2023 has been a year of medical marvels and unsettling discoveries. In a lively discussion, our editors Andrea Rice, Maria Cohut, and Yasemin Nicola Sakay delve into the year’s most notable research and health topics.
The year saw several firsts in medicine: groundbreaking anti-obesity drugs that benefit cardiovascular health, the U.S. approval of the first RSV vaccine ‘Arexvy’, and the green light for lecanemab for Alzheimer’s, despite safety concerns. Also making waves was the approval of Norgestrel as an over-the-counter oral contraceptive.
A significant focus was the dearth of non-barrier male birth control options. Maria Cohut explored the reasons behind this imbalance, raising questions about gender disparities in contraceptive research.
Andrea Rice highlighted the alarming increase in young people’s colon cancer cases. With diagnoses doubling in under-55s over two decades, the urgent need for awareness and early screening is clear. The identified symptoms – abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, and iron deficiency anemia – underscore the importance of prompt medical attention.
The year also brought concerning findings about artificial sweeteners. A study revealed that sucralose-6-acetate, a sucralose metabolite, might cause DNA damage and increase cancer risk. However, the real-world impact remains debatable, as the study was conducted on human blood cells and the quantities required for such effects are exceptionally high.
Lastly, the conversation turned to male birth control. Despite technological advances, there’s still no male oral contraceptive on the market. The debate centered on societal acceptance of female contraceptive side effects versus the higher safety expectations for drugs taken by healthy individuals.
2023 was undeniably a year of progress and perplexities in medicine. From promising treatments to controversial findings, it’s been a journey of discovery and debate, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness.
Source: Medical News Today
