Sucral0se, Colon Cancer and Male Birth Control are Interrelated
| This year brought fascinating health research along with some concerning trends. In the latest In Conversation podcast, our news editors gathered to review the implications of studies on artificial sweeteners, the rising incidence of colon cancer in young adults, and progress toward the male birth control pill. One of the year’s biggest health upsets involved a common sweetener called sucralose, found in gum, dressings, and diet beverages. Researchers found links to DNA damage in lab tests, but little is known about cancer-causing effects in humans, despite concerning signals. Given that sweeteners are in so many foods and beverages, more long-term research is needed. Meanwhile, colon and rectal cancer rates in young people have doubled in 20 years, now accounting for 20% of cases. Abdominal pain, bleeding, diarrhea, and anemia turned out to be early red flags in one study. Improved screening and lifestyle changes are key to reversing this trend. But is this increased rate all that it seems? Our editors consider some intriguing clues in the data. Finally, the discussion turned to contraception options for men and women. Despite the risk of female contraceptive pills being tolerated for decades, clinical trials testing male hormonal birth control pills have stalled due to side effects such as mood changes. Work is still urgently needed to fill this healthcare gap. It’s a fascinating and wide-ranging half-hour discussion, and the accompanying article, “2023 in review: Sweeteners, colon cancer, and male birth control,” includes links to all the resources our editors mention. Also in the headlines this week:
Stay informed and stay healthy! Tim Snaith Newsletter Editor, Medical News Today |
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