World Ovarian Cancer Day 2025: Doctors share symptoms, risk factors and lifestyle changes to prevent the disease
World Ovarian Cancer Day is observed every year on May 8 to raise awareness about one of the most underdiagnosed cancers in women, ovarian cancer. Often referred to as a "silent killer," it typically presents no clear symptoms in its early stages, making early detection difficult. To mark this important day, HT Digital spoke to medical experts who shared key tips to lower your risk and stay healthy. (Also read: Doctor ranks 10 most popular weight loss methods: Ozempic scores 7/10, while this one tops the list )
"Ovarian cancer is well-known all over the world. The factors contributing to its increasing prevalence may be in both resource-rich and resource-limited regions of the world. It's considered to be the most lethal gynaecological cancer in the United States. In India, it is the second most common gynaecological cancer being diagnosed and causing mortality after cervical cancer," says Dr Sachin Sekhar Biswal, Medical Oncologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar.
"Ovarian cancer primarily affects women between the ages of 50 55 and 64. It can also occur in younger women if they have a family history of ovarian, breast, endometrial or colorectal cancer or who have never given birth or genetic mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2 or Lynch syndrome and Hormone replacement therapy may increase ovarian cancer risk, especially if used for more than five years. Consult a doctor before starting HRT," says Dr. Pratima Raj, Associate Consultant, Gynaecological Oncology, Manipal Hospital.
"The risk of ovarian cancer increases with age, the average age of detection being in the sixth to seventh decade. Familial or genetic cases appear a decade earlier than sporadic cases. The risk factors for ovarian cancer are increasing age, infertility, Nulliparity, polycystic ovarian disease, and cigarette smoking. Oral contraceptive pills, breastfeeding, hysterectomy, intrauterine devices, as well as tubal ligations are protective factors for ovarian cancer," adds Dr Sachin.
Dr. Pratima highlights that comprehensive ovarian cancer treatment involves advanced medical technologies and an interdisciplinary approach. The following are some of the key treatment options available:
"Not all ovarian cancers are malignant or pose a threat to survival. Benign ovarian tumours and germ cell tumours that present early in life are potentially curable with normal life expectancy. Epithelial ovarian tumours need to be staged surgically to know about potential curability and survival. Most of these cancers need a multimodal approach, including cytoreductive surgery, IV chemotherapy, and sometimes intraperitoneal chemotherapy," says Dr Sachin.
"While lifestyle and healthy diet management are important in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, they alone may not be sufficient to fully prevent it. Women can significantly lower the risk by maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking. Early detection and proactive care can make all the difference in combating this silent threat," says Dr. Pratima.
"Lifestyle changes impact the development of ovarian cancer, and modifiable factors may lead to a decrease in incidence as well as increased survival," advises Dr Sachin.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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Mint
2 days ago
- Mint
Ozempic, a patent challenge, and the $25 billion race for India's weight-loss drug market
Mumbai: In late May, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company from Hyderabad, sprang a surprise. It filed a patent challenge against Novo Nordisk, a Danish company, for its popular weight loss drug semaglutide. Novo Nordisk filed for two patent applications in India—in 2006, which expired in September 2024, and another in 2007, which is set to expire in March 2026. Dr. Reddy's has challenged the second patent, contending that it lacks novelty. Pharma companies often file follow-on patents with claims of modifications to the original compound and its derivative forms. The follow-on patents allow drug developers to extend their market monopoly and halt generic competition for longer. Generic versions are cheaper copies of the original drug. Dr. Reddy's, obviously, is in a hurry to launch a generic version. A win for the company will upend the plans of more than a dozen local pharmaceutical firms, all of whom are eyeing a slice of the estimated $25 billion Indian weight loss market. No prescription drug in recent memory has captured the imagination of Indian patients as much as semaglutide. Or for that matter globally. In 2024, sold under three brand names—Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus—semaglutide is the second most prescribed drug in the world, notching sales of $29 billion annually. A more recently launched competing brand, Mounjaro, by US-headquartered drug maker Eli Lilly, grew 123% in 2024 to $11.5 billion and is already among the top 10 drugs in the world, according to Drug Discovery & Development, a pharmaceutical industry news website. 