The Medical Writer

  Does alcohol cause cancer? The National Toxicology Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services recognizes alcoholic beverage intake as a suspected human carcinogen. Every year, over 20,000 adults in the United States die from alcohol-related cancers. In 2021, more than 522,000 alcohol-related cancers were identified in the United States, with over 155,000 males and 367,000 women. Breast cancer is the most common alcohol-related cancer in women. Colorectal cancer is the most common alcohol-related cancer in men . How does alcohol increase the risk of cancer? Damage to cells: When we drink alcohol, our bodies turn it into acetaldehyde, a chemical that damages cells and blocks recovery. Changes to hormones: Alcohol raises hormone levels like estrogen and insulin, promoting cell division and increasing cancer risk. Changes to cells in the mouth and throat: Alcohol increases the absorption of harmful chemicals in the mouth and throat, causing damage. How can I ...

  A few days ago, my mother introduced me to a stranger at the local market, and it turned into an interesting story. Let me share with you about that: On that Sunday morning, my mother found that she was looking for a plant, Patharchatta plant , also known as the Kalanchoe pinnata in English.  But why? Her husband is suffering from gall bladder stones, and she is hoping to find this plant. Someone told her about this plant and its benefits. However, she couldn’t find it in half of Bangalore. When she showed the picture of the plant, luckily, my mother recognized the plant, growing in our backyard. My mother immediately stared at me, so I could help her, as I am a pharmacist. I recollected the name of the plant from our pharmacognosy lessons. But I was not sure about its use for dissolving gallbladder stones. So, how can I help her? What should I do now? I am a medical writer and a responsible pharmacist; hence, I requested her to give me some time. So that...