Can a toothache be the reason for someone's cancer? An England based doctor and health content creator @Choji_ES who posts on X, formerly Twitter on reproductive health related content revealed a case where a man went to the dentist due to pain in his jaw and when the tooth was pulled out, a cancer was found in his private part.

The same case also been mentioned by Baridueh Badon (MD, MSc, MBA), who allows posts healthcare content on the same microblogging platform, by the username @BadonB.

Case Study

In this case, a man went to a dentist for a simple toothache, only to discover that he had cancer. This happened to a 78-year-old healthy man, who suffered pain in his lower jaw and noticed a loose tooth. When he went to the dentist, he decided to get his tooth remove to ease his pain. However, despite the removal, his jaw started to swell again. Confused, the man was recommended for a CT scan and something unexpected happened.

It was Metastatic Prostate Cancer.

As per an African proverb, it is true that the head and the body are one; what affects one may touch the other.

What Is Metastatic Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is a part of a man's reproductive system. When it spreads to other parts of the body, like the jaw, it is called metastatic prostate cancer. But, why exactly the jaw? This is because the jawbone is rich in blood and active bone marrow, which makes it a comfortable place for cancer cells to settle and grow.

As per a 2023 study in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and Pathology, titled Mandibular metastasis from prostate cancer that clinically mimicked osteosarcoma: A case report, noted that in men, 11% of jawbone metastases originated from the prostate gland.

What Are The Signs To Look For?

Warning Signs Dentists Look For:

• Persistent jaw pain or swelling
• Loose teeth without a clear reason
• Slow healing after a tooth extraction
• Numbness or tingling in the jaw

These may seem minor, but they could hint at something serious. Early detection is life-saving.

Regular Checkups And Its Importance

Prostate cancer is the 4th common cancer globally and is most prone to men who are over 40. Every year, it claims about 400,000 lives worldwide.

Take charge of your health

• Don't stay long with untreated STDs or UTIs (toilet infection)
• Have regular medical checkups
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Listen to your body’s whispers before they become screams

Case Study: Cyclist Sir Chris Hoy

Earlier in November, six-time Olympic cyclist Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage-4 prostate cancer, which was announced in February. This six-time Olympic champion revealed that he had a pain in his shoulder when he was 47, which did not go away. "I was still lifting weights in the gym, still physically active. You are used to having aches and pains, but this one did not go away."

Prostate Cancer, and types

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It occurs when abnormal cells form and grow in that gland.

Experts say that not all prostate cancer is deadly. There are cancers that are slow-growing and will not affect a man's lifespan, which is found in 1 in 3 men over 50. Then there is a small number of very aggressive prostate cancers which move quickly and cause harm, this is why regular screening is important.

Chris too has called for more, younger men to be tested, including those with a family history of the disease.

A 27-year-old woman in US' state of Arizona suffered a cardiac arrest after using kratom, an over-the-counter supplement she purchased at a local gas station.

Amanda Goodsell, who had never taken kratom before, suffered a cardiac arrest after nearly a week of using the supplement and is now on life support, according to her family.

The mother of 3½-year-old twins tried the kratom gummies at the suggestion of her husband, Mike Goodsell, while seeking relief from persistent leg pain.

“Everybody knew what Kratom was. So I was like, well, okay, well, here, just take this. You could just buy it at the gas station. It’s not going to hurt you,” Mike Goodsell was quoted as saying to the media.

Nearly a week later, Mike found his wife unresponsive in their bed, and rushed her to the hospital, where she was placed on life support

“She like, was like red and her lips were blue, and she was foaming. So I like jumped out of bed. I grabbed her, and then (I) was trying to wake her up,” he said.

“They had to have her on a ventilator to help her breathe. And then they had to put her on a bunch of medications because her heart percentage was at 15%,” Mike added.

After spending two weeks in the hospital, Amanda Goodsell's condition began to improve. Although she has shown significant improvement, as per the doctors she will need a defibrillator and heart medication for the rest of her life.

Also read: Legionnaires' Disease Claims 5th Life In New York City: Health Officials

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant-based substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia for pain relief and increased energy, it has gained popularity in the US as an over-the-counter supplement.

Kratom is sold in multiple forms, including powders, capsules, teas, drinks and gummies.

Although it remains legal in many parts of the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified kratom as a "drug of concern" and has not approved it for any medical use.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021.

The substance, sometimes referred to as "gas-station heroin," is banned in at least eight US states—Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin. Several other states, including Iowa and Idaho, are considering restrictions or outright bans.

Why Does The FDA Warn Against Kratom?

Read More: Hantavirus Claims 3 Lives In Venezuela: What The Rat-borne Virus Does To The Brain

According to a University of Virginia study, there were 43 hospitalizations linked solely to kratom in 2015. By 2025, that number had risen to 538. Researchers said the increase coincided with the emergence of highly concentrated synthetic products, including 7-OH.

The FDA has stated that kratom should not be used as a dietary supplement.

"Kratom is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement. FDA has concluded from available information, including scientific data, that kratom is a new dietary ingredient for which there is inadequate information to provide reasonable assurance that such ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury."

The agency has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder (SUD).

The FDA also notes that, in rare cases, deaths have been associated with kratom use, although these cases usually involved other drugs and the contribution of kratom remains unclear.

The agency is also aware of cases involving neonatal abstinence syndrome, in which newborns experienced withdrawal symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability and muscle stiffness following prolonged exposure to kratom during pregnancy.

When it comes to climate change, we often visualise melting glaciers, rising sea levels, raging wildfires, or record-breaking heatwaves. But scientists are increasingly warning that climate change could also be silently affecting one of the body's most vital organs: the brain.

From rising mercury levels and worsening air pollution to floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, climate-related catastrophes are exposing millions of people across the world to conditions that could increase the risk of neurological disorders.

On World Brain Day, let's look at why brain health is another reason to take climate change seriously.

Effect Of Heatwaves On Brain Health

This can lead to poor concentration, slower reflexes, memory decline, headaches, confusion, and poor decision-making.

Older adults are particularly vulnerable because the brain's ability to regulate body temperature declines with age.

People living with neurological disorders like dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or epilepsy may also find that their symptoms worsen during periods of intense heat.

Also read: Will Waterborne Diseases Rise In The Future? New Study Says Climate Change Could Be A Major Driver

Effect Of Air Pollution On Brain Health

Climate change is worsening air pollution in many parts of the world by increasing wildfire smoke, ground-level ozone, and fine particulate matter.

These tiny pollutants, especially PM2.5, are small enough to enter the bloodstream and may even reach the brain. Studies have linked long-term exposure to air pollution with:

• Faster cognitive decline
• Memory impairment
• Increased risk of dementia
• Higher risk of stroke
• Parkinson's disease
• Poor brain development in children

Scientists believe air pollution may trigger chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can damage brain cells over time.

Also read: Europe Heatwave Causes 10,000 Excess Deaths; England, Wales Record 2,700 More Fatalities

Effects Of Wildfires On Brain Health

While smoke affects the lungs, it can also impact the brain.

Wildfire smoke contains fine particles and toxic chemicals that have been associated with headaches, reduced attention, poorer cognitive performance, and increased emergency visits for neurological conditions.

People with existing neurological diseases may experience worsening symptoms during periods of heavy smoke exposure.

Also read: Dangerous Heat Dome To Grip Eastern US, Canada, Putting Over 220 Million Lives At Risk: How To Stay Safe

Extreme Weather Can Accelerate Brain Ageing

Climate change is also increasing the frequency and intensity of floods, hurricanes, droughts, and other natural disasters. Beyond physical injuries, these disasters can leave lasting effects on the brain and mental health. People affected by climate disasters often experience:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disturbances
• Chronic stress

Children, older adults, and disaster survivors are among the groups most vulnerable to these long-term psychological effects.

How To Protect Your Brain?

While tackling climate change is a long-term strategic plan, individuals can maintain few self-care habits to reduce the risks. Experts recommend:

• Staying hydrated during heatwaves
• Avoiding outdoor activity during peak afternoon heat
• Monitoring local air quality before going outside
• Wearing a well-fitting mask during heavy wildfire smoke or severe pollution
• Keeping homes cool whenever possible

Brain health is often associated with old age, but according to neurologists, the foundation for healthy cognitive function is laid much earlier.

On World Brain Day, they warned that the 30s and 40s are a crucial period to protect the brain, as lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can quietly affect memory, concentration, and overall cognitive health.

Brain Ages Alongside the Heart

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Gurucharan Adoor, Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, said brain health is closely linked to cardiovascular health. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar can silently damage the brain years before noticeable symptoms appear.

His advice? Make preventive health checks a routine by monitoring blood pressure, blood glucose or HbA1c, cholesterol, weight, and waist circumference—especially for people with a family history of diabetes, stroke, or early heart disease.

Brain Fog A Warning Signal

Also read: Neurological Disorders Emerging As India's Next Major Public Health Challenge, Say Experts

Dr. Adoor said sleep is often the first thing people sacrifice during their busiest years, but the brain pays the price.

Irregular sleep schedules, untreated sleep apnea, and repeated nights of poor-quality sleep can lead to mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and persistent brain fog. If brain fog continues, he said, it should not be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention.

Dr. Bhushan Joshi, Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, told HealthandMe that he is "seeing more professionals in their 30s and 40s complaining of brain fog than ever before". According to him, hormonal changes and chronic inflammation are among the common but often overlooked causes.

Hormonal Changes Can Affect Cognitive Function

Dr. Joshi noted that hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence brain function. Women entering perimenopause may experience difficulty concentrating, while others may notice "word retrieval and short-term memory due to changing estrogen levels that influence brain function."

He added that it is not limited to women. Men also undergo age-related hormonal changes that can affect energy levels and cognitive performance. While these changes are often temporary, they can still be distressing.

Read More: Aspartame, Saccharin, Erythritol Linked To Faster Brain Ageing: Study

Chronic Inflammation May Reduce Mental Clarity

Dr. Joshi explained that chronic low-grade inflammation can also contribute to brain fog. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and persistent infections can trigger inflammatory responses that interfere with the brain's ability to process information efficiently. In some people, inflammation has been linked to reduced attention, poor memory, and diminished mental clarity.

Small Lifestyle Changes Key

The good news: Simple daily habits can support long-term brain health. Regular physical activity—whether it's walking, cycling, dancing, or strength training several times a week—improves blood flow to the brain, boosts mood, and supports healthy ageing.

Dr. Adoor also recommends limiting unnecessary screen time, taking regular breaks from phones and digital devices, and focusing on one task at a time to reduce mental overload.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Occasionally feeling mentally sluggish is common, but worsening memory problems or cognitive changes that begin interfering with work or daily life should not be ignored, Dr. Joshi said.

He added that these symptoms may stem from treatable conditions such as thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, or depression, making timely medical evaluation important.