Hepatitis B and C could cause ‘significantly higher cancer risk’ than smoking daily pack of cigarettes
People living with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) could be just as likely or more likely to develop cancer than someone smoking a pack of cigarettes a day, new research suggests. According to the Center for Disease Analysis (CDA) Foundation, people infected with hepatitis B and C viruses “have a similar or significantly higher risk of developing cancer than someone who actively smokes one pack of cigarettes per day”, and therefore HBC and HBC should be “considered as cancer causing infections and international guidelines should be reconsidered accordingly”. Hepatitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the liver, according to the NHS. Hepatitis B is spread in the blood of an infected person – it can be spread from infected women to their babies, or through unprotected sex and injecting drugs – and hepatitis C is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact with an infected person. The NHS says HCV is most commonly spread in the UK through sharing needles used to inject drugs. The foundation found that HBV and HCV viruses are highly oncogenic. Oncogenes are mutated genes which can lead to cancers in multiple organs and sites. Homie Razavi, managing director at CDA Foundation said: “Hepatitis B and C infections are silent epidemics. These viral infections are cancer causing but since infected individuals don’t show any symptoms until it is too late, most infections go unnoticed. “It is important for all of us to recognise the high risk of cancer associated with hepatitis B and C infections and get patients linked to care. Treatment can reduce the risk of cancer by 85% or more.” As part of a call on World Hepatitis Day 2023 (July 28), the World Hepatitis Alliance (WHA) has launched a campaign called ‘We’re not waiting’ with its global network of 323 members in over 100 countries, in order speed up the fight against the disease, which claims a life every 30 seconds. In a new survey, the WHA found that 42% of people around the world are unaware that viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of liver cancer. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of those surveyed said knowing that hepatitis causes liver cancer means they are more likely to get tested, whilst 82% would get vaccinated. In total, over 350 million people have been diagnosed with either hepatitis B or C around the world, which results in more than 1.1 million deaths every year. And by 2040, deaths caused by this disease could surpass mortality from malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis combined, according to the WHA. “Every year, more than a million lives are lost to hepatitis,” said Danjuma Adda, president of the WHA. “The theme of World Hepatitis Day 2023 is ‘We’re not waiting’. It’s a call to accelerate elimination efforts of viral hepatitis now and the urgent need for testing and treatment for the real people who need it. “Individuals and communities around the world are making change happen in their own lives and in [the] world around them. We celebrate them, while demanding more action. We’re not waiting for change – we’re fighting to make it happen.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-07-28 17:57
Experts reveal the most unhygienic things in your kitchen – and how to get them clean
It’s likely there are countless things in your kitchen which look clean, but actually, they’re filthy. Could your dishcloths be making you sick? When was the last time you washed your tea towels? And do we really need to bleach the sink more than once a month? We asked an expert to find out. Knobs, door handles, and buttons The buttons and dials on your kitchen appliances could be a germ-fest. “People often neglect to clean these areas of the kitchen,” says Danielle Mason, a cleaning content creator – or ‘cleanfluencer’ – who creates tutorials and videos on TikTok and Instagram. “Most of the time, they don’t think it is important, but as you’re commonly handling raw meat and food, it’s extremely important to keep these areas clean, due to cross-contamination. “Always sanitise with a cloth – I like to do this with Zoflora, as it leaves a great smell afterwards, and kills bacteria from dirty fingers.” Cloths If what you clean with isn’t clean, chances are, your kitchen isn’t either. “I always leave my cloth to soak in bleach before going to bed every night,” says Mason. “This enables a new start in the morning with no bacteria. Also, make sure you’re replacing the cloths – I would suggest a new one every two weeks, whilst still bleaching every night. And make sure you’re not using this cloth on anything other than the kitchen, as you do not want to cross-contaminate.” Sponges Mason stresses sponges are unhygienic, as they’re constantly damp and can carry