Claudia Hammond, a medical journalist from New Scientist, discusses the use of Anastrozole as a preventative measure against breast cancer. They also explore the concept of humility and its psychological benefits. Additionally, they highlight a program in Islamabad that tackles vision health and stigma in schools. Lastly, they delve into the surprising link between sleep and brain health.
A drug called astrozole can reduce the risk of breast cancer by almost 50% in high-risk post-menopausal women.
Cultivating humility can lead to better relationships, healthier work environments, and increased attractiveness to others.
In Pakistan, teachers are screening pupils for eye problems to address eye health and reduce the stigma of wearing glasses.
Deep dives
Drug to Prevent Breast Cancer
A drug called astrozole has been approved for use in the UK as a preventive measure for post-menopausal women at high risk of breast cancer. The drug works by stopping the production of estrogen, which stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells. In a trial, the drug was taken for approximately five years and resulted in a halving of the rate of developing breast cancer. Side effects of the drug include joint pain, hot flushes, and depression.
The Importance of Humility
Psychologist Darryl Vantongerin suggests that humility can bring psychological benefits and improve our relationships. Humility involves being aware of our strengths and weaknesses, checking our ego, and considering the well-being of others. Being humble can lead to better interpersonal relationships, healthier work environments, and increased attractiveness to others. Cultivating humility involves seeking feedback, avoiding defensiveness, practicing empathy, and striving for personal growth.
Preventing Eye Problems in Schoolchildren
In Pakistan, teachers have been trained to screen their pupils for eye problems to tackle both eye health and the stigma associated with wearing glasses, especially for girls. The program, known as SHIP (School Health Integrated Program), aims to identify and address vision issues in schoolchildren. The prevalence of short-sightedness is rising globally, and by 2050, it is projected that half the population will be affected. The program provides free screenings, refractive error correction, and glasses, helping children overcome visual challenges and reducing social and domestic pressures.
The Relationship Between Sleep and Brain Health
New research challenges the idea that more sleep is always better for brain health. A large study found a correlation between brain volume and the amount of sleep, with 6.5 hours per night associated with the largest brain volume and the lowest risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study also suggests that genetic factors might influence the optimal sleep duration for individuals. While sufficient sleep remains essential, the findings suggest that people can relax about the often-recommended eight hours of sleep per night.
Cognitive Decline During the Covid Pandemic
A study published in the British Medical Journal found a faster rate of cognitive decline in individuals over the age of 50 during the Covid pandemic. The higher rate of decline was not only observed in those who had been infected with the virus but also in those who hadn't. Factors such as loneliness, depression, excess alcohol intake, lack of exercise, and the overall impact of the pandemic were associated with the accelerated decline. Further research is needed to determine if the cognitive decline is reversible or if it will continue in the long term.
This week it was announced in the United Kingdom that women at high risk of breast cancer will be able to take a drug, Anastrozole, which is usually used to treat breast cancer, as a preventative measure.
Recent trials show the drug can reduce the incidence of breast cancer by almost 50% in post-menopausal women at moderate or high risk of the disease.
Claudia Hammond is joined by medical journalist Clare Wilson from New Scientist to discuss how the drug works and who it will be offered to.
We also hear from Pakistan where four hundred teachers in Islamabad have been trained to screen their pupils for eye problems. Often families can’t afford for their eyes to be tested, so the classroom is being used to tackle both eye health and the stigma that can surround wearing glasses.
And do you think you are humble? Well Claudia discusses whether the whole idea of humility is undervalued with Professor Daryl Van Tongeren, the Director of the Frost Center for Social Science Research at Hope College in the United States.
And Clare tries to answer the question: do we really need eight of hours of sleep a night?
Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producers: Jonathan Blackwell and Helena Selby
Editor: Holly Squire
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode