The damage caused by bullying persists much longer then the bullying itself

According to a longitudinal British study just published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the detrimental effects of bullying can lasts for decades and influence a person's socioeconomic status, social relationships, often leading to a poorer quality of life as far out as in their 50s.
As reported by the researchers of the study;

The impact of bullying victimization was not limited to indicators of adult health. Children who  were frequently bullied had lower educational levels at midlife, and men in the labor market were  more likely to be unemployed and to earn less than their peers. Social relationships in adulthood were affected too; children who were bullied were at increased risk of living without a spouse or partner at age 50, were less likely to have met up with friends in the recent past, and were less  likely to have access to social support if they were sick. Bullying victimization also affected adult well-being; being bullied was associated with lower perceived quality of  life at age 50 and lower satisfaction with life so far. Cohort members who had been frequently bullied also anticipated less life satisfaction in the years to come. When  controlling for childhood confounders, bullying victimization became marginally associated with unemployment (for men), net pay (for men), and meeting friends in the  last 2 weeks. All other associations remained significant.
 
In this study data was collected from almost 98% of all births in one week of 1958 in Scotland, England and Wales, leading to about 18,000 participants. Subsequent follow-up were then carried out at age 7, 11 and 16 years in their childhood, and then at ages 23, 33, 42, and 50 years in adulthood. To assess presence and frequency of bullying during childhood researchers interviewed parents. Whereas the psychological distress resulting in adult life was assessed through various standardized test.

It is clear from these observations that in addition to effectively reducing incidents of childhood bullying efforts must be made to minimize its effect on mental, emotional and physical.

To learn more about bullying and to find help please check Stopbullying.gov


References:
Adult Health Outcomes of Childhood Bullying Victimization: Evidence From a Five-Decade Longitudinal British Birth Cohort (American Journal of Psychiatry)
Mental And Physical Toll Of Bullying Persists For Decades (Health News from NPR)
 

Cancer on the rise in the world

Since the release of the  World Cancer Report 2014 by the WHO, we have been seeing headlines like 'Cancer 'tidal wave' on horizon, warns WHO' (BBC World) and for good reason.

The stats in the report have gotten everyone's attention. It suggests that the number of cancer cases might reach 24 million by 2035. It also points out that world health issues such as smoking, drinking, and obesity must be effectively dealt with to reduce that number. 

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) press release states:

Global battle against cancer won’t be won with treatment alone.

Effective prevention measures urgently needed to prevent cancer crisis.

Based on the latest statistics on trends in cancer incidence and mortality worldwide, this new book reveals how the cancer burden is growing at an alarming pace and emphasizes the need for urgent implementation of efficient prevention strategies to curb the disease.
Despite exciting advances, this Report shows that we cannot treat our way out of the cancer  problem,” states Dr Christopher Wild, Director of IARC and co-editor of the book. “More commitment to prevention and early detection is desperately needed in order to complement improved treatments and address the alarming rise in cancer burden globally.”

In 2012, the worldwide burden of cancer rose to an estimated 14 million newcases per year, a figure

expected to rise to 22 million annually within the next two decades. Over the same period, cancer deaths are predicted to rise from an estimated 8.2 million annually to 13 million per year.

According to the report globally the highest number of diagnosed cancers were lung cancer, breast cancer and cancer of the large bowel. The highest number of cancer deaths were caused by cancer of the lungs, followed by cancers of the liver and stomach.

This World Cancer Report 2014 highlights the presence of a cancer divide.

As a consequence of growing and ageing populations, developing countries are disproportionately affected by the increasing numbers of cancers. More than 60% of the world’s total cases occur in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, and these regions account for about 70% of the world’s cancer deaths, a situation that is made worse by the lack of early detection and access to treatment.

 Many of the cancers seen in developing countries are high infection related cancers (cancer of liver, cervix and stomach) or are cancer known to be associated with the industrialized lifestyles (cancer of lungs, breast and large bowel). Therefore high mortality from cancer in these countries could be significantly reduced if they have access to effective and affordable cancer treatments but also by implementation of vaccination programs (Hep B and HPV) and preventive efforts towards the spread of tobacco.
The rising number of cancer cases is proving to be detrimental to the economy of even the richest countries. According to the report 'In 2010, the total annual economic cost of cancer was estimated to reach approximately US$ 1.16 trillion. Yet about half of all cancers could be avoided if current knowledge was adequately implemented.'

Last but not least the report stresses on the need for widespread efforts towards early detection and treatment and the promotion of adequate legislation to reduce exposure and risk behaviours.



P.S:

Cancer 'tidal wave' on horizon, warns WHO (BBC World February 4th 2014)
International Agency for Research Cancer  
World Cancer Research Fund International