
  • Causes of Breast Cancer

    by icicilombard 002 | Oct 16, 2023

    Breast cancer is perhaps the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women today, and its prevalence raises many fears among female patients. It’s often difficult to discern what exactly causes it, yet there are certain risk factors that could possibly lead to breast cancer in any woman—what you eat, your age when you have children and whether or not you were ever pregnant can all make a difference. In the next section, we will discuss the key causes of breast cancer so that all women may gain knowledge on how best to avoid developing it. Whether you're curious about your own risks or just looking for more information about this disease, read on!

    How is Breast cancer caused?

    The causes of breast cancer are many, but genetic mutations also play a major role in the occurrence of breast cancer. The genes that are responsible for the cause of breast cancer include breast cancer gene 1(BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). The genes named TP53 and CHEK2 have also been seen to be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. However, researchers have studied several other causes of breast cancer that may increase the chances of developing breast cancer. These include:

    • Exposure to oestrogen: The major cause of breast cancer almost everyone ignores is the female hormone oestrogen, which can activate the breast cancer cells and cause them to grow. This hormone is stimulated in the body when the ovaries, where the eggs are stored, begin to produce oestrogen at the start of puberty to regulate the menstrual cycle. A person is at risk of developing this cancer when the amount of oestrogen in the body increases up to a certain level than normal.
    • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been studied to increase the risk of developing this cancer if the women take this therapy for a prolonged period, probably more than a year.
    • Women who are aged 50 or older are more at risk to get breast cancer than younger women.
    • Breast cancer can form in both males and females, but the maximum number of cases of breast cancer are reported in women
    • Personal history of cancer. The odds of developing this form of cancer could go up slightly if we have been diagnosed with cancer in the past.
    • Family history. If a first-degree female relative like a mother, sister, or daughter has any history of breast cancer, she is at a greater risk of getting breast cancer.
  • Causes of Uterine Cancer

    by icicilombard 002 | Oct 16, 2023

    Uterine cancer occurs when there is growth of abnormal cells in the uterus, and it is beyond control. Statistics reveal that 66,000 women in the US are most likely to get diagnosed with one of the types of uterine cancer.

    Uterine carcinoma has two subtypes — endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma. Endometrial cancer starts in the uterus lining. It is responsible for almost 95% of all cases of uterine cancer. It is more common than uterine sarcoma, which tends to develop in muscle tissue (myometrium) and is uncommon.

    Here, we will discuss the causes of uterine cancer and the associated risk factors.

     

    How is uterine cancer caused?

    Causes of uterine cancer are many and may vary from individual to individual. Some of the causes are:

    • Age: This is directly related to an increased risk of developing uterine cancer. It usually occurs after menopause.

    • Family history: A family history of the disease is one of the significant causes of uterine cancer, particularly among individuals with conditions like Lynch syndrome and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
    • Increased number of menstrual cycles: Women who experience early menstruation, typically at 12, undergo more menstrual cycles throughout their lifetime, increasing their risk of developing uterine cancer.

    • Infertility: Obesity also contributes to the development of endometrial cancer. Fat in the body has the potential to alter hormonal levels, which ultimately affect the proper functioning of the body, leading to the development of several diseases and health problems.

    • Hormone therapy for breast cancer: Another major cause of uterine or endometrial cancer is the intake of Tamoxifen, a hormone therapy medication for breast cancer. People with breast cancer who take this hormone therapy medicine may be at risk of developing uterine cancer.
    • No pregnancy: Not being able to get pregnant even once can also be responsible for the development of uterine cancer in comparison to women who have had at least one pregnancy.

    • Other ovarian diseases: Women who suffer from one or the other forms of ovarian tumours tend to have increased oestrogen levels and low levels of progesterone, again known as one of the causes of uterine cancer.
    • Treatment for various health conditions: Radiation therapy used in the treatment of uterine cancer, Oestrogen Replacement Therapy, and hormone therapy for breast cancer treatment are some of the causes linked to the development of uterine cancer.

    • Polycystic ovarian syndrome: PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is related to an imbalance in the hormone level of females, leading to excess production of oestrogen or androgen hormone and too little progesterone production. Too much oestrogen production and too little progesterone put females at risk of developing uterine cancer.