E. coli. “People tend not to use sponges, as they carry so many more germs, and even putting them in the microwave will not kill all of them. Avoid a sponge where possible.” Dish towels Dish towels and tea towels may not be changed anywhere near often enough. “You should have one for every day of the week, as they carry so many bacteria and germs, which get spread across the kitchen. If you’re drying pots and pans, and then wiping down your surfaces, it’s not good,” she says. Chopping boards Chopping boards – particularly wooden ones – could be a haven for bacteria. “You should have a different colour for different types of food, one for meat, fruit, and other foods,” advises Mason. “The best way to clean them is in a dishwasher, as it’s good to get rid of all the germs due to the very high heat. If you don’t like the dishwasher, then boil the kettle water and leave the chopping boards to soak in it. I use a steam cleaner on mine, as it kills 99.9% bacteria and there are no chemicals.” It is best to avoid wooden chopping boards altogether, as these cleaning methods may damage them. Kitchen sink “This is a massive breeder of bacteria and grime; a distinct microbiome is found in sinks. “The plumbing area found beneath sinks revealed microbial communities dominated by a group of bacteria called Proteobacteria. This phylum includes pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious disease,” Mason shares. “I’ve always been taught never to wash my hands in the sink, and to never throw dirty water down the sink. You wash your cups and plates in the sink and prepare food, so it should always be kept clean, and nothing from outside the kitchen should cross-contaminate that. For example, never wash your floors and put dirty water in your kitchen sink, always throw it down the toilet.” How do you possibly clean the inside of your sink and drains? “Baking soda and vinegar is the best way to clean your sink out, or bleach, but you must be careful with bleach, as it can stay in the bottom of your sink, depending on the material it’s made of. I clean my sink out every day.” Pipes and cupboards around your sink could be leading you to have a rodent problem. “You can prevent mice and rodents from entering the kitchen by covering any small crevices or cracks. It is also important to repair leaks as soon as they happen, as they can come through the pipes,” she says. Fridges “Deep clean [your fridge] every two months. A normal cleaning – the wiping of shelves – should be done every other day with soapy water. For any bad smells, use baking soda, which will absorb the smell from the fridge,” Mason continues. “The fridge is a breeding ground for salmonella, E. Coli and other bacteria.” Bins Where you throw your waste away could be a breeding ground for germs. “Make sure you keep [outdoor] rubbish bins away from your house, and make sure you empty your bin as soon as it’s full,” advises Mason. “I personally do not keep a bin in the kitchen, I use a bag and I take that out by the end of the day, but if you are using a bin, make sure you bleach it with hot kettle water, to keep it smelling fresh.” Read More This is why you keep waking up at 4am – and what you can do about it TV chef James Martin reveals cancer diagnosis in apology over ‘bullying’ allegations Bursts of activity that make you huff and puff ‘linked to reduced cancer risk’ Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-07-28 17:48
Dublin police to receive €10m to target street crime
It comes as an American tourist remains in a serious condition after he was assaulted last week.
2023-07-28 17:27
Niger coup: President Mohamed Bazoum in good health, says France
The French foreign minister says the coup is not 'final' as Niger's army backs the plotters.
2023-07-28 13:17
Biden issues scathing rebuke of Tuberville's hold on military promotions
President Joe Biden delivered remarks in Washington, DC, Thursday, paying tribute to the nation's 33rd president -- who, 75 years ago this week, signed an executive order desegregating the US military -- while issuing a scathing rebuke of Alabama GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who's now blocked more than 270 military promotions over his opposition to the Pentagon's abortion policy.
2023-07-28 10:48
Biden says Republican party is 'undermining' the nation's military
By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON President Joe Biden on Thursday accused the Republican party of "undermining the U.S. military"
2023-07-28 08:58
Michigan school shooter Ethan Crumbley in court for hearing on whether he should spend life in prison
Seventeen-year-old Ethan Crumbley is in court Thursday for a hearing to determine whether he should spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole for killing four students and wounding seven others in a mass shooting at Michigan's Oxford High School in 2021.
