We all must have come across the phase: this is why women live longer than men. These are all over the social media, where men are performing more often than not, some experiments, without gears, just for fun, "in the name of science". The caption reads: this is why women live longer. However, is there really a science to it, other than the fact that women choose to do things more safely?

In the United States, women have a life expectancy of about 80, whereas men have 75. Women outlive men and this holds true regardless of the country women live, the money they make, and other factors. In fact, it is true for most other mammals too.

Dr Dena Dubal, a professor of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco told the New York Times, "It is a very robust phenomenon all over the world, totally conserved in sickness, during famines, during epidemics, even during the times of starvation."

But what are the reasons? These reasons are often more complicated and less established. It is important to note that only because women are outliving men does not mean they are living a better life. In fact, women tend to have shorter health spans, which means the number of healthy years in a person's life is less in women than men, confirmed Bérénice Benayoun, an associate professor at the U.S.C. Leonard Davis School of Gerontology.

As per a 2021 study titled, Sex differences in frailty: Comparisons between humans and preclinical models, found that women are more physically grail than men in old age. They are also more vulnerable, especially after menopause and are at more risk of developing cardiovascular issues and Alzheimer's disease because of age.

The key is in figuring out what makes one sex more resilient or vulnerable.

Genetics

For things which do not find easy explanations, scientists look for their answers in genes. Many research, including a 2020 study titled, The sex with the reduced sex chromosome dies earlier: a comparison across the tree of life, suggests that the XX set of female sex chromosomes may impact longevity. However, there has not been any clarity on how it affects longevity.

Another 2018 study titled, Female XX sex chromosomes increase survival and extend lifespan in aging mice, which was conducted by Dr Dubal's lab, looked at genetically manipulated mice with different combinations of sex chromosomes and reproductive organs. It was found that those with two X chromosomes and ovaries lived longest, followed by mice with two X chromosomes and testes. Mice with XY chromosomes had shorter life spans.

"There was something about the second X chromosome that was protecting the mice from dying earlier in life, even if they had testes. What if there was something on that second X chromosome that was in some ways a sprinkle of the fountain of youth," says Dr Dubal. While scientists have not yet looked at this factor in humans, Dr Dubal suggests that humans have the same hormones and sex chromosomes, and similar reproductive system that could corroborate the similar findings in people.

Hormones

Plenty research has shown that estrogen is responsible for longevity also effect on the immune system. The data also shows that before menopause, the female immune system tends to do better. In fact Dr Benayoun said that males tend to do much worse in response to infection.

Another 2017 study titled, Ages at Menarche and Menopause and Reproductive Lifespan As Predictors of Exceptional Longevity in Women: The Women's Health Initiative, found that women who experienced menopause later in life over the age 50 lived longer than those who experienced it earlier.

Lifestyle and Behavior

There are also disparity in behavioral patterns between men and women. This includes smoking, drinking heavily, which can contribute significantly to mortality. Women also have more "health promoting behavior", believe experts. Women are also more likely to socialize than men and thus it protects them from detrimental effects of social isolation and loneliness. In fact, a 2023 analysis published in Jama Network, titled, Widening Gender Gap in Life Expectancy in the US, 2010-2021, found that women are less likely to die by drug overdose or suicide.

While vaccinations against human papillomavirus (HPV) are key to preventing cervical cancers in women, a new study has shown that the shots can also lead to a significant risk of head and neck cancers in men and boys.

The study, published in JAMA Oncology, showed that men and boys who received the HPV vaccine from ages nine to 26 were nearly 50 per cent less likely to develop cancers of the head and neck, esophagus, anus, or penis.

The results show the importance of vaccinating all children and teens against HPV, said Taito Kitano, DrPH, first author of the study and a researcher at Nara Prefecture General Medical Center in Nara, Japan, CIDRAP News reported.

“Children, adolescents, parents, and health care workers should be more informed about the expected benefits of the HPV vaccine, not just cervical cancer,” Kitano added.

The study included more than 510,000 boys and men vaccinated between January 2016 and December 2024, along with an equal number of unvaccinated males.

