We are always told to never mix work and friendships in social settings. While it is normal to make friendships at work, you should always keep a professional distance to make sure things do not go sour and start affecting your work. This also means that you do not divulge private information or have private conversations with your colleagues as you may never know how this could be brought up and affect you. This is an unsaid rule in corporate culture that if you are sick or you are coming down with a serious issue, you should never bring it up and keep it to yourself. While this may seem unusual to new workers, it is a very common knowledge for people who have been in the industry for a long time. A new study showed that this is much more common than many people believe!

A new poll shows that a lot of U.S. workers with long-term health problems keep it a secret from their bosses. This affects their health and their jobs. It's a big problem that employers could help fix, which would be good for everyone. This isn't just about people having a sniffle. We're talking about serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and asthma that require ongoing management and can significantly impact a person's life, both inside and outside of work. The fact that so many people feel they need to hide these conditions shows a larger issue of stigma and lack of support in the workplace.

How Does Health Become A Hidden Burden?

Most U.S. workers which were over half of the people, have some kind of long-term health problem. But a lot of them, about 6 out of 10, don't tell their boss. They might be afraid their boss will treat them differently or think they can't do their job. Keeping secrets like this can make it hard to get the help you need at work. It can also make your health problems worse because you're stressed about hiding them. It's a tough situation, and it shows that many workplaces aren't as supportive as they could be.

The poll also found that more than a third of people with health problems have had to miss doctor's appointments because of work. This means they're putting their jobs ahead of their health, which isn't good. It's hard to balance work and health, especially when you have a long-term illness. People need understanding bosses who will let them take time off for important medical stuff. Missing appointments can make health problems worse, and it can also make people feel more stressed and anxious.

Does It Impact Their Career And Well-Being?

Almost half of the workers with health problems said they couldn't even take breaks during the day to take care of themselves. They also said they felt like they'd been passed over for promotions because of their health. And some people even got bad reviews at work because of their health problems. This can make people feel really bad about themselves and their jobs. It can also make their health problems worse because they're so stressed. It's not fair, and it's something that needs to change.

It's not just people with health problems who have a hard time. Lots of people are also taking care of someone at home who is sick. Almost half of these caregivers have to help their sick family member during work hours. And many of them have trouble taking time off to care for their loved ones. Some people even have to work fewer hours, which means less money. This shows how much pressure people are under, trying to juggle work and family and health.

The ancient practice of yoga may help improve fertility and hormonal health in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), now renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), according to three studies led by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.

PCOS is a multifactorial condition affecting millions of women and involves a complex interplay of reproductive, metabolic, and psychological factors that can significantly impact quality of life.

The condition can increase the risk of serious health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, infertility, and, in some cases, cancer.

The studies, led by Dr. Rima Dada, Professor at the Laboratory for Molecular Reproduction and Genetics, Department of Anatomy, AIIMS Delhi, recommend lifestyle modifications, including yoga, as a primary approach to managing the condition.

“Yoga presents a comprehensive strategy for addressing PCOS, targeting hormonal imbalances, OS, mitochondrial function, metabolic syndrome, microRNA regulation, cellular longevity, and mental well‑being. It exemplifies the potential of mind‑body medicine in the treatment of complex disorders,” the researchers said, in the papers.

The papers were published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, The International Journal of Ayurveda Research and the International Journal of Yoga.

Yoga Led To Improvements In Hormonal Balance

The three studies involved more than 100 women and followed participants for up to 12 weeks. Participants practiced Asanas (physical postures), Pranayama (breathing techniques), and Dhyana (meditation) for 90 minutes a day, five days a week. The results showed significant improvements across multiple health parameters.

Women with PCOS who participated in the yoga intervention demonstrated significant reductions in:

• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Testosterone levels

Also read: Yoga Shows Promise for Anxiety Relief And Seizure Control In Epilepsy, Claims AIIMS Study

“This hormonal balance has led to the restoration of menstrual cycles and improvements in hirsutism and acne, resulting in enhancements in physical appearance and psychological well-being,” the researchers stated.