2023-07-28 00:45
Han Kuang: Taiwan practices to repel a Chinese invasion
Taiwan has learned from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is moving to fortify vulnerable points.
2023-07-27 16:30
The most unhygienic things in your kitchen revealed – and how to get them clean
It’s likely there are countless things in your kitchen which look clean, but actually, they’re filthy. Could your dishcloths be making you sick? When was the last time you washed your tea towels? And do we really need to bleach the sink more than once a month? We asked an expert to find out. Knobs, door handles, and buttons The buttons and dials on your kitchen appliances could be a germ-fest. “People often neglect to clean these areas of the kitchen,” says Danielle Mason, a cleaning content creator – or ‘cleanfluencer’ – who creates tutorials and videos on TikTok and Instagram. “Most of the time, they don’t think it is important, but as you’re commonly handling raw meat and food, it’s extremely important to keep these areas clean, due to cross-contamination. “Always sanitise with a cloth – I like to do this with Zoflora, as it leaves a great smell afterwards, and kills bacteria from dirty fingers.” Cloths If what you clean with isn’t clean, chances are, your kitchen isn’t either. “I always leave my cloth to soak in bleach before going to bed every night,” says Mason. “This enables a new start in the morning with no bacteria. Also, make sure you’re replacing the cloths – I would suggest a new one every two weeks, whilst still bleaching every night. And make sure you’re not using this cloth on anything other than the kitchen, as you do not want to cross-contaminate.” Sponges Mason stresses sponges are unhygienic, as they’re constantly damp and can carry E. coli. “People tend not to use sponges, as they carry so many more germs, and even putting them in the microwave will not kill all of them. Avoid a sponge where possible.” Dish towels Dish towels and tea towels may not be changed anywhere near often enough. “You should have one for every day of the week, as they carry so many bacteria and germs, which get spread across the kitchen. If you’re drying pots and pans, and then wiping down your surfaces, it’s not good,” she says. Chopping boards Chopping boards – particularly wooden ones – could be a haven for bacteria. “You should have a different colour for different types of food, one for meat, fruit, and other foods,” advises Mason. “The best way to clean them is in a dishwasher, as it’s good to get rid of all the germs due to the very high heat. If you don’t like the dishwasher, then boil the kettle water and leave the chopping boards to soak in it. I use a steam cleaner on mine, as it kills 99.9% bacteria and there are no chemicals.” It is best to avoid wooden chopping boards altogether, as these cleaning methods may damage them. Kitchen sink “This is a massive breeder of bacteria and grime; a distinct microbiome is found in sinks. “The plumbing area found beneath sinks revealed microbial communities dominated by a group of bacteria called Proteobacteria. This phylum includes pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious disease,” Mason shares. “I’ve always been taught never to wash my hands in the sink, and to never throw dirty water down the sink. You wash your cups and plates in the sink and prepare food, so it should always be kept clean, and nothing from outside the kitchen should cross-contaminate that. For example, never wash your floors and put dirty water in your kitchen sink, always throw it down the toilet.” How do you possibly clean the inside of your sink and drains? “Baking soda and vinegar is the best way to clean your sink out, or bleach, but you must be careful with bleach, as it can stay in the bottom of your sink, depending on the material it’s made of. I clean my sink out every day.” Pipes and cupboards around your sink could be leading you to have a rodent problem. “You can prevent mice and rodents from entering the kitchen by covering any small crevices or cracks. It is also important to repair leaks as soon as they happen, as they can come through the pipes,” she says. Fridges “Deep clean [your fridge] every two months. A normal cleaning – the wiping of shelves – should be done every other day with soapy water. For any bad smells, use baking soda, which will absorb the smell from the fridge,” Mason continues. “The fridge is a breeding ground for salmonella, E. Coli and other bacteria.” Bins Where you throw your waste away could be a breeding ground for germs. “Make sure you keep [outdoor] rubbish bins away from your house, and make sure you empty your bin as soon as it’s full,” advises Mason. “I personally do not keep a bin in the kitchen, I use a bag and I take that out by the end of the day, but if you are using a bin, make sure you bleach it with hot kettle water, to keep it smelling fresh.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Laura Whitmore: I feel unsafe as a woman Meet the professional cuddler charging £70-an-hour to hug ‘the big spoons in life’ New warnings about ‘concerning’ rise in at-home cosmetic dentistry
2023-07-27 14:29
Ammon Bundy ordered to pay $26 million to Idaho hospital, its CEO and 2 staff members
Ammon Bundy, the Idaho-based anti-government activist who captured national attention seven years ago when he led an armed occupation of federal land in Oregon, has been ordered to pay $26 million dollars to a Boise hospital, its CEO, a doctor and a nurse practitioner.