'It's a big opportunity. It's a product that comes once in a while in the pharma cycle, and perhaps a product that people are a lot more aware of, much before its launch," Umang Vohra, managing director and global CEO of Cipla, told journalists during an interaction last month. Social media has contributed immensely to the street popularity of Ozempic, largely driven by celebrity endorsements by the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk. Both admitted to using such drugs to manage their weight. Though Indian celebrities haven't yet admitted to their use, the mystery slimming of Bollywood film maker Karan Johar and TV talk show host Kapil Sharma have drawn comparisons. Opportunity 2.0 Nonetheless, it is not all social media. There is a genuine market for weight loss medications—numbers tell the story. A recent Lancet study stated that India is expected to total 450 million overweight or obese people by 2050, the largest in the world. The study also found that obesity rates increased from 1.2% in 1990 to 9.8% in 2022 for women and 0.5% to 5.4% in men. Those with body mass index (BMI) between 25 kg/m2 to 29.9 kg/m2 are considered overweight while those with an index of over 30 kg/m2 are considered obese. 'Often, lifestyle diseases are associated with adults but we must not overlook the increasing issues of overweight and obesity in juveniles. It is a growing menace," said Dr Sambit Patnaik, a Mumbai-based surgeon. The pharmaceutical industry has also spotted a rare opportunity, similar to the one it saw in anti-diabetic drugs at the turn of the century. At that time, the Indian pharmaceutical market, according to market research agency MARG, was all of ₹16,000 crore and diabetic drugs accounted for about ₹1,000 crore of it. Today, the market for diabetic drugs is worth ₹40,000 crore and it accounts for roughly 10% of the ₹4 trillion Indian industry. Back then, the boom was aided by the generic version of metformin, an oral drug with lower gastric side effects for type 2 diabetes. It caught the fancy of Ranbaxy Laboratories, Dr. Reddy's, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals and a host of other Indian pharmaceutical companies. Like diabetes drugs, weight loss medications also have to be taken as long as a patient wants to manage her or his weight—which explains the current gold rush. Crash the price In India, generic versions can cut current prices substantially, thereby expanding the market. Novo Nordisk's Rybelsus is available in India but only in oral form and a month's supply costs ₹10,000. The most effective form of the drug is as an injectable, and it is delivered in metered doses using a pen-like device with thin hair like needles. Imports can cost upwards of ₹80,000 per month. The injectable version is expected to launch soon. Despite the high costs, Rybelsus sales have notched up ₹418 crore, between its launch in 2022 and March 2025, according to Pharma data agency IQVIA. Mounjaro's injectables, available in India, cost far less— ₹17,500 per month. 'Since India sells branded generic dosages, the retail price of new launches will be 40-70% of the innovator's price," Ravinder Singha, managing director of Firmlink Pharma, a generic exporter, said. 'But since Mounjaro is the benchmark treatment, we should expect semaglutide drugs to be substantially cheaper," he added. Semaglutide tablets, therefore, could be available for ₹4000- ₹7000 per month and Wegovy clones at a bigger discount to Mounjaro's ₹17,500 per month. 'Generic brands in India will hit the shelf the next day a drug goes off patent," said Nimish Mehta, founder of Research Delta Advisors, a pharma consultancy. So, Indian generics should be available from April 2026 onwards. Meanwhile, Indian pharmacies have acknowledged the growing demand for such drugs. 'These GLP-1s…everyday we are selling huge quantities," Shobana Kamineni, executive chairperson of Apollo Health Co and Apollo Pharmacies, said. Medications used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes are classified as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs. The science GLP-1 is an equivalent of peptide glucagon that is produced in the small intestine and colon after ingestion of food which increases blood sugar. Glucagon then stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin to control blood sugar. GLP-1 drugs behave like synthetic glucagon and stimulate the same effects from the body. In addition, GLP-1 drugs leave the user with a feeling of fullness that sends a message to the brain to slow down the ingestion of food. From the last decade, there is enough evidence that the new class of GLP-1 drugs, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, offer weight reduction between 21-23% of the initial body weight without any severe side effects. And as anti-diabetic drugs, they were meant for prolonged use. 