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Prostate cancer and tea, the dangers of being stuck to your smartphone and the latest word on PIP implants

In a quiet day for health news, there is a warning for men who love a brew. The Daily Mail reports that seven or more cups of tea a day increases the risk of prostate cancer. A study of 6,000 men followed since 1970 found that the quarter who were the heaviest tea drinkers were 50 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer than those who had three cups or less the journal Nutrition and Cancer reports. Study leader Dr Kashif Shafique from the University of Glasgow said: "Most previous research has shown either no relationship with prostate cancer for black tea, or some preventive effect of green tea. We don't know whether tea itself is a risk factor or if tea-drinkers are generally healthier and live to an older age, when prostate cancer is more common anyway."

Meanwhile BBC online is warning of the health risks of spending too much time working on smartphones, tablets and laptops. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy point to survey results which show two-thirds of 2,000 office workers questioned continued working on such devices after office hours. Chair Dr Helena Johnson, said: "While doing a bit of extra work at home may seem like a good short-term fix, if it becomes a regular part of your evening routine then it can lead to problems such as back and neck pain, as well as stress-related illness. This is especially the case if you're using hand-held devices and not thinking about your posture."

Many papers including the Guardian have highlighted the conclusions of an expert group set up to look at concerns over PIP implants in the UK which found the silicone gel used in the implants does not pose a significant health risk. Tests carried out internationally have found no evidence the filler would damage cells or cause genetic mutations. But after ten years the implants have a 15-30 per cent chance of rupture. NHS medical director Professor Sir Bruce Keogh said: "This has been an incredibly worrying time for women. We have been determined to look thoroughly at all available evidence so we are able to give them the best clinical advice possible. We would therefore advise that women who have symptoms of a rupture – for example tenderness, soreness or lumpiness – should speak to their surgeon or GP."


          

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