Author: Helen Okechukwu

Health experts in the United Kingdom (UK) are urging cancer patients and their families to undergo genetic testing following a new study that highlights serious gaps in the detection of Lynch syndrome, a rare inherited condition linked to several types of cancer. The research, carried out by the University of Edinburgh, shows that although most womb cancer patients had their tumours tested for Lynch syndrome markers, many were not referred for further genetic testing. This means that patients who could be at risk of developing more cancers, as well as their family members, may be left unaware of the condition.…

Scotland researchers have made a major breakthrough in the fight against bowel cancer, especially in young people. A new study has found that bowel cancer cells can “shapeshift” into skin or muscle cells, helping them spread more easily around the body. The study, led by experts from the University of Edinburgh and the Cancer Research United Kingdom (UK) Scotland Centre, found that bowel cancer cells can change their form. These cells can start acting like skin or muscle cells, which helps them survive and move to other parts of the body. This change in cell type is known as cellular…

Nipah virus vaccine developed by researchers at the University of Oxford has received a major boost with the backing of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) under its PRIME scheme

The Plateau State Drugs and Medical Commodities Management Agency (PS-DMCMA) has established a Drug Information Centre (DIC) to monitor adverse drug reactions reported by hospitals and individuals. PS-DMCMA is a Nigerian government agency responsible for managing and distributing essential drugs and medical supplies across the state’s public health facilities. Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Kim Bot, made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Jos. Mr Bot, a pharmacist, said the centre was part of efforts to improve healthcare outcomes and ensure the safe use of medicines across the state. He…

A leading cardiologist with more than 20 years of medical experience has outlined ten simple daily habits that could help protect your heart, and none require a strict diet or expensive prescriptions. Dr Sanjay Bhojraj believes cardiac health starts with your daily routine. “It is not just about what’s on your plate; it is about what you do from the moment you wake up,” he explains. Here are his top heart-friendly habits you can begin today. 1. Aim for 7k–10k steps every day Regular walking helps regulate blood pressure and improve blood sugar levels. No need for intense workouts — just…

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a shipment containing 66 parcels of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos. According to the Director, Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, noted that the interception, which took place on Thursday, followed credible intelligence received ahead of the shipment’s arrival at the airport’s cargo section on 11 May. The NDLEA placed the consignment under surveillance for over three weeks before carrying out a joint inspection with other relevant stakeholders. The illegal drug, weighing 62.20 kilograms, was concealed in…

Water is a transparent, tasteless, and odourless substance that forms the Earth’s hydrosphere, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and rain. Water is also a major constituent of living organisms. 

Cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are on the rise, and doctors say it’s more than just a matter of lifestyle choices like alcohol use. IBD, which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to severe discomfort, diarrhoea, cramps, weight loss and poor quality of life. Though most commonly diagnosed in adults over 30, it can develop at any age. Experts have identified several factors contributing to this troubling trend. A family history of IBD remains one of the strongest risk factors. Around one in five people with IBD…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a public warning following a recent ban by the European Union (EU) on the marketing and sale of Dove Hand Soap (100g) and Dove Deodorant in Brussels, Belgium, due to contamination with a prohibited substance. According to Public Alert No. 018/2025, the banned products were found to contain Butylphenyl Methylpropional (BMHCA), also known as 2-(4-tert-butylbenzyl) propionaldehyde. Butylphenyl Methylpropional, is a synthetic scent ingredient; associated with allergies and contact dermatitis. This chemical is banned in cosmetic products within the EU due to its potential to harm the reproductive…

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning over falsified batches of Healmoxy Capsules 500mg found in Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR). The fake capsules, labelled as made by Maxheal Pharmaceuticals (India), carry batch numbers 023011 and H02605 in Cameroon, and H02605 in CAR. Healmoxy contains Amoxicillin Trihydrate, a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, and gut. World Health Organisation (WHO) tests confirmed the falsified capsules lack the active ingredient and show irregular manufacturing and expiry date formats. Healmoxy is registered in Nigeria and…