    • Endometrial hyperplasia: This is a condition that leads to the thickening of the uterus lining. It tends to occur when a build-up of cells and glandular structures leads to the thickening of the uterus. Although hyperplasia is not cancer, this condition may increase the chances of the development of uterine cancer.

    • Women with diabetes or high blood pressure: Women with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure remain at an increased risk of developing uterine cancer.  
  • Causes of Bone Marrow Cancer

    by icicilombard 002 | Oct 13, 2023

    Bone marrow cancer occurs when cells within the bone marrow start to grow abnormally or excessively. The bone marrow is a vital part of the body’s blood-producing system. A combination of factors can affect it. This article explores the bone marrow cancer causes and risk factors associated with it, shedding light on potential contributors such as exposure to radiation, specific viruses, immune system suppression, genetic predispositions and prior cancer treatments.

    How is Bone Marrow Cancer Caused?

    Here are the leading causes of bone marrow cancer, including:

    • Exposure to atomic radiation, which can damage bone marrow cells.
    • Infection by specific viruses, including HIV, hepatitis, retroviruses and herpes viruses, can disrupt normal cell growth.
    • A compromised immune system or plasma disorder makes the body less capable of regulating cell growth.
    • Genetic conditions or a history of bone marrow cancer in the family can lead to bone marrow cancer. It indicates a hereditary predisposition.
    • Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy may damage healthy bone marrow cells.
    • Lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity potentially increase the risk.
    • Exposure to toxic chemicals found in solvents, fuels, cleaning products and agricultural items may contribute to developing bone marrow cancer.
  • Causes of Gallbladder Cancer

    by icicilombard 002 | Oct 13, 2023

    Gallbladder cancer is a rare but serious medical condition that affects thousands of people around the world. Gallbladder cancer affects the gall bladder – a small pouch-like organ located beneath the liver. It is usually rare but represents about 50% of total biliary tract cancer. While this type of cancer is not completely understood, research has revealed some potential causes of gallbladder cancer and its risk factors associated with increasing someone's chances of developing it - making understanding these key issues an important step for anyone wanting to learn more about this disease. In this article, we'll provide an overview of the possible causes of gall bladder cancer that can help reduce your risks of developing it.

     

    How is Gallbladder Cancer Caused?

    The exact causes of gallbladder cancer are not evident, but there are several known reasons and risk factors that contribute to the incidence of gallbladder cancer which are mentioned below:  

    • Gallbladder infection – Chronic infection and inflammation present one of the pre-requisite factors for gallbladder cancer. Areas with high infection rates of salmonella typhi and helicobacter have reportedly shown higher incidences of gall bladder cancer.
    • Gallbladder stones – The presence of gall stones (Cholelithiasis) is another important reason for the incidence of gallbladder cancer. The chances of getting cancer increase with the size and severity of gallstone symptoms.
    • Porcelain gallbladder – This is a case of the calcified gallbladder, which can significantly increase the chances of gallbladder cancer. Porcelain gallbladder can be a result of chronic cholelithiasis.
    • Gallbladder diseases – Other gallbladder diseases like polyps in the gallbladder, congenital biliary cysts, and abnormal pancreaticobiliary anatomy can increase the chances of gallbladder cancer incidence.
    • Family history – People with a family history of certain gallbladder diseases are prone to develop gallbladder cancer.
    • Carcinogen exposure – Exposure to some carcinogens either at the workplace or through the environment, can cause gallbladder cancer. Some carcinogens causing gall bladder cancers are methyldopa, methylcellulose, isoniazid, radon, etc.
    • Lifestyle factors – An unhealthy lifestyle and food habits are other known causes of gallbladder cancer. A diet low in fruits and vegetables and high in refined carbohydrates is responsible for gallbladder cancer. Smoking has also been found to be linked to gallbladder cancer.
    • Obesity – Obesity is another important reason for the incidence of gallbladder cancer.
  • 4 Ways Wearable Tech Is Changing the Landscape of Insurance and Healthcare Industries

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

     Health insurers and caregivers are benefitting a lot from wearable technology.

