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20 per cent of oropharyngeal cancer cases in India linked to oral sex

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MUMBAI: The human papilloma virus (HPV), which spreads due to oral sex, is linked to every fifth case of oropharyngeal cancer in India, according to a recent review done by Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel. The corresponding number in the West is high at 60-65%.

HPV has in recent years emerged as one of the causes for oral cancer in the West. Hollywood actor Michael Douglas has spoken about the need for HPV awareness after he was treated for oral cancer. Oropharyngeal cancer constitutes about 10% of all head and neck cancers in India. Of these, 20% in India and 75% in West are attributable to HPV. In India, tobacco is still the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancers.

 ” Due to the difference in sexual convention in the West and India, HPV infections haven’t yet emerged as a major concern here,” said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi from Tata Memorial Hospital’s head and neck cancer department. However, he said the review, which appeared in the Post Graduate Journal of the BMJ, should serve as an eye-opener for Indian doctors. Indian doctors should hence talk about HPV infections to their patients and create awareness about its transmission and the link to cancer. HPV vaccination for men has gained importance in the West. “We can prevent this situation from developing in India,” said the doctor.
 
Just like tobacco and alcohol, HPV infection is now recognized to play a role in the pathogenesis of a type of head and neck cancers. The global incidence of head and neck cancers is declining, but the incidence of HPV-related head and neck cancers has rapidly risen over the last few decades, said the review.
 
Having unprotected oral sex, practising oro-anal sex, early age of sexual debut or having multiple partners play an important role in HPV transmission. “These patients are more likely to be younger, well -educated males from higher socio-economic backgrounds,” concluded the study.
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These three drinks can be a blessing for your gas and acidity problems

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ily foods, spicy dishes, fried fares… Done it all and regretting it? If you’re suffering from acid reflux, you probably know what to eat and what to avoid. But is there anything to relieve you from such digestive issues? Well, there are certain drinks for acidity to improve your digestive health, if you consume them regularly.

Ready to find out? Let’s go!

In an Instagram video, nutritionist and health coach Neha Ranglani has suggested that to calm your acid reflux, you need to help your food get digested well. This can be done by improving your stomach acid production and healing your stomach cells. And these drinks that she has suggested, can help with just that, allowing you to digest your food well without the burn.

Here are 6 drinks for acidity:

1. Cucumber juice

Cucumber is a favourite salad ingredient in summer because of its cooling properties. Consuming cucumber juice can be really beneficial for relievingacid reflux because it is highly nutritious as it provides your body with both fibre and water which is needed for better digestion and has a low calorie volume. What’s more? It can also keep you full and help you avoid reaching out to junk foods!

2. Lemon water

Lemon can do you a world of good! Being rich in vitamin C and B and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium—drinking lemon water regularly will not only help you burn fat but will resolve your digestive issues such as acidity. Moreover, lemon water contains laxative properties that can help improve your bowel movements and clear toxins from the body, keeping you hydrated.

3. Ginger water

Ginger aka adrak, is a very well known ingredient that has been used for ages to help relieve acidity and gas. Also, if you are facing digestive issues due to overeating or undigested food, consuming ginger water can help in emptying your stomach. You can also consume it by adding it to soups, subzi or curry, and even tea. Remember that you’re not allowed to consume ginger in excess amounts.

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