2023 has been a year of medical firsts and breakthroughs, with many notable advances in the field of healthcare. One such advance was the evidence that anti-obesity GLP-1 drugs improve cardiovascular outcomes beyond weight loss alone. The FDA also approved the first RSV vaccine ‘Arexvy’ in the U.S., and lecanemab was approved for Alzheimer’s treatment after showing the ability to slow cognitive decline. Additionally, Norgestrel was approved to be sold over the counter as an oral contraceptive, making headlines in the medical world.
One concerning trend of 2023 was the lack of non-barrier birth control options for men, unlike the numerous pills available for women. This was a topic that caught the attention of editors who explored the reasons behind this disparity. Another worrying trend discussed was the rise in colon cancer cases in young people, with a near doubling of cases in recent years. The World Health Organization’s announcement of sucralose being labeled “genotoxic” due to its potential to cause DNA damage was also a significant piece of research that stood out in the healthcare field.
In a discussion about the link between artificial sweeteners and cancer, research findings suggested that a metabolite of the sweetener sucralose, sucralose-6-acetate, may cause DNA damage, leading to an increased risk of cancer. The study conducted on human blood cells indicated that high consumption of sucralose could potentially harm gut health, cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. However, the researchers noted that to see similar effects in humans, an average person would have to consume a significant amount of sucralose-sweetened beverages daily.
The increase in cases of colon cancer in younger adults was also a topic of concern, with researchers identifying specific symptoms linked to an increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behaviors, dietary choices, and family history were among the potential explanations for the rise in colon cancer rates. Additionally, the lack of oral contraceptives for men despite equivalents being available for women since the 1960s raised questions about the reasons behind this disparity, including concerns about potential side effects and the societal acceptance of female hormonal birth control.
The discussion on birth control for men highlighted the limited options available, with condoms and vasectomies being the primary choices. While condoms are commonly used, they may not be suitable for everyone, and vasectomies come with their own risks and limitations. The challenges faced in developing a male oral contraceptive were also explored, including concerns about side effects such as mood disorders like depression. The editors speculated on the reasons behind the lack of progress in this area and expressed hope for advancements in male contraception technology in the future.