2023-07-27 09:56
Niger soldiers announce coup on national TV
Earlier elite troops detained Niger's President Bazoum - now they are closing the country's borders.
2023-07-27 07:23
Sarah Jessica Parker says she and Matthew Broderick cook ‘every night’ with their three children
Sarah Jessica Parker has shared a rare glimpse inside her family life with husband Matthew Broderick. In a recent appearance on the Table for Two with Bruce Bozzi podcast, the Sex and the City alum revealed the daily routine that she and her husband share with their three children: son James, 20, and 14-year-old twin daughters Tabitha and Marion. “We cook every night,” she told host Bozzi during Tuesday’s episode. “It’s a source of a huge amount of pride for everybody.” The And Just Like That star even admitted that the family rarely orders takeout, adding how surprised she is to hear when other families order to-go. “It’s also mystifying because we just don’t order in as a family,” Parker said. “And on the rare occasion we have - we always hear other families, they do it, and then like one kid orders from this place and one kid…it’s so confusing.” While Parker’s iconic Sex and the City character Carrie Bradshaw is notorious for her lack of culinary skills, the 58-year-old actor assured that her family “really [does] cook five to six nights a week”. “We have always have a Sunday dinner - we invite people,” she added. Throughout the years, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick have kept much of their family life out of the spotlight. Although the longtime couple have been married since 1997, the Hocus Pocus star recently revealed that they haven’t “spent a night apart” from each other in more than three decades. While speaking on Sirius XM’s The Howard Stern Show earlier this month, Parker recalled that her first date with the Ferris Bueller’s Day Off actor took place on 8 March 1992, and that she and her partner have “been together” ever since. “We’ve never spent a night apart since then, with the exception of work on location,” she told host Stern. “Or, his mother was ill for a bit so he went to take care of her. But from that first night, we’ve never been apart.” Parker said that “pretty soon into” their relationship, she felt like she was “in love” with Broderick and thought he was “really incredible”. The actor explained how she “admired” her soon-to-be husband before they started dating, noting that she had “loved” his work. “He’s so smart, he’s so funny, I like this choice of friends, the way he was living in New York, what was important to him, how he kind of travelled around the city,” she said. “He was always travelling around on his bicycle, he’s been riding bikes since he was 14.” The two also shared a common interest in raising a family in New York. “I love being home in New York,” Parker said. “I wanted to build a life here and he was born and raised in the West Village, literally, he’s never lived north of 11th Street.” Last month, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. “Happy 26th anniversary my husband,” she wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of a champagne cork. “That sure was a nice celebration and a real nice bottle of champagne. And a gorgeous walk home. Oh the miles we have strolled together. I love you. XOX, your SJ.” Read More Sarah Jessica Parker reveals she and husband Matthew Broderick haven’t ‘spent a night apart’ in 31 years Sarah Jessica Parker says she ‘missed out’ on ‘old-fashioned facelift’ as she reflects on ageism Sarah Jessica Parker rewears iconic Vivienne Westwood wedding dress in And Just Like That Sarah Jessica Parker shares rare glimpse into her family life What is cardiac arrest? The condition that LeBron James’ son suffered from Mother asks if children should be ‘forced to share’ after park incident
2023-07-27 04:25