The podcast discusses the rise of cancer cases among young adults, sharing personal stories and challenges in getting diagnosed. It also explores the potential impact of weight loss drugs on fertility and the interaction between medication and contraception pills. Additionally, it delves into the considerations for testing new medications on pregnant women and the broader implications for pregnancy.
Rise in cancer cases among young adults globally indicates a concerning public health trend.
Increase in digestive cancers like bowel cancer diagnosed in younger age groups raises concerns about changing cancer prevalence.
Exploring potential impacts of weight loss drugs like Ozempic on fertility beyond weight loss presents new avenues for reproductive health research.
Deep dives
Rising Trend in Cancer Among Young Adults
More young adults are being diagnosed with cancer than before, with a significant increase in cancer cases among individuals aged 18 to 49. This rise has been observed globally, indicating a concerning public health trend.
Increase in Digestive Cancers
Digestive cancers, particularly bowel cancer, are becoming more commonly diagnosed among young people. The shift towards diagnosing cancers traditionally seen in older age groups at younger ages suggests a changing landscape of cancer prevalence.
Possible Factors Contributing to Increased Cancer Rates
While weight loss injections like Ozempic have been linked to unexpected pregnancies, they are also being explored for potential impacts on fertility beyond weight loss. The drugs' effects on brain receptors related to reproduction and hormone synthesis may play a role in improving fertility.
Considerations for Pregnancy and Medication
While the weight loss effects of drugs like Ozempic can influence fertility, caution is advised for pregnant women or those trying to conceive while on these medications due to limited safety data. It is recommended to discontinue such drugs before attempting pregnancy.
Implications of Research and Medication Use
Research into the relationship between weight loss medications and fertility opens new avenues for understanding reproductive health. Balancing the benefits of weight loss drugs with potential impacts on fertility necessitates a cautious approach to medication use, especially for individuals planning or considering pregnancy.
Last month, Catherine, Princess of Wales shared she’d been diagnosed with cancer. Describing this news as ‘a huge shock’ and at age just 42, the Princess’ disease falls into a category known as “early-onset cancer” – when the disease affects those under 50. While cases in this age group are still rare, diagnosis rates over the past few years have been growing. And scientists are now on a mission to figure out why.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis at any age is devastating, but younger people living with the disease face additional challenges. James Gallagher talks to Emma Campbell, a mum of three young children who was diagnosed with bowel cancer at 36. Emma shares not just how her treatment affected her life, but the difficulties in advocating for herself as a younger person trying to get diagnosed. Professor Helen Coleman, cancer epidemiologist for Queens University Belfast, has been studying these diagnostic rates in younger people and explains possible reasons why more people like Emma are finding themselves living with the disease.
A series of videos recently went viral on social media from women claiming their weight loss drugs got them pregnant. These drugs – like Ozempic and Wegovy – help people lose weight by suppressing appetite, but could they impact fertility? James speaks to Dr Charlotte Moffett, lecturer in Pharmacology and Molecular Pathology at the University of Ulster, who is studying if these drugs might alter someone's ability to conceive. James is also joined in the studio by GP, Dr Margaret McCartney, who helps him answer some of your questions.
Presenter: James Gallagher
Producer: Julia Ravey
Content Editor: Holly Squire
Production Coordinator: Elisabeth Tuohy