Benefits Beyond Hormones

The studies also found that yoga helped regulate cellular oxidative stress, offering protection against DNA damage and epigenetic changes. Researchers also reported improvements in several metabolic markers, including reductions in:

• Glucose
• Fructose
• D-ribose
• Xanthine
• Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Body weight

These findings highlight yoga's potential to address key mechanisms underlying PCOS and support its use as a cost-effective, non-pharmacological, and sustainable therapy for managing the condition.

The studies also found that yoga helped alleviate symptoms of depression among women with PCOS, suggesting it may serve as an effective complementary therapy in managing the condition.

Researchers concluded that regular yoga practice could help prevent, delay, and manage PCOS symptoms.

Read More: India Launches New Yoga Protocols To Fight Diabetes, High BP, Asthma

What Is PCOS?

PCOS is a complex lifestyle disorder that appears to primarily affect the ovaries but is increasingly recognized as a systemic condition affecting multiple organs and body systems.

If not diagnosed and managed early, it can contribute to serious health complications, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease.

While treatments such as anti-androgen medications, insulin-sensitizing agents, and fertility therapies remain important, experts note that PCOS also has a strong psychosomatic component that can benefit from lifestyle and mind-body interventions.

From PCOS to PMOS

PCOS affects more than 170 million women worldwide. In May, it was officially renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

The new name reflects a major shift in understanding the condition—from a predominantly gynecological disorder to a complex multisystem condition affecting several aspects of health. The term PMOS acknowledges that the condition affects:

• Endocrine health
• Metabolic health
• Reproductive health
• Dermatological health
• Psychological health

Back pain is one of the most common health complaints worldwide, affecting a large proportion of adults at some point in their lives. In most cases, it is caused by benign musculoskeletal issues such as muscle strain, poor posture, or disc-related problems, and it tends to improve with rest, physiotherapy, or simple medication. However, not all back pain originates from the spine. In some situations, pain felt in the lower back or flank region may be linked to underlying kidney conditions, including kidney cancer. As renal cell carcinoma often progresses silently in its early stages, symptoms may be delayed, making it important to recognise when back pain is unusual.

Why Kidney Cancer Can Cause Back Pain

Dr Raj Nagarkar, Chief Surgical Oncologist at HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, Nashik, said, "The kidneys are located deep in the upper abdomen, on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. When a tumour develops in this region, it can cause pain through several mechanisms. As the tumour grows, it may stretch the kidney’s outer fibrous capsule, leading to a persistent, dull ache in the flank area between the ribs and hip. In some cases, fragile tumour blood vessels may bleed internally or form clots that obstruct urine flow, resulting in sudden, sharp pain that can resemble renal colic. Larger tumours may also press on surrounding nerves or structures, producing discomfort that may be mistaken for back or abdominal pain."

Unlike musculoskeletal pain, which typically improves with movement or rest, kidney-related pain is often constant, may worsen at night, and does not respond well to routine pain relief or physiotherapy.

Red Flags When Back Pain Needs Further Diagnosis

While back pain alone is rarely a sign of kidney cancer, certain accompanying symptoms should raise concern. One of the most important warning signs is blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or dark brown and can sometimes be intermittent. Persistent flank pain associated with a palpable mass under the ribs may indicate more advanced disease. Unexplained weight loss, ongoing fatigue, or a general sense of weakness can reflect systemic illness. Some patients may experience intermittent fever without infection, new-onset high blood pressure, or swelling in the legs and ankles due to impaired venous drainage. Anaemia-related symptoms such as dizziness, breathlessness, or pallor may also be present. When back pain persists beyond a few weeks and is accompanied by any of these features, further medical evaluation is strongly recommended.