'In the range of medication for management of obesity, (GLP-1s) have proven to be the game changer," bariatric surgeon Dr Muffazal Lakdawala told Mint. Historically, GLP-1 class of drugs did not see much competition for two reasons. Initially, these drugs were marketed as an anti-diabetic injection—there were already many competing drugs available in that space. Second, glucagon being a peptide hormone, an organic substance, the drugs had to emulate their form and structure. Like insulin, they can be produced by fermentation or by chemical synthesis and both have their complexities. Producing large quantities of fermentation medicines like insulin or penicillin require high investments, both in manufacturing and cold supply chains. Even in the oral version of semaglutide, which is manufactured by chemical synthesis, the manufacturing process is a long and complex one. Oral delivery of peptides does not permeate the gastrointestinal tract easily and, therefore, Novo Nordisk had to engineer its product differently to ensure potency. US dreams Despite all the complexities, Indian companies want to grab the opportunity the US, global and Indian markets present. Let's look at the US first. Companies like Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy's, Lupin and Natco Pharma (which has a tie-up with Mylan Pharmaceuticals) filed applications with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make the generic versions of semaglutide the same month—December 2021. They did so to avail what is called the first-to-file (FTF) status. Overall, 18 Indian companies have applied. Generic applications in the US are filed way before patents expire and an FTF allows a company to market its generic for 180 days exclusively in the US, before more cheaper generics hit the market. Natco (through Mylan) is the only company to have sought approval for generic Wegovy. The US FDA has not yet approved any generic so far. 'Since an application to the FDA will include a sample of the product and details of manufacturing plants, we can assume that there is enough confidence among Indian players to make the drug," Mehta of Research Delta Advisors said. India stack A long list of companies, from different pharma sub-sectors, could benefit from the weight-loss bonanza. For the domestic market and for generic exports to countries where no patents exist, the list of companies waiting to launch semaglutide next year includes Dr. Reddy's, Sun Pharma, Cipla, Zydus Lifesciences, Lupin, Mankind Pharma, Alkem Laboratories, Biocon, Aurobindo Pharma, Natco and Torrent Pharmaceuticals among others. Zydus Lifesciences is working on a single pen device in multiple strengths, The Economic Times reported last month. It is also working on a novel formulation for semaglutide to commercialize in India and other markets. 'We are on track for day one launch in India," managing director Sharvil Patel told investors during an earnings call last month. Cipla, meanwhile, is eyeing the launch of GLP-1s through partnerships as well as through its own generic version. In a post-earnings media interaction recently, the company's managing director and global CEO Umang Vohra said: 'I think the biggest opportunity for us, at least, would continue to be the Indian market." Biocon has already launched another GLP-1, liraglutide, in India earlier this month. 'Our strategy is to offer liraglutide at competitive prices, aligned with local healthcare economics to maximize patient access in India," a company spokesperson told Mint in an email response. Biocon plans to launch semaglutide in India mid-next year, CEO Siddharth Mittal had told Mint in an earlier interview. The company now plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities to ensure supply reliability, it said in the emailed response. Sun Pharma and Mankind are also working on their own novel anti-obesity drugs. Sun Pharma is working on a novel GLP-1 GL0034 called utreglutide, which will likely be commercialized by the end of this decade. Mankind's drug candidate, GRP119, is currently in phase 2 trials in Australia. For the generic version of semaglutide, the company is banking on its salesforce and reach to give it a competitive edge, managing director Rajeev Juneja told Mint in an earlier interview. 