Vaccinated participants in the study were given shots that prevent infection with nine strains of HPV.

What Are HPV-related Cancers in Men

HPV-related head and neck cancers often develop in the back of the mouth and throat. They are asymptomatic in the early stages and are typically found only after they cause pain or swelling.

However, by the time these symptoms begin to appear, the cancers are often larger and more advanced, making them harder to cure.

Earlier this year, the European Cancer Organization noted in a LinkedIn post urged for HPV vaccine for all people, regardless of gender.

"HPV affects everyone, regardless of gender. It can lead to cancers of the cervix, mouth and throat, anus, and penis. This is why universal protection is so important," it said.

According to Dr David Pfister, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, the HPV vaccine protects men from penile, neck, and head cancer. He also noted that while a pap test detects early-stage cervical cancer in women, no such test exists for penile, anal, or head and neck cancers in men, which can worsen their survival rate.

"Developing something like a pap test for throat cancer would be a game-changer. When you compare the throat to the cervix, the anatomy of sites like the tonsils and the base of the tongue has hard-to-reach crevices in which the virus can hide," Dr Pfister explained.

"Until an effective and reliable screening test is developed, patients should stay up to date on their HPV vaccines, know how the disease is acquired, and take any suspicious symptoms like a lump in the neck or blood in the phlegm to their doctor or dentist," he added.

The findings have important implications for vaccination policies. HPV vaccination programs have focused primarily on women because of the link between HPV and cervical cancers. The study provides evidence that HPV vaccination should be accessible irrespective of sex.

Growing fatty liver disease in India is significantly affecting both male and female fertility, said doctors ahead of World Liver Day.

World Liver Day is observed annually on April 19 to raise global awareness about liver-related diseases, the importance of early detection, and preventive measures. The liver is the second largest organ in the body and a vital "silent worker," often showing no signs of damage until late stages.

With nearly one in three adults is affected by fatty liver, the silent disease is now emerging as an important but often ignored cause behind infertility in India.

Poor liver health is causing health issues, such as irregular periods in women and falling sperm counts in men, affecting their reproductive health.

Rising Liver Disease Cases

A recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal showed that the Metabolically Dysfunctional-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affected 1.3 billion people around the globe in 2023.

India has also shown a sharp rise in MASLD prevalence, up 23.19 per cent from 1990 to 2023. India’s age-standardized MASLD prevalence rate rose from 10,191 per 100,000 in 1990 to 12,555 per 100,000 in 2023.

The findings show that the spike is increasingly driven by rising metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar and obesity.

The alarming study estimates the numbers to further spike by over 38 percent to reach 1.8 billion cases by 2050, causing substantial health and economic impacts worldwide.

“We are seeing a big increase in fatty liver cases, even in younger people in their late 20s and 30s. Earlier, it was mostly seen in older patients, but now, due to poor lifestyle and diet habits, it is becoming very common in the young population also in India,” said Dr. Saurabh Singhal, Senior Consultant & Director, Centre for Liver-GI Diseases and Transplantation (CLDT) at Aakash Healthcare.

Also read: NAFLD to MASLD: Experts Explain Why This Common Yet Dangerous Liver Condition Got Renamed

"Almost every second patient we see has some degree of fatty liver. Many people do not even know they have it because it shows very few symptoms in the early stage. That is why it is called a silent disease,” added Dr Amit Miglani, Director & HOD, Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad.

Impact On Women’s Fertility

In India, around 8 per cent of women face infertility, and doctors are now seeing a strong link between fatty liver and difficulty in conceiving. The problem is more common in women with PCOS.

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynecologist & IVF Specialist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, explains, “In women, fatty liver is closely linked with hormonal imbalance. We are seeing more patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and irregular periods, where fatty liver is also present. This affects ovulation and makes it difficult to conceive.”

The doctors noted fatty liver affects how the body handles insulin and hormones, which are very important for regular periods and pregnancy.

Impact On Male Fertility

Infertility is no longer only a woman’s issue. In India, 30-40 per cent of infertility cases are linked to men, and doctors say cases are rising.

As per the experts, liver problems directly affect hormones like testosterone in men.