Differentiating Musculoskeletal Back Pain from Kidney Cancer Pain

It is also important to distinguish kidney-related pain from common musculoskeletal back pain. Mechanical back pain is usually localised to the lower back, may radiate to the legs, and often begins after physical strain or injury. It tends to improve with rest, heat application, or physiotherapy. In contrast, kidney cancer pain is typically one-sided, located higher in the flank below the ribs, and develops gradually without a clear trigger. It is often persistent, may disturb sleep, and is not relieved by standard pain management approaches. Unlike spinal pain, it is more likely to be associated with systemic symptoms such as haematuria, weight loss, or fatigue.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Certain individuals are at higher risk of developing kidney cancer and should be particularly attentive to persistent flank pain. Risk factors include smoking, which significantly increases exposure to kidney-damaging toxins, obesity, long-standing hypertension, chronic kidney disease or dialysis, and a family history of kidney cancer or genetic conditions such as von Hippel-Lindau disease. Occupational exposure to industrial chemicals like trichloroethylene or cadmium may also contribute to risk. When multiple risk factors are present, even mild or persistent symptoms should not be ignored.

Diagnosing Kidney Cancer

If warning signs are suspected, doctors typically begin evaluation with simple and non-invasive tests. A urine analysis can detect microscopic or visible blood, while blood tests help assess kidney function, anaemia, and calcium levels. Imaging plays a crucial role, with ultrasound often used as the first-line investigation, followed by a contrast-enhanced CT scan for detailed evaluation of tumour size and spread. In selected cases, a biopsy may be performed, although it is not always required before treatment.

Treatment and Outcomes

Treatment outcomes for kidney cancer have improved significantly in recent years. In early-stage disease, partial nephrectomy allows removal of the tumour while preserving healthy kidney tissue, often using minimally invasive or robotic techniques that support faster recovery. In more advanced cases, targeted therapies and immunotherapy help control disease progression and improve quality of life, with many patients able to maintain daily activities during treatment. For small, slow-growing tumours in selected individuals, active surveillance may be an appropriate option.

Listening to the Warning Signs

While most back pain is benign and related to musculoskeletal causes, persistent or unusual pain, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as blood in the urine, unexplained weight loss, or systemic changes, should not be ignored. Kidney cancer often develops silently, and early signs can be subtle. Unlike muscular pain, which is typically movement-related and self-limiting, kidney-related pain is deeper, more persistent, and often associated with other warning features.

Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr., has announced that she is beginning the second stage of her breast cancer treatment.

In an Instagram post, Trump said she has spent the past four weeks recovering from surgery.

She said she was “grateful to be healing and moving forward.” “Sending love, strength, and hope to everyone fighting this battle,” she wrote.

The 48-year-old mother of five first revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in late May, saying she was working closely with her medical team to develop a treatment plan.

However, Vanessa Trump has not disclosed the type of breast cancer she has been diagnosed with or provided details about the next phase of her treatment.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, often beginning in the milk ducts or lobules. It remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide.

Breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer mortality among women worldwide and the most common cancer diagnosed overall, accounting for approximately 2.3 million new cases and 670,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization.

Also read: Can Wegovy Improve Survival In Breast Cancer Patients? This Study Suggests It Could

Every year, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancer cases in US women. The average risk of a woman in the US developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13 per cent.

A recent study published in The Lancet Oncology projected that global breast cancer cases could rise to more than 3.5 million annually by 2050.

Major Lifestyle Risk Factors

In 2023, 28 percent of the global breast cancer burden (6.8 million years of healthy life lost to disability, illness, and early death) was linked to six potentially modifiable risk factors.

These include:

• High red meat consumption
• Tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure
• High blood sugar levels
• High body mass index (BMI)
• Excessive alcohol use
• Low physical activity

Breast cancer patients who are also obese or have type 2 diabetes experience more aggressive cancer growth and worse outcomes. Prior studies have shown that weight loss treatment and surgery following a breast cancer diagnosis are associated with improved heart health and increased survival.

Tips For Maintaining Breast Health

Regular checkups are the cornerstone of early breast cancer detection.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early identification of breast abnormalities greatly increases the chances of effective treatment and survival.

• Women who ignore screenings may face delayed diagnosis, which can complicate treatment.
• Schedule regular mammograms and clinical breast exams
• Perform monthly self-examinations
• Know your family medical history
• Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle
• Pay attention to hormonal health
• Watch for physical changes such as persistent pain, swelling, or skin dimpling.