'Any doctor would want to prescribe it, because now people know that there is something called Mounjaro, or semaglutide or Ozempic," Juneja said. 'We, by default, have a natural advantage because we have the deepest coverage, we have the maximum number of people working in each division," he added. Further, players like Divi's Laboratories, a manufacturer of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and Syngene International, a contract research, development and manufacturing company, can also benefit from the gold rush. 'Divi's Laboratories will be a key beneficiary in GLP-1 manufacturing as it makes several components in the peptide sequence," Shrikant Akolkar, head of pharmaceutical research at Nuvama, a brokerage, said. OneSource Specialty Pharma, the contract development and manufacturing arm of Strides Pharma, is among the few companies with end-to-end capabilities for GLP-1s—from formulation to device assembly. 'The most complex part of the whole value chain is to assemble the pen devices," OneSource Pharma's CEO, Neeraj Sharma, told Mint during a recent interaction. Another company, Vadodara-based Shaily Engineering Plastics, says it is nearly doubling its manufacturing line to make injectable pens—from 45 million to 85 million—funded by customer advances. A caution Clearly, speed to market will separate the winners from the also-rans. 'Early movers among the Indian players stand a good chance to benefit from GLP-1," said Akolkar. A recent report by Nuvama put a buy on Dr. Reddy's and Divi's Laboratories and a hold on Natco Pharma based on their GLP-1 play. Nonetheless, some doctors fear misuse of the drug because of its popularity. A prescription for diabetic drugs can be written by any medical practitioner. Weight loss clinics in the unorganised sector could start dispensing the drug for cosmetic purposes. For instance, a person in her 20s, who is slightly overweight, may be tempted to use these drugs instead of trying to lose weight by making lifestyle changes. 'We need some regulations to prevent over-the-counter use for weight loss," Dr Muffazal Lakdawala said. 'It is a hormonal drug so you have to be a little careful."
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
Psyllium Husk Is Trending As Natural Ozempic. It Is Just Isabgol With A Fancy New Makeover
In an age where wellness trends go viral faster than anything else, it's no surprise that psyllium husk - well known in Indian households as the humble isabgol (especially in the eastern part of India), has found itself rebranded with a sleek new western label. Touted as a "natural Ozempic" across TikTok, Instagram, and wellness blogs, psyllium is having a moment in the West. But let's be clear: this isn't a newly discovered miracle. It's isabgol, the same thing your grandmother or father might have suggested when you complained about constipation. Now that it's being heralded as a "natural weight loss drug", we asked experts if it can help with more than that. What Is Psyllium Husk? Psyllium husk is nothing 'exotic'. It's a fibre-rich substance derived from the seeds of a plant commonly grown in India called psyllium (specific name Plantago ovata). When mixed with water, the husk forms a gel-like substance that adds bulk to stool, eases digestion, and slows down the absorption of nutrients in the gut. Mainly used as a dietary fiber to ease constipation, psyllium husk has been a trusted remedy in the Ayurveda medicine system for over 5,000 years. It's also known in Persian history as isabgol, meaning "horse's ear", in a reference to the shape of its seeds. Similarly, ancient Indian texts refer to it as asvakarna, combining Sanskrit words for "horse" and "ear". Dietician Vidhi Chawla, Founder of FISICO Diet and Aesthetic Clinic, New Delhi, explains, "Psyllium is often referred to as a 'bulk-forming laxative'. This unique property allows it to absorb water in the digestive tract, increasing stool bulk, and making bowel movements softer and easier to pass." So yes, it helps with pooping - but that's not all. Why It's Being Called "Natural Ozempic" Ozempic, a prescription drug originally designed for Type 2 diabetes, has recently gained fame for its powerful appetite-suppressing and weight-loss properties. It works by mimicking a gut hormone (GLP-1) that regulates appetite and insulin levels. Experts say psyllium, on the other hand, does nothing of the sort. Chawla says, "While psyllium husk can contribute to a feeling of fullness and may help reduce overall food intake, it's crucial to understand that it does not work through the same physiological mechanisms as Ozempic. Calling it a 'natural Ozempic' is an overstatement and lacks scientific backing." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 🌈 Laura Strange 🌈 (@myglutenfreeguide) Clinical Dietician and Consultant Nutritionist Kanikka Malhotra from Delhi agrees and adds that calling psyllium husk 'natural Ozempic' is "misleading and oversimplified". "Although both of them are able to help in weight management, they produce their effect in a very different way... The analogy downsizes the issues and problems of managing diabetes and losing weight," she adds. What Psyllium Husk Can Do For You Even though psyllium husk is no Ozmepic, experts like Chawla, Kumat and studies highlight that it has some benefits, like: 1. Constipation Relief Psyllium husk is most famous as a bulk-forming laxative. It absorbs water in the gut, forming a gel that softens stool and makes it easier to pass, providing effective relief from constipation. 2. Diarrhoea Control Psyllium can also absorb excess water in the intestines during episodes of diarrhoea, helping to firm up loose stools. 3. Blood Sugar Control Psyllium husk slows the absorption of glucose in the digestive tract, leading to lower post-meal blood sugar spikes. A 2000 study shows reductions of up to 20% in people with diabetes or prediabetes. 4. LDL Cholesterol Reduction The soluble fibre in psyllium husk binds to bile acids and cholesterol in the gut, reducing their absorption and lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Studies report reductions in total cholesterol up to 8.9% and LDL cholesterol up to 13% in people with elevated cholesterol. 5. Appetite Regulation And Weight Management When mixed with water, psyllium husk expands in the stomach, promoting a feeling of fullness and reducing appetite. A May 2023 clinical trial showed that its supplementation can support modest weight loss in overweight and obese individuals, likely by reducing calorie intake through increased satiety. 6. Improved Gut Microbiome It also acts as a mild prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria and increasing the abundance of health-promoting genera such as Faecalibacterium and Lachnospira, especially in people with constipation. The Side Effects Of Psyllium Husk For all its benefits, psyllium husk is not without potential problems - especially if not consumed correctly. Malhotra says that it can cause several side effects, particularly when not consumed with adequate water. Common issues include: Bloating Gas Abdominal cramping Nausea "Inadequate fluid intake can lead to intestinal blockage or choking hazards. Some individuals experience allergic reactions, ranging from skin rashes to severe anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction), particularly healthcare workers with occupational exposure," she adds. Malhotra also warns that before consuming this husk, you should keep in mind that it can significantly impact drug interactions. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kirsten Jackson - IBS SIBO and Gut Health Dietitian (@ "Psyllium husk can reduce absorption of medications such as lithium, digoxin, and some antibiotics when taken simultaneously. Individuals with swallowing difficulties, intestinal obstructions, or undiagnosed abdominal pain should avoid psyllium," Malhotra highlights. How To Safely Add Psyllium Husk To Your Diet If you're convinced to give this traditional remedy a shot, here's how to do it right, according to experts: Start with 1 teaspoon (3-5 gm) mixed in a full glass of water (at least 250 ml) Drink immediately before it thickens Gradually increase to 1-2 tablespoons if well tolerated Stay hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water per day Take other medications 1-2 hours before or after psyllium to avoid absorption issues It can be added to smoothies, yoghurt, oatmeal, or soups Kumat says, "Most people benefit from 7-14 gm of psyllium husk per day. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it improves tolerance and minimises digestive discomfort." In A Nutshell Isabgol is a substitute for weight-loss medication, bariatric surgery, or doctor-guided diabetes treatment. But it might also have genuine benefits, if used properly. Finally, remember, Psyllium husk isn't some flashy new discovery. It's a traditional remedy backed by some science, with some mentions in Ayurveda. It went underappreciated for long, until it was rebranded by the West with a glossy label.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Weight-loss surgery more effective than drugs in real world study