In addition to obesity, fatty liver is leading to low sperm count and poor sperm quality.

Studies show that sperm count in Indian men has dropped sharply over the last few decades, which is a growing concern. Doctors stated that "liver problems can also increase body stress, which further damages sperm health".

How To Prevent?

Fortunately, the progression of fatty liver disease can be stopped if people lose weight early in the course of the disease and adopt healthy eating habits and exercise regularly, said Dr. Vikas Jindal, Consultant, Dept of Gastroenterology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi

Further, the doctors stated that although liver disease is becoming a common problem, the worrying part is that people realize it very late.

They recommended:

• a liver health evaluation once a year, especially at-risk people like those with obesity, diabetes, altered liver parameters in blood test, fatty liver, hepatitis, or cirrhosis in family members.”

• Liver health and overall metabolic health must also be checked early in fertility treatment.

• Make simple lifestyle changes like healthy food, regular exercise, and weight control.

Cancer is often feared as a silent disease, but in many cases, the body does give early warning signs. The challenge is that these signals are either ignored, misunderstood, or detected too late.

A large number of cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages—not because symptoms were absent, but because they were overlooked or diagnosis was delayed.

Understanding the early signs and the reasons behind delayed detection can help save lives.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr Siddharth Sahai, Director & Unit Head - Medical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, shared seven signs of cancer that should not be neglected.

1. Unexplained weight loss

Losing weight without trying—especially more than 4–5 kilos in a short time—can be an early sign of cancers such as stomach, pancreas, or lung cancer.

2. Persistent fatigue

Feeling unusually tired despite adequate rest could signal underlying issues like blood cancers or colon cancer. This kind of fatigue does not improve with sleep.

3. Changes in bowel or bladder habits

Chronic constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool, or changes in urination patterns should not be ignored. These may point toward colorectal, bladder, or prostate cancer.

4. A lump or thickening in the body

Any new lump—especially in the breast, neck, or underarms—needs medical evaluation. Not all lumps are cancerous, but it’s important to rule it out early.

5. Persistent cough or hoarseness

A cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks, or voice changes, could be early signs of lung or throat cancer, especially in smokers.

6. Unusual bleeding or discharge

Bleeding between periods, after menopause, blood in urine, or unusual discharge can be warning signs of cancers such as cervical, uterine, or bladder cancer.

7. Non-healing sores or skin changes

Sores that do not heal, changes in moles, or new skin growths could indicate skin cancer or oral cancer (especially in tobacco users).

Also read: New Breast Cancer Guidelines Recommend Mammograms Every Two Years for Women

Why Cancer Diagnosis Often Gets Delayed

Dr Sahai also mentioned six common causes of delayed cancer diagnosis

Factors that contribute to late detection include:

1. Lack of awareness

Many people are not aware that these symptoms could be linked to cancer. They often dismiss them as minor issues like acidity, infection, or weakness.

2. Ignoring symptoms due to busy lifestyles

In both urban and rural settings, people tend to delay doctor visits due to work commitments, family responsibilities, or simply hoping the problem will resolve on its own.

3. Fear and denial

The fear of being diagnosed with cancer leads many individuals to avoid medical consultation. Denial becomes a major barrier, especially when symptoms are mild initially.

4. Limited access to healthcare in some areas

In smaller towns and rural regions, access to diagnostic facilities and specialists is still limited. This leads to delays in proper testing and referrals.

5. Financial constraints

Concerns about the cost of investigations and treatment often prevent timely medical attention. Many patients wait until symptoms worsen significantly.

6. Misdiagnosis or delayed referral

In some cases, early symptoms may mimic common illnesses. Without timely screening or specialist referral, diagnosis can be delayed.

The Importance Of Early Detection

Dr Sahai stressed that early detection significantly improves cancer outcomes. Most cancers, if identified in the initial stages, are treatable and even curable. The key lies in listening to your body and acting without delay.

Simple steps like regular health check-ups, cancer screening (such as mammography, Pap smear, or oral screening), and timely consultation can make a crucial difference.

Ignoring symptoms may seem convenient in the short term—but early action can save not just time, but life itself.