    When the first Bluetooth headset was sold in 2000, very few would have imagined the ground-breaking impact wearable technology would have in the years to come. As the number of connected wearable devices all over the world is expected to jump from 325 million in 2016 to 830 million by 2020, every industry is banking on this technology to gain useful data insights on their customers.

    Wearable technology is proving to be a game-changer for the insurance and healthcare industry by offering them access to critical data. Let’s see four ways through which this technology is changing the landscape for insurers and healthcare providers.

    Prepare Competitive Insurance Rates

    Formulating competitive insurance rates require an in-depth knowledge about health conditions of consumers. Wearable technology gives insurers an idea about the physical health of an individual. It tells them about a person’s physical activities, heart rate, etc.

    Such information aids insurers in formulating competitive insurance rates. For caregivers, such information leads to better consultation.

    Rewards for Those Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

    Recently, insurance companies have started rewarding those who lead a healthy lifestyle. With the information obtained through wearable tech devices, insurers are offering perks not only in the form of lowering premiums, but also through prizes, gym reimbursements, etc.

    They are helping customers set milestones and are aptly rewarding them when these are met. Such rewards act as an encouragement for consumers to adopt healthy lifestyle habits creating a win-win situation for both the parties.

    Crafting Personalised Insurance Plans

    The changing preference of customers has made it imperative for insurers to come out with personalised insurance plans. With key metrics being captured by wearable technology, insurers can come out with personalised insurance plans.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Pattukkottai

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Pattukkottai, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Ooty

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Ooty, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Oddanchatram

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Oddanchatram, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Namakkal

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Namakkal, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Nagercoil

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Nagapattinam

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Mettupalayam

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Manapparai

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Manapparai, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Madurai

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Madurai, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance plans :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • List of Cashless Network Hospitals in Kumbakonam

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 13, 2023

    ICICI Lombard Health Insurance Cashless Network Hospital List in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

    Explore ICICI Lombard’s health insurance policies :

    which offers people much needed financial backup during any medical emergencies.

  • AYUSH Coverage under Health Insurance

    by iciclombard 01 | Oct 12, 2023

    Most insurance companies have been asked, although not mandated by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to cover Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) treatment in their health policies.

    While the demand for health insurance cover for AYUSH has increased, there are relatively few hospitals that cater to these. This is proving to be a major deterrent for the success of the AYUSH health insurance.

    The pattern of treatment under AYUSH differs widely from allopathy and this is considered to be the major cause of confusion amongst patients as to whether or not hospitalisation is needed for reimbursement under the cover. This also creates difficulties for the insured to ask for claim under such treatment procedures.

  • Causes of Graves Disease

    by icicilombard 002 | Oct 12, 2023

    Graves disease is an immune system-associated disorder (autoimmune) resulting in overactive thyroid function, high metabolism, and many related physical symptoms. If left untreated, this autoimmune disease can cause severe health problems and even death. Understanding the causes of Graves disease is essential in order to diagnose and treat it properly- so where do we begin? In this blog post, we'll take a look at the potential causes of Graves Disease that could be responsible for developing the condition. We'll explore medical research-backed theories behind genes, hormone imbalances and environmental triggers that might play a part in causing Graves Disease.

    How is Graves Disease caused?

    Graves disease is caused by auto-antibodies production, called Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin/antibodies (TSI/TSAb). Normally, this antibody is produced by immune cells present in thyroid glands, but it can also be produced by immune cells of the lymph nodes and bone marrow. The TSI formed is not under control, which can cause hyperactivity of thyroid glands found on the front of our neck. Graves disease is due to a number of factors, including:

    Family history

    A positive family history plays the most important role in any autoimmune disease, including Graves disease.

    Twins

    Graves disease has been found to be associated with twins and is particularly more common in monozygotic twins than in dizygotic twins.

    Emotional stress

    It is one prominent reason behind many auto-immune diseases, as regular stress can weaken the immune system and place a person at risk of various diseases, including Graves disease.

    Environmental factors

    Factors like regular smoking, bad food habits, excess iodine intake, and less physical activity can trigger Graves disease, particularly for those who are prone or have a positive family history.

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