London: Bariatric surgeries led to about five-times more weight loss than weekly injections of popular GLP-1 drugs , according to data from a real-world comparison study presented on Tuesday at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery scientific meeting in Washington. "Clinical trials show weight loss between 15% to 21% for GLP-1s, but this study suggests that weight loss in the real world is considerably lower even for patients who have active prescriptions for an entire year," study leader Dr. Avery Brown of NYU Langone Health said in a statement. Researchers reviewed records of 38,545 patients who were prescribed injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide between 2018 and 2024 and 12,540 patients who underwent bariatric surgery during the same period. Everyone started the study with a body mass index of at least 35, which is considered severe obesity. Semaglutide is the main ingredient in Novo Nordisk 's Wegovy and Ozempic, while tirzepatide is the main ingredient in Eli Lilly 's Zepbound and Mounjaro. At three years after undergoing sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass or starting the drugs, patients who underwent surgery had lost on average 24% of their starting weight, compared to about 5% for similar patients who used the drugs for at least six months and about 7% for those who took them for a year. Brown noted that as many as 70% of GLP-1 patients may discontinue treatment within one year. "While both patient groups lose weight, metabolic and bariatric surgery is much more effective and durable," ASMBS President Dr. Ann M. Rogers, who was not involved in the study, said in a statement. "Those who get insufficient weight loss with GLP-1s or have challenges complying with treatment due to side effects or costs, should consider bariatric surgery as an option, or even in combination," she said. NEW BLOOD TEST MAY REDUCE LIVER TRANSPLANT FAILURES An experimental blood test can help surgeons catch and identify problems with newly transplanted livers at early stages, researchers say. It's not unusual for transplanted organs and recipients' nearby tissues to sustain damage during the transplantation process. Hints of problems will show up later in routine blood tests, but identifying the precise site of the damage often requires costly imaging studies and surgical biopsies, according to a report published on Tuesday in Nature Communications. The new test works by picking up DNA fragments left behind in the blood by dying cells. The chemical signatures on these DNA fragments can be used to identify the original cell type and where it came from, with precise detail, the researchers found. If you can determine which part of the liver is injured - for example, the bile ducts, or the blood vessels - "you could provide a more personalized treatment approach that leads to better care for the patient," study leader Dr. Alexander Kroemer of MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC said in a statement. In addition to being faster and less invasive than a traditional biopsy, the blood test is also potentially more accurate, because biopsies only sample a few spots in the liver and might miss the site of the problem, he added. Georgetown has filed patent applications on the technology, and the research team is seeking partners to commercialize the test. DIABETES PRECURSOR SHOWS UP ON MUSCLE ULTRASOUND Ultrasound exams of thigh or shoulder muscles can detect insulin resistance at its earliest stages, researchers reported in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. "We perform a large number of shoulder ultrasounds and noticed that many patients' muscles appear unusually bright," study leader Dr. Steve Soliman of the University of Michigan said in a statement. His team discovered in earlier studies that most of these patients have type 2 diabetes. But some had bright muscles on ultrasound even with no signs of diabetes or prediabetes. Subsequently, upon short-term follow-up, these patients often also developed prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. To test the potential for noninvasive muscle ultrasound as a predictive tool for detecting the development of pre- or type 2 diabetes - potentially earlier than current methods - the researchers performed muscle ultrasounds on 25 patients who were also being evaluated for insulin resistance. Although muscle ultrasound could detect insulin resistance and impaired insulin sensitivity, in this small study the level of brightness was not directly correlated with the degree of the condition. The researchers are recruiting more participants to continue the analysis. The exact reason why muscle brightness on ultrasound might indicate insulin resistance is less clear than the finding that it does, the researchers said. "Clinicians increasingly use these point-of-care and handheld ultrasound devices, sometimes called 'the stethoscope of the future,' for rapid diagnosis of various conditions," Soliman said. "A medical assistant or clinician with little to no training could easily use this device on a patient's upper arm or thigh, as routinely as checking weight or blood pressure, and potentially flag patients as 'high risk' or 'low risk' for further testing."
